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This webpage sets out the entry arrangement for persons who wish to enter/stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment as professionals.

Applicants^{Note 1} who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the GEP.

The GEP is quota-free and non-sector specific.

This entry arrangement does not apply to:

1. Chinese residents of the Mainland^{Note 2} ; and
2. nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of).

Note 1:

Non-local students (referring to persons entering the HKSAR for the purpose of education with a student visa/entry permit issued by the Director of Immigration) who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally accredited local programme in Hong Kong (non-local graduates) / persons who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time programme offered by the GBA campus of a Hong Kong university (GBA campus graduates) may apply to stay/return/come and work in the HKSAR under the "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates" (IANG).  Further information of the IANG can be found here.

Note 2:

Chinese residents of the Mainland who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP).  Further information of the ASMTP can be found here.

An application for a visa/ entry permit to take up employment under the GEP may be favourably considered if:

1. there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant;
2. the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted;
3. there is a genuine job vacancy;
4. the applicant has a confirmed offer of employment and is employed in a job relevant to his academic qualifications or work experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local work force; and
5. the remuneration package including income, accommodation, medical and other fringe benefits is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Facilitation Measures

Overseas Chinese nationals holding People's Republic of China passports who meet the criteria stipulated above and normal immigration requirements may apply to enter the HKSAR for employment under the GEP if:

1. the applicant has permanent residence overseas; or
2. the applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before the submission of application ["overseas" means countries or territories outside the Mainland, the HKSAR, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan] and that the application is submitted from overseas.

In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR, he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work in the HKSAR. While each application is determined on its individual merits, an applicant should meet normal immigration requirements (such as holding a valid travel document with adequate returnability to his/her country of residence or citizenship; be of clear criminal record and raise no security or criminal concerns to the HKSAR; have no likelihood of becoming a burden on the HKSAR, etc.) as well as the relevant specific eligibility criteria detailed above before he/she may be considered for the grant of a visa/entry permit. It should be noted that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change from time to time without prior notice.

Applicants admitted under the GEP may apply to bring in their spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration ^{Note 3} and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) under the prevailing dependant policy. Persons admitted or applying for admission under the GEP will be the sponsors of their accompanying dependants to the HKSAR. An application for admission of a dependant may be favourably considered if normal immigration requirements and the following criteria are met:

1. there is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the dependant and the sponsor;
2. there is no known record to the detriment of the dependant; and
3. the sponsor is able to support the dependant's living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide him/her with suitable accommodation in the HKSAR.

This entry arrangement does not apply to:

1. former Mainland Chinese residents residing in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) who have obtained Macao identity cards for less than seven years, unless they have acquired residence in the Macao SAR through the One-way Permit Scheme; and
2. nationals of Afghanistan and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of).

The length of stay of such dependants will normally be linked to that of their sponsors. Any subsequent applications for extension of stay will be considered only when the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for residence as dependants (including that there is no change in circumstances which would have otherwise resulted in loss of sponsorship for the applicant, e.g. change in marriage relationship between the dependent spouse and the sponsor, or death of sponsor) and the sponsor remains a bona fide Hong Kong resident living in the HKSAR. These dependants are not prohibited from taking up employment or studies in the HKSAR under the existing policy.

Note 3:

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “civil partnership” and “civil union” above mean a legal institution of a nature which is akin to spousal relationship in a marriage. The same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership and opposite-sex civil union entered into in accordance with laws outside Hong Kong are limited to only relationships which are legally and officially recognised in the places of celebration. Such relationships normally have the following features: (a) the entering into and dissolution of the relationship are governed by legislation of the place where it is entered into; (b) the relationship requires registration by the competent authority specified by the legislation of the place where it is entered into; (c) the registration is evidenced in a written instrument issued by the competent authority; and (d) parties to the relationship have a mutual commitment to a shared life akin to spouses to the exclusion of others on a permanent basis. Such relationships do not include de facto spouse, partners in cohabitation, fiancé/fiancée, etc.

It normally takes four weeks to process visa/entry permit applications for employment upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received.

All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.

