Hong Kong immigration authorities launched the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons.

Key Points:

  • Currently, frequent travelers to Hong Kong apply for self-service immigration clearance, including visitors from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam who need a visa for visiting.
  • Under the new Immigration Facilitation Scheme, relevant departments will actively invite and better facilitate immigration procedures for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nationals who are believed to make considerable contributions to Hong Kong’s economic development or who have been invited to attend important events.
  • The Immigration Department (ImmD) will provide one-stop processing of relevant applications from invited persons through an electronic platform, relax the application criteria for self-service immigration clearance and simplify the information required for visa applications.

Additional Information: Officials stated the new scheme is designed to promote economic and trade exchanges and cultural cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN nationals. More details on the scheme can be found on ImmD’s website.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

Hong Kong immigration authorities announced a new fee structure for visa applications under specified schemes.

Key Points:

  • Effective Feb. 26, principal applicants under specified admission schemes and their dependents are now required to pay an application fee and a corresponding visa issuance fee according to a two-tiered fee structure.
  • Applicants pay an application fee of $600 for each application under a specified admission scheme for entry, change of conditions of stay or extension of limit of stay.
  • Under the two-tiered visa issuance fee structure, applicants then pay a visa/entry permit fee based on the length of the limit of stay.
    • The original flat rate of $230 has increased to $600 for stays of up to 180 days and $1,300 for stays of 181 days or more.
  • Pursuant to the amended Immigration Regulations (Cap. 115A), the above fees apply to the following admission schemes:
    • Top Talent Pass Scheme
    • General Employment Policy
    • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals
    • Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
    • Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates
    • Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents
    • New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
    • Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
    • Technology Talent Admission Scheme
    • Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme
  • The list of specified schemes and updated fee structure have been uploaded to the dedicated Immigration Department website.

Additional Information: The Director of Immigration considers these admission schemes as crucial elements of the government’s overall objective to attract talent and asset owners to settle in Hong Kong for development purposes. The 2025-26 budget introduced the new fee structure for these various admission schemes to recover administrative costs incurred in processing applications and reflect the “user pays” principle, according to the official statement. The number of applications grew more than 250% compared to 2022, and the various admission schemes have been well-received by talent and capital investors since their introduction.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

Hong Kong immigration authorities announced the latest round of updates to the Talent List.

Key Points:

  • The new Talent List will take effect on March 1 and cover 60 professions with local talent shortages.
  • Eligible foreign nationals working in these 60 designated occupations — including nine newly added professions such as industry segments of financial services, innovation and technology, legal and dispute resolution services, aviation and shipping — may now apply for the:
    • Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
    • General Employment Policy (GEP)
    • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
  • The full list is available here. Individuals can submit their immigration applications on this website.

Additional Information: The Hong Kong government originally drew up the Talent List in 2018 and expanded it in 2021 and 2023 to attract high-quality talent and recruit additional skilled labor. Officials stated that for employers, the process of filling vacancies within the Talent List will be faster, as they are not required to provide proof to substantiate their difficulties in local recruitment when making applications under the GEP and the ASMTP. As BAL reported, the Hong Kong government also recently enhanced the Top Talent Pass Scheme and the QMAS last year for added convenience and efficiency.

More information regarding the expanded Talent List and guidance for applying under various immigration schemes is available on the Hong Kong Talent Engage website. Hong Kong authorities expanded the Talent List to meet the region’s development needs and attract more highly skilled foreign nationals to live and work in the region.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Hong Kong government announced applicants under various admission schemes are now required to submit applications online.

Key Points:

  • The Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) adjusted the application submission procedures for the following admission schemes:
    • General Employment Policy (including both employment and investment as entrepreneurs)
    • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals
    • Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
    • Training
    • Working Holiday Scheme
    • Residence as Dependent
  • Effective Jan. 17, applicants under these admission schemes are required to complete their application process online through the electronic visa application service for entry permits or extensions of stay.
  • Officials stated that applications submitted in person, by post or drop-in-box will no longer be accepted, and the eligibility and approval criteria for the schemes remain unchanged.

Additional Information: Applicants can complete the process of submission, payment and collection through the ImmD mobile application, the ImmD website or the GovHK website without having to visit an Immigration Office in person. Applicants can also upload additional supplementary documents as well as inquire on application status after submitting applications, all via the online system. The Immigration Department is further promoting electronic services for visa applications, and this update follows last year’s territory-wide identity card replacement as the government attempts to modernize its immigration system and digitize procedures for added convenience and efficiency.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Hong Kong government announced measures to enhance the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS).

Key Points:

  • The government recently released its Policy Address announcing reforms of various aspects of certain talent admission regimes, specifically measures to enhance TTPS and QMAS.
  • Category A applications under TTPS will now be given two extra months to apply for an extension and initial visa validity periods will be extended to three years.
    • Extension of stay applications can now be filed within three months of expiration, an extension from the previous four-week deadline, with an unconditional one-year extension of stay granted.
    • The three-year validity period (extended from the previous two years) will be granted to those who have secured offers of employment or have established or joined in a business in Hong Kong upon applying for an extension.
      • Category A applicants under TTPS are those with an annual income reaching HK$2.5 million (about US$321,280) or above in the year immediately preceding the date of application.
  • Additionally, authorities have expanded the list of eligible universities under TTPS to further broaden the network for attracting top talent worldwide.
    • Thirteen top mainland China and overseas universities/institutions have been added to the list, consisting of a total of 198 eligible schools.
    • The expanded list of eligible universities/institutions can be found here.

