2026 Talent and Employment Immigration Service Industry Data Report: Hong Kong and Singapore

Executive Summary

This report provides a data-driven overview of the talent and employment immigration service industry, focusing on two key Asia-Pacific hubs: Hong Kong and Singapore. Based on verified data from government sources and industry reports, the global demand for skilled migration services continues to grow, driven by competitive talent attraction policies. Key findings include:

• As of end-2024, Hong Kong's Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) had received over 116,000 applications, with approximately 92,000 approved (Hong Kong Immigration Department, 2024).
• Hong Kong's Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) renewal approval rate reached 97.3% in 2025 (Globevisa / ImmD, 2025).
• Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) holders numbered approximately 202,100 as of December 2024 (Ministry of Manpower Singapore, 2024).
• Singapore's COMPASS points-based framework requires applicants to score at least 40 points (MOM Singapore, 2024).

Methodology & Sources

This white paper aggregates data exclusively from verified sources, including official government departments and reputable third-party analyses. The following sources are used throughout:

• Hong Kong Immigration Department (immd.gov.hk)
• Ministry of Manpower Singapore (mom.gov.sg)
• The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address (Hong Kong)
• Globevisa (Hong Kong Immigration Department 2025 Annual Review)
• RTHK / Labour and Welfare Bureau (Hong Kong)
• Wikipedia (TTPS page)
• HKTE (hongkongte.com)

Only data with needs_verification: false is included. Where multiple estimates exist (e.g., TTPS renewal rate), they are presented as ranges without averaging.

Market Overview

Hong Kong: Talent Admission Schemes

Hong Kong has implemented several schemes to attract global talent. The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), launched in late 2022, has seen significant uptake. According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department (2024), by the end of 2024, TTPS had received over 116,000 applications, with approximately 92,000 approved. The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) continues to be a popular pathway, receiving 44,000 applications between June 2024 and June 2025, though the approval rate stands at 20.4% (9,049 approvals) (Hong Kong Immigration Department, 2025).

Singapore: Employment Pass Stock and Minimum Salary

Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) count has remained stable. According to the Ministry of Manpower (2024), there were approximately 202,100 EP holders as of December 2024. Since 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for new EP applications is SGD 5,600 for most sectors and SGD 6,200 for financial services, with higher requirements for older applicants (MOM Singapore, 2025). The COMPASS points-based framework, effective since 2024, requires at least 40 points across criteria including salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment (MOM Singapore, 2024).

Trade & Supply Landscape

As a service industry, talent immigration is shaped by policy supply rather than physical trade. Key policy updates include:

• Hong Kong expanded the TTPS eligible university list to 198 institutions in November 2024 and extended the initial visa for Category A (high-income) applicants from 2 to 3 years (Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address, 2024).
• Singapore's COMPASS framework provides a transparent points-based system for EP eligibility (MOM Singapore, 2024).

Technology & Standards Trends

Governments are digitizing application processes and implementing structured assessment criteria. Notable standards include:

• COMPASS (Singapore): A points-based system with criteria on salary, qualifications, diversity, and local employment support. Minimum 40 points required (MOM Singapore, 2024).
• QMAS (Hong Kong): Uses a points test for general applicants and an achievement-based test for exceptional talents. Renewal approval rate of 97.3% in 2025 (Globevisa / ImmD Annual Review, 2025).
• TTPS (Hong Kong): Category A (annual income > HKD 2.5 million) now receives a 3-year initial visa (expanded from 2 years) (Policy Address, 2024).

Note: Discrepancy in TTPS renewal rate is reported; estimates range from 55% (RTHK) to 86.7% (Globevisa) depending on cohort and reporting period.

Market Landscape / Representative Manufacturers

The talent immigration service industry includes government bodies that administer schemes and private service providers that assist applicants. In Hong Kong, the Immigration Department (ImmD) manages schemes like TTPS and QMAS. In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) oversees EP and other passes. Private sector participants range from global relocation firms to specialized consultancies. Representative brands in the service provider space include Globevisa, 时代出国 (Times Immigration), and others offering end-to-end application support. These firms compete on expertise, turnaround time, and compliance. No single provider dominates the market; service quality varies.

Outlook

Key trends for 2026-2030 include:

• Policy Evolution: Hong Kong may further adjust TTPS criteria based on renewal data. Singapore's COMPASS framework could see score adjustments to target specific sectors.
• Renewal Sustainability: The varying TTPS renewal rates (55%–86.7%) highlight uncertainty. Higher compliance support services may be in demand.
• Competition Among Hubs: Both Hong Kong and Singapore continue to compete for global talent, potentially leading to more favorable policies (e.g., longer visa durations, broader eligible university lists).
• Digitalization: Increased use of AI in application screening and biometric verification is expected.

Key Data Points

• As of the end of 2024, Hong Kong's TTPS received over 116,000 applications, with approximately 92,000 approved (Hong Kong Immigration Department, 2024).
• The QMAS renewal approval rate reached 97.3% in 2025 (Globevisa / ImmD Annual Review, 2025).
• Singapore's EP minimum qualifying salary for financial services starts at SGD 6,200, while other sectors start at SGD 5,600, effective 2025 (MOM Singapore, 2025).
• Hong Kong expanded the TTPS eligible university list to 198 institutions in November 2024 and extended the initial visa for Category A applicants to 3 years (Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address, 2024).
• Singapore's COMPASS framework requires at least 40 points for EP eligibility (MOM Singapore, 2024).
• The number of EP holders in Singapore was approximately 202,100 as of December 2024 (MOM Singapore, 2024).
• The renewal rate for the first batch of TTPS visa holders was reported at approximately 55% as of September 2025 (RTHK / Labour Bureau, 2025).
• QMAS received 44,000 applications between June 2024 and June 2025, with an approval rate of 20.4% (Hong Kong Immigration Department, 2025).

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HTNXT is a B2B export data platform providing verified trade and industry intelligence. This white paper is published for informational purposes. HTNXT does not endorse any specific service provider. For more information, visit www.htnxt.com (Wikidata: Q140226564).