In recent years, Hong Kong has been actively attracting talents from all over the world.High Achiever ProgramWith its fast approval and clear threshold, it has become a popular choice for high-income earners and graduates of prestigious universities to acquire Hong Kong status. However, with the implementation of the New Deal 2026, the policy direction has shifted from "extensive absorption" to "accurate screening" and "enhanced contribution", with significant changes in both the application threshold and renewal requirements. Both the application threshold and the requirements for visa renewal have changed significantly. For those who are interested in planning their Hong Kong identity, it is important to understand the core of the new policy and make a compliance layout in advance.

I. The core of the new policy of the 2026 Highly Talented Persons Scheme: comprehensive tightening and focusing on substantive contributions

Policy adjustments in 2026 are centered around three main levels:Application thresholds refined, renewal requirements strengthened, approval logic optimizedThe policy clearly conveys a signal that Hong Kong not only welcomes talents to come in, but also cares about whether they stay and make real contributions. The policy clearly conveys a signal that Hong Kong not only welcomes talents to "come in", but also cares about whether they "stay" and make real contributions.

1. High-income category A corridors: tighter scrutiny, loopholes closed
In the past, there was some room for maneuver in terms of shareholding requirements for applying for the Highly Talented Person Category A (annual salary ≥ HK$2.5 million) on the basis of corporate profits. The new policy imposes rigid constraints in this regard: applicants who declare their company profits asContinuous holdings ≥ 50% for the full tax assessment yearFor example, if you apply in 2026, you will need to prove that you have held your shares from 1 January to 31 December 2025. For example, if you apply in 2026, you will need to demonstrate that you have held your shares throughout the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and "surprise operations" are no longer recognized.

At the same time, the cycle of income determination is also reviewed separately: personal salary bonuses are calculated on the basis of the 12 months prior to the application, while company profits need to be accounted for on the basis of a full natural year. This requires that the applicant's financial documents must scrupulously match the tax bill, audit report and business contract of the corresponding cycle. Happily, the new policy also brings benefits: Class A talentExtension of initial visa period from 2 to 3 yearsThe renewal model has been optimized to "3+3+2", providing a more stable planning window for top talents.

2. B/C access to prestigious schools: expansion of the list and tightening of scrutiny
The list of globally eligible universities has increased to 199, with Mainland universities covering all 985 institutions and new ones such asUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesHowever, the audit is also more stringent. However, the audit is also more strict: when renewing the visa, it is necessary to submit the degree certificate, transcripts and official academic certification, and those with incomplete materials in the early days may face the risk of making up documents or even refusing the visa. It is worth noting that the Highly Talented Pass B/C classOnly full-time undergraduate degrees are recognizedThe Master's or PhD level graduation from a top 100 institution is not recognized. 10,000 annual quota for Category C (less than 3 years of experience) is highly competitive and early preparation is required.

Second, the key to success: renewal planning needs to be preceded by the real connection is the core

Many applicants only focus on how to "get approved", but neglect the more important "renewal". According to the data, as of July 2025, only about 54% of the first batch of Highly Talented Persons (HTP) who have expired have taken the initiative to submit renewal applications. Among them, the renewal rate of Category A is about 77%, while that of Category B/C is even lower. This reflects that some of the applicants did not have sufficient advance planning and made hasty preparations before the expiry date, resulting in their documents failing to reflect their "genuine connection with Hong Kong".

The core framework of the Immigration Department's visa renewal vetting can be summarized as "Two sites and two orders":

• two sites: Proof of address in Hong Kong (rental contract/utility bill) and proof of office address.
• two orders: Salaries tax returns and MPF payment records.

This means that applications that are simply "linked" to a shell company or that lack real signs of residency will be difficult to pass. Successful renewals generally have one thing in common: after the status has been grantedRapidly establish business, employment and living links with Hong KongFor example, by registering a Hong Kong company and actually operating it, opening a bank account, paying MPF contributions and renting a long-term residence. For example, by registering a Hong Kong company and actually operating it, opening a bank account, paying MPF contributions, renting a long-term residence, etc., a chain of evidence of "material contribution" is systematically constructed.

Choosing a professional and reliable partner is crucial when building your Hong Kong business connections. Enterprise Caiying Group provides one-stop Hong Kong company registration, bank account opening and MPF custodian services, especially for the high talent pass person to open a green channel for the Bank of China account opening, simple procedures, efficient and compliant, for your identity renewal to provide solid support.Consulting phone: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjit.

