Hong Kong Employee FAQ

0 20 March, 2024

Get the answer to frequently asked questions from Hong Kong AGP users.

1. Are individuals required to have a work visa to take up employment in Hong Kong?

Depending on the circumstance, an individual may be required or not required to have a work visa to take up employment in Hong Kong. Work visa is not required for:

  • Individuals holding Hong Kong permanent identity card, which are lawfully employable.
  • Dependent visa holders, who can work without a work visa of their own during the period in which the principal visa holder is permitted to stay in Hong Kong.

Work visa is required for:

  • Foreign applicants possessing special skills, experience, and knowledge that are not readily available in Hong Kong that plans to take employment in Hong Kong. Their employers are required to apply for the work visa on their behalf.

2. Who is responsible of paying the visa application fees?

Employers will be responsible to pay the visa application fee of HKD 230 for their employees.

3. Will employees need to have a Hong Kong identity card in order to complete onboarding?

Yes, it is mandatory for employees to submit their identity card to complete the onboarding process.

4. Are employees required to sign up for a new MPF account?

  • If an individual is not in possession of an existing MPF account, they should apply within first 60 days of employment. They do not need to pay any employee contribution during this period.
  • If an individual owns an existing MPF account, they can transfer their MPF contribution from the original scheme to the new employer’s scheme, or another personal account under any other schemes.

5. Is it mandatory for employees to own a Hong Kong bank account to deposit salary?

Yes, it is mandatory for employees to own a Hong Kong bank account.

6. When is the start period for Workmen’ Compensation Insurance or other corporate insurance?

Workmen’s Compensation Insurance is mandatory, and it starts from the first date of employment. However, other corporate insurances are optional in nature and will depend on individual employers’ decision.