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Hong Kong Immigration: TTPS, QMAS & Work Visa Guide

Discover everything about immigrating to Hong Kong, from visa types to application tips in this essential guide.

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Why Migrate to Hong Kong from India? Key Benefits for Indian Professionals

Looking to migrate to Hong Kong from India, and what is in it for you? Hong Kong immigration does not come without its own benefits. There are a variety of benefits for Indian professionals eyeing Hong Kong immigration, and some of them are listed below:

World-Class Financial & Tech Gateway
Hong Kong is home to the world’s third-largest stock exchange and tech ecosystem. Over 40% of Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) approvals in 2025 went to innovation and technology professionals, underscoring the city’s commitment to high-growth sectors.
Unmatched Tax Benefits
Hong Kong have a progressive salary tax capped at 15% (or a flat 15% standard rate), zero capital gains tax, zero dividend tax, and zero inheritance tax, making it ideal for wealth accumulation and business expansion.
No Job Offer Required for Talent Passes
Both the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme and Hong Kong QMAS visa allow applicants to relocate without prior employment. This gives you the freedom to explore Hong Kong’s job market, network with industry leaders, or launch your own venture.
Spousal Work Rights
Dependent visa holders enjoy full, unrestricted legal rights to work or establish businesses in Hong Kong, doubling your household’s earning potential and career mobility. This makes Hong Kong immigration an attractive goal for dual-career families
Path to Right of Abode (PR)
After 7 years of ordinary residence, Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme and Hong Kong QMAS visa holders become eligible for Permanent Resident status and the prestigious Hong Kong SAR passport.
World-Class Healthcare and Education
Hong Kong offers a highly efficient public healthcare system with heavily subsidised treatment for residents. It has top-ranked international schools and universities, making it ideal for families seeking long-term stability and quality education.

What are the Types of Visas for Hong Kong Immigration from India?

The following are the different Hong Kong visa options for Indians, including work, study, business, and long-term stay visas, based on your purpose of moving to Hong Kong.

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Step-by-Step Hong Kong Immigration Process from India

The Hong Kong immigration process from India is straightforward. Immigrate to Hong Kong from India follows a clear, eight-step roadmap. From selecting the right visa scheme to obtaining your Smart HKID and eventual permanent residency, the process is completed in easy steps. Whether you’re applying under TTPS, QMAS, or GEP, this guide ensures you stay compliant, organised, and on track for approval.

  • Step 1

    Scheme Selection & Profile Evaluation

    Assess your eligibility under TTPS (Categories A, B, or C), QMAS (80+ points on the Hong Kong immigration points calculator), or GEP (employer-sponsored role). High earners (HKD 2.5M+) and skilled professionals should prioritise TTPS or QMAS.

  • Step 2

    Document Compilation & Verification

    Assemble the following core documents: valid Indian passport, Certified degree certificates and academic transcripts, Employment reference letters, Tax returns or income proof, and Language test scores. All documents must be notarised by a recognised authority.

  • Step 3

    Online Application Submission via GovHK Portal

    Complete the digital application form on the GovHK portal and upload scanned documentation to the Immigration Department (IMMD). Ensure all files are in PDF format and under 5MB each.

  • Step 4

    Application Review & IMMD Assessment

    Track your application status online via the IMMD dashboard. TTPS approvals typically take 2 to 4 weeks. QMAS takes 3 to 6 months depending on profile strength and sector demand. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

  • Step 5

    Visa Issuance & Payment

    Upon approval, pay the official visa fee of HKD 230 (approx. INR 2,480) via credit card or electronic payment. Download your electronic visa (e-Visa) from the IMMD portal and print a copy for travel.

  • Step 6

    Travel to Hong Kong & Immigration Activation

    Enter Hong Kong using your valid Indian passport and printed e-Visa slip. Present your documents at immigration control; you’ll receive an entry stamp validating your visa duration.

  • Step 7

    Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) Application

    Within 30 days of arrival, book an appointment at a Registration of Persons Office to register for your Smart HKID card. Bring your passport, e-Visa, and proof of Hong Kong address (e.g., rental agreement or utility bill).

