In the past year, Hong Kong has attracted a wide range of talents and introduced a series of favorable policies to attract talents. The number of people applying for and obtaining Hong Kong identity is also increasing. Recently, the Hong Kong Immigration Department released approval data for various talent plans in the first quarter of 2023, showing varying degrees of growth in the number of approved talent plans and specialized talent plans compared to the same period.

In addition, the newly launched high-end talent pass program in Hong Kong at the end of December 2022 has become one of the main ways for mainland Chinese people to obtain Hong Kong identity. Data shows that as of the end of April 2023, the Immigration Department has received nearly 27000 applications for the Gaocai Tong program, of which approximately 17000 have been approved.

So, today we will take you through the identity registration process that needs to be completed after obtaining the Hong Kong identity approval letter.

(1) Obtaining an electronic visa

Generally, applicants for talent programs such as the Talent Connect Program, the Talent Excellence Program, and the Talents Program and their Dependant (if any) will receive a letter of approval from the Immigration Department after being approved. The approval letter will be accompanied by instructions on how to pay the visa fee and obtain a stay visa/entry permit issued in the form of an "electronic visa" for the applicant.

It should be noted that the Hong Kong Immigration Department has a time limit for the activation of visas and payment of visa fees for individuals who have been approved for various talent programs. Please refer to the time limit required by the approval letter. Taking the Gaocai Tong program as an example, the deadline for obtaining entry activation visas for approved applicants under the Gaocai Tong program has been shortened from the original 6 months to 3 months.

(2) Process' Stay D 'endorsement

Mainland people who have been approved for Hong Kong identity need to apply for "stay D" endorsement at mainland immigration agencies with Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau and valid personal documents.

(3) Activate visa for entry into Hong Kong

The approved applicants and their Dependant need to enter Hong Kong to activate their Hong Kong visas within the specified period of validity. Jinghong Group's Hong Kong company team will have a special person to accompany Jinghong customers to register for Hong Kong resident status.

(4) Applying for Hong Kong Resident Identity Card

According to regulations, Hong Kong residents aged 11 years or above (except those exempted or not required to register) are required to register and obtain identity cards. Persons with Hong Kong identity and their Dependant need to make an appointment online in advance. After the appointment is successful, they should go to the place of appointment on time with relevant information. As it involves fingerprint collection and other biological information collection, you must go there in person to apply for Hong Kong identity card.

After completing the application for Hong Kong resident identity documents, it usually takes several working days for the immigration department to process. Applicants can go to collect the documents according to the valid period on the application ID card.

If the applicant fails to collect their ID card in person, they can entrust someone else to collect it on their behalf. The authorized representative must be at least 18 years old, and must show his or her valid identity document (such as Hong Kong identity card, passport or re-entry permit), receipt of application for identity card, completed authorization form or written authorization together with the supporting document of the applicant's signature when collecting the identity card.