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Visas Overview →
Hong Kong Technology Talent Admission Scheme Visa
(Tech TAS)
The Technology Talent Admission Scheme, or TechTAS, is a streamlined Hong Kong immigration route that lets eligible technology companies bring in non-local talent to carry out research and development work. It runs in two steps: an eligible company first secures a quota from the Innovation and Technology Commission, then sponsors the chosen specialist for an employment visa within the quota's validity. Because the company has already shown at the quota stage that the talent is in short supply, the visa step is designed to be shorter than a standard application. Whether you are a technology firm hiring R&D talent or a specialist joining one, this guide explains how the TechTAS visa works and how we manage it end to end.
Technology Talent Admission Scheme at a Glance
Technology Talent Admission Scheme — Key Facts
Who it suits
Technology companies hiring R&D talent, and the specialists joining them
Structure
Two steps, a company quota and then an employment visa under that quota
Quota issued by
The Innovation and Technology Commission
Quota validity
24 months to use the allotted places
Job offer
Required, since the talent is employed by the sponsoring company
Eligible fields
R&D in designated technology areas such as AI, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and robotics
Visa processing
The Immigration Department aims for a shorter window, often around two weeks once documents are complete
Dependents
A spouse and unmarried children under 18 may join
Pathway
Permanent residency after seven years of continuous ordinary residence
Service fee
Contact us for a quotation
Want to know whether your company qualifies for a quota, or whether a role fits the scheme? You can check eligibility or book a consultation with our team to plan the next step.
Who the Technology Talent Admission Scheme Is For
For Applicants
If you are a non-local technology specialist with an offer from an eligible Hong Kong company, TechTAS is the route that brings you in to carry out research and development work. The company sponsors you under a quota it has already secured, and because the talent shortage is shown at the quota stage, your visa step is designed to move faster than a standard application.
For Employers
If your company carries out research and development in a designated technology area, TechTAS lets you bring in overseas or Mainland specialists without proving a recruitment failure for each individual hire. You first secure a quota from the Innovation and Technology Commission, then sponsor each specialist for an employment visa within the quota period. Most companies bring us in to manage both the quota application and the visa step.
Eligibility Criteria for the Technology Talent Admission Scheme
For Applicants
To take up employment under TechTAS, you generally need to:
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Be principally engaged in conducting technology-related research and development for the sponsoring company.
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Hold relevant qualifications, normally a degree in a related science or technology field from a well-recognized university, or equivalent technical expertise and experience.
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Be employed full-time by the company that holds the quota, at a salary in line with prevailing market rates.
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Have no security objection and no record of serious crime.
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Match the role set out in the company's quota allotment.
For Employers
To apply for a quota, your company must:
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Have substantive business in Hong Kong and a valid Business Registration Certificate.
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Be engaged in research and development in one of the designated technology areas, such as advanced communication technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital entertainment, financial technologies, green technology, integrated circuit design, the Internet of Things, material science, microelectronics, quantum technology, or robotics.
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Meet the local employment requirement, by employing one new local full-time employee and two local interns in technology-related posts for every three non-local people admitted.
Each successful company can be allotted a quota of up to 100 people a year, valid for 24 months. The designated technology areas and the eligibility standards are set by the government and can change, so confirm the current position with us.
Entry of Dependents Under the Scheme
A specialist admitted under TechTAS can apply to bring a spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 to Hong Kong, provided they can support and accommodate the family without relying on public assistance. A dependent's limit of stay is normally linked to that of the sponsor, and dependents can generally work or study during their permitted stay. If you are relocating with family, our team can handle the related dependent visa applications alongside the main application.
Processing Time and Approval
TechTAS works in two stages, each with its own timing. The Innovation and Technology Commission assesses the company's quota application. Once a quota is in place and a candidate is identified, the Immigration Department handles the visa step, which is designed to be shorter than a standard employment visa, often around two weeks once all documents are received. Processing times and the final decision rest with the authorities, and approval is at their discretion. A complete, well-prepared submission at both stages is what keeps the timeline on track.
Benefits of the Technology Talent Admission Scheme
For Applicants
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A clear route into Hong Kong's technology sector with an eligible employer.
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A visa step designed to be shorter than a standard application.
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The option to bring your spouse and children with you.
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A pathway to permanent residency after seven years of continuous ordinary residence.
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The chance to build your career in a growing innovation hub.
For Employers
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Bring in overseas and Mainland R&D talent without proving a recruitment failure for each hire.
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A quota that lets you sponsor multiple specialists across a 24-month period.
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A shorter visa step for each candidate once your quota is in place.
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Support to meet and document the local employment requirement that comes with the scheme.
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Access to global technology talent while growing local jobs and internships.
Qualifications and Documents Required
For Applicants
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A passport valid well beyond your intended stay.
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Accurately and truthfully completed application forms.
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Educational certificates and professional qualifications in your technology field.
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A detailed resume or curriculum vitae.
