Top Talent Pass Scheme and IANG in 2026: Eligibility and Application Steps

Hong Kong runs two prominent pathways for professionals and graduates who want to live and work in the city: the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG). Both are relevant if you plan to open a bank or brokerage account, sign a lease, or register a company, because a recognised visa status is almost always the first document a financial institution or landlord will ask for.

This article explains what each scheme requires, how the application works, and what you can expect after approval. It does not promote any agent or intermediary; you should always start with the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department for the latest forms, fees, and processing updates.

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Top Talent Pass Scheme at a Glance

The Top Talent Pass Scheme was introduced to attract high-earning professionals and graduates of top-ranked universities. Applicants do not need a confirmed job offer in Hong Kong before applying.

The scheme splits into three categories:

• Category A – for individuals whose annual income reached HK$2.5 million or more (or the equivalent in foreign currency) in the year immediately before the application. Qualifying income covers taxable employment or business earnings, including salaries, allowances, stock options, and profits from a company the applicant owns. Income from personal investments is not counted.
• Category B – for graduates holding a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university, who have accumulated at least three years of work experience in the five years before applying.
• Category C – for graduates holding a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university obtained within the five years before applying, but with fewer than three years of work experience. This category is subject to an annual quota, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. It does not apply to non-local students who completed a full-time locally accredited undergraduate programme in Hong Kong.

The list of eligible universities is maintained by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and draws on composites of global rankings. The Immigration Department publishes the current list on its website.

IANG at a Glance

The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) is designed for people who have obtained a degree or higher qualification from a full-time, locally accredited programme in Hong Kong. If you graduated from a Hong Kong institution, this is typically your first visa option.

IANG allows you to remain in or return to Hong Kong to work without needing an employer to sponsor your visa. In practice, many graduates use IANG to start working, change jobs, or launch a business immediately after graduation.

Application Process for TTPS

TTPS applications are submitted to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. You can apply from outside Hong Kong or, in certain circumstances, from within the city if you hold a lawful status.

The core documents differ by category, but generally include:

• A valid travel document.
• Proof of academic qualifications, where applicable. For Category B and C, this means your degree certificate, transcripts, and a verification report from a designated credentialing body. The Immigration Department specifies accepted verification channels.
• Proof of work experience, where applicable. For Category B, this typically means employment contracts, reference letters showing job title and period of service, salary records, and tax or social insurance records. Self-employed applicants should provide business registration documents, company incorporation records, and business transaction records.
• For Category A, proof of annual income of HK$2.5 million or above in the preceding year. For salaried applicants, this usually includes a tax assessment notice or tax payment certificate issued by the local tax authority, plus documents from the employer confirming the value of any stock options. For business owners, it includes a corporate tax assessment notice, tax payment certificate, and audited financial statements or profit-and-loss statements for the relevant company.
• For mainland Chinese residents, a letter of consent to work in Hong Kong issued by the applicant’s current employer or relevant Mainland authority is required.

The Immigration Department states that it normally processes a complete application within four weeks. Processing can take longer during peak periods or if additional documents are requested. Submitting a full set of documents from the start helps avoid delays, because a request for supplementary information can reset the queue position.

Application Process for IANG

IANG applications are also filed with the Immigration Department. Graduates of Hong Kong institutions can apply within six months after their graduation date without having secured a job. If you apply after that window, you will need to show that you have obtained an offer of employment in Hong Kong.

Documents typically required include:

• A valid travel document.
• Proof of graduation, such as the degree certificate and official transcript.
• Photographs and the completed application form.
• If applying more than six months after graduation, evidence of a confirmed job offer, including an employment contract and company information.

What You Get After Approval

Under TTPS, successful Category A applicants are normally granted an initial stay of 36 months. Category B and C applicants are normally granted 24 months. IANG holders are granted an initial period of stay under conditions set by the Immigration Department.

In both schemes, you can bring your spouse or unmarried dependent children under 18. Dependants apply for their own visas, and their length of stay is typically linked to the sponsor’s.

Extension of stay requires a separate application. For TTPS, the Immigration Department will consider whether you have found employment or established a business in Hong Kong. For IANG, the renewal criteria focus on your employment or business activity in the city.

Why This Matters for Banking and Trading

When you open a brokerage or bank account in Hong Kong, the institution will ask for your immigration status. A TTPS or IANG visa, together with your passport and proof of address, usually satisfies the residency documentation requirement. This is important if you intend to trade through a Hong Kong-based platform or hold multi-currency accounts, because your tax residency and visa category determine what products the institution can offer you.

Before applying, check the Immigration Department’s official website for the current application form, the latest list of eligible universities, and any updates to documentary requirements or processing times.