On January 27, Hong Kong Immigration Director Guo Junfeng reviewed the work of the Immigration Department in the past year at a press conference.

He revealed the specific number of people who applied for Hong Kong identity and renewal in 2024, and outlined a series of optimization measures taken by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to attract and retain talents.

01

How many people apply for Hong Kong identity in 2024?

As we all know, Hong Kong is committed to becoming an international talent highland. To this end, the Immigration Department has implemented and optimized a number of talent entry programs. Due to the multiple advantages of Hong Kong identity, global talents are scrambling to apply, and the number of renewals has continued to remain high.

The latest application data is as follows:

Image source: Hong Kong Immigration Department

Currently, the mainstream channels for global talents to apply for Hong Kong identity include: the Mainland Talent Admission Scheme, the Quality Talent Admission Scheme, the Non-local Graduates Stay/Return to Hong Kong Employment Arrangement (IANG Scheme), the High-end Talent Pass Scheme, and the New Capital Investor Admission Scheme.

These five programs target different groups of people, each with its own requirements, conditions and advantages.

Judging from the application data, although the popularity of the Talent Scheme has decreased, it is still the most popular, with a total of 634.71 million applications received.

This may be related to the fact that some talents have turned to the High Talent Pass Scheme with a shorter approval cycle. The High Talent Pass Scheme has received 114,096 applications in two years since its launch, and 90,794 have been approved, showing its extremely high popularity and high approval rate.

Since its launch in March last year, the New Capital Investor Entrance Scheme has attracted 716 applications despite the high investment threshold of HK$30 million.

At the same time, the number of applications and approvals for the Specialist Scheme is on the rise, while the popularity of applications for the IANG Scheme has slightly decreased.

02

What "benefits" can Hong Kong identity bring

Having a Hong Kong identity has significant advantages in children's education, taxation, retirement, business, etc., making it a "hot commodity"!

▶ Advantage 1: Enjoy 15 years of free education in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, both permanent residents and non-permanent residents enjoy the same educational rights.

The 15-year free education implemented in Hong Kong has become an important factor in attracting mainland parents to choose Hong Kong education with its international teaching model, biliteracy and trilingual environment, small-class flexible teaching and strong teaching staff.

▶Advantage 2: Diverse paths for further study

⑴ Participate in the DSE exam

Students with Hong Kong identity can apply for 145 top universities in the mainland, such as Peking University and Tsinghua University, through the "Diploma Examination Admissions Program" with DSE scores.

At the same time, DSE scores are also recognized by hundreds of overseas universities, making it easier to apply directly to overseas prestigious universities.

⑵ Participate in the Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan

Students holding Hong Kong permanent resident status can apply for mainland universities through the Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The total score of the Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students is 750 points, but the admission score is much lower than the general college entrance examination.

In addition, candidates can also participate in the independent enrollment of colleges and universities to apply for six universities such as Jinan University and Shenzhen University.

▶ Higher salary

According to the latest data released by the Statistics Department. The median monthly employment income of Hong Kong citizens is as high as 21,900 yuan, and the financial industry is as high as 40,000 Hong Kong dollars.

▶ Passports can travel to 172 countries and regions without a visa

Currently, Hong Kong SAR passports can travel to 172 countries and regions without a visa, including developed countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Singapore, and Japan, providing great convenience for international travel.

▶ Tax advantages

Hong Kong implements a low tax rate and a simple tax system. The maximum personal income tax does not exceed 17%, and the corporate income tax rate is 16.5%. In addition, Hong Kong is also exempt from capital gains tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, value-added tax, sales tax and business tax.

▶ Better business environment

Hong Kong has significant institutional advantages under the "one country, two systems" policy. It has a separate customs area status, a zero tariff policy, a simple and low tax system, an efficient and clean government, and a sound regulatory system, which has built a fair and competitive market environment.

At the same time, Hong Kong's infrastructure, transportation and communication systems, professional talents and high-quality living environment are all world-class, attracting a large number of international talents and capital, making it an international financial and trade center and investment, transportation and logistics hub.

The advantages brought by Hong Kong identity are numerous, and the above content is only part of the highlights.

If you are eager to enjoy these conveniences, or want to learn more details, please contact Xingyunhai International, we will provide you with a tailor-made exclusive solution.