Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 14 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Fast-track scheme for eligible technology companies to admit non-local R&D talent against a quota allotted by the Innovation and Technology Commission.
- Processing time
- Quota approval is handled by the Innovation and Technology Commission; the Immigration Department then processes the visa/entry permit application. Confirm current timing on the official page.
- Government fees
- A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Employment-based stay aligned with the company quota and the applicant contract; renewable subject to continued eligibility.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is a sponsor-led Hong Kong immigration route. Sources: official Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/hong-kong/technology-talent-admission-scheme#answer
What is the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China?
Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) is a sponsor-led Hong Kong route. Indicative government fees are A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page; indicative processing time is Quota approval is handled by the Innovation and Technology Commission; the Immigration Department then processes the visa/entry permit application. Confirm current timing on the official page; typical duration is Employment-based stay aligned with the company quota and the applicant contract; renewable subject to continued eligibility. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The Technology Talent Admission Scheme provides a fast-track arrangement for eligible companies to bring in non-local technology talent for research and development work in Hong Kong. The employing company applies to the Innovation and Technology Commission for a quota, and within the quota validity period it can sponsor eligible STEM degree-holders to apply for an employment visa or entry permit. Applicants must be engaged principally in R&D in a recognised technology area such as AI, biotechnology, fintech or cybersecurity.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓No security objection and no known record of serious crime.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓The employing company holds a valid quota approved by the Innovation and Technology Commission.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓The applicant is employed full-time in Hong Kong by the quota-holding company.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓The applicant is engaged principally in conducting R&D in an eligible technology area.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓A STEM degree from a well-recognised university, normally among the top 100 for the relevant subject (with experience requirements for bachelor-level applicants).Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Common blockers
- !The employing company has no valid ITC-allotted quota.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- !The role is not principally R&D in an eligible technology area.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- !A STEM degree from a university outside the recognised top-ranked list without sufficient alternative evidence of ability.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- !A bachelor-level applicant without the required minimum relevant work experience.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and personal particulars.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·STEM degree certificate and academic transcript.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Employment contract with the quota-holding company specifying R&D duties.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Evidence of the company ITC quota allotment.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Work-experience records where required for bachelor-level applicants.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the employing company holds, or is applying for, an ITC quota under TechTAS.
Build the evidence pack
Prepare your STEM degree evidence and the R&D employment contract.
Submit through the official channel
The company sponsors and you submit the employment visa/entry permit application to the Immigration Department.
After approval
After approval, begin R&D employment and track residence toward the seven-year threshold.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS).
Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) · verified
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Related routes
General Employment Policy (GEP)
Hong Kong's main employer-sponsored route for non-local professionals with a confirmed job offer that cannot be readily filled locally.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
Points-based talent route for highly skilled or talented people to settle in Hong Kong without first securing a job offer.
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
Talent route for high earners and graduates of top-ranked universities to enter Hong Kong without a prior job offer.
Entry for Residence as Dependants
Route for spouses, civil partners, dependent children and (for permanent-resident sponsors) elderly parents to reside in Hong Kong.
Frequently asked questions
How does the TechTAS quota work?+
The employing company applies to the Innovation and Technology Commission for a quota. Once a quota is allotted, the company can sponsor eligible non-local technology talent to apply to the Immigration Department for an employment visa or entry permit within the quota validity period.
What qualifications does TechTAS require?+
Applicants normally need a STEM degree from a well-recognised university, typically among the top 100 for the relevant subject on recognised ranking tables. Master and doctoral holders generally do not need prior work experience, while bachelor-level holders usually need a minimum of one year of relevant experience.
Can I apply for TechTAS myself if I don't have a Hong Kong employer?+
No. TechTAS is an employer-sponsored route: the employing company must hold a valid quota allotted by the Innovation and Technology Commission and then sponsor you to apply for an employment visa or entry permit. Without a quota-holding company employing you in an eligible R&D role, you cannot use this scheme.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in Hong KongHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR)
Last checked: 1 June 2026