Hong Kong has gained a reputation for its unique cultural fusion, making it a fascinating and vibrant city to explore. It boasts world-class infrastructure, including modern transportation systems, an efficient public transit network, and state-of-the-art facilities. The city is known for its iconic skyline, featuring towering skyscrapers and architectural marvels.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stands out as one of the most cosmopolitan cities within the People’s Republic of China. Known for its vibrant and diverse population, Hong Kong offers a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and influences from around the world.
As a global financial hub and a major international business centre, Hong Kong attracts people from various backgrounds, making it a truly cosmopolitan city. The dynamic atmosphere and multiculturalism create a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and perspectives, fostering an environment that thrives on diversity and cross-cultural interactions.
(Applicants need to complete a points-based test under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme)
An important financial and trading center in a stable economic and political environment
Founded on the English common law and regulated transparently
The premier gateway for trade and investment between mainland China and the rest of the world
One of the world’s freest economies
Capital flows into and out of Hong Kong are unrestricted
Dollar-linked, convertible, and stable currency
With excellent communication infrastructure, it is a global communications hub
It is home to the world’s busiest container port and a world-class international airport
An individual and business taxation system that is favourable
On 15 January 2015, the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was officially suspended. For individuals wishing to become residents of Hong Kong, there are alternative routes available. They are as follows:
1- The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme aims to attract highly skilled or talented migrants to Hong Kong in order to boost the economy, except for Afghan, Cuban, Laotian, Korean (Democratic People’s Republic of), Nepalese, and Vietnamese nationals.
The following prerequisites must be met before an applicant can receive points in either of the two points-based tests below (qualified individuals from the Talent List are eligible for bonus points under the QMAS):
A passing score on the General Points Test is 80 out of 225, which is divided into five categories, including age, academic or professional qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and family background.
For applicants who have been awarded exceptional achievement awards (such as Olympic medals, Nobel Prizes, national or international awards) or who can demonstrate that their work has been recognized by their peers or has made significant contributions to the development of their field (such as an industry lifetime achievement award). A candidate who meets one of the criteria under this test will be awarded 225 points; otherwise, no points will be awarded and the application will be rejected.
2-General Employment Policy, which describes the requirements for persons seeking employment in the HKSAR or staying there
If you meet these criteria, you may apply to work under the GEP if you possess special skills, knowledge, or experience that are not readily available in Hong Kong:
The applicant has a good educational background, usually a first degree in a relevant field
A genuine job opening exists
A confirmed offer of employment has been made to the applicant, and he/she is employed in a job related to the applicant’s academic qualifications or work experience which cannot be taken up by the local workforce
As a general rule, the remuneration package includes income, accommodation, medical insurance, and other fringe benefits at or below the market level for professionals in Hong Kong.
3- Investing as an Entrepreneur means establishing or joining a business as an entrepreneur under the General Employment Policy to enter or stay in the HKSAR
A first degree in a relevant field is usually required of applicants. The applicant will need to establish or join a start-up business and be in a position to make a substantial contribution to Hong Kong’s economy, including, but not limited to: business plan, business turnover, financial resources, employment opportunities locally, and introduction of new technology or skills.
A Chinese national holding a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China who meets the above criteria and meets the normal immigration requirements may apply for an HKSAR Investment as Entrepreneurs visa if they have permanent residency overseas or if they have lived overseas for at least one year prior to submitting their application. In this context, ‘Overseas’ refers to areas outside mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Macao Special Administrative Region.