INTRODUCTION
The Top Talent Pass Scheme aims to attract top talents with rich work experience and advanced academic qualifications from all over the world to come to Hong Kong to explore opportunities. These top talents include high-income individuals and graduates from the world’s top universities. The applicants are not required to have secured an offer of employment in Hong Kong at the time of application.
Eligibility Criteria
- Category A: Those whose annual income (taxable employment income or business profits) reaches HKD2.5 million or more (or its equivalent in foreign currency) in the year immediately preceding the date of application; or
- Category B: those who are undergraduate graduates from the world’s top 100 universities with at least three years of work experience over the past five years immediately preceding the date of application; or
- Category C: those who are undergraduate graduates from the world’s top 100 universities in the past five years immediately preceding the date of application with less than three years of work experience, subject to an annual quota which is to be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scheme advantages
- Short processing time and high success rate: the general approval time is only 1-3 months
- Secure a job offer before applying for entry is not required
- There are no specific requirements on industry or professional, eligible to apply if criteria is met
- Can start a business or be employed in Hong Kong, and can change employment freely
- Spouses and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 can come to Hong Kong. There are no restrictions on work and study.
- Applicants and dependents have Hong Kong identity cards and enjoy the same medical, education and other benefits as locals
- Category A and B are not subject to quota, whereas the annual quota for Category C is 10,000.
List of Eligible Universities (suitable for Category B and C applications)
Eligible Universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme include different universities around the world, among which the universities from the Mainland China are as follows:
| Tsinghua University | Peking University | Fudan University | Zhejiang University |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | University of Science and Technology of China | Sun Yat-sen University | Nanjing University |
| Huazhong University of Science and Technology | Wuhan University | Xi’an Jiaotong University | Harbin Institute of Technology |
| Central South University | Sichuan University | Beihang University | Southeast University |
| Beijing Institute of Technology | Tongji University | Renmin University of China | Beijing Normal University |
| Nankai University | Tianjin University | University of Chinese Academy of Sciences |
Please refer to below link for the comprehensive list of eligible universities around the world:https://www.immd.gov.hk/pdf/aggregate_list.pdf
Application procedures for the scheme
- Evaluate and provide solutions based on clients’ requirement, and sign agreements
- Collect materials and assist clients in preparing required documentation for application
- After required materials are complete and reviewed, submit to the Hong Kong Immigration Department
- Liaison with the Hong Kong Immigration Department about the application and inquire about the progress
- Provide supplementary information if required by the Immigration Department
- Review by the Immigration Department
- After approval by the Immigration Department, an approval notice will be issued
Post-approval procedures
- Immigration Department issues approval notice
- Collect electronic entry visa/ permit
- The Mainland Pass requires a stay visa (D visa)
- Enter Hong Kong to activate visa
- Make an appointment at the Immigration Department to apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card
- Category A is granted a visa for 3 years for the first time, and then renews it on 3 + 2 years pattern.
- Category B and C visas are approved for 2 years for the first time, and then renewed on 3 + 3 years pattern.
- After 7 years, applicants can apply for Hong Kong permanent residency and SAR passport
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Entry Visa/Permit |
Hong Kong Identity Card |
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New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has re-launched the “New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme” to assist capital investment entrants to obtain Hong Kong official residences by investing in Hong Kong. Applicants for this scheme need to invest no less than HK$30 million in permissible investment assets in Hong Kong.
Eligibility Criteria
| Age requirement: | The applicant must be aged 18 or above. |
| Nationality: |
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| Net assets assessment: |
The applicant must demonstrate that throughout the six months preceding the date of application, he/she has net assets or net equity to which he/she is absolutely beneficially entitled with a market value of not less than HK$30 million Net (or equivalent in foreign currencies). Among the net assets jointly owned by the applicant and family members, the respective portion absolutely beneficially owned by the applicant will also be considered. |
| Investment commitment: | Within 180 days after approval, applicant must make investment of not less than HK$30 million Net (or equivalent in foreign currencies) in the permissible investment assets to which he/ she is absolutely beneficially entitled. |
| No adverse record: | Applicant must demonstrate that he/she has no adverse immigration record and meets normal immigration and security requirements; and |
| Financial capacity: | Be able to demonstrate the ability to maintain a living for himself/herself and his/her dependents in Hong Kong without relying on any return on the Permissible investment assets, employment, business or public assistance. |
Dependents
Applicants can bring their dependents to Hong Kong, including
- Spouse
- Same-sex and opposite-sex couples
- Unmarried dependent children under 18 years old
Permissible Investment Assets
Applicants are required to invest at least HK$27 million in any of the following permissible financial assets or real estate.
