As is well known, Hong Kong, which is currently very short of people, has launched a series of policies that are conducive to attracting talents, among which the Gaocai Tong Plan is a major measure taken by Hong Kong to actively "compete for talents" globally. The Gaocai Tong Plan was officially launched and accepted applications on December 28, 2022. Although it is a new talent plan, it quickly became "popular" as soon as it was launched, and has now become one of the most popular talent plans in Hong Kong.

Recently, the Deputy Secretary for Labour and Welfare of Hong Kong mentioned in an interview that as of the end of April 2023, the Immigration Department had received nearly 27000 applications for the High Talent Pass Scheme (referred to as the "High Talent Pass Scheme"), of which approximately 17000 applications had been approved, and approximately 10000 people had received visas/entry permits.

From January to April 2023, the number of applications and approvals for the "Gaocai Tong" program far exceeded other Hong Kong talent programs such as "Excellent Talents" and "Special Talents" in the same period! One of the main reasons why the Gaocai Tong program is so popular is that its application requirements are simpler than other talent programs.

There is no need to score before application, obtain employment from a Hong Kong company in advance, or invest in Hong Kong. As long as you are a high paying or highly educated talent, you have the opportunity to plan and obtain Hong Kong status for yourself, your spouse, and dependent children under the age of 18 through the Gaocai Tong program!

Obtaining Hong Kong identity allows for certain convenience and living benefits in both Hong Kong and mainland China, demonstrating all the advantages. For example:

◆ There are no restrictions on studying, working and living in Education in Hong Kong, and social benefits such as education and medical care in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's tax system is simple, with a corporate profit tax rate as low as 8.25%. Doing business in Hong Kong can enjoy a low tax environment and preferential policies in Hong Kong.

Children born in Hong Kong directly obtain a Hong Kong SAR passport.

◆ Children can enjoy 12 years of free public education in Hong Kong, which will give them more advantages in attending the "Eight Big" universities in Hong Kong in the future. There are also multiple ways to apply to hundreds of universities in the mainland and overseas.

◆ Free entry and exit of Hong Kong, obtaining a Hong Kong SAR passport allows for visa exemption or landing in 168 countries and regions worldwide.

Currently, the mainland has introduced many benefits for Hong Kong residents, and eligible Hong Kong residents can enjoy various convenience measures such as entrepreneurship, business, employment, education, home purchase, and duty-free car purchase while living in the mainland.

Are you suitable to apply for the Gaocai Tong program?

High paying individuals - Class A applications

Class A: Annual income of HKD 2.5 million (or equivalent foreign currency) in the year prior to application, without quota restrictions.

◆ High educated individuals - Class B and C applications

Class B: Graduated from top 100 universities worldwide with a bachelor's degree *, accumulated at least 3 years of work experience within the first 5 years of application, without quota restrictions.

Class C: Graduated from top 100 universities worldwide with a bachelor's degree within the first 5 years of application, but with less than 3 years of work experience, with a quota of 10000 people per year. In the first quarter of 2023, 4112 C-class seats have been approved.

For applicants who meet the above requirements, the Gaocai Tong program is one of the easiest ways for them to apply for Hong Kong status, which is why the application popularity of the Gaocai Tong program is so hot now.

However, although the application threshold for the Gaocai Pass program is relatively low, it is important to remind everyone that there is also a risk of visa rejection for this program! At present