4 Skills- and Investment-Based Pathways to Get Permanent Residency in Hong Kong in 2024
🚩Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
✅Processing time: 9–12 months
✅Difficulty: 5/5
✅Requirements: Points-based system (maximum of 245 points, a passing mark of 80); no prior job offer needed； The points are mainly assessed by age, education qualification, work experience, and financial capacity.
✅Visa Renewal mode: 3+3+2 years (Renewal requirements are flexible based on QMAS)
QMAS is highly competitive, requiring the applicants to score well on various factors, including age, education, work experience, and financial capacity.
2024 is the last year for quota-free applications, and it is the golden opportunity to secure PR in Hong Kong if you’re eligible for QMAS. Contact us or visit us to assess your qualifications.
🚩Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
✅Processing time: 3–6 months
✅Difficulty: 4/5
✅Requirements: Individuals must have an annual income of at least HK$ 2.5 million or graduates from top universities with significant work experience.
✅Visa Renewal mode: 2+3+2 years (The individual should be employed in HK local before renewing.)
The TTPS is generally easier for highly qualified professionals who possess strong educational credentials and a high income. While the scheme is competitive, particularly in Category A, its quick processing time makes it appealing for top talent seeking a swift relocation.
🚩General Employment Pass (GEP)
✅Processing time: 2–6 months
✅Difficulty: 3/5
✅Requirements: Individuals must have a confirmed job offer in a field relevant to the applicant’s qualifications and experience, with a salary package that meets local professional standards.
✅Visa Renewal mode: 2+3+2 years (The individual should be employed in HK local before renewing.)
GEP is a standard pathway to for skilled professionals, especially those already secured employment in Hong Kong. It is fewer requirements than TTPS but requires a suitable job offer and proof of qualifications.
🚩Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)
✅Processing Time: 6–9 months
✅Difficulty: 4/5
✅Requirements: Applicants must make a net asset investment of at least HKD 30 million in permissible assets over the last two years.
✅Visa Renewal: 2+3+2 years (The only route allows candidates to stay in HK unconditionally.)
New CIES is a kind of Citizenship by Investment that is excellent for high-net-worth individuals who can prove substantial financial assets. The financial threshold is high, and CIES remains stringent due to the significant financial commitment. It aims to enrich the talent pool and attract more capital to push economic development in Hong Kong.
❗Ranking Comparison❗
🔸QMAS (Quality Migrant Admission Scheme)
Overview: Points-based system for skilled professionals.
Pros: Flexible for various professions; no job offer required.
Cons: Highly competitive; requires scoring enough points.
🔸TTPS (Top Talent Pass Scheme)
Overview: Designed for top-tier talent with high qualifications and income.
Pros: Fast processing; attractive for highly qualified individuals.
Cons: Competitive, especially in Category A; Relatively low requirements in Category C.
🔸GEP (General Employment Policy)
Overview: A standard route for skilled professionals with job offers.
Pros: Less stringent than TTPS; straightforward for those with secured employment.
Cons: Requires a valid job offer and proof of qualifications.
🔸CIES (Capital Investment Entrant Scheme)
Overview: For high-net-worth individuals who invest in Hong Kong.
Pros: Attracts investors; can access to unconditional residency.
Cons: It requires significant financial investment and is not aimed at skilled workers.
Summary:
☑Best for Flexibility: QMAS
☑Best for Top Talents: TTPS
☑Best for skilled individuals with employment: GEP
☑Best for HNW Investors: CIES
Application for Permanent Residency Status in Hong Kong
Permanent residency, also known as “right of abode,” allows individuals to enter and reside in Hong Kong without restrictions, along with benefits like protection from deportation, tax incentives, good healthcare, international education for children, and a high standard of life quality.
The main requirement for all pathways to permanent residency is maintaining continuous legal residency in Hong Kong for a minimum of seven years, applicable to both Chinese and non-Chinese citizens.
Applicants need to demonstrate continuous residence through documentation such as tax notifications, employment contracts, rental agreements, or investment annual filing. The typical processing time for permanent residency applications is about six weeks, after which successful candidates can receive their permanent identity cards.
To apply for a Hong Kong SAR passport, however, you must be both a Chinese national and a permanent resident of Hong Kong. For non-Chinese nationals, permanent residency is the ultimate goal.
Which Routes is Best for You?
Selecting the appropriate immigration route to Hong Kong depends on your qualifications, career aspirations, and financial situation. Whether you are a high-level professional, entrepreneur, or investor, Hong Kong provides a pathway to permanent residency, offering long-term stability and access to diverse opportunities in the city.
This organized overview should aid in making a well-informed choice. The route to permanent residency is consistent across various pathways, highlighting the significance of ongoing contribution and residence in Hong Kong.
How Can Finovy Consulting help?
Headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Finovy Consulting is an experienced business consultancy that assists individuals in securing a Permanent Residency in Hong Kong through talent schemes or investments.
Feel free to contact us if you have any needs or questions, and our immigration experts will guide you through or give you more details.
4 Routes to Get Hong Kong Permanent Residency
📞WhatsApp us:
+852 9561 2130 (Daniel)
+8619168831465 (Luna)
+8619168836429 (Jenny)
+8619129900584 (Ella)
+8619129903554 (Nora)
🌐Visit: consulting.finovy.com
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#skilledprofessionals #resideinhongkong
Previous articles posted by Finovy Consulting for your reference:
[How to Apply for Hong Kong PR through Talent Schemes and What Are the Procedures in 2024]
[Route to Hong Kong PR — A Complete Guide to Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and Its Advantages]
[Who is eligible for Permanent Resident in Hong Kong and how to get it in 2024?]
[Investing HK$30 million to get Hong Kong Citizenship? What is the new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme? Any Advantages?]