a) Equities: shares of companies that are listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and traded in Hong Kong Dollars (“HKD”) or Renminbi (“RMB”)
b) Debt securities: including government bonds, corporate bonds, etc.
c) Certificate of deposits: certificates of deposits denominated in HKD or RMB issued by authorized institutions
d) Subordinated debt: subordinated debt denominated in HKD or RMB issued by an authorized institution
e) Eligible collective investment schemes: including ETFs and unlisted funds
f) Limited partnership funds: Ownership interest in private limited partnership funds
g) Non-residential real estate: Hong Kong commercial or industrial real estate, with an investment limit of HK$10 million
h) Residential real estate: Investment in one single property must be HK$50 million or above, subject to an aggregate cap of HK$10 million in counting the minimum investment threshold.
In addition, applicants are required to place HK$ 3million in the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Investment Portfolio specified by the Hong Kong Government.
Total minimum investment amount: HK$ 30 million
Investment period:
Must maintain investment for seven consecutive years
Entry, stay and extension of stay (timeline of the scheme)
| Approval-in-principle:: | Issue a visa/entry permit to the applicant to stay in Hong Kong as a visitor for a period of not more than 180 days for investment purposes |
| Formal approval: | Meet the eligibility criteria and be allowed to stay in Hong Kong for not more than 2 years |
| Extension of stay: (1st extension) |
In compliance with portfolio maintenance requirement, the first extension of stay shall not exceed 3 years |
| Extension of stay: (2nd extension) |
In compliance with investment management regulations, the second extension of stay shall not exceed 3 years |
| Permanent residency: | Applicants and dependents who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for not less than 7 years can apply to become Hong Kong permanent residents. |
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
Scheme Overview::
The “Quality Migrant Admission Scheme” is an immigration scheme established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to attract highly skilled or talented individuals from around the world to settle in Hong Kong. The scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s economic competitiveness and promote the diversification and sustainable development of its economy.
Scheme Features:
- No Job Offer Required: Applicants are not required to secure a job offer from a local employer before applying for entry.
- Assessment Routes:The scheme offers two evaluation pathways: the “General Points Test” and the “Achievement-based Points Test” to assess applicants’ qualifications and abilities.
- Selection Exercise:：Applicants are selected based on their scores and overall quality, with priority given to those meeting more assessment criteria.
- Dependents:Successful applicants may bring their spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong.
- Target Applicants:Overseas talents who meet the prerequisites and possess an outstanding background.
Overview of the Selection Mechanism:
The selection process consists of four main stages:
Stage 1: Prerequisites
Stage 2: Assessment Routes
- General Points Test
- Achievement-based Points Test
Stage 3: Selection Exercise
Stage 4: Issuance of Visa/Entry Permit
Stage 1: Prerequisites
Applicants must meet all the following prerequisites:
- Must be aged 18 or above.
- Must have sufficient financial capability and not rely on public assistance.
- Must have no criminal record or adverse immigration record.
- Must possess good proficiency in Chinese or English.
- Must have a good educational background—holding a degree from a recognized university or tertiary institution; alternatively, good technical qualifications, professional skills, and experience may be considered.