Additional Information: Officials also announced enhancements to the assessment criteria and arrangements of the General Points Test under QMAS. The points-based scheme, a talent admission initiative originally introduced in 2006, will incorporate a new online assessment questionnaire designed to improve efficiency and reduce vetting processing. The electronic application platform for the enhanced General Points Test has commenced operation.

BAL Analysis: TTPS was introduced in December 2022 to attract more high earners and university graduates. Hong Kong has several schemes designed to attract skilled talent, including the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and the Technology Talent Admission Scheme. The government intends to “further attract talent conducive to Hong Kong’s development, enrich the local talent pool, enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the quest for talent and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international talent hub.”

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Hong Kong government announced that Hong Kong identity cards issued before Nov. 26, 2018, will be invalidated in two phases in 2025.

Key Points:

  • Phase I cards will become invalid on May 12, 2025, for individuals born in or after 1970, and Phase II cards will become invalid on Oct. 12, 2025, for individuals born in or before 1969.
  • The new policy applies to all permanent and non-permanent residents. Failure to obtain a new card may result in a fine of 5,000 Hong Kong dollars (about US$640).
  • Residents can apply for new cards at designated Registration of Persons offices, including the Kwun Tong temporary office or during extended hours at the Hong Kong, Kowloon, Tseung Kwan O or Tuen Mun ROP offices.

Additional Information: Individuals outside of Hong Kong during the call-up periods must replace their cards within 30 days of returning. Exemptions apply for individuals with specific circumstances such as age, blindness or infirmity. These individuals must satisfy a registration officer that their personal attendance for registration of Hong Kong ID cards will injure their health or the health of others. They may then apply for a certificate of exemption in order to obtain a replacement for their new ID card.

BAL Analysis: The government’s invalidation order covers all residents, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents who are permitted to take up employment, make investments, reside or study in Hong Kong. This new order follows last year’s territory-wide identity card replacement exercise as part of the government’s efforts to modernize its immigrations system. Individuals can make an appointment for ID card application via this website.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Hong Kong government announced the opening of a new Talent Engage office in support of its mission to attract and retain high-skilled foreign talent.

Key Points:

• Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki stated that “our HKTE office will launch publicity, and offer ‘one-stop-shop’ support, to attract talent.”

• In the past year, the government has also launched a new Talent Engage website and a Top Talent Pass Scheme while enhancing the various existing talent admission schemes.

• According to government officials, around 60,000 nationals have already received visas approved under the talent admission schemes.

BAL Analysis: As BAL previously reported, the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address announced the establishment of the Talent Engage office and included a series of measures designed to attract foreign nationals to live and work in Hong Kong. The Talent Engage office showcases the government’s recent push to strengthen recruitment of and support for talent to pursue opportunities in Hong Kong.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address last week included a series of measures designed to attract foreign nationals to live and work in Hong Kong.

Key Points:

• Re-implement a Capital Investment Entrant Scheme that will provide entry to Hong Kong for foreign investors who invest at least 30 million HKD (about US$3.8 million) in assets such as stock, bonds and funds (not including real estate). Hong Kong introduced the scheme in 2003 but suspended it in 2015.

• Expand the coverage of universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme by adding eight schools to the network, bringing the total to 184. The program allows foreign nationals to live and work in Hong Kong for two years if they have an annual salary of at least 2.5 million HKD, have graduated from one of the world’s top 100 universities and have at least three years of work experience.

• Relax visa requirements for talent from Laos, Nepal and Vietnam.

• Provide issuance of two-year multiple-entry visas for mainland Chinese employees of companies registered in Hong Kong.

• Create a pilot program to allow foreign students at some vocational schools to remain in Hong Kong for one year following graduation to find a relevant job in their field. The program will be reviewed after two years.

Background: More information on the changes announced in the policy address are available here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

 

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities announced they will modify visa application procedures for some individuals traveling for training or working holiday purposes.

Key Points:

  • Beginning June 19, dependents and students, among others, who are traveling to Hong Kong for training or working holiday purposes will be required to declare previous criminal convictions.
  • Hong Kong authorities will continue to process applications that are submitted on or before June 18 regardless of if a criminal convictions declaration was made.
  • More information regarding the requirement to declare previous criminal convictions is available here.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities will require some visa applicants to declare whether they have previous criminal convictions to increase security throughout the region.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities have increased the number of occupations on the Talent List.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals working in 51 designated occupations, including certain engineers, architectural professionals and those working in the innovation and technology sectors, are now eligible to apply for the:
    • Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
    • General Employment Policy.
    • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.
  • Hong Kong authorities increased the Talent List from 13 to 51 occupations. The full list is available here.
  • Individuals can submit their immigration applications on this website.

Additional Information: More information regarding the expanded Talent List and guidance for applying under various immigration schemes is available on the Hong Kong Talent Engage website.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities expanded the Talent List to meet the region’s development needs and attract more highly skilled foreign nationals to live and work in the region.

This alert has been provided by BAL’s Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.