If you are looking to secure Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR), there are 3 top visa pathways: GEP, QMAS, and TTPS, which can all lead you there after 7 years of legal stay. But choosing the right one depends on your profile.
If you already have a job offer in Hong Kong, the General Employment Policy (GEP) is the most direct route. For highly qualified individuals without a job offer, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) allows you to enter based on factors such as education and experience. Meanwhile, the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is ideal for global professionals with elite degrees or high incomes, as no job offer is required.
All three visas are PR-eligible and serve different types of skilled professionals. Whether you're hired, hunting, or highly accomplished, there’s a Hong Kong PR visa path made for you.
What Is Hong Kong Permanent Residency?
Permanent Residency (PR) in Hong Kong gives you the legal right to live and work in the city indefinitely. As a PR holder, you’ll no longer need to renew your visa, and you can enjoy added privileges such as:
Freedom to work for any employer
Access to some social welfare services
Right to open and run a business
Easier family reunification
To qualify for Hong Kong PR, the baseline requirement is simple yet strict: 7 consecutive years of lawful residence in the city under an eligible visa.
General Employment Policy (GEP): For Skilled Professionals With Job Offers
The General Employment Policy (GEP) is one of the most traditional routes to enter Hong Kong as a skilled worker. It is a job-offer-based visa that allows foreign professionals to live and work in Hong Kong.
Key Requirements General Employment Policy (GEP)
A valid job offer in Hong Kong
The job must align with your qualifications and work experience
The employer must prove that the position cannot be filled by local talent
How GEP Leads to PR
Once you begin working in Hong Kong under a GEP visa, your residency clock starts ticking. After 7 continuous years under this visa, you become eligible to apply for Hong Kong Permanent Residency. This is a straightforward pathway ideal for professionals in IT, finance, law, healthcare, education, and other high-demand sectors.
Best For: Skilled workers with confirmed employment in Hong Kong.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): For High-Calibre Individuals Without Job Offers
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is a points-based visa designed to attract talented individuals who can enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness. The unique part? No job offer is required to apply.
How It Works
You’ll be scored based on criteria such as age, education, professional experience, language proficiency, and achievements. If your profile ranks high, you’ll receive an invitation to apply.
Once approved, you can relocate to Hong Kong and search for employment during your stay.
How QMAS Leads to PR
Although you don’t need a job to enter under QMAS, you must eventually secure employment to keep renewing your visa. After completing 7 years of legal stay, you’re eligible for Hong Kong PR.
Best For: Professionals with strong qualifications, multilingual ability, and leadership potential but without a job offer yet.
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): For Elite Professionals and Global Graduates
The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is Hong Kong’s newest and most flexible visa option. No job offer is needed to apply under TTPS. introduced to attract exceptionally skilled individuals and world-ranked university graduates.
Key Eligibility Criteria Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
Graduated from a top 100 university in the past 5 years, or
Earned an annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more in the last year, or
Possesses extensive experience in leading global companies
How TTPS Leads to PR
Once in Hong Kong on a TTPS visa, you are free to job-hunt, start a business, or collaborate with institutions. Like other visas, if you maintain a continuous legal stay for 7 years, you can apply for Permanent Residency.
Best For: High-earning executives, entrepreneurs, global talents, and recent graduates from elite institutions.
Visa Comparison: Which One Suits You Best?
All 3 are valid pathways to Hong Kong PR, but your choice should align with your career status, qualifications, and future goals.
What Should You Keep in Mind Before Applying?
Achieving Hong Kong PR isn’t just about choosing the right visa; it’s also about smart planning and legal consistency. Here’s what matters:
Stay Legally and Continuously: You must maintain legal residence for 7 uninterrupted years.
Visa Renewals Are Critical: Don’t let your visa lapse; renew it on time.
Track Your Stay: Keep documents like job contracts, address proofs, tax records, and visa copies organized.
PR Benefits Extend to Family: Once you get PR, your spouse and children may also qualify.
Final Thoughts: Which Visa Will Take You to Hong Kong PR?
Your path to Permanent Residency in Hong Kong depends entirely on where you stand today:
Already hired in Hong Kong? Go with the GEP visa.
Highly qualified but job-hunting? Consider the QMAS visa.
Top university grad or high-income earner? Explore the TTPS route.
Each pathway is legitimate, powerful, and capable of leading you to Hong Kong PR status as long as you stay legally and contribute to the city’s development.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
With the right visa, you can turn your Hong Kong dream into a permanent reality. Whether you're a skilled employee, a driven graduate, or an international expert, Hong Kong welcomes your talent.
Start now. Choose your visa. Secure your future.
