Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): sourced answers
6 answers to specific questions — each with a verbatim quote from an official source and a link to it.
Every answer is checked against a verbatim quote from a stored copy of its source and has passed an independent review. This is reference information, not legal advice: rules change, and the outcome depends on your circumstances.
Citizenship, visa or residence programme
On what basis does the programme grant the status
TTPS — talent-based
«Introduction This webpage sets out the entry arrangements for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (hereafter "TTPS"). The TTPS seeks to attract top talents with rich work experience and good academic qualifications from all over the world to explore opportunities in Hong Kong. These top talents include high-income talents and graduates from the world's top universities. The TTPS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of). Eligibility Criteria Persons who wish to apply to enter the HKSAR under the TTPS are not required to have secured an offer of employment in the HKSAR upon application. They may be granted 36 months' (Category A) / 24 months' (Categories B and C); stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. …»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-02
How many applications (approvals) a year does the programme allow
Category C is capped by an annual quota; A and B are not
«Introduction This webpage sets out the entry arrangements for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (hereafter "TTPS"). The TTPS seeks to attract top talents with rich work experience and good academic qualifications from all over the world to explore opportunities in Hong Kong. These top talents include high-income talents and graduates from the world's top universities. The TTPS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of). Eligibility Criteria Persons who wish to apply to enter the HKSAR under the TTPS are not required to have secured an offer of employment in the HKSAR upon application. They may be granted 36 months' (Category A) / 24 months' (Categories B and C); stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. …»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-02
«Immigration Hong Kong has established itself as one of the world's major destinations for tourists and business visitors. In 2024, passenger arrivals and departures totalled about 298.5 million. The Immigration Department is responsible for two main areas: for control of people moving into and out of Hong Kong by land, sea and air; and the documentation of local residents, including the processing of applications relating to the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and claims to right of abode under the Basic Law (BL), the issue of travel documents and identity cards, and the registration of births, deaths and marriages. Immigration Control: Hong Kong has all along adopted an open immigration policy. Nationals of about 170 countries and territories are allowed visa-free visits to Hong Kong for periods ranging from 7 to 180 days. Professionals and entrepreneurs are welcome to work and invest in Hong Kong. While every effort is made to facilitate the entry of visitors and those who contribute to H ong Kong's development and prosperity, immigration controls are designed and operated to prevent the entry of undesirable persons. …»
Source: gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-03
Annual cap: 10,000 places (first-come-first-served).
TTPS Category C
«Q19: What is the current annual quota for Category C of the TTPS? At present, the annual quota for Category C of the TTPS is 10 000.»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-03
«Introduction This webpage sets out the entry arrangements for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (hereafter "TTPS"). The TTPS seeks to attract top talents with rich work experience and good academic qualifications from all over the world to explore opportunities in Hong Kong. These top talents include high-income talents and graduates from the world's top universities. The TTPS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of). Eligibility Criteria Persons who wish to apply to enter the HKSAR under the TTPS are not required to have secured an offer of employment in the HKSAR upon application. They may be granted 36 months' (Category A) / 24 months' (Categories B and C); stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. …»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-02
After how many years in the status can the holder apply for permanent residence
Right of abode after 7 years of ordinary residence
«Eligibility for the Right of Abode in the HKSAR | Immigration Department Skip to main content Our Services Print Home Our Services Right of Abode Eligibility for the Right of Abode in the HKSAR Eligibility for the Right of Abode in the HKSAR Under the Immigration Ordinance, six categories of people are eligible to enjoy the right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Besides, a person fulfills the transitional arrangement under the same Ordinance is also eligible to enjoy the right of abode. This page provides information about who belongs to these categories, the transitional arrangements and where to go for further information. Categories of Eligibility Under the Immigration Ordinance, if a person belongs to one of the following categories, he/she is a permanent resident of the HKSAR and enjoys the right of abode. Chinese Citizens (a) A Chinese citizen born in Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the HKSAR. (b) A Chinese citizen who has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years before or after the establishment of the HKSAR. …»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-02