  • Step 8

    Visa Extension & Permanent Residency (Right of Abode)

    Most schemes follow a 3+3+2 extension pattern. After 7 years of continuous ordinary residence, apply for Permanent Resident status and the Hong Kong SAR passport. Maintain tax filings, employment records, and HKID validity to demonstrate compliance.

Document Checklist & Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indians (PAR) Guide

Before submitting your Hong Kong visa application, ensure you have the following core documents ready in scanned PDF format (max 5MB each). Indian nationals must also complete Hong Kong pre-arrival registration for Indians for initial entry before their work permit is activated.

  • Valid International Passport: Scanned colour copy of bio-data page with at least 6 months' validity.

  • Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Slip: Mandatory 14-day tourist/business entry clearance for Indian nationals entering prior to work permit issuance. 

  • Certified Academic Credentials: Degree certificates and complete transcripts from recognised universities (English/Chinese, translated and notarised). 

  • Work Experience Certificates: Official employment reference letters outlining exact responsibilities, job titles, and duration (on company letterhead). 

  • Financial Evidence (Tax Returns / Bank Balances): Income tax returns proving HKD 2.5M+ for TTPS Category A, or bank statements showing self-sufficiency (HKD 120,000+ liquid) for QMAS. 

  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Character clearance issued by Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in India, valid for 6 months. 

Major Hong Kong Immigration Pathways: TTPS, QMAS, GEP & TechTAS

There are various major Hong Kong immigration pathways that one can opt for. Migrating to Hong Kong from India has several pathways available. For Indians seeking long-term settlement, Hong Kong PR for Indians is achievable after just 7 years of ordinary residence under any of these schemes. 

For Indians seeking a Hong Kong work visa, these schemes provide the most reliable route to employment and residency. Some of the most popular Hong Kong immigration pathways are listed below:

1. Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) 

Best For: High-income earners and top-university graduates seeking fast-track relocation without a job offer.

  • Eligibility:

    • Category A: Annual income of HKD 2.5 million+ (≈INR 2.7 crore) in the preceding 12 months.

    • Category B: Bachelor’s degree or higher from a top-100 global university (per QS, Times, ARWU, or US News) + 3 years of work experience.

    • Category C: Recent graduate (within 5 years) from a top-100 university (limited to 10,000 quotas/year).

  • Processing Time: 2–4 weeks for Category A; up to 8 weeks for B/C.

  • Initial Stay: 24 months (A/B) or 12 months (C), extendable up to 6 years.

  • Key Advantage: No job offer required; full work rights upon approval.

2. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (Hong Kong QMAS Visa)

Best For: Highly skilled professionals without a job offer, assessed via a points-based system.

  • Eligibility:

    • Minimum age: 18 years.

    • Good character, no criminal record.

    • Financial self-sufficiency (no public charge).

    • Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher (preferred).

    • Language proficiency: English or Chinese (IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent).

  • Scoring System:

    • Factors: Age (max 30), education (max 70), work experience (max 75), language (max 20), family background (max 20).

    • Minimum Threshold: 80 points (competitive approvals typically 120–150+).

  • Processing Time: 3–6 months.

  • Initial Stay: Up to 36 months, extendable.

  • Key Advantage: No job offer needed; path to PR after 7 years.

3. General Employment Policy (Hong Kong GEP Visa) 

Best For: Professionals with a confirmed job offer in Hong Kong

  • Eligibility:

    • Job offer from a Hong Kong employer.

    • The role requires skills, knowledge, or experience not readily available locally.

    • Competitive salary aligned with market rates.

  • Processing Time: ~4 weeks.

  • Initial Stay: 24–36 months, tied to the employment contract.

  • Key Advantage: Straightforward route for employed professionals; dependents can work freely.

4. Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)

Best For: R&D experts in 14 designated tech sectors (e.g., AI, fintech, biotech).

  • Eligibility:

    • Bachelor’s or higher in STEM fields.

    • Job offer from a Hong Kong tech company under the scheme.

    • The role must align with designated tech sectors.

  • Processing Time: ~2 weeks (fast-track quota).

  • Initial Stay: 24 months, extendable.

  • Key Advantage: Accelerated approval for tech talent; path to PR after 7 years.

5. New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)

Best For: High-net-worth investors seeking residency through capital deployment.

