Non-local technology talents coming to Hong Kong through the Technology Talent Admission Scheme must meet the following conditions-

a.) Full-time employees of Hong Kong company working in Hong Kong;

b.) Mainly engaged in advanced communication technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, network security, data analysis, digital entertainment, financial technology, green technology, integrated circuit design, Internet, materials science, microelectronics, quantum technology or robotics technology research and development work;

c.) Hold a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics ("STEM") from a specially recognized university. Universities with special recognition include the "QS World University Rankings", "London Times Higher Education World University Rankings", "Academic Ranking of World Universities" (Shanghai Jiao Tong University) (also known as "Shanghai Ranking") and "U.S. News" The World Report’s World University Rankings recently announced the top 100 universities in STEM-related rankings. No work experience is required for those holding a master's or doctoral degree, while those holding a bachelor's degree must have at least one year of work experience in a related technology field; and

d.) Their salary should not be lower than the current market salary level for similar positions in Hong Kong.

Technological talents who do not meet the academic requirements in paragraph (c) above, but have good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements in specific fields, can still be based on sufficient grounds if documented evidence is available. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Non-local technology talents who plan to come to Hong Kong must mainly engage in research and development work in specific technology fields. Therefore, staff who mainly focus on teaching work do not meet this requirement.

Technological talents admitted to Hong Kong under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme will generally be allowed to stay in Hong Kong in an employment capacity for 36 months upon first entry or according to the validity period of their employment contracts (whichever is shorter). They may apply to extend their stay within four weeks before the expiry of their stay. Applications will only be considered if the applicant still meets the program's eligibility criteria. Successful applicants will still stay in Hong Kong in an employment capacity, and their extension of stay will usually be granted on a 3-2 year basis or according to the validity period of their employment contract (whichever is shorter).

Persons admitted to Hong Kong under this scheme who still meet the application qualifications stipulated in the Technology Talent Admission Scheme and the conditions set out in the following paragraphs may submit their application for extension of stay under the Top Talent Pass Scheme for review. If approved, they will generally be allowed to extend their stay for five years without any other conditions of stay.

The application requirements for the Top Talent Pass Scheme are as follows:

a.) The applicant has been approved to work in Hong Kong for not less than two years under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme; and

b.) The applicant’s salary tax assessable income in the previous year of assessment is HK$2 million or more.

Technology talents who are admitted to Hong Kong as employees under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme can only engage in employment work approved by the Director of Immigration. They must obtain prior approval from the Director of Immigration before changing jobs.

If the newly hired company has a valid quota under the "Technology Talent Admission Scheme", the relevant technology talent can apply to the Immigration Department for a work visa/entry permit according to the scheme. If the newly hired company does not have a valid quota under the "Technology Talent Admission Scheme", the relevant person should submit a new application in accordance with the "General Employment Policy" or the " Admission Scheme for Mainland Talent ", and the application will be reviewed and approved according to the relevant entry scheme.