«Right of Abode Persons admitted under TTPS who have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-02
Who, besides the applicant, must file or support the application
Direct application on an income or university test; no endorser and no nominator
«Introduction This webpage sets out the entry arrangements for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (hereafter "TTPS"). The TTPS seeks to attract top talents with rich work experience and good academic qualifications from all over the world to explore opportunities in Hong Kong. These top talents include high-income talents and graduates from the world's top universities. The TTPS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of). Eligibility Criteria Persons who wish to apply to enter the HKSAR under the TTPS are not required to have secured an offer of employment in the HKSAR upon application. They may be granted 36 months' (Category A) / 24 months' (Categories B and C); stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. …»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-02
«Top Talent Pass Scheme | Immigration Department Skip to main content Our Services Print Home Our Services Visas / Entry Permits Top Talent Pass Scheme Top Talent Pass Scheme Entry Visas / Permits Apply Now Extension of Stay Apply Now Entry Visas / Permits Apply Now Before Applying Applying After Applying Before Applying Top Talent Pass Scheme Expand All Collapse All Introduction This webpage sets out the entry arrangements for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (hereafter "TTPS"). The TTPS seeks to attract top talents with rich work experience and good academic qualifications from all over the world to explore opportunities in Hong Kong. These top talents include high-income talents and graduates from the world's top universities. The TTPS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of). Eligibility Criteria Persons who wish to apply to enter the HKSAR under the TTPS are not required to have secured an offer of employment in the HKSAR upon application. They may be granted 36 months' (Category A) / 24 months' (Categories B and C); …»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-02
For what term is the status extended at each renewal
approval normally brings up to three more years, or the remaining term of the employment contract if shorter; A holder who has spent at least two years in Hong Kong under the TTPS and had salaries-tax assessable income of at least HK$2 million in the previous year of assessment can apply under the top-tier employment stream for a six-year extension
From the first extension the holder must show either employment in Hong Kong with a stable income at market level, or a business established or joined in Hong Kong that operates healthily and sustainably
«Q28: For persons admitted under the TTPS, what kinds of supporting document they are required to submit when applying for extension of stay? Persons admitted under the TTPS may apply for extension of stay in the HKSAR online within three months before their limit of stay expires. Upon applying for extension, applicants are required to prove either that they have taken up employment in the HKSAR with a stable income, or that they have established or joined in a business in the HKSAR. Successful applicants will normally be granted an extension of stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay for not more than three years, or until the expiry of their employment contract in the HKSAR, whichever is shorter. For details of the supporting documents required, please refer to the "Guidebook for TTPS" through this link here . Q29: How does the Immigration Department assess the eligibility criterion that a job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders? The Immigration Department will assess each case on its own merits having regard to the skills and knowledge needed for the job, complexity of the duties, etc. …»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-03
«Top Talent Pass Scheme | Immigration Department Skip to main content Our Services Print Home Our Services Visas / Entry Permits Top Talent Pass Scheme Top Talent Pass Scheme Entry Visas / Permits Apply Now Extension of Stay Apply Now Entry Visas / Permits Apply Now Before Applying Applying After Applying Before Applying Top Talent Pass Scheme Expand All Collapse All Introduction This webpage sets out the entry arrangements for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (hereafter "TTPS"). The TTPS seeks to attract top talents with rich work experience and good academic qualifications from all over the world to explore opportunities in Hong Kong. These top talents include high-income talents and graduates from the world's top universities. The TTPS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of). Eligibility Criteria Persons who wish to apply to enter the HKSAR under the TTPS are not required to have secured an offer of employment in the HKSAR upon application. They may be granted 36 months' (Category A) / 24 months' (Categories B and C); …»
Source: immd.gov.hk · source copy as of 2026-10-02
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