Hong Kong Work Visa Options for Mainlanders | Generated by AI
Hong Kong Work Visa Options for Mainland Chinese Citizens
As a mainland Chinese citizen (PRC national with household registration in mainland China), obtaining a Hong Kong work visa requires navigating specific immigration schemes under the “one country, two systems” policy. You must secure approval from the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) and, upon success, obtain an Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) plus a relevant exit endorsement from mainland authorities (e.g., via the Public Security Bureau). Applications are typically submitted online via GovHK or in person at the ImmD office in Beijing if residing in mainland China.
Hong Kong offers several quota-free or streamlined schemes for skilled professionals. Based on your query mentioning “高才” (likely referring to the Top Talent Pass Scheme, or TTPS, a key talent attraction program), I’ll focus on that, along with the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) (another points-based talent scheme) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) (the standard employment visa for mainland applicants). These are the most relevant for high-caliber talent without a prior job offer in some cases. All allow spouses and unmarried children under 18 to apply as dependents.
Processing times are generally 4-8 weeks for TTPS and ASMTP, and up to 6 months for QMAS. Fees start at HK$230 (application) + HK$190 (issuance), payable via credit card, FPS, or mainland e-wallets like Alipay/WeChat Pay. No criminal record or adverse immigration history is required for all.
1. Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) – “高才通计划”
This is Hong Kong’s flagship program to attract global top talent, launched in 2022 and updated in 2025 to include more mainland universities. No job offer is needed upfront—you can enter, job hunt, work for any employer, or start a business. It’s open to mainland Chinese and grants a 2- or 3-year initial stay (renewable). In 2025, over 70,000 approvals have been issued, with high success rates for eligible applicants.
Eligibility Categories (Choose One): | Category | Requirements | Initial Stay Duration | Annual Quota | |———-|————–|———————–|————–| | A: High-Income Talent | Annual income ≥ HK$2.5M (or equivalent) in the year before application (proof: tax assessments, salary slips, or audited financials). | 3 years | None | | B: Top University Graduates with Experience | Bachelor’s or higher from one of 198 eligible global universities (updated Nov 2024; includes 13 new ones like Tsinghua and Peking University) + ≥3 years work experience in the past 5 years. | 2 years (renewable for 3 years) | None | | C: Recent Top Graduates | Bachelor’s or higher from eligible universities in the past 5 years + <3 years work experience. Not for HK local graduates. | 2 years | 10,000 (first-come, first-served) |
Application Steps:
- Check Eligibility: Use the ImmD’s university list (e.g., QS/Times Higher Education rankings). Mainland applicants need a letter of consent from your current employer or local authorities if employed.
- Gather Documents: Passport/PRC ID, degree certificates, income/experience proofs, language not required but English/Chinese proficiency helps for jobs. Translations if not in English/Chinese.
- Submit Online: Via GovHK (www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/visarequire/visasentrypermits/applyttps.htm). Upload scans.
- Pay & Await Approval: Notification via email; download e-Visa.
- Enter HK: Apply for EEP/endorsement from mainland PSB. Upon arrival, activate visa at ImmD.
- Post-Arrival: Seek jobs; renew up to 3 months before expiry (new 2025 rule).
Tips for Mainland Applicants: Category B is popular for Chinese grads from top unis. If in Category C, apply early due to quota. Dependents get same stay length.
2. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) – “优秀人才入境计划”
A points-based scheme for skilled migrants to settle in HK without a job offer. Focuses on economic contribution. Quota removed for General Points Test in 2024; Achievement-based for exceptional talents (e.g., Nobel winners). 98% of 2023 approvals were mainland Chinese.
Eligibility:
- Age ≥18, good character (no criminal record).
- Proficient in written/spoken Chinese (Putonghua/Cantonese) or English (proof: IELTS/TOEFL ≥6.0 or HSK/PSC equivalent).
- Financially self-sufficient (e.g., bank statements showing ability to support family without public aid).
- Points Test: ≥80/245 under General (age, qualifications, work exp, language, family ties) or excel in Achievement stream.
Points Breakdown (General Test Example): | Factor | Max Points | |——–|————| | Age (e.g., 30-39: 30 pts) | 30 | | Qualifications (e.g., PhD: 40 pts) | 70 | | Work Experience (e.g., 10+ yrs: 55 pts) | 55 | | Language (Proficient in both Chinese/English: 20 pts) | 20 | | Family (e.g., HK resident relative: 5 pts) | 20 | | Total | 195 (plus extras) |
Application Steps:
- Self-Assess Points: Use ImmD calculator.
- Submit Online: Via GovHK (www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/visarequire/visasentrypermits/applyqmas.htm). Include consent letter from mainland employer/authorities.
- Documents: Passport, degrees, CV, language certs, business plan for HK contributions.
- Interview (if shortlisted): Travel to HK as visitor for verification (EEP needed).
- Approval & Entry: 2-year initial visa; extend after securing job. Path to permanent residency after 7 years.
Tips: Ideal if you score high (e.g., master’s + 5+ years exp). Updated 2025 Talent List (60 professions like AI/finance) fast-tracks if matched.
3. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) – “输入内地人才计划”
Standard employment visa for mainland pros with a HK job offer. Quota-free, no sector limits. For skills “not readily available” in HK (e.g., tech, finance).
Eligibility:
- Confirmed job offer from HK employer (salary at market rate, ≥1 year contract).
- Good education/experience (degree or equivalent + relevant skills).
- No criminal record; contribute to HK economy.
Application Steps:
- Secure Job: Employer sponsors; prove no local can fill role.
- Employer Submits: Online via ImmD or Beijing office. Include consent letter from your mainland unit.
- Documents: Passport, job contract, qualifications, proof of skills.
- Approval: e-Visa issued; get EEP/endorsement.
- Entry & Work: Initial 1-2 years; renewable.
Tips: Faster if on 2025 Talent List. Dependents can work/study.
General Advice for Mainland Chinese
- EEP Requirement: Always needed post-approval; apply via local PSB (e.g., for multiple entries if frequent travel).
- Path to PR: 7 continuous years in HK + tax payments.
- 2025 Updates: Expanded university lists for TTPS/QMAS; new Capital Investment scheme (HK$30M investment) but not work-focused.
- Common Pitfalls: Incomplete docs delay apps; start early. Consult ImmD helpline (+852 2824 6111) or a lawyer.
- Resources: Apply via GovHK; check ImmD site for forms.
For personalized help, visit ImmD counters or use their chat. Success depends on your profile—TTPS suits fresh top grads/high earners best.
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