Moving to Hong KongFive mainstream pathways
From Top Talent Pass Categories A, B and C to seven-year permanent residency, and from the policy text to what happens in practice. This site covers the five mainstream routes published by the Hong Kong Immigration Department and researches the rules, grant data, extension requirements and residency thresholds independently. Every source is linked to the original on immd.gov.hk.
Five pathways, one front door
- 5Mainstream pathways covered
- 48Primary-source provisions read in depth
Flagship route Top Talent Pass Scheme (Categories A, B and C)
An entry route for high earners and graduates of eligible universities. Category A is granted an initial stay of 36 months, Categories B and C 24 months. An extension requires proof of employment with a stable income, or of a business set up or joined in Hong Kong. More than 140,000 approvals since its launch at the end of 2022.
QMASQuality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
The General Points Test has 12 assessment criteria and a passing threshold; an Achievement-based Points Test is available for individuals with exceptional talent or outstanding achievements.
IANGNon-local graduates staying on: IANG
Apply within six months of finishing a full-time Hong Kong degree. The first stay is 24 months. Greater Bay Area campus graduates may also apply.
NCENew Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
Launched on 1 March 2024. Net assets and investment of not less than HK$30 million each; see the scheme Rules for the details.
DEPDependant visa
While the main applicant holds a work or student visa, a spouse and children under 18 can join them, and their years count towards permanent residency.
The destination HKPRPermanent residency after seven years of ordinary residence
Section 2A of the Immigration Ordinance: seven years of continuous ordinary residence qualify you for permanent resident status. Days spent outside Hong Kong and the meaning of ordinary residence are the core points of dispute, and this site works through the case law in practice.
Latest policy readings
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Hong Kong Permanent Residency: Right of Abode, Welfare, Status
Hong Kong permanent residents' statutory rights: the four elements of the right of abode, and residence rules for education, medical, housing and welfare.
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DSE and Joint Entrance Exams for Children with Hong Kong Status
Children with Hong Kong status sit the Joint Entrance Examination with HKID, Home Return or Residence Permit; DSE holders apply via non-examination scheme.
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Moving to Hong Kong: visa routes compared
Compare Hong Kong visa and residency routes, including TTPS, QMAS, GEP, IANG and New CIES, with thresholds and seven-year path to permanent residence.
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Hong Kong Salaries Tax for New Arrivals: Filing, Allowances
Hong Kong salaries tax primer for new arrivals: scope, 2025/26 and 2026/27 allowances and deductions, BIR60 filing deadline and first-year procedures.
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Does Hong Kong Have Hukou? Permanent vs Non-permanent ID
Hong Kong has no household registration system: how permanent and non-permanent resident identity cards differ in law and what each status means.
Follow policy changes as they happen
Updated monthly with the latest Immigration Department data and amendments, so you can keep track of the Top Talent Pass Scheme, QMAS, IANG and other visa categories in one place.
See the policy timeline →