Migration to
Hong Kong

Investment as Entrepreneurs

This programme is specifically designed for any foreigners (excluding citizens of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea) who wish to actively invest in Hong Kong. The applicant is required to establish or participate in a Hong Kong-based business. 

Benefits

  • The applicant will receive an Employment Pass through his invested company. 
  • No fixed amount of investment required, but need to demonstrate that the investment will significantly contribute to the Hong Kong economy. 
  • Dependants such as spouse(s) and unmarried children under the age of 18 may accompany the applicant.
  • Eligible to apply as Permanent Residents (PR).

Basic Requirements

  • Investment must be made in a qualified business.
  • No criminal records.
  • Must demonstrate that the investment will significantly contribute to the Hong Kong Economy.
  • Sufficient funds to sustain oneself and invest in Hong Kong.

New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (NEW CIES)

Starting from March 2024, the Hong Kong Government introduced the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (NEW CIES). This programme welcomes high-net-worth investors (excluding citizens of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea) to establish capital investment in Hong Kong by offering residency status without the need to actively manage a business.

*Minimum investment amount – HKD 30 million in permissible investment assets in Hong Kong.

Benefits

  • The applicant and their dependents will receive a visa that is not tied to any specific company. 
  • The applicant is allowed to start a business, invest, work and reside in Hong Kong.
  • It is not compulsory to be employed or to set up a company. 
  • Dependents such as spouse(s) and unmarried children under the age of 18 may accompany the applicant.
  • Eligible to apply as Permanent Residents (PR).

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is designed to attract top-tier talent from around the world (excluding nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea) who possess strong academic and work experience to reside and work experience to reside and working in Hong Kong.

Benefits

  • No Job offer required at the time of application.
  • No Investment requirements.
  • Fast-track visa processing
  • Valid for up to 2 years without employment constraints 
  • Dependents such as spouse(s) and unmarried children under the age of 18 may accompany the applicant.
  • Eligible to apply as Permanent Residents (PR).

Basic Requirements

  1. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
    • Earning a minimum Annual income of HKD 2.5 million over the past 12 months
    • Hold a degree from an eligible university (as listed by the Hong Kong Government) with at least 3 years of working experience over the past 5 years.
    • Hold a degree from an eligible university (as listed by the Hong Kong Government) obtained within the past 5 years with less than 3 years of working experience (subject to an annual quota
  2. Have sufficient funds to sustain in Hong Kong
  3. Have no criminal records

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is designed to attract talented and highly skilled individuals (excluding nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea) to reside and work in Hong Kong. This is a quota-based immigration programme, where applicants must fulfil the prerequisites test such as: General Point Test or Achievement Based Point Test to compete with other applicants.

Benefits

  • No Job offer required at the time of application.
  • No investment requirements.
  • Dependents such as spouse(s) and unmarried children under the age of 18 may accompany the applicant.
  • Eligible to apply as Permanent Residents (PR).

Basic Requirements

  • Proficiency in written and spoken Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) or English.
  • Hold a university degree or higher qualification from a recognised institution.
  • Sufficient funds to support oneself in Hong Kong.
  • No criminal records.
  • Must pass the prerequisites and achieve the minimum score for either the General Points Test or the Achievement-Based Points Test.
  • Must be selected and allocated a quota during the selection exercise.

General Point Test

Designed for skilled individuals, this test awards points based on specific factors. Applicants must score at least 80 out of 245 points to qualify. Points are assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Age
  • Academic Qualification
  • Working Experience
  • Language Proficiency in Chinese and/or English
  • Family Background

Achievement-Based Points Test

This track is intended for exceptionally talented individuals with outstanding achievements and international recognition in their respective fields, such as Olympic medallists or renowned scholars. Applicants who meet any of the following criteria are awarded the full 245 points:

  • International Award Recipients — such as Olympic medallists, Nobel Prize laureates, or recipients of globally significant national or international awards.

OR

  • Globally Recognised Individuals — recipients of lifetime achievement awards or equivalent honours with significant contributions to their industry.

OR

  • Recognised Experts and Leaders in one of the following industries: Science and Technology / Arts and Culture / Sports / Business and Entrepreneurship / Academia and Research 

 

Their work must demonstrate exceptional impact, influence, or leadership and must have been:

  • Published in respected journals or media
  • Exhibited or performed internationally
  • Referenced or recognised through an established track record of success on a global scale

General Employment Policy (GEP)

General Employment Policy (GEP) is designed for foreign professionals who wish to work and reside in Hong Kong. This programme is open to non-local talent (excluding nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea, and not applicable to Mainland Chinese residents) who possess specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that are not readily available in the local market and who have secured employment with a Hong Kong company.

Benefits

  • No language proficiency requirements.
  • No Investment requirements.
  • Open to various occupations (no specific profession required).
  • Dependents such as spouse(s) and unmarried children under the age of 18 may accompany the applicant.
  • Eligible to apply as Permanent Residents (PR).

Basic Requirements

  • Hold a valid job offer at the time of application
  • Possess a university degree
  • Demonstrate relevant work experience
  • Provide proof that no suitably qualified local candidate is available for the position
  • Have no criminal record