Stage 2: Assessment Routes
After passing the prerequisites, applicants may choose one of the following two assessment routes:
- General Points Test
This scoring system evaluates applicants based on multiple aspects of their qualifications, comprising 12 assessment criteria across 6 categories. The categories include:
| Age: | (1) Whether the applicant is aged 50 or below. |
| Academic or Professional Qualifications: | (2) Whether the applicant holds a master’s or doctoral degree from an eligible university. (3) Whether the master’s or doctoral degree from a eligible university is pertinent to “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics). |
| Language Proficiency: | (4) Whether the applicant has good written and spoken proficiency in two languages. (5) Whether the applicant has good written and spoken proficiency in English. |
| Work Experience: | (6) Whether the applicant has at least 5 years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level. (7) Whether the applicant has at least 3 years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level in a multinational companies or reputable enterprises (e.g., a listed company or one ranked in Forbes Global 2000, Fortune Global 500, or Hurun China 500). (8) Whether the applicant has at least 3 years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level in specific fields/industries, including “Innovation and Technology,” “Finance” and “International Trade” (including cross-boundary marine and aviation transport, and supply chain management). (9) Whether the applicant has at least 2 years of international work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level. |
| Annual Income: | (10) Whether the applicant’s annual income in the year immediately preceding the application reached HKD 1 million or above (or its equivalent in foreign currency). |
| Business Ownership: | (11) Whether the applicant currently owns a business entity that achieved an annual profit of HK$5 million or above (or its equivalent in foreign currency) in the year immediately preceding the application. (12) Whether the applicant currently owns a listed company. |
- Achievement-based Points Test
This scoring system targets applicants with exceptional talent or skills who have achieved significant accomplishments. Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
- International or National Award Recipient: For example, winners of the Nobel Prize, Olympic medals, etc.
- Significant Contribution:Demonstrable outstanding achievements in their field, recognized internationally or widely acclaimed within the industry.
Stage 3: Selection Exercise
- The Immigration Department will periodically select applicants who meet the prerequisites and pass the assessment criteria. The selection considers the quota for that period, with priority given to applicants meeting more assessment criteria.
Stage 4: Issuance of Visa/Entry Permit
- Notification of Results: Successful applicants will receive an approval notification from the Immigration Department and will be issued a visa/entry permit to stay in Hong Kong under this scheme.
Entry of dependents
Applicants may bring their spouse and unmarried children under 18 to Hong Kong. The dependents’ duration of stay is generally tied to the applicant’s stay. Dependents may work or study in Hong Kong. If the dependents have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong continuously for 7 years, they may also apply for Hong Kong permanent residency. The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial capability to support the dependents’ living expenses in Hong Kong.
Duration of Stay
- General Points Test Applicants: Successful applicants are initially granted a stay of 36 months on time limitation only without other conditions of stay upon entry. Subsequent extensions follow a “3+2” years pattern. Prior to the stay period ends, applicants are required to apply for an extension of stay by proving they have secured employment or started a business and are residing in Hong Kong.
- Achievement-based Points Test Applicants: Successful applicants are initially granted an 8-years stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay upon entry.
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) is a policy launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to attract non-local graduates to develop in Hong Kong. The IANG is quota-free and non-sector specific.
Eligibility criteria
Non-local graduates
Non-local graduates here refer to non-local students who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in the HKSAR.
Non-local recent graduates (note 1)
- Non-local graduates who submit applications to the Immigration Department within six months after the date of their graduation are classified as non-local recent graduates.
- Non-local recent graduates who wish to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR are not required to have secured an offer of employment upon application. They may be granted 24 months’ stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay. Those who intend to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR but have not yet secured graduation results may apply for extension of stay to wait for the promulgation of results.
Non-local non-recent graduates (note 1)
- Non-local graduates who submit applications beyond six months of the date of their graduation are classified as non-local non-recent graduates.
- Non-local non-recent graduates who wish to return to work in the HKSAR are required to secure an offer of employment upon application. The applications will be favourably considered so long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level. They may be granted 24 months’ stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay.
Greater Bay Area (GBA) campus graduate (note 2)
GBA campus graduates here refer to persons who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time programme offered by a higher education institution in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area jointly established by universities of the Mainland and Hong Kong in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Cooperation in Running Schools.
GBA campus recent graduates
- GBA campus graduates who submit applications to the Immigration Department within six months after the date of their graduation are classified as GBA campus recent graduates.
- GBA campus recent graduates who wish to apply to come and work in the HKSAR are not required to have secured an offer of employment upon application. They may be granted 24 months’ stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. GBA campus recent graduates who have not yet obtained their graduation certificate could apply to come and work by producing proof from the institution confirming that they have graduated.
