The Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) announced that starting at 11:00 a.m. today (Feb. 26), visa fees for multiple talent admission schemes will be adjusted. Applicants are required to pay an application fee and, upon approval, an issuance fee based on a two-tier system under the new fee structure.
Under the updated system, each application requires an application fee of HK$600, which is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The visa fees, to be charged based on the duration of the limit of stay, will be raised to HK$600 or HK$1,300. It is estimated that government revenue will increase by about HK$620 million per annum.
The adjustment covers various talent admission programs, including the Top Talent Pass Scheme, General Employment Policy, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates, Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents, New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Technology Talent Admission Scheme, and Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme.
The ImmD stated that the adjustment aims to further optimize the management of talent admission schemes and ensure effective allocation of resources. Applicants are advised to take note of the revised fee structure and prepare accordingly.
Previously, some visa fees under talent admission schemes were significantly lower. For instance, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme charged only HK$230 for visa issuance. The new adjustments represent a substantial increase in costs.
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