Hong Kong Expands Talent List for Fast-Track Visas: 60 Professions Now Eligible

Hong Kong has recently updated its Talent List, adding 60 high-demand professions. This expansion eases immigration rules for skilled foreign workers. The change aims to tackle local workforce shortages and attract global talent.

Overview: The Talent List

The Talent List is a government-designated compilation of professions in high demand within Hong Kong. It allows skilled foreign professionals to access fast-track immigration through key visa schemes. Programs like the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), General Employment Policy (GEP), and Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) facilitate this process.

Fast-Track Immigration for Skilled Workers

Eligible foreign workers can now benefit from streamlined immigration when applying for Hong Kong’s key work and talent visa schemes. Employers hiring under GEP and ASMTP no longer need to prove challenges in local recruitment. This change significantly expedites the hiring process for overseas talent.

Key Changes to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

The QMAS has undergone significant updates since November 1, 2024. This scheme now offers preferential treatment for applicants whose professions appear on the Talent List. Key features include:

• Applicants do not need a job offer before applying.
• Successful candidates can bring spouses and dependents.
• Regular selection exercises are based on specific assessment criteria.

Two assessment routes are available:

• General Points Test with 12 criteria.
• Achievement-based Points Test with 2 criteria.

Newly Added Professions

The latest update introduces nine new occupations across various sectors. These include:

• Financial Services: Accountants, financial professionals with Islamic market experience, and commodities trading experts.
• Innovation and Technology: Systems architects and patent professionals.
• Legal Services: Legal knowledge engineers.
• Aviation and Shipping: Ship surveyors, green shipping experts, and aircraft maintenance engineers.

Full List of Eligible Professions

The Talent List now includes:

• Actuaries
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
• Asset Management Professionals
• Auditors
• Biomedical Engineers
• Blockchain Specialists
• Chemical Engineers
• Civil Engineers
• Cloud Computing Experts
• Compliance Officers
• Construction Managers
• Cybersecurity Experts
• Data Analysts
• Data Scientists
• Digital Marketing Specialists
• Electrical Engineers
• Electronics Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Experienced Professionals in Commodities Trading
• Experienced Systems Architects
• Financial Analysts
• Financial Professionals with Islamic Market Experience
• Fintech Specialists
• Geotechnical Engineers
• Green Energy Experts
• Green Shipping Professionals
• Healthcare Specialists
• Human Resource Professionals
• Industrial Engineers
• Infrastructure Engineers
• Innovation and Technology Specialists
• IT Project Managers
• Legal Knowledge Engineers
• Logistics Managers
• Marine Engineers
• Marketing Analysts
• Mechanical Engineers
• Medical Scientists
• Mobile Application Developers
• Nanotechnology Experts
• Network Security Experts
• Patent Professionals
• Pharmacists
• Product Designers
• Project Managers
• Quantity Surveyors
• Renewable Energy Experts
• Research Scientists
• Risk Management Specialists
• Robotics Engineers
• Semiconductor Engineers
• Ship Surveyors
• Software Developers
• Structural Engineers
• Supply Chain Managers
• Sustainability Experts
• Telecommunications Engineers
• Urban Planners
• UX/UI Designers
• Web Developers

New Application Fee Structure

Starting February 26, 2025, Hong Kong will implement a revised fee structure for visa applications. This includes a new application fee and a two-tiered visa issuance fee:

• Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of HKD 600 per application.
• Visa Issuance Fee:
  • HKD 600 for visas valid for 180 days or less.
  • HKD 1,300 for visas valid for more than 180 days.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit applications via the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s electronic platform. For details on eligibility and application procedures, visit the official immigration website.

Conclusion

With the expanded Talent List and more immigration-friendly policies, skilled professionals now have enhanced opportunities in Hong Kong. These updates streamline the hiring process for employers and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global hub for innovation, finance, and technology.