2025 Policy Address Summary – Key Highlights on Talent and Investment Policies

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his fourth Policy Address on September 17, themed “Deepening Reform, Caring for People’s Livelihood, Leveraging Advantages, Creating the Future.” The report reflects the administration’s continued commitment to driving economic development and improving people’s livelihoods.

1.Hong Kong’s Global Rankings Rise Sharply

Since John Lee took office, Hong Kong’s competitiveness on the international stage has significantly improved, with major rankings climbing notably:

• Financial Centre: 3rd globally (up 1 place)

• Overall Competitiveness: 3rd globally (up 4 places)

• Talent Competitiveness: 4th globally (up 12 places in two years)

• Safe Cities Ranking: 7th globally (first time in top 10)

These advances highlight Hong Kong’s unique advantages and growing global appeal.

2.Further Relaxation of Investment Immigration Threshold

Following the relaunch of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme in 2024, the government will further refine the program in 2025 to attract more investors to secure Hong Kong residency through property investment.

Non-residential properties:

• Maximum amount counted towards investment raised to HK$15 million

• No cap on property transaction price

Residential properties:

• Maximum amount counted towards investment remains HK$10 million

• Transaction threshold for eligible residential property lowered from HK$50 million to HK$30 million

Investment options:

• Option A: Non-residential property (up to HK$15 million) + other permissible assets (minimum HK$15 million)

• Option B: Residential property (HK$30 million+, counted as HK$10 million) + other permissible assets (minimum HK$20 million)

Other permissible assets include stocks, bonds, collective investment schemes, etc., allowing for diversified allocation.

3.Quota for Non-local Students to Rise to 50%

To enhance the internationalization of higher education, the government will further increase the admission quota for non-local students at the eight publicly funded universities to 50%.

Starting from the 2028/29 academic year, new dependents arriving in Hong Kong (without permanent residency) who wish to compete for subsidized local places and enjoy local tuition fees must meet one of the following conditions:

• Studied full-time in Hong Kong for two years prior to program start, OR

• Resided in Hong Kong for two years prior to program start with no more than 90 days spent outside Hong Kong each year

This aims to encourage long-term retention of talent and strengthen the international influence of Hong Kong’s education resources.

4.Talent Admission Schemes Deliver Strong Results

Since the launch of various talent admission initiatives in 2022, Hong Kong has attracted over 230,000 talents to work and develop in the city.

Highlights of the Top Talent Pass Scheme:

• Approved applicants earn above HK$40,000+ monthly income

• 50% earn above HK$80,000+ monthly income

• Talent pool mainly concentrated in innovation & technology, finance, business, and trade — sectors highly aligned with Hong Kong’s economic priorities

5.Mainland Enterprises “Going Global” Taskforce

Beyond talent, the 2025 Policy Address also emphasizes attracting enterprises. A new Taskforce for Mainland Enterprises Going Global will proactively engage Mainland firms, offering:

• Customized overseas expansion strategies

• Optimized tax concession measures

• Access to Hong Kong’s international platform and professional services

This initiative seeks to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as the springboard for Mainland enterprises “going global,” promoting two-way economic cooperation.

Conclusion

The 2025 Policy Address, with its focus on deepening reform and improving livelihoods, consolidates Hong Kong’s international competitiveness through measures such as relaxing investment immigration thresholds, expanding the talent pool, and attracting enterprises.