Since its launch, the Hong Kong High Achievers Programme (HATP) has been recognized byUltra-high approval rate for 80%Nearly 109,000 high-end talents have been attracted to Hong Kong. However, with the shift of Hong Kong's talent policy from "recruitment" to "selection and retention" in 2025-2026.Renewal of High Talent Pass is becoming a key battle to determine whether or not you can obtain permanent residence in Hong Kong.The

The latest figures show that of the first batch of expiring Hi-Tech visas, theNearly half of applicants fail to submit renewal applicationsThis means that if the renewal fails or is missed, the opportunity to obtain permanent residence in Hong Kong through this route will be permanently lost.

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01. Policy turning point: from "grabbing talents" to "retaining talents" substantive change

The Hong Kong Highly Talented Persons (HSP) Scheme has achieved remarkable results, and by 2025, over230,000 talentsEntry into Hong Kong through various schemes, of which the Highly Talented Persons (HTP) has been approved95% Monthly income exceeds HK medianThe total number of jobs brought to Hong Kong is aboutHK$34 billionof the annual economic contribution.

But behind the data lies a challenge: the first expiring13,678Of the Highly Talented Visa, only7,394submit renewal applications, the renewal application rate is only54%The

This figure clearly reflects the strategic adjustment of Hong Kong's talent policy - from pursuing quantity to focusing on quality, and from "grabbing talents" to "grabbing talents" in general. "Retaining Talent, Utilizing Talent" . Through the renewal process, the Immigration Department is screening out talents who are genuinely willing and able to make long-term contributions to Hong Kong.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search) or scan the QR code below to add!

02, 2026 High Talent Pass Renewal New Regulations Core Interpretation: Loosening and Tightening Together

2026 Hong Kong High Achiever Renewal Policy Showing "More favorable to top talent, more stringent to general applicants" The dual character of the change is reflected in the following aspects:

Extension of the first signature period: First-time visas for Category A applicants (with personal taxable income ≥ HK$2.5 million in the 1 year prior to application) have been extended uniformly from 2 years to 3 years. This adjustment evenBenefit about 21,000 Category A talents who have been approved by 2025, they can apply for an unconditional 1-year extension from November 2025 onwards.

Direct channel for top talents: If the applicant's assessable income for salaries tax for the preceding year of assessment amounts to $4,000,000, the applicant is liable to pay $4,000,000 in salaries tax.HK$2 million or above(e.g., financial executives, tech business owners, etc.), can apply for a "3+6" renewal modelThe first 3-year renewal is directly renewable for 6 years, which significantly reduces the frequency of renewals.

Tightening of auditing standards across the board: The Immigration Department has explicitly based "Two sites, two orders + substantive contribution" as the core review criteria:

• "Two Addresses": Proof of Residential Address and Office Address in Hong Kong
• "Two Bills": Salaries Tax Bill and Profits Tax Bill
• "Substantial contribution": real employment or business operations that actually contribute to the Hong Kong economy

Authenticity of materials becomes a red line: False affiliation, shell companies and other behaviors, once discovered, will not only lead to visa refusal, but may also face legal liability. The renewal application rate of about 55% also warns applicants:Materials must be prepared truthfully, completely and convincinglyThe

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search) or scan the QR code below to add!

03. Analysis of the four major visa renewal routes: How to prove your "Hong Kong connection"

Renewal of the Hong Kong High Talent Pass is mainly realized through four ways, each of which has its own core examination dimensions:

Renewal of employment: The most common way to renew a visa. It is necessary to prove that the position matches the applicant's academic and professional background, that the salary is at market level (usually a monthly salary of HK$30,000 or more will generate tax records), and to provide a complete employment contract, tax statement and MPF records.

Setting up a company in Hong Kong: Suitable for start-ups and entrepreneurs. Focuses on whether the companyReal Operations(not a shell company), whether it has actual turnover, local employees, office space and tax records. Even if the company is losing money in the short term, it still has a chance of being approved as long as it has the potential to operate on a sustainable basis.

Non-contractual employment: Applicable to freelancers, insurance agents, etc. Proof of long-term stable income (recommended to be no less than HK$30,000 per month on average), proof of client resources and tax records are required to prove the continuity and compliance of income.

Transfers within cross-border enterprises: Suitable for executives already working in Mainland or overseas companies. Requires an annual salary ofHK$1.2 millionand can provide records of salaries tax payment in Hong Kong for the previous tax year to prove their tax contribution to Hong Kong.

Regardless of which path you choose, the core logic is to prove that you "Sustained contribution to Hong Kong's economy, with personal development closely linked to Hong Kong"The

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search) or scan the QR code below to add!

04 Checklist for visa renewal: the details make the difference

Application for renewal of Hong Kong Highly Talented Persons Visa should be made before the expiry of the limit of stay.Within 3 monthssubmitted, and mustIn person in Hong Kong.. Below is a list of required materials:

Individual Basic Documents: Hong Kong Identity Card, valid travel document (passport or Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit).

Supplementary proof of academic qualifications: Category B/C applicants are required to provide degree authentication documents (Xuexin.com authentication for Mainland qualifications, and Stay Service authentication for overseas qualifications).

Proof of Income and Employment(Core documents): Proof of employment, employment contract, recent 6-12 months' salary slips and bank statements, MPF contribution records, salaries tax returns or notices of assessment.

Proof of Company Operation(if applicable): Business registration certificate, audited financial statements, business development plan (including sources of funding, projected turnover, local recruitment plan, etc.).

Proof of residence in Hong KongValid rental contract (stamped with a "centi seal") or real estate license, and supporting documents may include utility bills, property management documents, etc.

Certificate of social integration(Extra points): Record of participation in local community activities, proof of family members living in Hong Kong (e.g. proof of children studying in Hong Kong).

Particular attention should be paid to the fact thatSalaries tax or profits tax return must be submitted for the second renewal.This means that applicants must plan their tax returns in advance to ensure that they have a complete tax record.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search) or scan the QR code below to add!

05. Cases of Success and Failure: The True Story of the Renewal of Highly Talented Passes

By comparing the two real cases, we can have a clearer understanding of the vetting criteria of the Immigration Department:

Success story: Ms. C (category C)
Ms. C was approved for the High Talent Pass in February 2023, activated her status in the same month, stayed in Hong Kong frequently and rented an apartment for a long period of time. in June 2023, the business she set up in Hong Kong achieved real operation, generated profits and paid MPF and tax in accordance with the law. Eventually, her application for visa renewalApproved for 3 years in just 14 daysThe

Failure: Mr. W (category B)
Mr. W was approved in March 2023 and activated in April, but he only travels to Hong Kong irregularly every month and has no fixed residential address. He claimed to have started a business in Hong Kong in November 2024, but the company had not actually operated, paid salaries or made MPF contributions. As a result, his renewal applicationApproved for only 0.5 years after 21 daysThe

The comparison of these two cases clearly demonstrates the vetting preference of the ImmD:Real Hong Kong connections, stable revenue contributionis a core element of successful visa renewal, while formalized presence in Hong Kong and weak ties can lead to short-term renewals or even refusals.

The prime application window for Hong Kong's Highly Talented Persons (HTP) is narrowing., and the battle for renewal has already been fought. Of the more than 230,000 talented people, only those who can prove that they have a genuine and deep connection with Hong Kong will eventually be granted permanent resident status.

The policy has sent a clear signal that what Hong Kong needs isLong-term contributors, rather than short-term transients. Whether renewed through employment, entrepreneurship or otherwise.Advance planning, real inputs, compliant operationsIt's the key to success.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search) or scan the QR code below to add!