TTPS Visa Renewal Hong Kong 2025: New Rules and Application Strategies
As the first batch of Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) visas have started to expire at the end of 2024, Hong Kong is now firmly in the next phase of its global talent initiative: retention. While the city’s efforts to attract top professionals and graduates from around the world remain strong, the need to retain this talent through a clear and predictable renewal process has become equally important.
A positive renewal experience is crucial. Not only does it give current TTPS holders the confidence to continue building their lives and careers in Hong Kong, but it also reassures new and prospective applicants about the long-term stability and opportunity the city offers. This dual focus on both attracting and retaining global talent helps Hong Kong minimise talent loss, grow its skilled workforce, and drive sustainable economic growth.
In light of this, the government has introduced several updates to the TTPS renewal process. Understanding how these changes affect current and future visa holders is key to maintaining the opportunity to live and work in Hong Kong.
2025 Changes to TTPS Renewal Requirements
The Immigration Department (ImmD) has implemented several significant changes to the TTPS renewal framework, fundamentally altering the requirements and timeline for extension applications.
Having Employment or a Business Is Mandatory
The most significant change in the renewal process is the requirement for full-time employment or business establishment. Upon expiry of the first visas, applicants seeking renewal must demonstrate either of the following:
Employment in Hong Kong at a level common for degree holders.
Established or joined a business in the HKSAR that’s operating sustainably, healthily, and contributing to the city’s growing economy.
For many TTPS holders, this requirement comes as a surprise as it is a departure from the initial application, which required no job offer or business plan. The visa’s original "come first, look later" philosophy allowed professionals to land in Hong Kong and explore opportunities. However, the current renewal process resembles traditional employment or investment visa requirements.
Extended Renewal Application Window
As of November 1, 2024, the Immigration Department allows TTPS holders to apply for a visa extension three months (90 days) before expiry of their limit of stay. This is an expansion from the previous four-week (28 days) window.
The extended timeframe benefits busy professionals who have already secured employment or established businesses. They can now gather documentation and coordinate with employers or accountants without rushing.
Trends and Insights from TTPS Renewal Data
Early data from the first wave of TTPS renewals reveals several important patterns and challenges that applicants should understand.
High Approval Rates Demands High Renewal Rates
With a successful talent attraction campaign resulting in over 92,000 Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) approvals and the first batch of visas expiring at the end of 2024, talent retention is now becoming as important as talent acquisition.
The substantial applicant pool signals a significant volume of upcoming visa renewals. Recognising this, the Hong Kong government has committed to processing at least 50,000 visa extension applications annually from 2025 to 2027, for talent admitted through schemes including the TTPS.
This target represents a 40% increase compared to the average annual visa extensions from 2021 to 2023, highlighting both the growing success of the TTPS and the government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining Hong Kong’s position as a global talent hub.
Streamlined Processing Time for Complete Applications
Early indicators suggest that the renewal process is highly efficient for applicants who submit complete and well-organised documentation. The Immigration Department reviews factors that demonstrate active participation in and contribution to Hong Kong’s growing economy.
Maintaining clear records of Hong Kong residence, local tax payments, and substantive employment or business activity can significantly strengthen a renewal application and help ensure a smooth approval process. From our experience, applications that thoroughly document all required information typically receive approval within the government’s stated two-to-three-week timeframe.
Hurdles for Mainland Chinese Applicants
Mainland Chinese TTPS applicants often face unique challenges during the renewal process. The most significant issue stems from difficulty in transferring capital to Hong Kong, due to strict currency controls and complex banking regulations.
These currency controls strictly limit the total amount of funds that can be transferred out of Mainland China each year, typically capped at USD 50,000 per individual. This shortage complicates every aspect of establishing a local business, whether it’s securing premises, hiring staff, or funding day-to-day operations, which in turn directly affects renewal eligibility, as applicants must demonstrate substantive local engagement.
Because of these hurdles, it is essential for Mainland applicants to start the process of opening a Hong Kong bank account and arranging compliant capital transfers as early as possible. Taking early action helps ensure that all business and banking arrangements are in place, reducing the risk of renewal rejection when the time comes.
Quick Visa Renewal Strategies for TTPS Holders
Success in the TTPS renewal process requires strategic planning and close attention to documentation requirements across several key areas.
Prepare Documentation Early
The three-month application window is not to allow for convenience or a reason to postpone action. Instead, it should be treated as a critical minimum preparation period to proactively gather, organise, and submit all required documentation to ensure a smooth and timely renewal process.
Documentation may include the following, but it’s best to check with your visa advisor.
Documents for Employee TTPS extension:
Signed employment contract detailing position, salary, and duration
Latest BIR60 salaries tax return or assessment notice
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) enrollment and contribution records
Evidence of actual employment commencement
Documents for Business Owner TTPS extension:
Business Registration Certificate and current company search
Commercial premises tenancy agreement (co-working spaces generally insufficient)
Audited or management accounts demonstrating local revenue
Staff employment records and MPF contributions for local employees
Business plan outlining economic contribution to Hong Kong
Problems With Freelance and Offshore Income (and its Solution)
Remote work arrangements such as freelancing or offshore consulting income generally do not satisfy the renewal criteria. To qualify for a renewal visa, applicants should be employed at a professional level typically held by degree holders, with a remuneration package that meets local market standards.
TTPS holders who rely on project-based work are advised to establish a Hong Kong-based business entity, receive remuneration through local payroll, and maintain full tax compliance in order to strengthen their renewal applications.
Note: This is not to say that freelancing or remote work is prohibited but rather these kinds of work don’t provide you with the documents necessary for the visa renewal.
Planning Your Long-Term Success in Hong Kong
Demonstrating genuine economic integration, whether through substantial employment or meaningful business operations, is now essential. Applicants who take a proactive approach maintaining comprehensive documentation and establish clear economic contributions position themselves for long-term success in Hong Kong.
However, navigating the renewal process can be demanding, especially when balancing business and professional responsibilities. Even minor oversights or documentation slip-ups can lead to delays or complications. That’s why many TTPS holders turn to professional support.
At Shepherd Asia, we combine in-depth knowledge of Hong Kong’s immigration landscape with practical, hands-on experience guiding clients through every step of the renewal process. By addressing both immigration and operational needs under one roof, we help clients navigate renewal with confidence and build a sustainable future in Hong Kong.