Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme 2025 Eligibility, Process, and New Changes

Have you ever dreamed of living and working in Asia’s thriving business and innovation capital — Hong Kong? Well, now might be your golden chance! The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) — one of Hong Kong’s most ambitious global talent initiatives — is still open in 2025 and has just rolled out game-changing updates to attract high-performing professionals, fresh graduates, and global innovators like you.

Since its launch, the TTPS has already received over 99,000 applications, with more than 25,000 high-income professionals seizing the opportunity under Category A alone. Add to that a surge in top university graduates from around the world, and it’s clear: this program is reshaping the global talent landscape.

But here’s the thrilling part — Hong Kong is not done yet. Despite the overwhelming interest, the door is still wide open in 2025, and the city is actively seeking even more sharp minds and bold visionaries to join its future.

From extended visa validity to an expanded list of eligible universities, here’s everything you need to know about the TTPS — and why this could be your next big move.

What is the Top Talent Pass Scheme?

Launched in December 2022, the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is a special visa program designed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government still open for applications in 2025. Its goal? Attract the world’s brightest minds to live, work, and innovate in Hong Kong without requiring a job offer upfront.

Think of it as your fast-track ticket to one of Asia’s most vibrant economic hubs — no employment contract needed at the start!

Purpose of the HK TTPS Scheme

Hong Kong is evolving fast in tech, finance, green energy, health sciences, and more. The TTPS serves a strategic purpose:

• Revitalize Hong Kong’s workforce with globally experienced professionals.
• Pull in top-tier academic talent to research and collaborate with local institutions.
• Accelerate the city’s transformation into an international innovation and technology hub.

Eligibility for 3 Categories of Hong Kong TTPS 2025

There are three distinct categories under which you can apply for the Top Talent Pass Scheme:

1# Category A: High-Earning Professionals

• • Must have an annual income of HK$2.5 million or more (~USD 320,000) in the past year.
  • Ideal for senior executives, business leaders, and consultants.

2# Category B: Experienced Graduates from Top Universities

• • A Bachelor’s or higher degree from a university ranked in the top 100 globally.
  • At least 3 years of work experience in the past 5 years.

3# Category C: Fresh Graduates from Top Universities

• • Graduated within the last 5 years from a top 100 university.
  • No work experience required.
  • Annual quota: 10,000 places.

Note: No job offer is required for any of the categories at the time of application!

What’s New in TTPS 2025? — Game-Changing Updates

Hold onto your hats because the 2025 updates to TTPS are huge:

1# Longer Visa Validity for High Earners

• • Category A applicants now get 3 years (previously 2 years).
  • Approved applicants before October 16, 2024, can extend visas by 1 year unconditionally or up to 3 years if employed/self-employed in Hong Kong.

2# Expanded List of Eligible Universities

• • The list of recognized institutions has grown to 199 universities worldwide, opening doors to many more graduates.

3# Wider Renewal Application Window

• • You can now apply to renew your visa 3 months before it expires, instead of just 4 weeks.

4# No More Switching for Unemployed Visa Holders

• • If you’re unemployed and already on another Hong Kong employment visa, you can no longer switch to TTPS. This ensures the scheme targets fresh new talent from abroad.

TTPS Visa Duration Available in 2025

Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Application Process 2025

Application is done online through the official Hong Kong Immigration Department TTPS Portal https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/TTPS.html. You’ll need to upload:

• • Passport copy
  • Academic credentials or income proof
  • Recent photo
  • Declaration forms

Bonus: There’s no requirement for a local sponsor or job offer to apply!

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