Asia‘s World City Awaits :
HK’s Hot Admission Schemes for
Global Talents & Entrepreneurs

Hong Kong continues to attract foreigners in search of promising career opportunities and international entrepreneurs aiming to launch their ventures globally. 

The city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, strategic location, and vibrant business environment put HK as the top choice for ambitious professionals and visionary business owners. 

Discover the gateway to Asia’s World City in this business-friendly blog that introduces HK’s Admission Scheme for Talents, Professionals and Entrepreneurs :

• Make the Move in Asia’s World City
• Driving Growth, Attracting Talent
• Exploring HK’s 5 Non-Local Admission Scheme
• Maximising Potential with Admission Scheme Enhanced Measures
• Achieve Your Goals with AsiaBC

Hong Kong is an exceptional global hotspot for professionals and entrepreneurs thriving and achieving remarkable growth in their careers and ventures.

Here are 4 reasons why moving to the vibrant Asia’s World City is a great move :

1. Competitive salaries. HK provides attractive earning options and a strong foundation for financial security.
2. Global career opportunities. Offers a wide range of global career opportunities, collaborating with diverse teams and exposure to international markets.
3. Business-friendly environment. The city creates a highly favourable environment for entrepreneurship with its business-friendly policies, minimal regulations, efficient government services and strong legal system.
4. Tax efficiency. HK collects a standard profit tax rate of 16.5%, does not levy tax on foreign-sourced income and has no capital gains tax. 

Hong Kong is determined to bring in people with unique skill sets, talents, or entrepreneurial experience to work and build their dreams in their vibrant and dynamic city.

The Admission Scheme for Talents, Professionals and Entrepreneurs aims to promote economic growth, fill skill gaps, foster entrepreneurship and boost cultural exchange. Moreover : 

1. Economic development. Designed to attract talent that drives economic growth, stimulates innovation, and creates job prospects.
2. Skills and expertise. High-demand qualifications, addressing skill gaps, boosting industrial competitiveness, and encouraging information sharing are the main priorities of HK enterprises. 
3. Entrepreneurship and innovation. Promotes creative ventures and growth in entrepreneurship and focuses on creating an atmosphere beneficial to new businesses. 
4. Cultural exchange and diversity. It promotes diverse participation, cross-cultural understanding, and the enrichment of communities through international engagement.
5. Global talent competition. Countries actively compete for top-tier professionals, ensuring they remain attractive destinations for highly skilled individuals worldwide.

Hong Kong provides a variety of admission schemes to welcome individuals to explore exciting openings and contribute to the city’s growth and development.

Here are the top 5 schemes tailored for foreigners with unique skills, expertise, and aspirations, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive community of talent :

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). For individuals with no job offer before but met the requirements and earned points through the General Points Test or Achievement-based Points Test are granted HK residency.

Enhancement Measures : 

• 2-year suspension of the annual quota since 1 Jan 2023.
• Enhanced approval process to encourage world-class talents to relocate to HK. 
• The new limit of stay for the General Points Test (GPT) is now “3+3+2” years (from “2+3+3” years).
• Bonus points for GPT applicants with work experience in multinational companies (MNCs).

Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS). Enables eligible companies to swiftly recruit non-local technology professionals for research and development work in HK. However, this quota-based scheme requires employing companies to apply via the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC).

Enhancement Measure : 

• Flexible and extended limit of stay to “3+3+2” years (from “2+3+3” years).

General Employment Policy (GEP) – Professional. This quota-free scheme allows professionals with specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that are highly valuable, in-demand, and not commonly available among the local workforce in the HKSAR to work in Hong Kong.

Enhancement Measures : 

• The extended limit of stay is now at “3+3+2” years (from “2+3+3” years).
• Employers are not required to present proof of difficulty in hiring if the positions are in the 13 local worker-shortage professions or offer an annual salary of HK$2 million or more.

General Employment Policy (GEP) – Entrepreneurs. Also known as Investment as Entrepreneurs are open to individuals who intend to establish or participate in business activities within the HKSAR. 

Enhancement Measure : 

• Newly implemented stay of limit to “3+3+2” years (from “2+3+3” years).

Hong Kong aims to attract and create better opportunities for professional individuals and driven entrepreneurs with its unique admission schemes that streamline the process of living and working in the city.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). Launched in 2022, TTPS eyes skilled individuals overseas with extensive work experience and strong academic backgrounds, including high-achieving professionals and graduates from renowned universities, to encourage them to explore the vast opportunities that Hong Kong has to offer. 

Eligibility : 

• TTPS applicants are eligible for a 24-month stay in HK without needing a job offer or any additional conditions as long as they meet the standard immigration requirements.
• Applicants must apply one of these categories : 
  • Category A : Individuals who have earned an annual income of HK$2.5 million or more, or its equivalent in foreign currency, in the year just before applying.
  • Category B : Candidates who have graduated from eligible universities and have at least three years of work experience within the past five years before the application date.
  • Category C : Eligible university degree graduates with less than three years of work experience are subject to an annual quota on a first-come, first-served basis. However, this category does not apply to non-local students who completed their degree in the HKSAR.

Hong Kong is still, without question, the ideal choice for people who want to achieve their goals. HK’s Admission Scheme for Talents, Professionals and Entrepreneurs opens endless possibilities for exploring professionals and growing entrepreneurs in one of Asia’s busiest business hubs. 

AsiaBC supports talented professionals and driven entrepreneurs to reach their goals with our Hong Kong Visa Application. With our in-depth knowledge of HK’s immigration system and procedures ensures to give you a seamless and hassle-free experience from start to finish. 

Take the first step to make the impossible possible. Get a head start with our specialists via WhatsApp at +852 6547 1314 or business@asiabc.com.hk, and don’t let the nitty-gritty of visa application hold you back.