Top Talent Pass Scheme Hong Kong: Highlights of the TTPS • 高端人才通行證計劃

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is one of the new measures announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government to attract talent to Hong Kong.  This scheme is expected to be popular as it does not require employer sponsorship at the time of application. The scheme is widely available to eligible nationals from many countries and offers a new path to Hong Kong to live and work. The experts from ECOVIS Axial CPA Limited outline the features and benefits.

Official data

The Hong Kong TTPS was undoubtedly a rising star in 2023 and 2024, as indicated by official data: As of December 31, 2023, the total number of approvals under the scheme was 50,612, with the B and C categories (see eligibility criteria below) combined totaling nearly 40,000, the majority share. However, two months later, by the end of February 2024, the number of approvals had increased to 59,000, signaling an increase of nearly 8,500 approvals in just two months. This remarkable surge in approvals suggests significant demand and also implies an inevitable tightening of policy.

Why this matters

This scheme opens a new, flexible door to welcoming international talent who may be interested in working in Hong Kong or establishing a business in Hong Kong, without the need to secure employment or to provide a business plan upon application.

Eligibility criteria

TTPS is open to all nationals except those from Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Nepal, and Vietnam.  Applicants may apply under one of the categories below and are not required to have secured an offer of employment in Hong Kong at the time of application:

• Individuals whose taxable annual employment or business income reached HK$2.5 million or above in the past year;
• Graduates of the world’s top 100 universities with at least three years of work experience in the past five years;
• Graduates of the world’s top 100 universities in the past five years with less than three years of work experience, subject to an annual quota of 10,000 (not applicable for those who obtained their undergraduate qualifications from a full-time and locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong).

Applicants can also apply for dependent visas for their family members, which will allow them to stay, study, and work in Hong Kong.

Limit of stay

Successful applicants will be granted a 24-months stay and are free to take up and change employment or to establish or join a business in Hong Kong during their permitted stay.

Processing time

A processing times of four weeks is expected.

Extension of stay

When applying for an extension, applicants are required to have secured an offer of employment in Hong Kong. Evidence must be provided for those who have established or joined a business. Three-year extensions will be granted to successful applicants.

Contact us

If individuals have questions regarding their eligibility, the conditions for applying, and what kind of supporting documentation is required, please contact our Immigration Team in Hong Kong.

Apart from TTPS, there are various pathways for foreigners to work and reside in Hong Kong. Our Immigration Team is available to provide detailed information and guidance on these options.