Securing employment opportunities in Hong Kong

Known for its straightforward and simple income tax system, culturally diverse lifestyle, world-class education, transport infrastructure, healthcare, and more, Hong Kong’s bright lights have long attracted talent. What’s more attractive? Your effort will pay off. Hong Kong has one of the highest-paid job markets in the world, with an annual salary of around HK$780,000 (US$99,450) for managerial roles in Accounting & Finance, and HK$840,000 (US$107,100) for IT Project Managers in Innovation and Technology, according to Morgan McKinley’s 2023 Salary Guide 2023. Thanks to one of the lowest tax rates in the world, employees get to keep more of their salary than in many other countries.

Ready to thrive in one of the most dynamic cities in Asia? Get your journey started by checking out the Talent List, established by the Hong Kong Government, where you can browse through the most in-demand jobs in the city. The List comprises 51 professions under nine industry segments, namely business support; creative industries, arts and culture, performing arts; development and construction; environmental technology services; financial services; healthcare services; innovation and technology; legal and dispute resolution services; and maritime services.

Dubbed the International Financial Centre in Asia, corporates and financial institutions are demanding talent with extensive experience and knowledge in asset management, FinTech, actuarial science, and, particularly, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). The innovation and technology sector, meanwhile, is looking for data scientists, cyber security specialists, and artificial intelligence engineers. 

The Talent List outlines the qualifications needed, which vary for each type. Most include a Bachelor’s degree — some from specified countries depending on the profession — and typically a minimum of three to five years of experience. Relevant experience is specifically listed for the more artistic and non-traditional fields.

Even if your profession is absent from the Talent List, many other opportunities are available in Hong Kong. Many vacancies can be found on recruitment sites or employment agencies, such as CPJobs, CTgoodjobs, eFinancialCareers, Indeed, JobMarket, JobsDB, and more. Alternatively, from Hong Kong Talent Engage’s hot jobs, you will find a list of consolidated job opportunities from a wide range of industries, including banking & finance, innovation & technology, human resources, civil services, marketing & advertising, hospitality, and more. In parallel, the platform will also provide career consultation, working visa facilitation, and pre-arrival & arrival guidance to assist in a smooth transition to Hong Kong.

Once you’ve decided to make the move to Hong Kong, you will require a visa or entry permit to work here. There are several different admission schemes under which applicants can be granted a visa, presenting great opportunities to those keen to move to Hong Kong for work. Note that all these schemes are applicable to those whose role or profession is not one of the 13 mentioned on the Talent List.

The General Employment Policy (GEP) allows local companies to employ overseas talent possessing the right combination of skills, experience, and qualifications. For those applying from within the Mainland as a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, there is a special visa-granting scheme, the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP). A job offer is required before applying, and it must be genuine and of a good standard, in part proven by an industry-standard remuneration package. Applications for these schemes should be submitted by the employer and employee separately. The terms and conditions of these schemes are generally straightforward, such as the level of relevant degree and work experience, subject to security checks, and include spousal visas and visas for dependents under the age of 18. Both schemes should be applied for from overseas. They are quota-free, and processing is fast, typically taking just four weeks. Note that under GEP and ASMTP, employers who seek to fill vacancies falling under the Industry Segments and Occupations (ISOs) on the Talent List are eligible for the exemption from the market availability test, making applications easier for talent. 

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is a points-based scheme for highly-skilled talent. Under this scheme, talented individuals can consider applying for the General Point Test (GPT), while those with exceptional and outstanding achievements can consider the Achievement-based Points Test (APT). Note that successful applicants are not required to have secured an offer of local employment. The points are based on factors including age, academic and professional qualification, working experience, language proficiency, and family background. Of course, outstanding talent is also recognised: 30 bonus points will be awarded to professions found on the Talent List.  

The Top Talent Pass scheme (TTPS) is specific to those well-established in their careers who can boast an annual income of HK $2.5 million (or equivalent) or above within the 12 months preceding application. Those graduating from a list of the world’s top 100 universities — from the University of Sydney and Peking University to the University of Oxford and Carnegie Mellon University — are eligible, subject to relevant work experience. Successful applicants will initially be allowed to stay for 24 months.

A Glance at the Talent Admission Schemes (as of 24 April 2023) 

Talent Admission Scheme			Suitable for	Entry Requirement	Length of Stay
General Employment Policy (GEP)	General		Professionals from Taiwan, Macao and overseas who plan to establish or join a business in Hong Kong	Have secured a job relevant to their academic qualifications or work experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local workforce Have a remuneration package commensurate with the prevailing market rate Possess a good educational background, technical qualifications or proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements	2+3+3 years
	Top-tier				2+6 years
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)	General		Professionals from the Mainland who are interested in working in Hong Kong		2+3+3 years
	Top-tier				2+6 years
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)	General Point Test	General	Highly skilled or talented individuals who have not yet secured a job offer in Hong Kong but are interested in settling and working in Hong Kong	The prevailing minimum passing mark is 80, assessing factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and background Additional 30 points will be awarded if individuals’ professions are under the Talent List	2+3+3 years
		Top-tier			2+6 years
	Achievement-based Point Test			Additional 245 points will be awarded if individuals received outstanding achievements in their fields, such as an Olympic medal or Nobel Prize	8 years
Top Talent Pass scheme (TTPS)			Talent who have not yet secured a job offer in Hong Kong but are interested in settling and working in Hong Kong.	Annual salary reached HK$2.5 million or above in the past year (not subject to any quota), or Graduated from the world's top 100 universities with at least three years of work experience over the past five years (not subject to any quota), or Graduated from the world's top 100 universities in the past five years and have yet to fulfil the work experience requirement (subject to an annual quota of 10,000)	2 years

Not sure which schemes you should go for? Make use of the Admission Scheme Matching Tool, answer a few simple questions to find out which schemes are applicable to you, or follow the guidance on the Immigration Department’s website. With such an easy application and qualification system underpinning so many growing professions in Hong Kong, it’s the right time to consider moving.