GBA campus non-recent graduates
- GBA campus graduates who submit applications beyond six months of the date of their graduation are classified as GBA campus non-recent graduates.
- GBA campus non-recent graduates who wish to come to work in the HKSAR are required to secure an offer of employment upon application. The applications will be favourably considered so long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level. They may be granted 24 months’ stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met.
Entry of dependents
Applicants can apply to bring their spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong, the length of stay of such dependents will generally be linked to that of applicants. Dependents can work or study in Hong Kong. After having ordinarily resided in Hong Kong continuously for seven years, the dependents can also apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong. Applicants must be able to prove that they have sufficient financial ability to support their dependents’ living expenses in Hong Kong.
Documents required for application
- A recent photo of the applicant
- Applicant’s valid travel document
- Applicant’s Hong Kong Identity Card (if any)
- Official academic transcripts, graduation certificates or related supporting documents
- Letter of consent to work in Hong Kong (applicable to mainland residents)
- Company’s employment contract (if applicable)
Processing time:
It takes approximately two to four weeks upon receipt of all the required documents. However, the processing time will depend on the circumstances of individual applications and the number of applications received at a particular time. A longer processing time may be required during summer rush period between June and August.
Extension of stay
Persons admitted under the IANG will normally be granted an initial stay of 24 months on time limitation only without other conditions of stay upon entry. They may apply for extension of stay in the HKSAR within four weeks before their limit of stay expires. They are required to have secured an offer of employment which is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level. For those who have established or joined in business in the HKSAR, they are required to produce proof of their business. If the application is approved, successful applicants will normally be permitted to remain on time limitation only without other conditions of stay on the 3 + 3 year pattern.
Right of abode
Persons admitted under the IANG who have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR.
(Note 1) What is the difference between “non-local recent graduate” and “non-local non-recent graduate”?
Under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG), non-local graduates refer to non-local students who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in the HKSAR.
Non-local graduates who submit applications to the Immigration Department within six months after the date of their graduation (i.e. the date shown on their graduation certificates) are classified as non-local recent graduates. Non-local recent graduates who wish to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR are not required to have secured an offer of employment upon application.
Non-local graduates who submit applications beyond six months of the date of their graduation are classified as non-local non-recent graduates. Non-local non-recent graduates who wish to return to work in the HKSAR are required to secure an offer of employment upon application. Their applications will be favourably considered so long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level.
(Note 2): What are “GBA campuses” under the IANG?
According to the information provided by the Education Bureau, institutions established in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) by universities in Hong Kong (GBA campuses) under the IANG refer to higher education institutions in the Mainland cities of the GBA jointly established by universities of the Mainland and Hong Kong in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Cooperation in Running Schools. Currently, they include Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou).
Employment Agency License
Introduction
According to the Employment Ordinance, any person who wishes to operate an employment agency in Hong Kong to provide job-placement service must apply for a licence from the Commissioner for Labour before he/she can carry out business. Operating an employment agency without a valid licence is liable for an offence, which is subject to a maximum penalty of $350,000 and imprisonment for 3 years upon conviction.
Regulations and Codes of practice for Employment Agencies
- The Employment Agency licence shall be displayed in a prominent position at the place of business of an Employment agency.
- Part II of the Second Schedule of Employment Agency Regulations regarding the prescribed commission shall be displayed in a prominent position at the place of business of an Employment agency.
- The Commissioner for Labour, pursuant to the Employment Ordinance, promulgated the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies for compliance by the industry with a view to promoting professionalism and quality service in the employment agency industry. The Code of Practice for Employment Agencies should be read by all employment agency licensees, the nominated operators, for salient legislative requirements that they must follow when operating their business
Application procedure
- The applicant shall submit the application for a licence not later than one month before the intended date of commencement of business.
- Before submitting your application for a licence, please send the proposed name of your employment agency to the Employment Agencies Administration of Labour Department to confirm that the proposed name can be used for application. The name of the proposed agency must not be the same or similar to the name of another agency, or infringe on its trademark rights.
