Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS )
No Employer Sponsorship Required
80 Points to Apply
✅ No employer sponsorship required, free to choose work
✅ 80 points in General Points Test or 225 points in Achievement-based Points Test to apply
✅ Initial visa for 3 years, renewal pattern 3+2+3 years
✅ Apply for Hong Kong permanent resident status after 7 years
✅ 20 years of experience, 90%+ success rate
✅ Free assessment, fully transparent
Hong Kong Residency Benefits
HK residence & citizenship
Eligibility to apply for permanent status and citizenship thereafter
The entire family are eligible
Spouses/civil partners, dependent children under 18
Visa-free Travel
To 170 countries worldwide, including EU & UK with an Irish passport
Residency requirements
Non-Chinese citizen with 7 years of continuous residence in Hong Kong, subject to approvals and a declaration of permanent residence intent
Fast processing time
Department of Justice usually makes decision within 6 months
Tax regime
As in the UK, Irish tax liability is based on residence and domicile
Option to Let Your Property
Secure your HK residency with potential returns on your investments.
High Standard of Schooling
Access to many prestigious universities at lower HK tuition fees.
1. What is Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)?
The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is a talent admission program launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in 2006. It aims to attract highly educated, highly skilled, and accomplished professionals from around the world to develop in Hong Kong, injecting new vitality into Hong Kong's economic and social development.
The biggest feature of Hong Kong QMAS is that no employer sponsorship is required, and applicants can freely choose their work. This makes Hong Kong QMAS one of the most popular Hong Kong immigration pathways, especially suitable for highly educated, highly skilled, and accomplished professionals.
PremierVisa, as a well-known Hong Kong immigration company, is led by an Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623) with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree (specializing in Corporate Law and Commercial Law), and has accumulated 20 years of immigration service experience (established in 2004). Our Australia immigration success rate reaches 95%+, and our Hong Kong immigration success rate is expected to reach 90%+, far higher than the industry average (about 30-40%).
2. Core Advantages of Hong Kong QMAS
Hong Kong QMAS has the following core advantages, making it an ideal choice for highly educated and highly skilled talents worldwide:
(1) No Employer Sponsorship Required, Free to Choose Work
Unlike the Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP), Hong Kong QMAS does not require employer sponsorship, and applicants can freely choose their work. This means that applicants do not need to find a Hong Kong employer first, nor do they need to be employed by a specific Hong Kong company. After approval, applicants can freely work, start a business, or engage in freelance work in Hong Kong.
(2) Two Scoring Systems, Flexible Choice
Hong Kong QMAS provides two scoring systems:
•General Points Test: Total score of 225 points, passing score of 80 points. Scoring items include age, academic qualifications, work experience, talent list, language ability, family background, etc. (12 items in total). Suitable for most applicants.
•Achievement-based Points Test: Applicants who have received outstanding achievement awards (such as Olympic medals, Nobel Prize, national/international awards) or can prove that their work is recognized by peers directly receive a full score of 225 points. Suitable for applicants with outstanding achievements.
Applicants can choose the most suitable scoring system based on their own situation.
(3) Initial Visa for 3 Years, Renewal Pattern 3+2+3 Years
The initial visa for Hong Kong QMAS is 3 years, and the renewal pattern is 3+2+3 years. This means that after the initial visa expires, applicants can apply for a 2-year renewal, and then a 3-year renewal. After 7 years of continuous residence in Hong Kong, applicants can apply for Hong Kong permanent resident status.
(4) Apply for Hong Kong Permanent Resident Status After 7 Years
Persons who come to Hong Kong through Hong Kong QMAS can apply for Hong Kong permanent resident status after 7 years of continuous residence in Hong Kong. Hong Kong permanent residents can enjoy all the rights of Hong Kong residents, including voting rights, free public healthcare, free public education for children, etc. Hong Kong permanent residents can also apply for a Hong Kong SAR passport, which allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries and regions worldwide.
(5) Whole Family Immigration, Spouse and Children Can Come to Hong Kong Together
Hong Kong QMAS allows applicants to bring dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old) to Hong Kong together. Dependents can enjoy the same visa period as the main applicant and can work and study in Hong Kong.
(6) No Quota Limit (Quota Limit Removed Since 2023)
In October 2023, the Hong Kong SAR Government announced the removal of the quota limit for Hong Kong QMAS for two years (until the end of 2025). This means that all eligible applicants have the opportunity to be approved, and are no longer subject to quota limits. From 2026 onwards, Hong Kong QMAS will continue to maintain the no quota limit policy.
