Extended visa rates for the Hong Kong top talent scheme, lauded as "ideal" by the city's labor chief.
In December 2022, the Hong Kong government launched the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) to counteract the brain drain during the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme, designed to attract and retain top talent, has been a topic of interest ever since.
As of mid-2025, over 110,000 professionals have been admitted under the TTPS, with 90,000 arrivals confirmed by July 2025. Among those whose initial visas expired (13,678 individuals), approximately 54% (around 7,394) applied to extend their stay, and about 94% of those extension applications were approved.
The median monthly income of professionals who successfully extended their visas is HK$40,000 (around US$5,128). Interestingly, a quarter of these professionals earn HK$80,000 or more per month. This reflects a relatively high earning threshold, consistent with the scheme's targeting of "high earners" or graduates from top global universities.
The TTPS typically issues a two-year visa initially, allowing professionals to "test the waters" with options to renew. However, obtaining this visa does not confer automatic permanent residency; applicants must renew their visas twice and demonstrate stable employment or business operations to qualify for permanent resident status.
Chris Sun Yuk-han, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, has described the 54% extension rate as "ideal," considering the scheme's intent to attract and retain talent while managing local resource concerns. The authorities continue to promote the TTPS aggressively as part of broader efforts to counteract brain drain and support Hong Kong's economic growth.
However, concerns have been raised about transparency and resource allocation. Critics have called for ongoing policy reviews to balance local workforce demands and integration. Despite these concerns, the TTPS remains a significant initiative in Hong Kong's efforts to attract and retain top talent.
Key Statistics
- Launch: December 2022
- Total approved visas: Over 110,000 (as of August 2025)
- Visa duration: Usually 2 years initially; extensions possible
- Extension application rate: ~54% of those with expired visas applied
- Extension approval rate: ~94%
- Median monthly salary: HK$40,000 (US$5,128)
- High earners (top 25%): Earn HK$80,000
- PR eligibility: Requires two visa renewals and proof of stable employment
- Government stance: Positive on scheme; sees it as crucial for talent retention
- Public concerns: Resource impact, transparency, and alignment with local needs
- The scheme, designed to attract and retain high earners and top talent, such as business professionals, has seen a median monthly income of HK$40,000 among those who successfully extended their visas in Hong Kong.
- In addition to the high earning threshold and the scheme's targeting of graduates from top global universities, applicants must renew their visas twice and demonstrate stable employment or business operations to qualify for permanent resident status in Hong Kong.
