Key facts
- Hong Kong's initial public offering market has seen a revival.
- Proposed tax exemptions for fund managers are driving foreign talent back to the city.
- The city approved 31,278 employment visas for foreign nationals in 2025.
- Visas for the financial services sector rose 17% last year, reaching the highest level since 2022.
- Migrating professionals primarily come from South Korea, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S.
A revived initial public offering market and proposed tax exemptions for fund managers are driving a wave of foreign financial professionals back to Hong Kong. This influx marks a critical turnaround for the Asian financial hub as it reclaims ground lost to rivals like Singapore during the pandemic. The city approved 31,278 employment visas for foreign nationals in 2025, more than double the volume from five years ago. Visas for the financial services sector jumped 17% last year to the highest level since 2022. Professionals from South Korea, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. led the migration, with strong momentum continuing into early 2026.