(7) Led by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer, 90%+ Success Rate
PremierVisa is led by an Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623) with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree (specializing in Corporate Law and Commercial Law), and has accumulated 20 years of immigration service experience. Our Australia immigration success rate reaches 95%+, and our Hong Kong immigration success rate is expected to reach 90%+, far higher than the industry average (about 30-40%).
3. Hong Kong QMAS Application Requirements
The application requirements for Hong Kong QMAS include the following aspects:
(1) Basic Eligibility
All applicants must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
•Age: 18 years old or above
•Financial Requirement: Proof of ability to support oneself and dependents during the stay in Hong Kong (usually requires at least HKD 200,000 in asset proof)
•Good Character: No criminal record or adverse immigration record
•Language Ability: Good written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English
•Academic Qualifications: Good academic qualifications, usually refers to holding a bachelor's degree (awarded by a recognized university or higher education institution)
(2) General Points Test (80 Points to Pass)
The General Points Test has a total score of 225 points, with a passing score of 80 points. Scoring items include the following 12 items:
1. Age (Maximum 30 Points)
•18-39 years old: 30 points
•40-44 years old: 20 points
•45-50 years old: 15 points
•51 years old or above: 0 points
2. Academic Qualifications/Professional Qualifications (Maximum 70 Points)
•Doctoral degree/2 or more master's degrees: 70 points
•Master's degree/2 or more bachelor's degrees: 50 points
•Bachelor's degree: 30 points
•Professional qualifications awarded by nationally or internationally recognized or renowned professional bodies, proving that the holder has a very high level of specialized knowledge or professional skills: 30 points
3. Work Experience (Maximum 75 Points)
•Not less than 10 years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level, of which at least 5 years in senior positions: 75 points
•Not less than 5 years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level, of which at least 2 years in senior positions: 50 points
•Not less than 5 years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level: 30 points
•Not less than 2 years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level: 15 points
•Less than 2 years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level: 0 points
4. Talent List (30 Points)
•Applicant's profession is on the "Talent List" (51 professional fields): 30 points
•Not on the list: 0 points
5. Language Ability (Maximum 20 Points)
•Good written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) and English (IELTS 6 or equivalent): 20 points
•Good written and spoken Chinese or English, and proficiency in other foreign languages (such as Japanese, French, German, etc.): 15 points
•Good written and spoken Chinese or English: 10 points
6. Family Background (Maximum 20 Points)
•At least one immediate family member (married spouse, parents, siblings, children) is a Hong Kong permanent resident currently residing in Hong Kong: 20 points
•Accompanying married spouse has academic qualifications equivalent to a university degree or above: 5 points
•Each accompanying unmarried and dependent child under 18 years old: 5 points (maximum 10 points)
7. Top University Bonus (30 Points)
•Applicant's bachelor's/master's degree is awarded by a global top 100 university: 30 points
•Applicant's bachelor's/master's degree is awarded by a global top 100 university, and has at least 3 years of work experience after graduation: additional 15 points (total 45 points)
8. International Work Experience Bonus (15 Points)
•Applicant has at least 2 years of international work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level: 15 points
9. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bonus (30 Points)
•Applicant starts a business in Hong Kong or engages in innovation and entrepreneurship activities in Hong Kong: 30 points
10. Outstanding Achievement Bonus (30 Points)
•Applicant has received national/international awards: 30 points
11. Spouse Academic Qualifications Bonus (5 Points)
•Accompanying married spouse has academic qualifications equivalent to a university degree or above: 5 points
12. Children Bonus (5 Points per Person, Maximum 10 Points)
•Each accompanying unmarried and dependent child under 18 years old: 5 points (maximum 10 points)
Total Score: 225 pointsPassing Score: 80 points
(3) Achievement-based Points Test (225 Points Full Score)
The Achievement-based Points Test is suitable for applicants with outstanding achievements. Applicants need to meet one of the following conditions:
•Received Outstanding Achievement Award: Such as Olympic medal, Nobel Prize, national/international award, Oscar, Grammy, etc.
•Can Prove That Their Work Is Recognized by Peers: Such as lifetime achievement award awarded by the industry, internationally recognized professional award, etc.
Applicants who meet the conditions directly receive a full score of 225 points, without the need for General Points Test.
4. Hong Kong QMAS Scoring Strategy
To successfully apply for Hong Kong QMAS, applicants need to score at least 80 points in the General Points Test. Here are some strategies to increase your score:
(1) Age Strategy
Age is one of the scoring items, and applicants aged 18-39 can get a maximum of 30 points. If you are over 40 years old, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible, because the score decreases with each additional year of age.
