Hong Kong, China — Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)

Hong Kong, China · Employer sponsorship · Summary: No quota and no industry restriction, with a relatively high approval rate. Employer vetting tightened in 2026: the company must have been established for at least 1 year, have a physical office address, and is advised to have annual turnover of HK$3 million or more, at least 3 local employees and continuous MPF contributions for over 6 months. An annual salary of HK$2 million or more qualifies for a 6-year long-term visa.

OutcomeInitial visa 2 years → 2+3+3 renewals; permanent residence after 7 years
Capital thresholdFull-time employment by a Hong Kong company in a matching role not readily filled locally
Investment / routeEmployment / self-employed entrepreneurship
Processing timeFrom approx. 7 days to 3 months
Residence requirementTied to the employer; changing jobs requires prior approval
CategoryEmployer sponsorship
The self-employed route (registering a company in Hong Kong and employing yourself) likewise requires genuine business, a fixed office premises, local employees and tax records.

FAQ

How much does Hong Kong, China — Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) require?

The current threshold is: Full-time employment by a Hong Kong company in a matching role not readily filled locally. The route is: Employment / self-employed entrepreneurship. Beyond the published threshold, expect government fees, legal fees and due diligence costs; actual outlay depends on the firm's quote.

How long until I receive "Initial visa 2 years → 2+3+3 renewals; permanent residence after 7 years"?

The typical processing time is around From approx. 7 days to 3 months. Actual duration depends on document completeness, background checks and official processing pace, and varies significantly by case.

Is there a residence requirement?

Tied to the employer; changing jobs requires prior approval

Anything specific for mainland Chinese applicants?

Terms may change as authorities adjust them, and practice can differ by consular district and over time. Where cross-border transfers or tax arrangements are involved, consult a professional adviser before filing.

Source: Immigration Department, Hong Kong, China - Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (official site) ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.

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