Applicants should complete application form ID 990A. The employing companies should complete application form ID 990B. The application forms (ID 990A and ID 990B) can be obtained free of charge from the following offices:

1. Immigration Department Headquarters;
2. Immigration Branch Offices;
3. Overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions; and
4. HKSAR Government offices outside Hong Kong.

The forms can also be downloaded here

A.	Forms and documents to be submitted by the applicant for entry application

Forms/Documents Required
Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong (ID 990A)
The applicant's recent photograph (affixed on page 2 of application form ID 990A)
Photocopy of applicant's valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable). For an applicant who is currently staying in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), photocopy of his/her valid travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable). A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit a photocopy of his/her People's Republic of China (PRC) resident identity card.
Photocopy of applicant's Hong Kong identity card (if any)
Photocopy of proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience@
Photocopy of the applicant's Macao identity card [for Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) residents only]
Photocopy of the applicant's household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only]
Photocopy of proof of the applicant's overseas residence, such as copy of official documents showing the applicant's conditions of stay and limit of stay endorsed by overseas authorities [for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only]

B.	Forms and documents to be submitted by the employing company

Forms/Documents Required
Application for Employing Professionals in Hong Kong (ID 990B)
Photocopy of the company's employment contract with or letter of appointment to the applicant containing information about post, salaries, other fringe benefits and employment periods
Photocopy of the Business Registration Certificate@
Photocopy of proof of financial standing (e.g. latest audited financial report, trading profit and loss account, or profit tax return)@
Documents with details of company background such as business activities, mode of operation, background/ connection of company, product ranges, sources and markets, membership of chamber of commerce (if any), etc. (supported with catalogues, brochures, etc.)@
Detailed business plan (e.g. information on source of funds, estimated capital injection, nature/mode of business activities, expected turnover, sales volume, gross and net profit in the coming years, and proposed creation of local job posts, etc.) [for companies newly set-up within 12 months only]@

^@ Submission of the documents is not required if the applicant or the employing company fulfills the facilitation measure(s) under the GEP and ASMTP. For details of the facilitation measures, please press here.

C.	Forms and documents to be submitted by each accompanying dependant of an applicant for entry under the GEP

Forms/Documents Required
The applicant's application form, Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong (ID 990A) with Part B duly completed by the dependant
The dependant's recent photograph (affixed on page two of the application form ID 990A)
Photocopy of the dependant's travel document containing personal particulars, its date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable). For a dependant who is currently staying in Hong Kong, photocopy of his/her travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable). A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit a photocopy of his/her PRC resident identity card.
Photocopy of evidence of the applicant's relationship with the dependant e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, family photographs, family letters (with envelopes), census record book and Privilege Card for Single child (if applicable)
Photocopy of the dependant's Macao identity card [for Macao SAR residents only]
Photocopy of the dependant's household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only]

D.	Forms and documents to be submitted by the applicant for extension of stay application

Forms/Documents Required
Application for Extension of Stay (ID 91)
Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable).
Photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card
Forms and supporting documents listed in Part (B) above *
Documentary proof of the applicant having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, e.g. notice of salaries tax assessment of the previous tax assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents [only applicable to those who choose to apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream]

* Applicants without change of employment are only required to provide a supporting letter from the current employer stating the applicant’s position, total monthly remuneration and period of employment.

Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, applicants, accompanying dependants and employing companies may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.

Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.

It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. To verify the authenticity of the information and documents submitted with a visa application, field visits may be conducted. A person who knowingly and wilfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region granted shall have no effect.

Online Submission

Click here for online submission of application and uploading of supporting documents.

Other Means of Submission

Completed application forms, i.e. ID 990A and ID 990B, and all supporting documents may also be submitted by the applicant or the employing company in one of the following ways to the Immigration Department. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants, each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 990A. For a dependant under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian.

