The Highly Talented Persons (HSP) Scheme has been launched for nearly two years. The first batch of approved HSP talents have recently started to apply for visa renewal one after another, and it is expected that there will be a peak of visa renewal in the coming months.

On March 3, Hong Kong's Secretary for Labor and Welfare, Mr. Suen Yuk-han, posted a long message on social media, answering the public's most concerned questions about visa renewal.

01

Renewal of the High Talent Pass Scheme

Upon its launch, the High Talent Pass Scheme has quickly become a popular way for people to acquire Hong Kong status by virtue of its advantages of wide applicability, lenient conditions and speedy approval.

As at December 31 last year, in the two years since the launch of the scheme, the Hong Kong Government has received about 116,000 applications, of which about 92,000 were approved. According to an earlier survey, more than half of the senior talents who have come to Hong Kong have been successfully employed, mainly in management and professional fields.

According to Mr. Sun Yuhan, only 300-odd people were actually due for visa renewal as at the end of January this year. Initial observation shows that the senior talents who have successfully renewed their visas are engaged in industries such as finance, commerce and trade, and innovation and technology, and their employment is stable.

02

Lax renewal requirements for the Highly Talented Persons Scheme?

As we all know, the requirements for first entry applications under the Highly Talented Persons Scheme are relatively simple and do not require applicants to find a job beforehand. However, in order to successfully renew the visa, the high-caliber applicant must have already taken up employment or set up/participated in a business in Hong Kong. The Immigration Department (ImmD) will rigorously scrutinize the application to ensure that only those who meet the requirements will be able to successfully renew their visas.

Mode 1: Employment in Hong Kong

Factors to be considered: the employment must normally be in a degree position, the remuneration package must be at market level, the past and projected future income of the self-employed person must be at market level, economic benefits such as tax payment, etc., and the length of residence in Hong Kong.

Mode 2: Setting up or participating in a business in Hong Kong

Factors to be considered: the business does operate in Hong Kong, the operation is sound and sustainable, the business can contribute to Hong Kong's economy, the status of the business, e.g. turnover, financial resources, number of local jobs, etc., the economic benefits, e.g. tax payment, and the length of residence in Hong Kong.

Sun Yuhan humorously said that the relationship between talents and Hong Kong is like a couple. If the talents feel that the environment in Hong Kong is suitable, they will naturally stay; if not, a “peaceful break-up” is perfectly normal.

At the same time, it takes time for talents to adapt to the job market in Hong Kong, which is a normal interaction. Whether they can eventually renew their visas or choose to stay in Hong Kong for development depends on their personal conditions and a host of other factors.

From the end of 2022 to the end of January 2025, more than 440,000 applications have been received under the various talent admission schemes, of which more than 280,000 have been approved.

However, the Hong Kong Government has set a renewal target of 50,000 per year, with an overall renewal rate of less than 50%, which means planning for renewal is crucial.

If you are in need of visa renewal, please feel free to contact us and we will provide you with a customized solution.