According to figures released by the Hong Kong Immigration Department in the first quarter of 2026, the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) has received over 120,000 applications cumulatively, with more than 95,000 approved, while the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), after the removal of its annual quota, saw applications increase by 67% year on year. Behind these two sets of figures lies Hong Kong’s continuing “talent grab” strategy. Entering 2026, the various talent policies have undergone fine-tuning in terms of application thresholds, approval procedures and renewal conditions; understanding these changes is the first step in planning one’s Hong Kong immigration status. This article will walk you through the three most mainstream routes at present, and explore in depth the complete chain from approval through to finally obtaining Hong Kong permanent resident status.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): Opportunities After Expansion and the Hard Renewal Targets

The Top Talent Pass Scheme remained in 2026 one of the channels with the highest approval efficiency. The core logic of the scheme is “lenient entry, strict renewal” — that is, the application threshold is relatively clear, but the requirements for working in Hong Kong at the renewal stage are very specific. Category A targets high-income individuals with an annual income of HK$2.5 million or above, with no academic qualification restriction, and the initial approved visa duration has been extended to 3 years. Categories B and C are aimed at graduates of top 100 universities worldwide, with Category B requiring at least 3 years of work experience within the 5 years preceding the application, while Category C targets young graduates with less than 3 years of work experience, but is subject to an annual quota of 10,000 places.

It is worth noting that in 2026 the list of eligible universities was further expanded, with a number of top mainland institutions added; at present, more than 20 mainland institutions have undergraduate graduates who meet the eligibility for Categories B/C. However, the renewal stage is the real test. The Immigration Department has made clear that TTPS renewal requires proof that the applicant has been employed by a Hong Kong company and that remuneration and benefits reach market level; those choosing self-employment must submit evidence of the company’s genuine operation, including office lease, business contracts, audit reports and employee records. Merely registering a shell company will not pass the renewal review, and this has been enforced particularly strictly in the 2026 assessments.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme: Fine-tuning of the General Points Test and When the Achievement-based Points Test Applies

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has, after the removal of the annual quota restriction, attracted a large number of mid- to high-end talents. The scheme adopts two scoring systems: the General Points Test (GPT) and the Achievement-based Points Test (APT). In 2026, the assessment dimensions of the General Points Test still focus on age, academic qualifications, work experience, language ability and family background, but the scoring weightings have shifted. For example, applicants with a master’s degree or above whose field belongs to the Hong Kong Talent List may receive additional points under the two major categories of “academic qualifications” and “work experience”. At present, the Hong Kong Talent List has expanded from the original 13 fields to over 50 professions, covering emerging areas such as fintech, data science, creative industries and maritime services.

The Achievement-based Points Test applies to top talents who have made outstanding contributions within their industry or won international-level awards, such as Olympic medallists, Nobel laureates or recipients of widely recognised lifetime achievement awards in their field. Approval under this route grants a stay of 8 years directly, with no renewal required, but the threshold is extremely high. For most applicants, the General Points Test is the more realistic choice. It is worth noting that the QMAS processing cycle is typically 6 to 12 months, and the Immigration Department announces selection results in batches. The completeness of application materials and the persuasiveness of the personal statement have a direct impact on the approval success rate; it is advisable to clearly set out, at the preparation stage, the value one can bring to the relevant Hong Kong industries.

Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP): Employer-Driven Targeted Recruitment Channel

The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) differs from the two schemes above in that it is an employer-driven visa arrangement. An applicant must first secure employment with a Hong Kong company, and the position must be shown to be one where a suitable candidate is difficult to find locally in Hong Kong. In 2026, the ASMTP approval process was markedly accelerated; for positions matching the Talent List, the Immigration Department has pledged to shorten the processing time to within 4 weeks. The advantage of this route is that there is no rigid quantified threshold for the applicant’s academic qualifications or income; greater weight is placed on the employer company’s credentials and the match between the role and the applicant’s background.

For employers, detailed commercial evidence must be submitted to the Immigration Department explaining the necessity of recruiting the mainland talent, including why local recruitment failed and the key role the position plays in the company’s business development. At the same time, the employer must demonstrate that the company is genuinely operating and can provide remuneration and benefits at market level. For applicants, once in Hong Kong under the ASMTP, changing jobs is relatively restricted — approval from the Immigration Department is required before switching employers. This is fundamentally different from the freedom of employment enjoyed after approval under the TTPS or QMAS. Therefore, choosing a stable and reputable employer is key to the successful implementation of the ASMTP.