- Submit the following documents:
– Employment Agency Application Form (LD 184s);
– Information on Relationship with Financial Institution(s) (CoP-F2);
– Photocopy of valid business registration certificate;
– Document signed by all directors or directors’ meeting minutes confirming the appointment of nominated operator;
– Company secretarial documents
– Photocopy of the HKID of each of the directors
- An applicant/nominated operator must bring along a Hong Kong identity card and a photo of the identity card and attend an interview in person with an officer at Employment Agencies Administration of Labour Department.
- The review takes about 4-6 weeks. A licence fee of HK$2,000 is payable after the application has been approved, the license is valid for one year.
License Validity Period
The licence is valid for one year from the date of issuance. The licensee should ensure that the employment agency licence is renewed before the present one expires.
Renewal application should be submitted to Employment Agencies Administration no later than two months before the expiration. The licensee is reminded to submit the renewal application with all information and supporting documents required timely to avoid the situation where the licence could not be renewed before it was expired.
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Business address: Applicants need to have a physical business address, which must be a legitimate commercial zone. Residential address is not acceptable.
– If the applicant / nominated operator is not a permanent Hong Kong resident, he is also required to sign a consent letter to agree Labour department to check with the Hong Kong Immigration Department so as to confirm whether his role as the licensee / nominated operator of an employment agency will constitute a breach of his conditions of stay in Hong Kong.
– The Employment Agencies Administration will vet the application and check with the Hong Kong Police Force, Immigration Department and the Official Receiver’s Office where appropriate. The Commissioner for Labour may refuse to issue a license if the applicant or the associate of the applicant:
- is an undischarged bankrupt;
- has, within the preceding 5 years, been convicted of an offence against the person of a child, young person or woman or of an offence involving membership of triad society, fraud, dishonesty or extortion;
- has knowingly furnished any false or misleading information in connection with the application for a licence;
- has contravened any provision of Part XII of the Employment Ordinance or the Employment Agency Regulations;
- has not complied with the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies;
- is not a fit and proper person to operate an employment agency for any other reasons
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme (APEC)
INTRODUCTION
The APEC Business Travel Card Scheme is a program established to promote convenient travel for business people in the Asia-Pacific region. With this card, you are like having a fast pass between Asia-Pacific economies.
MAIN ADVANTAGES:
- Multiple-entry visa: Cardholders can enter and exit participating economies multiple times within the validity period of the card without the need for a visa if pre-clearance has been granted.
- Express customs clearance: At airports and border crossings, you can use the special service lanes to save time waiting in line.
- Long validity: Generally speaking, a travel card is valid for five years, during which the above-mentioned facilities can be enjoyed.
PARTICIPATING ECONOMIES:
At present, the vast majority of APEC member economies have participated in the plan, including Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. This means cardholders can travel unhindered in these locations.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Hold a Hong Kong permanent identity card and a valid national passport.
- You need to prove that you are a business person who frequently engages in business activities in the Asia-Pacific region to fulfil business commitments.
- Have no criminal record or have not been refused entry to any jurisdiction participating in this program.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION:
- Application form ID900
- 2 recent color ID photos of the applicant
- Hong Kong permanent identity card (only the side with personal particulars and photo)
- Valid passport showing personal particulars, nationality, dates of issue and expiry
- Recommendation letter from the employing company
- Proof of business engagement with member areas, such as sales contracts, invoices or orders
APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND TIME REQUIRED:
Application for APEC needs to be reviewed and approved by member of each country individually, so the review time cannot be generalized.
Applicants can select no more than five participating economies to which applicants need to give priority when submitting their applications in order to expedite the processing of their applications. Applicants can decide whether to choose participating economies or not. To make this option, please complete the “Options for receiving an interim card” (SF/IM/1609) and submit it together with the application form.
The application takes about 20 weeks, and the procedures are as follows:
- Eligibility assessment: conducted by the customer and our consultants, and the time varies from customer to customer.
- Prepare application documents: It takes about 1 week to fill in the form and collect supporting documents.
- Submit application documents: It takes about 1 week to submit application documents to the Immigration Department.
- The Immigration Department processes the application: it takes about 4-6 weeks.
- Approval by APEC member region: It takes about 12 weeks or more, it varies from region to region.
- Procedures completed, arrange to receive the business travel card.