The Zhuhai government has launched its new Talent Program, which will see it invest more than RMB2.5 billion annually over the next five years to bring talented people to work and live in the city.

Over RMB 1 billion of that amount is budgeted by the city government and the rest is coming from various district financial appropriations. The new policy naturally applies to Hengqin.

One of the highlights of the new policy is the addition of energetic support for talent development in Hong Kong and Macau. Talented people from Hong Kong and Macau who come to work in Zhuhai are offered new incentives in terms of housing, child schooling and healthcare – all equal to that of Zhuhai locals.

This means that eligible Hong Kong and Macau residents can purchase three housing units in Zhuhai, while their children can enjoy 12 years of free compulsory education and a favorable college entrance examinations policy. With regards to medical treatment, they can enjoy free treatment of minor diseases, insurance and support for major illnesses.

In addition, Hong Kong and Macau employees working in the Guangdong Pilot FTZ Hengqin Area are exempt from work permit requirements and will be subject to the tax policies of the regions from which they come. Holders of vocational qualification certificates in finance, planning, accounting, education and healthcare will find it relatively easy and convenient to build a career in the FTZ.

Other regulations of the Zhuhai Talent Program will also benefit all eligible Hong Kong and Macau residents.

According to the policy, Zhuhai offers a variety of options for newly imported talent, including financial subsidies, residence with joint property rights, “talent apartments” and privileged provident fund loans. Up to RMB100 million will be presented to each innovative entrepreneurial team fitting into the city’s strategic emerging and future industries, and for groups with the potential to develop into such teams, up to RMB50 million will be supplied.

Rent allowance of up to RMB6 million will be granted to top-notch talent, including Nobel laureates, winners of the State Preeminent Science & Technology Awards, the National Medal of Science; academicians of the Chinese Academies of Sciences & Engineering; leading personnel in technological innovation , finance talent and high-end elite management personnel.

Talent apartments are also available to them as an alternative. They can obtain 50% ownership from the government once they have worked in the city for more than eight consecutive years, which until now has been unheard of in China.

Newly recruited fundamental talent will be provided with living and rent allowances for two years. Full-time college graduates under the age of 30 and technicians under 40 will be granted RMB26,000 each, whereas full-time postgraduates under 35 years old and senior technicians under 45 will be given RMB38,000 each.

Newly recruited talent from Hong Kong and Macau with bachelor’s degrees or above are also eligible for rent and living allowances.

In addition, talent who work in Hengqin will not only enjoy Zhuhai’s policies but also the preferential talent policies of the Hengqin New Area.