Scheme Overview:

• For Mainland or overseas professionals with special skills, knowledge or experience that are needed and lacking in the HKSAR
• No quota limit and no industry restrictions
• Eligible to bring dependents (spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18)
• Initial approval typically granted for 1 or 2 years, with extension of stay on a 3+3-year basis (i.e., 2+3+3). For top-tier talents (with assessable income subject to salaries tax of HKD 2 million or more in the previous assessment year), the arrangement is 2+6 years
• Prior approval from the Director of Immigration is required for change of employment
• This arrangement does not apply to: Overseas professionals who are nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, or Vietnam

Applicant (Employee) Eligibility:

• No known serious criminal record
• Good educational background, generally a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Have secured a job offer from a Hong Kong company prior to application
• The position should generally be at “professional” or “managerial” level
• Relevant to the applicant’s academic qualifications and work experience
• A position that cannot be readily filled by local talent
• Remuneration package broadly commensurate with that of local professionals

Employing Company (Employer) Eligibility:

✓ Genuine job vacancy exists

✓ Company must have substantial business operations, including: office premises, reasonable number of staff, sound financial standing, etc.

✓ Company must provide detailed background information (e.g., business activities, operational model, company profile, product catalogue, etc.)

✓ For newly established companies, a detailed business plan is required (including: source of funds, estimated capital injection, business nature/model, projected turnover, sales volume, gross profit and net profit for the coming year, and proposed local employment positions, etc.)