Hong Kong General Employment (GEP) 2025 New Changes – Faster Pathways for Skilled Foreign Professionals
Hong Kong has officially unveiled new policy updates to its General Employment Policy (GEP) for 2025, welcoming a more inclusive and responsive framework aimed at attracting global professionals with niche skills. These revisions—announced by the Immigration Department—signal a renewed drive to position Hong Kong as a prime destination for international talent amid growing regional competition.
Highlights of the 2025 GEP Reforms
- Launch of Technical Professionals Stream [GEP(TP)] for non-degree holders with trade expertise
- Broader acceptance of professional experience as an alternative to a first degree
- Quicker processing time: 4 weeks from complete application submission
- Inclusive family reunification policy extended to legal same-sex partnerships
- Quota-free system for mainstream GEP applicants; selective quotas for GEP(TP)
- Overseas Chinese nationals with PRC passports can now apply if residing abroad for over 12 months
New Eligibility Criteria (Effective 2025)
To apply under the updated General Employment Policy (GEP), foreign professionals must meet the following:
- No criminal record and no known security threats
- Academic Qualifications:
- Preferably hold a first degree in a relevant field
- Alternatively, strong technical qualifications or proven experience may now suffice (especially under GEP(TP))
- Genuine job offer from a Hong Kong-based employer
- Position must match applicant’s background and not be easily filled by local workforce
- Market-rate salary and benefits covering income, housing, healthcare, etc.
Jobs Eligible for the GEP and GEP(TP) Streams
GEP (Mainstream) – Open to all professional sectors, including:
-
- Finance & Banking
- Information Technology
- Architecture & Engineering
- Legal and Healthcare Services
- Research & Development
- Academia and Education
GEP(TP) Stream – Specifically targets non-degree skilled tradespeople (ages 18–40) with experience in:
-
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Automotive and Mechanical Repairs
- Precision Manufacturing
- Energy and Utilities
- Technical Equipment Maintenance
Note: GEP(TP) is quota-limited and sector-specific unlike the regular GEP which remains quota-free.
New Application & Visa Process for GEP 2025
If you are planning to apply for the General Employment Policy (GEP) 2025 to work in Hong Kong, here’s how the process works. First, gather all the required documents including a valid passport, academic or professional certificates, a signed employment contract, proof of your employer’s business registration and financial standing, and evidence of your work experience or technical skillset relevant to the job offer. Once your documents are in order, you can submit your application online via the Hong Kong Immigration Department Portal, along with payment of the required visa fee.
After submission, the processing time generally takes around four weeks, provided that all documents are complete and accurate. The Immigration Department will not begin processing incomplete applications, so ensure every detail is properly submitted.
Once approved, GEP visa holders are allowed to bring their spouse or legally recognized partner—whether same-sex or opposite-sex—as well as unmarried dependent children under 18 to Hong Kong. These dependants are permitted to study or work during their stay, making it an attractive option for families looking to relocate together.
References
- https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/GEP.html
- https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/ASMTP.html.
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