What is the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme?

It is a Hong Kong immigration route for high earners and graduates of top universities. You do not need a job offer to apply. Once approved, you can move to Hong Kong, find work or start a business, and build towards permanent residency.

Do I need a job offer to apply?

No. You can apply and move first, then look for work or start a business once you are in Hong Kong. You normally need to show you have taken up work or business when you come to extend your stay.

Which universities count for the TTPS?

Hong Kong keeps an eligible universities list of around 200 institutions, built from the top 100 of the main world rankings plus some specialist and mainland Chinese universities. The list is updated each year, so check whether your university is on the current list before you apply.

How long does the TTPS take to process?

It is one of the faster talent routes. Applications are often decided in around two to four weeks once the Immigration Department has all your documents, though times vary with the volume of applications.

How much does the TTPS cost?

The government fees are modest. Expect an application fee of around HK$600 per person and a visa issuance fee of around HK$600 to HK$1,300 depending on the length of stay. Each dependant pays the same fees. Budget separately for documents, relocation, and Hong Kong's high cost of living. Fees change, so treat any figure as a guide.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Your spouse or partner and unmarried children under 18 can join you. Their stay is linked to yours, dependants can take up almost any job without a separate work visa, and children can go to school.

Can I get permanent residency or a passport?

Time on the TTPS counts towards the seven years of continuous ordinary residence needed to apply for permanent residency, which gives you the right of abode. Hong Kong does not recognise dual nationality, so obtaining an HKSAR passport would mean renouncing your existing nationality, which is a separate personal decision.

TTPS or the Quality Migrant scheme, which should I choose?

The TTPS is usually faster and is based on income or a top university degree. The Quality Migrant scheme is points based and rewards a wider mix of age, education, experience, and language, and it clearly allows you to run a business. We help you work out which one fits your profile.

Can I start a business on the TTPS?

The TTPS is geared towards employment and study, so if running a business is your main plan, the Quality Migrant scheme or an entrepreneur route may fit better. Rules change, so confirm the current position for your situation before you plan around it.

What happens when my TTPS visa expires?

You can apply to extend it. To do that you normally need to show you have taken up employment or started a business in Hong Kong, with evidence such as a job letter, tax records, and bank statements. Start preparing well before your first visa ends.

Does eMigr8 give legal or immigration advice?

No. We give coaching, profile review, and guidance to help you prepare. We do not give legal advice or immigration consultation. For legal questions we can connect you with professionals in our network.

Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

Q: What are the three TTPS categories?

Category A is for people who earned around HK$2.5 million or more in the year before applying, with a 36 month stay. Category B is for graduates of eligible universities with at least three years of experience, with a 24 month stay. Category C is for recent graduates of eligible universities with less experience, subject to an annual quota, also with a 24 month stay.

The Top Talent Pass Scheme lets high earners and graduates of top universities move to Hong Kong without a job offer. Once approved you can find work or start a business, and time on the scheme counts towards permanent residency.

Who it is for

High earners (Category A), graduates of eligible universities with at least three years of experience (Category B), and recent graduates of eligible universities with less experience, subject to a quota (Category C). It fits software, AI, data, and cyber security professionals well.

Costs and family

Government fees are modest, with an application fee of around HK$600 per person and a visa issuance fee of around HK$600 to HK$1,300. A spouse or partner and children under 18 can join, and dependants can work and study.

How eMigr8 helps

Profile and eligibility review, a clear roadmap, and coaching from people who have relocated to Hong Kong. eMigr8 provides coaching and guidance, not legal advice or immigration consultation.