Quick answer
The Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) is a fast-track arrangement for eligible companies to admit non-local technology talent to undertake research and development (R&D) work in Hong Kong [1]. Eligible companies must first apply for a quota from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) [2]. The applicant must be employed full-time in R&D, hold a STEM degree from a top 100 university (or demonstrate exceptional skills), and receive market-level remuneration [3]. Successful entrants are granted an initial stay of 36 months [4], with extensions possible under a 3-2 year pattern; top-tier entrants may receive 5 years [5]. Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea are not eligible [6]. Applications normally take two weeks to process [7]. Dependants (spouse, civil partner, unmarried children under 18) may accompany and are allowed to work or study [8]. Application fees are non-refundable, and visas are issued as e-Visa upon payment [9].
Key facts
| Visa type | Employment visa/entry permit for technology R&D[1] |
| Initial stay | 36 months (or contract duration if shorter)[4] |
| Extension pattern | Standard: 3-2 years; Top-tier: 5 years[5] |
| Processing time | About 2 weeks[7] |
| Dependants allowed | Yes (spouse, civil partner, unmarried children under 18)[8] |
| Excluded nationalities | Afghanistan, Cuba, Korea (DPR)[6] |
| Application fee | Non-refundable; visa fee payable upon approval[9] |
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam are not eligible for TechTAS.
You must be employed full-time by a Hong Kong tech company with a valid TechTAS quota and engaged principally in R&D in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, data analytics, financial technologies, or material science.
Your employer must have an approved quota from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) for your position, and the application must be submitted within the quota validity period.
You must either hold a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in STEM from a top 100 university with relevant work experience if only Bachelor's, or a Master's/Doctoral degree, or possess good technical skills and professional abilities on a case-by-case basis.
Hold a Bachelor's degree in STEM from a top 100 university (per QS, ARWU, or THE) AND have at least one year of relevant work experience in the technology area.
Hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in STEM from a top 100 university (no work experience required).
If you do not meet the degree requirements, you may be considered based on good technical skills, proven professional abilities, and relevant experience/achievements. Full justification and documentary evidence must be provided.
Your offered remuneration must not be lower than the prevailing market level for comparable jobs in Hong Kong.
You must have no serious criminal record and raise no security or criminal concerns to the HKSAR.
You must hold a valid travel document with adequate returnability to your country of residence or citizenship.
A visa fee per applicant and each dependant is payable upon collection of the visa label. Amount not specified in the guide.
Documents you'll need
Applicant
- Recent photograph [15]
- Valid travel document (or PRC resident identity card for Mainland residents without travel document) [15]
- Hong Kong identity card (if any) [15]
- Proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience, or proof of technical skills/professional abilities [15]
- For Macao residents: Visit Permit and Macao identity card [15]
- For Taiwan residents: Household registration transcript and Taiwan identity card [15]
- For overseas Chinese: Proof of overseas residence (if applicable) [15]
- For Mainland residents: Letter of consent from present working unit or relevant Mainland authorities [15]
Employer
Dependant
- For each dependant: recent photograph, valid travel document, Hong Kong identity card (if any), evidence of relationship (e.g., marriage/birth certificate) [17]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
1. The employing company obtains a quota from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) by submitting an application to HKSTPC or Cyberport [2].
- 2
2. Once the quota is allotted, the applicant (non-local talent) submits an online visa application via the GovHK website, uploading all required documents and paying the non-refundable application fee [9].
- 3
3. The employing company receives a link to complete its part by uploading the quota allotment letter, employment contract, and business registration [16].
- 4
4. The Immigration Department (ImmD) processes the application; normally takes about two weeks [7].
- 5
5. If approved, the applicant pays the visa issuance fee online and downloads the e-Visa [9].
- 6
6. Mainland residents must also obtain an Exit-endorsement Permit (EEP) and relevant exit endorsement from Mainland authorities [11].
- 7
7. On arrival in Hong Kong, present the valid travel document and e-Visa (on mobile device or printed) for immigration clearance [12].
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend my stay under TechTAS?
Yes. Persons admitted under TechTAS may apply for extension of stay within three months before expiry. Extensions normally follow a 3-2 year pattern (3 years then 2 years) on employment condition. If you qualify as a top-tier entrant (at least 2 years under TechTAS and income >= HK$2 million in the previous year), you may be granted a 5-year extension on time limitation only. [5]
Can I bring my family?
Yes. You may sponsor your spouse or civil partner (including same-sex relationships legally recognized outside Hong Kong) and unmarried dependent children under 18. Dependants are allowed to work or study in Hong Kong. [8]
What happens if I change employer?
If you are on employment condition, you must seek prior approval from the Director of Immigration. If the new employer does not have a valid TechTAS quota, you need to apply under the General Employment Policy or the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. Top-tier entrants on time limitation only need to notify ImmD in writing of the change. [13]
How long does it take to process the visa?
Normally about two weeks upon receipt of all required documents and the application fee. [7]
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The application fee is non-refundable in any circumstances, regardless of the outcome. [9]
What technology areas are covered?
As of the latest guide, the eligible technology areas include advanced communication technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital entertainment, financial technologies, green technology, integrated circuit design, Internet-of-Things, material science, microelectronics, quantum technology, and robotics. [14]
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
TechTAS fast-track arrangement for eligible companies to admit non-local technology talent for R&D work
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Eligible companies apply for a quota; company with quota can sponsor visa
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Eligibility criteria: security, valid quota, full-time R&D, STEM degree from top 100 or exceptional skills, market remuneration, specific particulars
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
Initial stay of 36 months on employment condition or contract duration whichever shorter
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Extension of stay following 3-2 year pattern; top-tier extension of 5 years if criteria met
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
TechTAS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Application processing normally takes 2 weeks upon receipt of all documents and fee
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Dependants (spouse, civil partner, children under 18) can accompany; dependants can work/study
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
Application fee is non-refundable; visa issued as e-Visa upon payment
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Top-tier extension criteria: 2 years under TechTAS and income >= HK$2 million in previous tax year
Technology Talent Admission Scheme Application Guide · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linkedFrom 2024 application guide
- [11]
Travel documentation for Mainland residents - need EEP and exit endorsement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [12]
Non-Mainland residents present travel document and e-Visa on arrival
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
Change of employment requires prior approval; if new employer no quota, apply under other schemes
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
Technology areas covered under TechTAS (advanced communication, AI, biotech, etc.)
Technology Talent Admission Scheme Application Guide · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linkedFrom 2024 application guide
- [15]
Applicant's supporting documents: photograph, travel document, HKID, proof of qualifications, etc.
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [16]
Employer's supporting documents: quota allotment letter, employment contract, business registration
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
Dependant's supporting documents: photograph, travel document, HKID, evidence of relationship
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Hong Kong's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Hong Kong's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.