Comprehensive guide to Hong Kong immigration and residency schemes
Hong Kong offers various immigration schemes tailored to different talents and investors looking to establish themselves in this dynamic city. Here's a comprehensive guide to the available pathways for obtaining Hong Kong residency.
The only investment immigration scheme in Hong Kong that doesn't require employment or company establishment. The original Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was suspended on January 15, 2015. The government subsequently announced the relaunch of the "New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme" on October 25, 2023.
Scheme Details | Requirements |
---|---|
Quota | No quota limit |
Investment Portfolio |
- Minimum HKD 30 million net assets for investment - Portfolio composition (Total HKD 30M): • Minimum HKD 3M in designated innovation and technology industry investments • HKD 27M in permissible investment assets (mix of stocks, debt securities, certificates of deposit, subordinated debt, eligible collective investments, and non-residential real estate with a cap of HKD 10M) |
Eligible Applicants | Persons aged 18 or above from overseas, Taiwan, and Macau residents, or Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent residency in a foreign country |
Stay Duration | 2+3+3 years pattern |
The TTPS aims to attract high-caliber talents worldwide with rich work experience and graduates from top universities to work in Hong Kong without requiring prior job offers.
Scheme Details | Requirements |
---|---|
Quota | No quota for Categories A and B; Annual quota of 10,000 for Category C |
Eligibility Categories |
Category A: Annual income ≥ HKD 2.5M in the past year Category B: Graduates from eligible universities with ≥ 3 years work experience in the past 5 years Category C: Recent graduates with less than 3 years work experience (annual quota: 10,000) |
Stay Duration | 2+6 years (top talent) or 2+3+3 years (general talent) |
Open to high-skilled talents from any sector without requiring a prior job offer. Notable individuals who have come to Hong Kong through this scheme include pianist Lang Lang, Olympic medalist Guo Jingjing, and actress Zhang Ziyi.
Scheme Details | Requirements |
---|---|
Quota | Annual quota removed since 2023 for two years |
Points-based System |
Two scoring schemes: 1. General Points Test: Evaluates age, education/professional qualifications, work experience, language ability, and family background 2. Achievement-based Points Test: Evaluates exceptional achievements or significant contributions to society Passing score: 80 points; Maximum: 245 points (subject to adjustment) |
Stay Duration | 3+5 years (top talent) or 3+3+2 years (general talent) |
Fast-track arrangement for eligible companies to admit non-local technology talents to undertake R&D work in Hong Kong.
Scheme Details | Requirements |
---|---|
Technology Areas |
Covers various fields including: - Artificial Intelligence - Biotechnology - Cybersecurity - Data Analytics - Financial Technologies - Material Science - Microelectronics - Quantum Technology - Robotics |
Application Process |
- Eligible companies must first apply for quota from Innovation and Technology Commission - Quota valid for 24 months - Must hold degree from recognized university in relevant technology field |
Stay Duration | 3+5 years (top talent) or 3+3+2 years (general talent) |
* After continuously residing in Hong Kong for 7 years under any of these schemes, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
* These schemes are not applicable to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea. All information is for reference only and subject to official announcements.
* For assistance with bank account opening and other settlement services in Hong Kong, our professional team is ready to help facilitate your transition.