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Your employment contract with the sponsoring company, stating the role, duties, and remuneration.
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Evidence of your research and development experience and expertise.
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Proof of accommodation arrangements in Hong Kong.
For Employers
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The quota allotment letter from the Innovation and Technology Commission.
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Company registration and standing documents, including the Business Registration Certificate.
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A description of the R&D role and how it fits the designated technology area.
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The employment contract and remuneration details.
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Evidence of how you meet the local employment requirement.
We assemble and check both the quota application and the visa pack with you, so each stands up to review the first time.
TechTAS Versus a Standard Employment Visa
Technology companies often weigh TechTAS against sponsoring a standard Hong Kong employment visa. The difference comes down to the quota and the streamlined admission.
If your role sits outside the designated technology areas, or you are making a one-off hire, the standard Hong Kong employment visa may be simpler, and we handle that too. If you need a specialist working before the visa is issued, our Employer of Record service can onboard them compliantly within 48 hours, with ongoing HR compliance support afterwards. Please note that our Employer of Record service does not accelerate the issuing of any visa.
The Application Process Step by Step
For Employers
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Eligibility and quota application. We confirm your company qualifies and prepare the quota application to the Innovation and Technology Commission, including the R&D case and the local employment plan.
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Candidate matching. Once your quota is allotted, we make sure each candidate's role and profile match its terms.
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Visa sponsorship. We prepare and manage each employment visa application under the quota.
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Ongoing management. We track the 24-month quota period, coordinate renewals, and keep your local employment commitments on record.
Plan recruitment around the two-stage timeline rather than a fixed start date.
Evaluation and Approval Process
For Applicants
The Immigration Department assesses your qualifications, your R&D role, and how it matches the quota. It may request further documentation. Eligible applicants are notified of approval, and collection is arranged. We provide guidance throughout to support a complete and well-prepared submission.
For Employers
Your company is assessed at the quota stage by the Innovation and Technology Commission, which looks at your research and development activity, the technology area, and your local employment plan. We prepare and present that case with you, then coordinate the visa step that follows.
Renewal and Extension
A TechTAS visa can be renewed or extended as the employment continues, and a new specialist can be sponsored within the 24-month quota period. Start any renewal before the current visa expires to maintain an uninterrupted stay. Specialists who have worked under TechTAS for at least two years and meet the income criterion may qualify for a longer extension without a fresh quota. Gather the passport, the renewal form, an updated employment contract, proof of accommodation, and any other supporting documents, then submit through us. We verify that everything is accurate and complete and guide you through the renewal or extension.
Common Rejection Causes and How to Avoid Them
For Applicants
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Incomplete or inaccurate documents or application forms.
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A role or profile that does not clearly match the quota allotment.
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Weak evidence of your research and development qualifications or experience.
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Remuneration that is out of step with prevailing market rates.
For Employers
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A quota application that does not clearly establish R&D in a designated area.
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An unclear local employment plan, or one that is not met.
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Missing or inconsistent company documents.
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Sponsoring a candidate whose role does not match the quota terms.
A review with us before each submission removes most of these risks on both sides.
How We Support Technology Talent Admission Scheme Applications
For Applicants
You work with a dedicated consultant who manages your case from confirming the quota through document preparation, submission, and final collection, then supports you on arrival. With experience across many technology admission cases, we work through the requirements efficiently and keep you informed at every stage. A service fee refund may apply under our stated terms, and the final decision on any visa always rests with the authorities.
For Employers
We manage TechTAS end to end, from your quota application to the Innovation and Technology Commission through each visa under it, while helping you meet and document the local employment requirement. For ongoing hiring we offer corporate rates and a discount for every 10 applications, plus Employer of Record onboarding and HR compliance support as you grow your team. Talk to our team to map out your hiring plan.
What Makes Us a Trusted Partner
We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for Technology Talent Admission Scheme visas, and for good reason.
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Experience and knowledge. A deep understanding of both the quota stage and the visa stage of the scheme.
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One managed process. We coordinate the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Immigration Department so the two stages stay aligned.
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Personalized service. We tailor our support to each client's circumstances, from first assessment to final collection.
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Clear communication. We respond promptly and keep you informed at every stage.
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Commitment to your case. From document review to submission, we work to prepare a complete and accurate application.
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Customer satisfaction. Our track record of helping companies, specialists, and families is how we measure our own success.
Disclaimer: We provide independent immigration advice and assistance and are not affiliated with the Hong Kong Government, the Immigration Department, or the Innovation and Technology Commission.
Technology Talent Admission Scheme Service Fees
TechTAS Service Fees
TechTAS quota and visa support
Contact us for a quotation
Each additional dependent visa
HKD 4,380*
Visa renewal or extension
HKD 4,380*
*Fees do not include overseas courier costs, certified translation, or company incorporation.
Special offers: 10% off for every 10 applications. For corporate rates, contact us for a quotation. You can review everything on our service fees page.