The Top Talent Pass Scheme in Hong Kong: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Find out if you qualify for the Top Talent Pass Scheme in Hong Kong and how to apply.
Top Talent Pass Scheme Hong Kong: Eligibility and Application
The Top Talent Pass Scheme Hong Kong is a streamlined visa route introduced in late 2022 to attract highly skilled individuals to work in Hong Kong. Administered by the Immigration Department, it offers a fast-track pathway for high-income earners and graduates of top universities to obtain an employment visa without a sponsoring employer at the application stage.
Top Talent Pass Scheme Eligibility Criteria
The scheme has two distinct eligibility tracks. An applicant must satisfy the requirements of one track to qualify.
Track A - High-income earners - The applicant must have earned annual income of at least HK$2.5 million in the year immediately before the application date. - Annual income refers to assessable employment income, including salary, bonuses, allowances, and stock options. Income from business operations or property investments does not count. - Supporting documents such as tax assessment notices, employer letters, or bank statements must verify the income.
Track B - Graduates of top universities - The applicant must hold a degree from a university listed in the Immigration Department’s recognised world university ranking lists (e.g., QS, Times Higher Education, or Shanghai Ranking). - The degree must have been awarded within the past five years. - The applicant must also have at least three years of work experience in the relevant field. - No annual income threshold applies under this track.
Track C - Recent graduates without work experience - The applicant must hold a degree from a top 100 university awarded within the past five years. - The applicant has fewer than three years of work experience. - This track has a quota of 10,000 applicants per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Top Talent Pass Application Process
The application is submitted online through the Immigration Department’s e-Visa platform.
- Prepare documents: Gather proof of identity (passport, Hong Kong identity card if applicable), evidence of annual income (for Track A) or degree certificate and transcript (for Tracks B and C), and a detailed curriculum vitae.
- Complete the online form: Fill in the application form on the Immigration Department website, selecting the correct track.
- Pay the fee: The application fee is HK$230, payable online by credit card or other electronic means.
- Submit and wait: The Immigration Department processes applications within four weeks for Track A and eight weeks for Tracks B and C.
- Receive approval: If approved, the applicant receives a visa label or e-Visa, which must be collected in person or downloaded within six months.
Top Talent Pass Income Requirement
The income requirement applies only to Track A applicants. The threshold is set at HK$2.5 million of annual income in the year before application. This is a gross figure before tax and deductions. The Immigration Department may request additional evidence if the income source is unclear, such as for self-employed individuals or those with variable bonuses. Meeting this requirement automatically qualifies the applicant regardless of educational background.
Top Talent Pass vs GEP Visa
The General Employment Policy (GEP) visa is the traditional route for skilled professionals to work in Hong Kong.
| Feature | Top Talent Pass Scheme | General Employment Policy (GEP) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsoring employer | Not required at application stage | Required; the employer must sponsor the visa |
| Eligibility basis | Income or top university degree | Job offer with specific skills and qualifications |
| Processing time | 4-8 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Quota | Track C has a 10,000 annual quota; Tracks A and B have no quota | No quota |
| Condition of stay | Must take up employment within 12 months of approval | Must work for the sponsoring employer |
| Change of employment | Notification requirement only; no new visa needed | Must apply for a new visa if changing employer |
For employers, the Top Talent Pass Scheme offers flexibility because the applicant does not need a sponsoring employer at the time of application. Once the visa holder arrives and takes up employment, the employer must comply with standard employment laws, including MPF enrolment and employees' compensation insurance.
Conditions of Stay and Visa Extension
A successful applicant is granted a visa valid for 24 months (Track A) or 24 months (Tracks B and C). The holder must take up employment in Hong Kong within 12 months of approval. The visa holder may bring dependants (spouse and unmarried children under 18) on a dependant visa, who are also eligible to work in Hong Kong.
Visa extension is possible. Apply within four weeks before the visa expiry. The Immigration Department will consider whether the holder has been employed in Hong Kong during the visa period and whether the employment is consistent with the original application. Extensions are granted for 24 months at a time.
Right of Abode and Hong Kong Identity Card
The Top Talent Pass Scheme does not grant right of abode directly. After seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong, the visa holder may apply for permanent residence under the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115). The holder must apply for a Hong Kong identity card within 30 days of arrival.
Notification Requirements and Change of Employment
Unlike the GEP visa, the Top Talent Pass Scheme does not require a new visa application when the holder changes employer. Notify the Immigration Department of any change of employment within 14 days using the prescribed form. Failure to notify may affect future visa extensions.
Comparison with Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is another immigration route based on a points system, assessing age, education, work experience, language ability, and family background. The Top Talent Pass Scheme is simpler and faster for those who meet the income or top university criteria. It requires neither a points assessment nor a sponsoring employer. QMAS has an annual quota. The Top Talent Pass Scheme has no quota for Tracks A and B.
Practical Considerations for Applicants
- Degree from top 100 university: The Immigration Department publishes a list of recognised institutions. Degrees from non-listed universities are not accepted under Tracks B and C.
- Annual income: For Track A, the HK$2.5 million threshold is strict. Income from multiple employers or self-employment may be aggregated if properly documented.
- Visa validity: The 24-month visa starts from the date of approval, not from the date of arrival. Plan travel accordingly.
- Employment visa: The Top Talent Pass Scheme is an employment visa. The holder must work in Hong Kong; it is not a residence-only visa.
For the latest application forms and fee schedules, refer to the Immigration Department website. The scheme is subject to policy changes. Verify current requirements before applying.
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