Eight Frequently Asked Questions About the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme Answered by Experts

The Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) has become a primary gateway for professionals and graduates seeking to establish residency in the city, with the Immigration Department reporting over 100,000 applications by the end of 2024. The scheme’s significance has intensified in 2025 following the Government’s expansion of eligible universities to 199 institutions and the extension of Category C visa validity. For those navigating citizenship pathways—whether Hong Kong residents exploring foreign options or overseas talent planning to settle in Hong Kong—understanding the TTPS’s mechanics is critical. This article addresses eight frequently asked questions, drawing on official policy documents and procedural rules, to provide clarity for applicants and their advisors.

本文不構成法律建議。涉及個人案件請諮詢持牌律師。

Category A: High-Income Applicants

What income qualifies for Category A, and how is it verified?

The legislation provides that Category A applies to individuals with annual income of HK$2.5 million or more in the year immediately preceding the application date. This threshold is set under the Immigration Department’s administrative guidelines for the TTPS, effective from 28 December 2022.

Income must be earned from employment, business, or investments. The applicant must submit tax returns, such as the Inland Revenue Department’s Tax Assessment Notice (IR56B), or audited financial statements for self-employed persons. The Immigration Department does not accept unverified bank statements or letters from employers without official tax records. If the income is derived from a source outside Hong Kong, the applicant must provide equivalent documentation from the relevant tax authority.

Can bonus or stock options count toward the HK$2.5 million threshold?

Yes, but only if the bonus or stock options are realised and taxed. The Immigration Department’s practice is to consider income that is both received and subject to tax in the relevant jurisdiction. For stock options, the value is assessed based on the market price at the time of exercise, not the grant date. The applicant must provide a breakdown of the income components and the corresponding tax receipts.

Category B and C: Graduate Applicants

Which universities are on the eligible list in 2025?

The Immigration Department maintains a list of eligible universities, updated annually. As of January 2025, the list includes 199 institutions, expanded from 185 in 2024. The list is based on the top 100 universities in four global rankings: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, U.S. News Best Global Universities, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. Additionally, universities that ranked in the top 100 in any of these rankings in the past five years are included.

The full list is published on the Immigration Department’s website. Applicants should verify their alma mater’s inclusion before submitting an application. If a university is added after the application date, the applicant cannot retroactively claim eligibility.

What is the difference between Category B and Category C?

Category B requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university and at least three years of work experience in the past five years. Category C is for applicants with a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university but less than three years of work experience. Category C has an annual quota of 10,000 places, which the Government may adjust by notice in the Gazette.

The work experience requirement under Category B must be full-time employment. Part-time or freelance work is not counted. The applicant must provide employment letters, payslips, and tax records to verify the experience.

Application Process and Documentation

What documents are required for a complete application?

The Immigration Department requires the following for all categories:

• A valid travel document with at least six months’ validity
• A completed application form (ID 1000A)
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Proof of income (Category A) or degree certificate and transcripts (Categories B and C)
• Proof of work experience (Category B)
• A declaration of no criminal record

For Category A, the applicant must also provide a statement of assets and liabilities. For Category C, the applicant must provide a letter of admission or graduation certificate from the eligible university.

Applications are submitted online through the Immigration Department’s e-Services portal. The processing time is typically four to six weeks for complete applications.

Can an applicant bring dependents?

Yes. The TTPS allows the applicant to bring a spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18. Dependents must apply at the same time as the principal applicant or after the principal applicant’s visa is granted. Dependents are granted a visa with the same validity period as the principal applicant.

Dependents may work or study in Hong Kong without additional approval, provided they hold a valid dependent visa. This is a significant advantage over other visa schemes, such as the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.

Post-Approval Requirements

What are the conditions for visa renewal?

The initial visa is granted for two years for Categories A and B, and three years for Category C. Renewal requires the applicant to demonstrate that they are employed in Hong Kong or have established a business in Hong Kong. The Immigration Department assesses whether the applicant has made a contribution to the Hong Kong economy.

For employed persons, the applicant must provide a contract of employment, proof of salary, and evidence of tax payments. For self-employed persons, the applicant must provide business registration, audited accounts, and proof of tax payments. The renewal period is typically three years.

How does the TTPS lead to permanent residency?

The legislation provides that a person who has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of seven years may apply for permanent residency under the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115). The TTPS visa counts toward this period.

The applicant must maintain continuous residence and not be absent from Hong Kong for more than 180 days in any one year, or 360 days in total during the seven-year period. Absences for work or study may be justified, but the applicant must provide a detailed explanation and supporting documents.

After seven years, the applicant may apply for a Certificate of Permanent Residency (Form ROP145) and a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card. The application is processed by the Immigration Department and typically takes four to six weeks.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Verify your eligibility under the correct category before applying, as Category A income thresholds and Category C quotas are strictly enforced.
2. Prepare tax records and official documents early, as the Immigration Department does not accept informal income verification.
3. Ensure your university is on the eligible list for 2025, as the list is updated annually and retroactive claims are not permitted.
4. Plan for continuous residence over seven years, as absences beyond 180 days per year may jeopardise permanent residency eligibility.
5. Consult a licensed immigration solicitor for complex cases involving business income, multiple dependents, or previous visa refusals.

This does not constitute legal advice. Consult a solicitor for your specific case.