Hong Kong•AsiaASMTP — Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (輸入內地人才計劃)
At a Glance
4 weeks
HKD $1,200–$1,900
Varies by filing options
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Work scheme for Mainland Chinese professionals with job offers in Hong Kong, renewable for up to 36 months with a pathway to permanent residency.
The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) allows Mainland Chinese nationals to work in Hong Kong with no sector quotas. Applicants must hold a confirmed job offer proving the role cannot be filled locally. A bachelor's degree is typically required, though technical qualifications and professional experience may be accepted.
Initial stay is 36 months, renewable if employment continues. Fees are HKD 600 application plus HKD 1,300 issuance. Work is restricted to the approved employer; job changes require prior approval. Processing takes 4 weeks initially. Seven years of continuous residence opens a pathway to permanent residency. Spouses and unmarried children under 18 may accompany the applicant.
This visa is ideal for Mainland Chinese professionals seeking long-term career development in Hong Kong with family dependents.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Eligible Nationalities (1)
ChinaConversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Hong KongRight of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a resident of the Chinese Mainland.
No security objection and no known record of serious crime.
Good educational background (normally a first degree; technical qualifications or proven professional experience may be accepted).
Genuine job vacancy exists.
Confirmed job offer relevant to the applicant's academic qualifications or work experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local workforce.
Remuneration package is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in Hong Kong.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed application form (ID 990A).
Applicant's recent photograph.
Copy of valid travel document (e.g., PRC resident identity card or EEP).
Proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience.
Sponsoring company's application form (ID 990B).
Employment contract or letter of appointment detailing post, salary, benefits, and employment period.
Proof of company's financial standing (e.g., latest audited financial report, profit and loss account, or tax return).
Business Registration Certificate of the employer.
Details of company background (business activities, mode of operation, etc.).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Clear path to permanent residency after 7 years of continuous residence in Hong Kong
- Extended initial stay of up to 36 months with renewable 3+2 year extensions possible
- Top-tier professionals (≥HKD 2M p.a. income) qualifying for 5-year extensions without employment conditions
- Spouse can work without restriction; dependents (spouse and children under 18) can join applicant
- No sector-specific quotas or industry restrictions; applies to any field requiring professional expertise
- Streamlined processing for extensions (2–3 weeks vs. 4 weeks for initial application)
- Harmonized with General Employment Policy (GEP) criteria for international professionals
Worth Knowing
- Job offer from Hong Kong employer required and must be relevant to academic qualifications or work experience
- Two-tier fee structure: HKD 600 application fee + HKD 1,300 (stays >180 days) or HKD 600 (stays ≤180 days)
- Work authorization restricted to approved employer; must seek Immigration Department approval to change jobs
- Approval is discretionary and subject to government policy; mainland exit endorsement also required
- Initial processing takes normally 4 weeks from application submission
- Only qualifying for Mainland Chinese nationals (Peoples Republic of China residents)
- Requires confirmed job offer that cannot be readily filled by local workforce—local recruitment must be proven
- Employment-tied visa; losing sponsoring employer requires new offer and approval to stay
Application Process
Secure job offer
From Hong Kong employer, relevant to qualifications/experience
Check talent list qualification
If annual salary HKD 2M+, no local recruitment proof needed
Complete application
Technical Professionals Stream form or standard employment form
Gather documents
Job offer, educational credentials, work history
Submit to Immigration
Online via GovHK with HKD 600 fee
Await processing
Normally 4 weeks
Receive entry permit
e-Visa issued upon approval
Application Forms
Go to application portal| ID 990A | Fill online |
| ID 990B | Fill online |
| ID(E) 991Optional | Fill online |
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