  • Eligibility:

    • Investment of HKD 30 million (≈INR 32.5 crore) in approved assets (stocks, bonds, funds, real estate excluded).

    • No job offer or business operation is required.

  • Processing Time: 3–6 months.

  • Initial Stay: 24 months, renewable.

  • Key Advantage: Passive residency for investors; dependents enjoy full work rights.

Pathway Comparison Matrix 

Immigration Scheme

Target Profile

Job Offer Required?

Key Eligibility Criteria

Initial Visa Duration

TTPS Category A

High-income professionals & entrepreneurs

No

Annual taxable income of HK$2.5M+ (INR 2.7 Cr+)

3 Years (Extended from 2 yrs) 

TTPS Category B

Experienced top university alumni

No

Bachelor's degree from top 100 university + 3 yrs exp

2 Years

TTPS Category C

Recent top university graduates

No

Bachelor's degree from a top 100 university (<3 years' experience)

2 Years (Annual quota 10,000)

Hong Kong QMAS visa (General Points Test)

Skilled specialists & managerial talent

No

Score at least 80/245 points on the General Points Test

3 Years (3+3+2 extension pattern)

General Employment Policy (Hong Kong GEP visa)

Professionals with a confirmed job offer

Yes

Relevant degree + prevailing market salary

3 Years (3+3+2 extension pattern)

TechTAS (Technology Talent)

R&D and STEM specialists

Yes

Company quota + Degree in designated tech areas

3 Years

Hong Kong QMAS 80-Point Assessment & Scoring Matrix

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) uses a General Points Test (GPT) to assess applicants across six key dimensions: age, education, work experience, talent list alignment, language proficiency, and family background, using a Hong Kong immigration points calculator.

To qualify, you must score a minimum of 80 out of 245 points, though competitive approvals typically range between 120 and 150+ points depending on sector demand and applicant profile strength. Below is the official scoring breakdown used by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Assessment Category

Scoring Breakdown & Criteria

Maximum Points

Age

18–39 years (30 pts)

40–44 years (20 pts)

45–50 years (15 pts)

30 Points

Academic Qualifications

Doctoral degree / Two Master’s degrees (40 pts)

Master’s degree / Two Bachelor’s degrees (20 pts)

Bachelor’s degree / Professional qualification (10 pts)

Bonus: Degree from top 100 global university (+30 pts)

70 Points

Work Experience

10+ years exp including 5+ yrs senior management (40 pts)

5+ years exp including 2+ yrs senior management (30 pts)

5+ years exp (15 pts) / 2+ years exp (5 pts)

Bonus: 2+ yrs international / overseas work experience (+15 pts)

Bonus: 3+ yrs innovative technology / startup experience (+20 pts)

75 Points

Talent List Alignment

Confirmed qualification meeting specifications on the Hong Kong Talent List (51 professions)

30 Points

Language Proficiency

Proficient in English and Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin) (20 pts)

Proficient in English plus another foreign language (15 pts)

Proficient in written and spoken English (10 pts)

20 Points

Family Background

At least 1 immediate family member is a Hong Kong permanent resident (5 pts)

Spouse holds a recognised Bachelor’s degree or higher (5 pts)

Underage unmarried children accompanying (5 pts each, max 10 pts)

20 Points

Total Maximum Score

Minimum Passing Score: 80 Points

245 Points

Hong Kong Visa Fees for Indians, Financial Requirements & Cost of Living (2026)

The Hong Kong visa fees for Indians for various visas are illustrated in the table below:

Visa / Permit Category

Official IMMD Fee (HKD)

Approximate Fee in INR

Payment Terms

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS e-Visa)

HKD 230

INR 2,480

Payable only upon approval

Hong Kong QMAS Visa / Entry Permit

HKD 230

INR 2,480

Payable only upon approval

General Employment Policy (Hong Kong GEP Visa)

HKD 230

INR 2,480

Payable only upon approval

Dependent Visa (Per family member)

HKD 230

INR 2,480

Payable only upon approval

Extension of Stay / Visa Renewal

HKD 230

INR 2,480

Per renewal cycle

Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR for Indians)

HKD 0 (Free)

INR 0

Free online registration

Financial Proof & Living Expense Guidelines 

Expense Category

Monthly Cost Range (HKD)

