Hong Kong’s talent policies have achieved remarkable results, attracting top talent from around the world!

As of the end of July 2026, various talent admission schemes had received nearly 600,000 applications, with over 460,000 approved and more than 300,000 talented individuals having already arrived in Hong Kong.

In the “2025 World Talent Rankings” released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, Hong Kong climbed to fourth place globally—a record high—and ranked first in Asia.

These figures clearly demonstrate Hong Kong’s strong appeal to high-end talent and confirm that the Hong Kong government’s policies for attracting and nurturing talent in recent years have been both well-directed and highly effective.

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Nearly 600,000 Applications

What Does This Mean?

Over the past three years, Hong Kong’s various talent admission schemes have received a cumulative total of nearly 600,000 applications. Of these, approximately 300,000 were from mainland China, and nearly 110,000 were from non-mainland passport holders.

Behind these 600,000 applications lies the recognition of Hong Kong by highly educated and highly skilled talent from around the world.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong has jumped from ninth to fourth place in the global talent rankings, with its “attractiveness” ranking soaring eight spots to 20th.

This confirms one fact: Hong Kong is not only an international financial center but is also becoming a destination that global talent is flocking to.

As more and more people view Hong Kong as an ideal place for both career development and family life, it demonstrates that Hong Kong’s unique value is being widely recognized.

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Why is Hong Kong able to attract

so many global talents?

The answer lies in Hong Kong’s “hard power.” From career development to asset allocation, from family planning to lifestyle, every aspect is exceptionally robust.

Career Development: World-Class Platforms and Opportunities

Hong Kong is the world’s third-largest financial center, home to approximately 160 licensed banks and more than 800 financial institutions. The world’s leading investment banks, law firms, and consulting firms have all established their Asia-Pacific headquarters here. Whether in finance, law, or business services, the scale of the platforms and breadth of career opportunities here are rarely matched in Asia.

In addition, the Northern Metropolis initiative is moving full steam ahead, with an expected 150,000 new jobs in innovation and technology across sectors such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Hong Kong is not only a hub for finance professionals but also a land of opportunity for innovation and technology talent.

Business Development: A Strategic Hub Connecting the Global and Local Markets

For entrepreneurs, Hong Kong serves as a strategic fulcrum connecting the global and local markets. Its common law system and mature business environment make Hong Kong the optimal hub for Chinese companies expanding overseas and foreign companies entering the market.

With a maximum salaries tax rate of just 15% (standard rate) and no value-added tax or capital gains tax, the actual take-home pay in Hong Kong for the same income far exceeds that of most international cities.

Asset Allocation: A Global Free Port for Capital

Hong Kong has no foreign exchange controls on capital inflows and outflows. It boasts the world’s second-largest stock market and Asia’s largest international bond market, with assets under management exceeding HK$30 trillion.

For high-net-worth individuals, Hong Kong residency serves as a “global passport for capital.”

Family Planning: Diverse Educational Pathways

Hong Kong is the only city in the world home to five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. Eighty percent of the enrollment slots at Hong Kong’s eight major universities are reserved for local students, and DSE scores qualify students to apply to over 300 universities in Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas.

The 52 international schools across Hong Kong offer programs such as the IB, A-Level, and AP—providing diverse pathways whether students choose to pursue higher education locally or study abroad.

Lifestyle: The Convenience and Quality of a Global City

A Hong Kong passport grants visa-free access to 177 countries and regions, making global travel extremely convenient.

Hong Kong boasts a world-class healthcare system, with cure rates for many types of cancer ranking among the highest globally.

More importantly, with its close ties to the mainland, key cities in the Greater Bay Area are just an hour away—allowing residents to enjoy international resources without having to be far from family or their homeland. 600,000 applications, 460,000 approvals, and 300,000 people have already settled in Hong Kong—behind these numbers lie individuals’ choices for their future, and they serve as the best testament to Hong Kong’s global appeal.

Hong Kong offers a variety of mainstream application methods tailored to different groups. Xingyunhai International can customize the optimal solution for each client. Feel free to contact us anytime for a consultation!