Open-ended work pass for high-earners and top-university graduates.
Duration
3 years (Category A); renewable; right of abode at 7 years
Threshold
HK$2.5M+ prior annual income, or degree from world top-100 university
Path to PR
Right of Abode after 7 years of ordinary residence.
Tax treatment
Hong Kong's territorial tax — only HK-source income taxed (max 17%).
Family
Spouse and unmarried children under 18 join as dependants.
Apostille & legalization
Apostille routeApostille only — both United States and Hong Kong are parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.
Documents that must be apostilled
- ·Diploma / academic transcript
Bank statements, employment contracts, photos, passport copies and the application form itself do not need an apostille.
- Obtain originals or certified copies of each civil/criminal record (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance, diploma, etc.).
- Have each document apostilled by the competent authority in United States (U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications).
- Translate the apostilled document into the official language of Hong Kong — the apostille itself is also translated.
- Submit the apostilled + translated bundle directly to the Hong Kong immigration authority or consulate; no further consular stamp is required.
Translation: Most documents must be translated into the local language by a certified translator. Agency translations are usually accepted.
Issuing authority in United States: U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications
Documents older than 3–6 months are often rejected. Plan to obtain fresh originals shortly before your visa application.