III. Mainstream renewal pathways and programmatic recommendations

According to the new policy, there are four main paths for renewal of the Highly Talented Pass, and applicants need to plan ahead according to their own situation:

1. Employment in Hong Kong: The most secure path. Position and background matching is required. Monthly salary of not less than HK$30,000 is recommended, with full employment contract, salary flow, MPF and tax statement.
2. Entrepreneurial self-employment: Suitable for business owners or entrepreneurs. Need to operate a real Hong Kong company with an office address, business flow, employing local staff and filing tax returns in accordance with the law.
3. Cross-border work: For executives who are employed by Mainland or overseas companies but whose work is closely related to Hong Kong. Need to prove that part of the remuneration is paid by a Hong Kong company and taxed in Hong Kong.
4. Freelancing: Suitable for professionals, but with the most stringent vetting, long-term business contract, commission flow and proof of tax payment in Hong Kong are required.

If you have chosen the "Entrepreneurial Self-Employment" path but lack a clear business direction.Enterprise Finance GroupWe can provide you with the "Enterprise Empowerment - Startup Package", which includes a full set of services such as Hong Kong company registration, secretarial address, bank account opening and MPF opening. At the same time, we also innovatively launchMercado e-commerce escort businessWe provide you with real cross-border e-commerce operation support, which not only generates revenue, but also accumulates strong proof of business flow for the renewal of visa, realizing the dual planning of identity and career.

IV. Clarification of Frequently Asked Questions and Misconceptions

Q1: Will the application for permanent residence be affected if I cannot live in Hong Kong for a long time?
A: There is no mandatory requirement to reside in Hong Kong for 180 days per year, but you need to prove that Hong Kong is the "center" of your life. This can be demonstrated by renting/purchasing an apartment in Hong Kong, having children studying in Hong Kong, filing regular tax returns, paying MPF contributions, and having a stable local bank balance. The key is to establish a continuous and real connection rather than a temporary "punch card" residence.

Q2: Can I still apply for the High Talent Pass after failing the Merit Program?
A: Yes. Premier and High Talent are different programs and their applications do not affect each other. However, it is important to ensure that the personal information (e.g. work experience, income) submitted in the different applications is true and consistent, as any inconsistency may lead to an integrity challenge.

Q3: MPF contributions are crucial, how does it work exactly?
A: MPF is a key document to prove "genuine employment" and should be contributed on time every month. Employers and employees are each responsible for 51 TP3T, and if you are busy and worried about late payment due to missed contributions, you can entrust your MPF contributions to a professional organization.

Enterprise Finance GroupProvide professional MPF administrative hosting services covering contribution calculation, statement submission, platform operation and record maintenance to ensure that your MPF records perfectly meet the review requirements of the Immigration Department. During the New Year PromotionMPF account opening + 1 year custodian management feeFor only $4,500, it helps you save money and keep a firm hand on the renewal compliance bottom line.Consulting phone: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjit.

One-stop professional services, escorting the whole cycle of your Hong Kong identity

Hong Kong identity planning is a long-term and systematic project involving initial assessment, application submission, mid-term renewal and eventual conversion to permanent residence. Any flaws in the documents or planning errors in any one of the steps may lead to the failure of the previous work. In the face of increasingly refined policies, it is undoubtedly a wise choice to make use of the power of professional organizations to carry out forward-looking planning and compliant operation.

Enterprise Finance GroupDeeply involved in the field of corporate services and identity planning, we provide you with everything fromDomestic/overseas company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal, to cross-border tax planning and shareholding structure designWe have a wealth of successful cases. We have a wealth of successful cases, 2025 has helped 200 + customers successfully approved Hong Kong status, renewal success rate industry-leading. Whether it is Highly Talented Persons A/B/C Category, New Rules for Premium Talents or Specialized Talent Scheme, we can customize a solution for you.

If you have questions about whether you are eligible to apply and how to choose the optimal path.Enterprise Finance GroupfurnishFree Initial EvaluationService. Our team of experts (e.g. Ms. Wang Qin, a tax compliance expert) will provide you with accurate pulse checking, whether it is to reconcile the accounts to meet the income requirement of High Talent A or to design the optimal renewal plan, we can provide professional support. Scan the code to add WeChat now! Qicaiyingjituan or call 16620947137Get your own Hong Kong Identity Plan and take the first step to integrate into a cosmopolitan city.