(2) Academic Qualifications Strategy
Academic qualifications are the highest-scoring item (maximum 70 points). If you only have a bachelor's degree, consider pursuing a master's degree or doctoral degree to increase your score. If you already have a master's degree, consider pursuing a second master's degree or doctoral degree.
(3) Work Experience Strategy
Work experience is the second highest-scoring item (maximum 75 points). If your work experience is less than 10 years, it is recommended to continue accumulating work experience and strive to hold senior positions (such as manager, director, VP, etc.).
(4) Talent List Strategy
If your profession is on the "Talent List" (51 professional fields), you can get 30 bonus points. The Talent List includes the following professional fields:
•Asset management
•Marine insurance
•Actuarial services
•Fintech
•Data science and artificial intelligence
•Cybersecurity
•Innovation and technology talents
•Naval architects
•Marine engineers and ship superintendents
•Creative industries (such as film, television, music, design, etc.)
•Dispute resolution professionals and business transaction lawyers
•And more (51 professional fields in total)
If your profession is not on the Talent List, consider changing careers or pursuing a profession on the Talent List.
(5) Language Ability Strategy
Language ability is one of the scoring items (maximum 20 points). If you have good Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) and English abilities, you can get 20 points. If you only have Chinese or English ability, it is recommended to learn a second language to increase your score.
(6) Family Background Strategy
If you have immediate family members (married spouse, parents, siblings, children) who are Hong Kong permanent residents currently residing in Hong Kong, you can get 20 bonus points. If your spouse has a university degree or above, you can get 5 bonus points. If you have unmarried and dependent children under 18 years old, each child can get 5 bonus points (maximum 10 points).
(7) Top University Bonus Strategy
If your bachelor's/master's degree is awarded by a global top 100 university, you can get 30 bonus points. If your bachelor's/master's degree is awarded by a global top 100 university, and you have at least 3 years of work experience after graduation, you can get an additional 15 bonus points (total 45 points).
The global top 100 university list includes:
•QS World University Rankings top 100
•Times Higher Education World University Rankings top 100
•US News World University Rankings top 100
•Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking of World Universities top 100
If your degree is not awarded by a global top 100 university, consider pursuing a master's degree or doctoral degree from a global top 100 university.
(8) International Work Experience Strategy
If you have at least 2 years of international work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level, you can get 15 bonus points. International work experience refers to work experience in countries or regions outside Hong Kong.
(9) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bonus Strategy
If you start a business in Hong Kong or engage in innovation and entrepreneurship activities in Hong Kong, you can get 30 bonus points. This requires you to register a company in Hong Kong and provide proof materials such as business plan, company registration certificate, business contract, etc.
(10) Outstanding Achievement Bonus Strategy
If you have received national/international awards, you can get 30 bonus points. This includes industry awards, professional awards, academic awards, etc.
5. Hong Kong QMAS Application Process
The application process for Hong Kong QMAS includes the following 8 steps:
Step 1: Free Assessment
•Contact PremierVisa and provide basic information (academic qualifications, work experience, income, assets, etc.)
•Our lawyer team will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether you meet the Hong Kong QMAS requirements and estimate your General Points Test score
•Assessment results will be provided to you within 3-5 business days
Step 2: Sign Contract and Pay Service Fee
•If the assessment results show that you meet the Hong Kong QMAS requirements (General Points Test score of 80 or above), we will sign a service agreement with you
•You need to pay the service fee (according to the service agreement,
•We will assign a dedicated lawyer team and consultant team to you
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
•We will provide you with a detailed material list
•You need to prepare all application materials, including:
•Identity documents (passport, ID card, etc.)
•Academic qualification documents (degree certificate, transcript, etc.)
•Work experience documents (employment certificate, labor contract, payslip, etc.)
•Language ability documents (IELTS, TOEFL, Putonghua Proficiency Test, etc.)
•Asset proof documents (bank deposit certificate, property certificate, stock certificate, etc.)
•Achievement proof documents (award certificate, patent certificate, paper publication proof, etc.)
•Family background documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, Hong Kong relative ID proof, etc.)
•We will assist you in preparing materials, including material translation, notarization, authentication, etc.
Step 4: Submit Application
•We will review all application materials to ensure that the materials are complete and meet the requirements of the Immigration Department
•We will submit the application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department on your behalf
•After submitting the application, we will provide the application number and inquiry method
Step 5: Wait for Approval
•The Hong Kong Immigration Department will review your application
•The approval time is usually 6-12 months
•During the approval period, we will regularly check the application progress and provide you with timely feedback
•If the Immigration Department requires supplementary materials, we will assist you in preparing and submitting supplementary materials
Step 6: Approval and Visa Collection
•If the application is approved, the Hong Kong Immigration Department will issue an approval letter (commonly known as "approval-in-principle")
•You need to go to the Hong Kong Immigration Department to collect the visa (or collect the visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate outside Hong Kong)
•We will assist you in completing all procedures for visa collection
Step 7: Land in Hong Kong
•You can land in Hong Kong with the visa
•After landing in Hong Kong, you need to apply for a Hong Kong ID card within 30 days
•We will assist you in completing all procedures for landing in Hong Kong, including applying for a Hong Kong ID card, opening a bank account, renting a house, etc.