1. By post directly or through a local sponsor in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to:
   

   Receipt and Despatch Sub-Unit Hong Kong Immigration Department 2/F, Immigration Tower 7 Gloucester Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong

   Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. (Details)
2. Applicants residing in overseas countries or territories may submit their application forms together with the relevant supporting documents and their valid travel documents in person to the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission in their place of domicile^[Note].
3. Holders of foreign passports who are living in the Mainland may submit the application forms together with all supporting documents to the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing (Beijing Office) or the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO). Applicants are required to produce their valid travel documents to the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office or the Immigration Division of the SHETO so that a visa/entry permit could be issued if the application is approved. The addresses of the two Mainland Offices are:
   

   The Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing No. 71, Di'anmen Xidajie, Xicheng District Beijing 100009 People's Republic of China The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai 21/F, The Headquarters Building, 168 Xizang Road (M), Huangpu District Shanghai 200001 People's Republic of China

[Note]:
Some Chinese diplomatic and consular missions have implemented the arrangement that applications for visas for Hong Kong from persons holding foreign ordinary passports will be handled by the "Chinese Visa Application Service Center". Applicants may contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission for details.

It normally takes four weeks to process visa/entry permit applications for employment upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received.

All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.

If the application is submitted to the Immigration Department directly, upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit cards, Payment by Phone Service (PPS) or Faster Payment System (FPS). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.

If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed.  After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot.  The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.

If the application is submitted to an overseas Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing (Beijing Office) or the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO), the visa/entry permit fee should be paid directly to the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office or the Immigration Division of the SHETO as appropriate.

Fee Table

Once the receipt of application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire their application status here or through the 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663.

If the application is submitted to the Immigration Department directly, upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit cards, Payment by Phone Service (PPS) or Faster Payment System (FPS). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.

If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.

If the application is submitted to an overseas Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing (Beijing Office) or the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO), the visa/entry permit fee should be paid directly to the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office or the Immigration Division of the SHETO as appropriate

Fee Table

A visa/entry permit (in the form of “e-Visa”) will be issued upon successful application. Upon immigration arrival clearance in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, an “e-Visa” holder should present his/her valid travel document and the “e-Visa” saved on a personal mobile device or printed on a sheet of A4 white paper, and scan the encrypted QR code on the “e-Visa” with the optical reader at an immigration counter.

For applications submitted to Chinese diplomatic and consular missions or the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing (Beijing Office) or the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO), visas/entry permits will be issued through the relevant Chinese diplomatic and consular missions or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office or the Immigration Division of the SHETO as appropriate. The visa/entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank visa page of the applicant's travel document for presentation to an immigration officer upon arrival in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Persons admitted as professionals under the GEP will normally be granted an initial stay of 36 months on employment condition, or in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter), upon entry. They may apply for extension of stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) within four weeks before their limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the GEP. Successful applicants will normally be granted an extension of stay following the 3-2 year pattern, also on employment condition, or be in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter).

Admitted professionals who continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the GEP and fulfil the following criteria may apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream. They will normally be granted an extension of stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay for a period of five years upon approval.

The criteria for top-tier employment stream are as follows:

1. the applicant has been permitted to take up employment as a professional in the HKSAR under the GEP for not less than two years; and
2. the applicant has an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of assessment ^{Note 1}.

Note 1:
Applicants should provide documentary proof of having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, e.g. notice of salaries tax assessment of the previous tax assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents.

Professionals admitted under the GEP who are on employment condition shall only take such employment as approved by the Director of Immigration. They should seek prior approval from the Director of Immigration for any change in employment. Such applications may be favourably considered if the applicants continue to fulfil the eligibility criteria under the GEP. For those top-tier professionals who are permitted to remain in the HKSAR on time limitation only without other conditions of stay, they only need to notify the Immigration Department in writing of the change of their employment within the currency of their permitted limit of stay.

Non-permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), irrespective of their nationality and type of travel document held, do not require a re-entry visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR provided that they return within the currency of their permitted limit of stay and that the circumstances upon which they have acquired their residential status remain unchanged.

Persons admitted under the GEP who have ordinarily resided in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.

This webpage sets out information about extension of stay for non-permanent residents (other than foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as student, entrants admitted under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants).

In general, non-permanent residents (other than foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as student, entrants admitted under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants) may apply for extension of stay in the HKSAR within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only where it is satisfied that the circumstances upon which the applicant acquired his/her current immigration status remain unchanged.

