On 17 September 2025, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, Mr. John Lee Ka‑Chiu, delivered his fourth Policy Address. Against an economic growth forecast of 2%–3%, the Policy Address sharpened focus on AI development, capital facilitation, and major regional projects as the pillars underpin Hong Kong’s competitiveness.
From a talent mobility perspective, the Policy Address provides the following updates on immigration enhancement initiatives, capital‑based entry schemes, and family support tax incentives, reflecting an integrated approach to strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for investment and talent while maintaining safeguards for the local workforce.
| Policy updates | |
| Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) | · Minimum investment remains at HKD 30M.
· Non-residential property cap raised from HKD 10M to HKD 15M (no transaction threshold). · Residential property cap unchanged at HKD 10M, but transaction threshold lowered from HKD 50M to HKD 30M. |
| Top Talent Pass Schemes (TTPS) | · Over 230,000 people have come to Hong Kong under new/enhanced talent admission policies since launch.
· 55% TTPS holders have renewed their visas whereas 95% of the successful applicants earn a monthly income above the local median. · 70% of admitted talents are under age 40. |
| Student Visa | · Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools will be able to apply for an expansion of non-local student intake on a trial basis. |
| Talent Exchange | · A new Innovation and Technology Talents Exchange Scheme will be launched linking academia with industry. |
| Additional Child Allowance | · From the 2026/27 year of assessment, parents of newborns may claim HK$260,000 allowance for the first two years of the child’s life (double the existing standard allowance). This initiative applies to children under age 2 at year‑end. |
By raising the cap for non-residential properties and lowering residential thresholds under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), the Government signals greater openness to diverse investment classes, likely attracting renewed interest from high-net-worth individuals and corporate leaders seeking residency through capital deployment. Meanwhile, the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) shows strong sustainability with solid extension rates, making it a reliable long-term channel for global talent. The demographic shift is clear, with 70% of new arrivals under 40, rejuvenating the workforce and offering employers access to younger talent. With immigration now being a measurable GDP driver, employers should align mobility strategies with government priorities to secure a stronger position in the regional talent market. The extended child allowance demonstrates a strategic demographic policy, encouraging fertility while complementing talent inflows with local labour force renewal.
The 2025 Policy Address demonstrates a clear policy convergence between immigration, capital facilitation, tax incentives, and other strategic ideas as tools to secure Hong Kong’s long‑term growth. Employers are advised to keep abreast of regulatory updates in order to drive influential impact on managing its workforce.
Contact us
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
James Clemence
Asia Pacific CEO
Bruce Lee
Hong Kong SAR Territory Leader
Adam Chiu
Partner
Steven Lim
Partner
Simply follow our Vialto Alerts page on LinkedIn and posts will be displayed on your feed. To ensure you don’t miss one, once you’re on our LinkedIn page, click on the bell icon under the banner image to manage your notifications.
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
© 2025 Vialto Partners. All rights reserved.