From Visa to Permanent Residency: The Seven-Year Test of Continuous Ordinary Residence

Regardless of which scheme one obtains Hong Kong resident status through, the ultimate goal is often to acquire a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card. The core condition is “continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong for a full 7 years”. This does not require the applicant to be physically present in Hong Kong every single day, but it does require proof that Hong Kong is the centre of one’s life. When reviewing permanent residency applications, the Immigration Department comprehensively considers factors such as the reasons for leaving Hong Kong, the length of time spent away, whether one has fixed accommodation in Hong Kong, whether one’s immediate family members are in Hong Kong, whether one is employed or operating a business in Hong Kong, and whether one pays tax in accordance with the law.

For those whose work nature requires frequent business travel or short-term postings, preserving a complete trail of life in Hong Kong is crucial. A tenancy agreement, utility bills, Hong Kong bank account statements, MPF contribution records, tax bills and proof of children’s schooling in Hong Kong are all strong supporting materials. If a single departure from Hong Kong exceeds 6 months, the Immigration Department will almost certainly require a detailed explanation. Therefore, within the 7-year period, it is advisable to actively manage time spent away from Hong Kong, avoiding prolonged absences without reasonable explanation. In the 2026 review practice, for cases involving more than 180 days away from Hong Kong, the required supporting documents have become more granular, reminding everyone intending to apply for permanent residency to consciously build their “Hong Kong life portfolio” from the very first day of obtaining resident status.

Renewal Strategy and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Renewal is a key milestone in maintaining the validity of Hong Kong status, and the renewal modes and requirements differ markedly across schemes. The TTPS adopts a “2+3+3” mode, with Category A on a “3+3+2” basis, and the core of renewal is “having a job in Hong Kong”. The QMAS adopts a “3+3+2” mode; renewal is relatively flexible, with proof of ordinary residence generally more decisive than the employment contract, but a stable job and income in Hong Kong will significantly raise the approval rate. Renewal under the ASMTP is tied to the employer and follows a “3+3+2” mode; as long as the employment relationship continues and the employer company operates normally, renewal is usually smooth.

A common misconception is that some TTPS approval holders believe they can live away from Hong Kong for extended periods after activating their visa, then temporarily find a nominal employer before renewal. This approach is extremely risky; the Immigration Department’s scrutiny of the authenticity of employment relationships is tightening, and it will require detailed salary statements, MPF records and even proof of work output. Another misconception is conflating the rights difference between “resident status” and “permanent resident status”. Before obtaining permanent resident status, purchasing property requires payment of a high stamp duty, and children cannot sit the joint entrance examination for students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan through this status. Therefore, the entire 7-year status planning needs to remain continuous; any interruption may mean all previous efforts are wasted and the residence period must be recalculated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When applying for the TTPS, how is the annual income of HK$2.5 million defined? Does it have to be salary income? A: Annual income includes taxable salary, allowances, share options and company profits, among others. For self-employed individuals, audited company financial statements must be provided as proof. Investment income or personal wealth-management gains are generally not counted within this income scope.

Q: For the QMAS General Points Test, what is the minimum score needed for approval? A: The minimum application threshold for the General Points Test is 80 points, but reaching 80 points only means one qualifies to apply, and does not guarantee approval. Actual approved applicants show a wide score distribution; it is generally advisable to apply with above 100 points for stronger competitiveness, but the match between one’s professional background and Hong Kong’s talent demand is often more critical than the absolute score.

Q: After arriving in Hong Kong under the ASMTP, if one is made redundant by the company, does the status immediately lapse? A: The Immigration Department will allow a reasonable period for the employee to find new work, typically several weeks to a month. During this period one must find a new employer as soon as possible and submit an application to change jobs, otherwise departure is required. Therefore, maintaining communication with the Immigration Department and submitting the new application promptly is crucial.

Q: When applying for permanent residency, from which day is the 7-year residence period calculated? A: It is calculated from the day one first enters Hong Kong on the relevant entry visa to activate the status. For example, if one enters Hong Kong on a TTPS visa on 1 June 2026, the 7-year residence period is counted from that day.

References

  1. Official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department (Immigration Department, HKSAR) — application guides for each talent scheme
  2. Labour and Welfare Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region — Talent List 2026 updated edition
  3. Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance interpretation and practice notes — on the definition of assessable income