Approximate Monthly Cost in INR

Apartment Rental (1 to 2 Bedroom)

HKD 14,000 – HKD 25,000

INR 1.50 Lakh – INR 2.70 Lakh

Food & Groceries

HKD 4,000 – HKD 7,000

INR 43,000 – INR 75,000

Public Transport (MTR & Buses)

HKD 800 – HKD 1,500

INR 8,500 – INR 16,000

Recommended Financial Proof (QMAS Single/Family)

HKD 120,000 / HKD 240,000 (Liquid)

INR 13 Lakh / INR 26 Lakh (One-time proof)

 

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High-Paying Jobs in Hongkong

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Continued Support and Relocation Assistance After Arrival

Tailored Checklists Aligned with Your Program Requirements

Clear and honest Guidance

Comprehensive Visa and Document Assistance

Job Search Assistance

Preparation for Language Proficiency Tests

Conclusion

To summarise, Hong Kong is a popular choice for Indians in 2026 because of its strong job market, low taxes, safe environment, and good quality of life. With the right support from Hong Kong immigration consultants, the visa process becomes easier and more organized.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)?

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is a fast-track immigration scheme for the attraction of high earners and graduates from the top 100 universities globally. It allows for entry without a job offer and has 3 year visas for Category A and 2 year visas for Categories B and C.

Do I need a job offer to apply for TTPS or QMAS?

No. Both TTPS and QMAS are talent attraction initiatives that allow qualified applicants to obtain visas and enter Hong Kong without an existing employment offer. You can explore the market, secure a job, or start a business after landing.

What are the eligible Indian universities for TTPS?

Eligible universities include institutions listed in the global top 100 of the four major ranking tables (QS, Times Higher Education, ARWU Shanghai, US News) as recognised by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, including qualifying Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and premier national institutes.

What is the minimum passing score for Hong Kong QMAS?

Under the QMAS General Points Test (GPT), applicants must score at least 80 points out of a maximum of 245 points based on age, academic qualifications, work experience, Talent List alignment, language skills, and family background.

How much are Hong Kong immigration visa fees?

Official Hong Kong Immigration Department fees are HKD 230 (approximately INR 2,480) per visa. There is no fee to submit your initial application; the HKD 230 fee is only payable after your visa is officially approved upon downloading your electronic e-Visa.

How long does it take to get a Hong Kong work visa from India?

TTPS applications are usually processed in 2 to 4 weeks (often within 14 days). Standard General Employment Policy (GEP) work visas take 4 to 6 weeks, while QMAS applications take approximately 3 to 6 months due to committee review.

Can my spouse work in Hong Kong on a dependent visa?

Yes. Spouses admitted to Hong Kong under a dependent visa sponsored by a talent visa holder (TTPS, QMAS, GEP) have full, unrestricted permission to take up employment or engage in business in Hong Kong without needing a separate work permit.

How can I get Permanent Residency (Right of Abode) in Hong Kong?

You can apply for Permanent Residency (Right of Abode) and obtain a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card (HKID) after residing in Hong Kong continuously and lawfully for a minimum period of 7 years on qualifying resident visas.

What is Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) for Indian citizens?

Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) is a mandatory, free online entry registration for Indian passport holders visiting Hong Kong for short-term tourism or business. It allows multiple entries of up to 14 days per visit during its 6-month validity period.

What is the tax rate on income in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong operates a territorial tax system with some of the lowest rates in the world. Salaries tax is charged on a progressive scale from 2% to 17%, or capped at a standard flat rate of 15%. There is zero capital gains tax, zero dividend tax, and zero inheritance tax.

What is the Hong Kong Talent List bonus in QMAS?

Applicants whose professional background and qualifications match one of the 51 professions on the official Hong Kong Talent List (spanning financial services, innovation and technology, aviation, healthcare, and green finance) receive a bonus of 30 points on the QMAS General Points Test.

How does TerraTern help with Hong Kong immigration?

TerraTern provides complete end-to-end assistance, including eligibility assessment for TTPS and QMAS, high-earner tax documentation restructuring, digital application filing via the GovHK portal, PCC assistance, dependent visa management, and arrival onboarding for HKID registration.