Step 8: Renewal and Application for Permanent Resident
•You need to apply for renewal within 3 months before the visa expires
•The renewal pattern for Hong Kong QMAS is 3+2+3 years
•We will assist you in completing the renewal procedures
•After 7 years of continuous residence in Hong Kong, you can apply for Hong Kong permanent resident status
•We will assist you in completing all procedures for applying for Hong Kong permanent resident
6. Hong Kong QMAS Success Cases
Here are some cases where PremierVisa has successfully assisted clients in applying for Hong Kong QMAS:
Case 1: IT Industry Executive, General Points Test Score 165
Applicant Background:
•Age: 35 years old
•Academic Qualifications: Master's degree (global top 100 university)
•Work Experience: 10 years of IT industry work experience, serving as Technical Director
•Profession: Data science and artificial intelligence (on the Talent List)
•Language Ability: Good Chinese and English ability (IELTS 7)
•Family Background: Married, spouse has a master's degree, has one 5-year-old child
General Points Test Score:
•Age: 30 points
•Academic Qualifications: 50 points
•Work Experience: 75 points
•Talent List: 30 points
•Language Ability: 20 points
•Family Background: 10 points (spouse 5 points + child 5 points)
•Top University Bonus: 45 points (global top 100 university 30 points + 3 years work experience 15 points)
•Total Score: 165 points
Application Result: Successfully approved, approval time 8 months
Case 2: Financial Industry Professional, General Points Test Score 145
Applicant Background:
•Age: 38 years old
•Academic Qualifications: Master's degree (Finance)
•Work Experience: 12 years of financial industry work experience, serving as Investment Manager
•Profession: Asset management (on the Talent List)
•Language Ability: Good Chinese and English ability (IELTS 6.5)
•Family Background: Married, spouse has a bachelor's degree
General Points Test Score:
•Age: 30 points
•Academic Qualifications: 50 points
•Work Experience: 75 points
•Talent List: 30 points
•Language Ability: 20 points
•Family Background: 5 points (spouse 5 points)
•Total Score: 145 points
Application Result: Successfully approved, approval time 10 months
Case 3: Creative Industry Professional, General Points Test Score 120
Applicant Background:
•Age: 42 years old
•Academic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree (Design)
•Work Experience: 15 years of design industry work experience, serving as Creative Director
•Profession: Creative industries (on the Talent List)
•Language Ability: Good Chinese and English ability
•Family Background: Unmarried
•Outstanding Achievement: Received international design award
General Points Test Score:
•Age: 20 points
•Academic Qualifications: 30 points
•Work Experience: 75 points
•Talent List: 30 points
•Language Ability: 20 points
•Outstanding Achievement Bonus: 30 points
•Total Score: 120 points
Application Result: Successfully approved, approval time 9 months
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the application fee for Hong Kong QMAS?
Answer: The application fee for Hong Kong QMAS includes:
•Government application fee: About HKD 2,000 (charged by the Hong Kong Immigration Department)
•Professional service fee: According to the service agreement,
•Third-party fees: Material translation, notarization, authentication, etc., usually HKD 5,000-10,000
PremierVisa provides free assessment services and is fully transparent, with no hidden fees. Before signing the contract, we will explain all fees in detail.
Q2: How long is the approval time for Hong Kong QMAS?
Answer: The approval time for Hong Kong QMAS is usually 6-12 months. The approval time will be affected by factors such as the completeness of application materials, the workload of the Immigration Department, and the applicant's background. PremierVisa will assist you in preparing complete application materials to ensure smooth approval.
Q3: What is the success rate of Hong Kong QMAS?
Answer: According to statistics from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, the average success rate of Hong Kong QMAS is about 30-40%. PremierVisa's Australia immigration success rate reaches 95%+, and our Hong Kong immigration success rate is expected to reach 90%+, far higher than the industry average. This is due to our strict internal assessment process and professional lawyer team.
Q4: How many points are required to apply for Hong Kong QMAS?