Routine applications will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.

a. General Employment Policy Entrants, Entrepreneurs, Non-Mainland Students and their Dependants, and Dependants of Hong Kong permanent residents and Hong Kong residents not subject to a limit of stay

Applicants must submit a completed and signed form ID 91. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the form should be signed by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian. For applicants on dependant status, form ID 481A which is duly completed and signed by the sponsor should also be submitted. If the applicant is the spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration ^Note of the sponsor, the applicant should complete and sign form ID 481B. All of these forms can be obtained free of charge from the Immigration Department Headquarters and the Immigration Branch Offices. The forms can also be downloaded here.

b. Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents Entrants and their Dependants

Applicant should submit application online here. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the form should be signed by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian. For applicant on dependant status, form ID 481A which is duly completed by the sponsor should be uploaded. If the applicant is the spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration ^Note of the sponsor, the applicant should upload form ID 481B.

Applicants who are not eligible for online application may submit applications to the Extension Section, 5/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.

Note:
For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “civil partnership” and “civil union” above mean a legal institution of a nature which is akin to spousal relationship in a marriage. The same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership and opposite-sex civil union entered into in accordance with laws outside Hong Kong are limited to only relationships which are legally and officially recognised in the places of celebration. Such relationships normally have the following features: (a) the entering into and dissolution of the relationship are governed by legislation of the place where it is entered into; (b) the relationship requires registration by the competent authority specified by the legislation of the place where it is entered into; (c) the registration is evidenced in a written instrument issued by the competent authority; and (d) parties to the relationship have a mutual commitment to a shared life akin to spouses to the exclusion of others on a permanent basis. Such relationships do not include de facto spouse, partners in cohabitation, fiancé/fiancée, etc.

Depending on the applicant’s current immigration status, the following forms and documents (original) are required upon submission of the application:

1. General Employment Policy Entrants

   Forms/Documents Required
   Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable)
   Photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card
   Completed form ID 91
   Supporting letter from the current employer stating the applicant’s position, total monthly remuneration and period of employment@
   Completed form ID 990B and supporting documents listed in Part VII(B) of the Guidebook for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong [ID(E) 991]^
   Documentary proof of the applicant having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, e.g. notice of salaries tax assessment of the previous tax assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents*

   @	For extension of stay without change of employment
   ^	For extension of stay with change of employment
   *	For extension of stay applications under the top-tier employment stream

2. Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents Entrants

   Forms/Documents Required
   Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable)
   Photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card
   Completed form ID 91#
   Completed form ID 990B and supporting documents listed in Part VII(B) of the Guidebook for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong [ID(E) 991]^
   Supporting letter from the current employer stating the applicant’s position, total monthly remuneration and period of employment@
   Documentary proof of the applicant having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, e.g. notice of salaries tax assessment of the previous tax assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents*

   #	For applicants who are not eligible for online application only
   ^	For first time extension and subsequent extension with change of employer
   @	For subsequent extension without change of employer
   *	For extension of stay applications under the top-tier employment stream

3. Entrepreneurs

   Forms/Documents Required
   Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable)
   Photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card
   Completed form ID 91
   Supporting letter from the current company stating the applicant’s contribution to Hong Kong (including the amount of capital invested and to be invested in the coming three years, the number of posts created for local employees with post titles and those to be created in the coming three years, etc.)
   Photocopy of Business Registration Certificate
   Letter indicating valid support by a government-backed programme*

   *

   For applicants who wish to establish or join in, or has established or joined, in a start-up business supported by a government-backed programme. For examples of government-backed programmes, please refer to paragraph 3(c)(ii) of Part II of the Guidebook for Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong [ID(E) 1000]

4. Non-Mainland Students

   Forms/Documents Required
   Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable)
   Photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card
   Completed form ID 91
   Current school letter addressed to the Immigration Department confirming that the student requires extension of stay to continue study

5. Dependants

   Forms/Documents Required
   Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable)
   Photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card
   Completed form ID 91
   Photocopy of the sponsor’s valid travel document (showing personal particulars and current permission of stay) or Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
   Completed form ID 481A
   Completed form ID 481B (for dependent spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration Note)
   Applicant’s birth certificate (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) *
   Applicant’s Form ID 235B (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) *
   Parents’ marriage certificate (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) *

   *	For first time application only

Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, applicants may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.

Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.

It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. To verify the authenticity of the information and documents submitted with a visa application, field visits may be conducted. A person who knowingly and willfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the HKSAR granted shall have no effect.

Applicants should be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of application. Applications may be submitted as follows:

1. Eligible applicants can submit their applications for extension of stay online here
2. Applicants can submit the application for extension of stay in person or by an authorised representative at or by post/drop-in to the office below (Not applicable to Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents Entrants):

   Where to Apply

   Extension Section of the Immigration Department

   5/F, Immigration Tower

   7 Gloucester Road

   Wan Chai, Hong Kong

   

   
   

   
   Working Hours

   8:45 am-4:30 pm (Monday to Friday)

   9:00 am-11:30 am (Saturday)

   Closed on Sundays and public holidays

3. Applicants can also visit any of the following Immigration Branch Offices for relevant formalities.
   
   

   Immigration – East Kowloon Office

   Level 2, Sceneway Plaza

   Sceneway Garden

   1-17 Sceneway Road

   Lam Tin, Kowloon

   (MTR Lam Tin Station – Exit B)

   

   

   Telephone: 2347 3492
   
   

   Immigration – West Kowloon Office

   Ground Floor, 28 Kimberley Street, 

   Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

   (MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station – Exit B2)

   

   

   Telephone: 2359 4426
   
   

   Immigration – Sha Tin Office

   3rd Floor, Sha Tin Government Offices

   1 Sheung Wo Che Road

   Sha Tin, New Territories

   (MTR Sha Tin Station – Exit B)

   

   

   Telephone: 2158 6419
   
   

   Immigration and Registration of Persons – Fo Tan Office

   Shops 405-407

   4/F, Jubilee Square

   2-18 Lok King Street

   Fo Tan, New Territories

   (MTR Fo Tan Station - Exit C)

   

   

   Telephone: 2651 8644
   
   

   Immigration – Tuen Mun Office

   1/F & 2/F, Tuen Mun Siu Lun Government Complex

   19 Siu Lun Street

   Tuen Mun, New Territories

   (Counter services are available on 2/F)

   (Light Rail Sam Shing Stop)

   

   

   Telephone: 2797 0872
   
   

   Immigration and Registration of Persons – Yuen Long Office

   1/F, Yuen Long Government Offices

   2 Kiu Lok Square

   Yuen Long, New Territories

   (MTR Long Ping Station – Exit E)

   (Light Rail Hong Lok Road Station)

   

   

   Telephone: 2475 4145
   
   

   Working Hours

   The working hours of the above Immigration Branch Offices are as follows:

   9:00 am - 12:45 pm and 2:00 pm-4:30 pm (Monday to Friday)

   9:00 am - 12:30 pm (Saturday)

   Closed on Sundays and public holidays

Eligible applicants may submit the application for extension of stay in person or through his/her authorised representative by making an appointment online here or at (852) 2598 0888 (Not applicable to Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents Entrants and their Dependants).

Routine applications will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.

Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit cards, Payment by Phone Service (PPS) or Faster Payment System (FPS). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.

If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.

The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.

Fee table

Once the receipt of the application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire their application status here or through the 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663.

Routine applications will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.

If the application for extension of stay has not been finalised and the applicant intends to leave Hong Kong after the expiry of the current limit of stay, the applicant needs to obtain an interim extension of stay in advance before his/her departure from Hong Kong.

Applications may be made in person or by an authorised person before the expiry of the limit of stay to the Extension Section on 5/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Depending on the current status, the applicant is required to bring the following documents:

1. Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable);
2. Photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card;
3. Completed form ID 91 with a reason for request for an interim extension of stay (original);
4. A letter (original) from the sponsor/employer/school supporting the application for interim extension of stay or an ID 481 issued by Extension Section (original) showing that the required supporting document from the sponsor/employer/school has been received on the date of submission of the application for extension of stay.

Applications for interim extension of stay will normally be finalised on the same day upon receipt of all necessary documents.

Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit cards, Payment by Phone Service (PPS) or Faster Payment System (FPS). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.

If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to ”The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region“, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.

The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.

Fee table