Hong Kong's international competitiveness is underscored by new data from the Immigration Department, which shows that 31,278 work visas were granted to foreign professionals in 2025 under the General Employment Policy, more than double the figure from 2021.
Financial services sector visas saw a 17% year-on-year increase, reaching the highest level since 2022, with most applicants coming from Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Amid global geopolitical shifts and fierce competition for talent, these over 30,000 visas represent a strong vote of confidence from overseas professionals, highlighting three key attractions that Hong Kong offers as it transitions from governance to prosperity.
Hong Kong's thriving capital markets
The surge in financial sector talent is no coincidence. As an international financial hub, Hong Kong boasts a complete financial industry chain, a highly market-oriented business environment, and diverse cross-border services. These factors align well with the career experiences and aspirations of global professionals. In 2025, Hong Kong's initial public offering (IPO) proceeds reached HKD 285.8 billion, more than tripling year-on-year, ranking the market first globally. The average daily trading volume also hit a record high. In the bond market, Hong Kong has solidified its position as Asia's leading hub for international bond issuance, accounting for nearly 30% of the region's total. Additionally, Hong Kong has become the world's largest cross-border wealth management center, with the government enhancing tax concessions to attract more family offices and fund managers.
An open, inclusive, and livable city
Hong Kong's strong institutional framework and quality living environment form the bedrock of its talent appeal. Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong maintains a common law system and a simple, low tax regime. National Committee member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Zhu Dingjian, noted that Hong Kong has long capped its salaries tax at 15%, with no bonus tax or capital gains tax. He suggested the government create a "post-tax income calculator" for global high-end talent to clearly show potential earnings in Hong Kong. On the lifestyle front, Hong Kong offers a world-class international flight network, top-tier educational resources, and advanced medical services, meeting the quality-of-life expectations of foreign professionals and their families. The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, released in June, ranked Hong Kong second globally, with top marks in areas like "economic performance," "education," and "basic infrastructure."
Hong Kong's role as a safe harbor amid transformation
Hong Kong's ability to attract foreign talent also hinges on its stable, secure environment and its unique value as a gateway to mainland China. As a government spokesperson previously stated, under the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the city's safe and stable business environment has gained wide international recognition. Recent geopolitical events have further highlighted Hong Kong's role as a "safe harbor." For foreign professionals, Hong Kong not only offers a rules-based system aligned with international standards but also serves as a convenient platform to access the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the broader Chinese market. By basing themselves in this safe harbor, they can focus on building their careers and businesses while benefiting from China's high-level opening-up policies.
Importantly, the government's proactive optimization of talent introduction policies and acceleration of emerging industry development have made Hong Kong's transformation from governance to prosperity a tangible opportunity. The doubling of work visas for foreign professionals is a clear sign that international talent is recognizing Hong Kong's industrial development, institutional strengths, and social stability, cementing its irreplaceable position in the global talent landscape.