Answer: The passing score for the General Points Test of Hong Kong QMAS is 80 points. Applicants need to score at least 80 points in the General Points Test to apply. If the applicant meets the conditions of the Achievement-based Points Test (such as receiving an outstanding achievement award), they can directly receive a full score of 225 points without the need for General Points Test.
Q5: Can I bring my family with Hong Kong QMAS?
Answer: Yes. Hong Kong QMAS allows applicants to bring dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old) to Hong Kong together. Dependents can enjoy the same visa period as the main applicant and can work and study in Hong Kong. The application fee for dependents is usually the same as the main applicant (government application fee about HKD 2,000 per person).
Q6: Does Hong Kong QMAS require employer sponsorship?
Answer: No. Hong Kong QMAS does not require employer sponsorship, and applicants can freely choose their work. This is the biggest difference between Hong Kong QMAS and the Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP).
Q7: Can I work in Hong Kong after Hong Kong QMAS approval?
Answer: Yes. Persons who come to Hong Kong through Hong Kong QMAS can freely work, start a business, or engage in freelance work in Hong Kong, without employer sponsorship.
Q8: Do I need to reside in Hong Kong after Hong Kong QMAS approval?
Answer: Yes. Persons who come to Hong Kong through Hong Kong QMAS need to "ordinarily reside" in Hong Kong to apply for renewal and Hong Kong permanent resident status. The definition of "ordinarily reside" is: Hong Kong is the main place of residence, and there are substantial connections in Hong Kong (such as work, study, family, etc.). The Hong Kong Immigration Department will review the applicant's residence record, including entry and exit records, work records, tax records, etc.
Q9: What are the renewal conditions for Hong Kong QMAS?
Answer: The renewal conditions for Hong Kong QMAS include:
•"Ordinarily reside" in Hong Kong (Hong Kong is the main place of residence)
•Have substantial connections in Hong Kong (such as work, study, family, etc.)
•Can prove life and work situation in Hong Kong (such as employment certificate, tax records, rental contract, etc.)
The renewal pattern for Hong Kong QMAS is 3+2+3 years. The initial visa is for 3 years, the first renewal is for 2 years, and the second renewal is for 3 years. After 7 years of continuous residence in Hong Kong, you can apply for Hong Kong permanent resident status.
Q10: What should I do if Hong Kong QMAS application fails?
Answer: If the Hong Kong QMAS application fails, PremierVisa can help you with failed appeal or provide DIY failed turnaround re-submission strategy. As an Australian Registered Migration Lawyer, we have the legal authority to represent clients in appeals—this is something ordinary migration consultants cannot do. We will carefully analyze the reasons for failure and provide you with professional advice and strategies.
Q11: What professions are included in the Hong Kong QMAS Talent List?
Answer: The Hong Kong QMAS Talent List includes 51 professional fields, mainly covering the following industries:
•Financial services (asset management, marine insurance, actuarial services, fintech, etc.)
•Innovation and technology (data science and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, innovation and technology talents, etc.)
•Maritime services (naval architects, marine engineers and ship superintendents, etc.)
•Creative industries (film, television, music, design, etc.)
•Legal services (dispute resolution professionals and business transaction lawyers, etc.)
•Other professional fields
If your profession is on the Talent List, you can get 30 bonus points. The detailed Talent List can be found on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.
Q12: What universities are included in the Hong Kong QMAS global top 100 university list?
Answer: The Hong Kong QMAS global top 100 university list includes the top 100 universities in the following four rankings:
•QS World University Rankings top 100
•Times Higher Education World University Rankings top 100
•US News World University Rankings top 100
•Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking of World Universities top 100
If your bachelor's/master's degree is awarded by a global top 100 university, you can get 30 bonus points. If your bachelor's/master's degree is awarded by a global top 100 university, and you have at least 3 years of work experience after graduation, you can get an additional 15 bonus points (total 45 points).
Q13: What is the quota limit for Hong Kong QMAS?
Answer: In October 2023, the Hong Kong SAR Government announced the removal of the quota limit for Hong Kong QMAS for two years (until the end of 2025). From 2026 onwards, Hong Kong QMAS will continue to maintain the no quota limit policy. This means that all eligible applicants have the opportunity to be approved, and are no longer subject to quota limits.
Q14: Can I apply for Hong Kong permanent resident after Hong Kong QMAS approval?
Answer: Yes. Persons who come to Hong Kong through Hong Kong QMAS can apply for Hong Kong permanent resident status after 7 years of continuous residence in Hong Kong. Hong Kong permanent residents can enjoy all the rights of Hong Kong residents, including voting rights, free public healthcare, free public education for children, etc. Hong Kong permanent residents can also apply for a Hong Kong SAR passport, which allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries and regions worldwide.