Research Talent Hub applications are accepted all year, but the hiring rules depend on the applicant route. ITF-funded projects, HKSTP and Cyberport companies, technology companies conducting R&D in Hong Kong, and NIAS-funded companies should not use one another's salary or engagement conditions.
Start with the applicant route
There is no single RTH rulebook for every company. First establish whether the application belongs to RTH-ITF, RTH-SPC, RTH-TC or RTH-NIAS. That choice determines the eligibility, headcount, engagement period and documents to use.
For RTH-TC, the company must conduct or plan substantive R&D activities in Hong Kong and have real business operations here. A technology label alone does not make an ordinary software or commercial role eligible.
Define the research work before advertising
The job description should name the scientific or technological uncertainty the employee will work on, the experiments or development tasks involved, and the evidence expected. Keep the recruitment advertisement, assessment records, degree evidence and right-to-work documents together.
Use the current salary table
For RTH-TC, the current official page lists monthly salary allowances of up to HK$20,000 for bachelor's degree holders, HK$23,000 for master's degree holders and HK$35,000 for doctoral degree holders. Doctoral talents may also receive a monthly living allowance of HK$10,000. Check the guide for the applicant's exact route before making an offer.
Primary sources
These links are published by the programme operator or responsible authority. Recheck them immediately before applying.
Reviewed by the HK Grant Resource editorial desk on 6 August 2026 against the primary sources above.
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