Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme Overview | Generated by AI
Introduction to the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is a flagship immigration initiative launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on December 28, 2022, as part of its efforts to address acute manpower shortages and bolster the city’s competitiveness as a global financial and innovation hub. Announced in the 2022 Policy Address, the scheme targets high-caliber professionals from around the world, allowing them to relocate to Hong Kong without needing a prior job offer or business plan. Its primary goal is to attract individuals with substantial work experience, high incomes, or strong academic credentials to explore employment or entrepreneurial opportunities, thereby enriching Hong Kong’s talent pool and supporting economic recovery post-pandemic.
Key Eligibility Categories
The TTPS divides applicants into three straightforward categories, making it accessible and flexible:
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Category A: High-Income Professionals
Individuals with an annual income of at least HK$2.5 million (approximately US$320,000) in the year immediately before application, or an average of HK$2.5 million over the three years preceding the application. This category emphasizes experienced executives and specialists. -
Category B: Top University Graduates with Experience
Graduates from one of the world’s top 100 universities (as ranked by QS, Times Higher Education, or Shanghai Jiao Tong University) who have at least three years of relevant work experience. No income threshold applies here. -
Category C: Recent Top University Graduates
Graduates from eligible top 100 universities who obtained their bachelor’s degree within the past five years and have less than three years of work experience. This is quota-limited (currently up to 10,000 annually, on a first-come, first-served basis) and excludes those who completed full-time, locally accredited programs in Hong Kong.
Applicants must generally be non-Chinese nationals or non-permanent residents of Hong Kong, though certain exceptions apply. Full lists of eligible universities are available on the official Immigration Department website.
Benefits and Stay Duration
Successful applicants receive an initial “employment as a professional” or “to establish/join a business” status, granting a limit of stay without other conditions. Key perks include:
- Initial Stay: 2 years for Categories A and B; 1 year (non-renewable under TTPS) for Category C.
- Extensions: Up to 3 years if the applicant secures employment (minimum annual salary of HK$1.3 million for Category A/B or HK$680,000 for others) or establishes/joins a business. Further extensions follow similar criteria.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses and unmarried children under 18 can apply as dependents, with rights to live, study, and work in Hong Kong. Same-sex and opposite-sex civil partnerships recognized abroad may qualify.
- Path to Permanency: Time under TTPS counts toward the 7-year residency requirement for permanent residency.
- No Sector Restrictions: Unlike some schemes, TTPS allows job-seeking in any field.
Recent enhancements (as of November 2024) include allowing renewals up to 3 months before visa expiry (previously 4 weeks) and updates to related talent lists for streamlined processing in shortage professions.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online via the Immigration Department’s portal, with applicants required to be physically present in Hong Kong for certain steps (e.g., biometrics or e-Visa collection). Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, though it varies by volume. Fees include a non-refundable application fee (HK$200 per person) plus visa issuance fees (HK$230 for adults, HK$120 for children). Supporting documents include proof of income, degrees, and work experience; income in non-HKD currencies must be converted using official rates.
Why It Matters
By easing entry for global elites, TTPS has already approved over 50,000 applications (as of mid-2025 estimates), contributing to sectors like finance, tech, and biotech. It’s part of broader talent attraction efforts, including the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) and TechTAS, positioning Hong Kong against competitors like Singapore’s ONE Pass.
For the latest details or to apply, visit the official Immigration Department page: Top Talent Pass Scheme. If you’re eligible, this could be a streamlined gateway to one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.