The Ultimate 2025-2026 Guide to Hong Kong Immigration | QMAS, Top Talent Pass, CIES | PremierVisa

Hong Kong, as an international financial center connecting East and West, continues to capture global attention with its unique tax advantages, world-class education and healthcare, and an internationally aligned lifestyle. In recent years, to compete in the global talent race, the Hong Kong SAR Government has launched a series of unprecedented "talent-grabbing" measures, offering diverse and convenient pathways for professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families looking to move to the city. For 2025-2026, understanding and leveraging these policy dividends is key to realizing the dream of settling in Hong Kong immigration.

PremierVisa's team has been deeply involved in the Hong Kong immigration market for years, possessing a profound understanding and extensive practical experience with the approval standards and application details of various talent schemes. We have found that many highly qualified applicants miss out on opportunities because they fail to accurately grasp policy points or adequately showcase their strengths. This article will provide a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the three most mainstream Hong Kong immigration programs today: the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), and the new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), helping you plan clearly and achieve your goals in one step.

【Points-Based Talent】Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is one of Hong Kong's most classic talent importation schemes. It uses a points-based system to attract global talent with good educational backgrounds, professional skills, and extensive experience to develop their careers in Hong Kong, without requiring a prior offer of employment from a Hong Kong employer.

General Points Test vs. Achievement-Based Points Test

QMAS has two points-based tests, with the vast majority of applicants using the "General Points Test."

•General Points Test: Applicants are assessed based on six factors: age, academic/professional qualifications, work experience, talent list, language skills, and family background. The test has a maximum score of 245, and applicants who meet the passing mark of 80 can submit an application. The Hong Kong Immigration Department then conducts a selection process to approve the best candidates.

•Achievement-Based Points Test: This is for top talents with exceptional skills or achievements, such as Olympic medalists or Nobel laureates. Applicants who meet the requirements can directly score 245 points, but the threshold is extremely high.

Latest Scoring Table (General Points Test)

Scoring Factor	Max Points	PremierVisa Professional Tips
Age	30 (18-39 years)	Age is a significant factor; younger applicants score higher.
Academic/Professional Qualifications	70 (PhD/2+ Master's degrees)	An extra 30 points for a degree from a world-renowned university.
Work Experience	75 (10+ years with management experience)	An extra 20 points for at least 3 years of experience in a multinational or well-known company.
Talent List	30	Applicants who meet the requirements of the 13 professions in high demand in Hong Kong get extra points.
Language Proficiency	20 (Proficient in both Chinese and English)	Good language skills are fundamental for adapting to life in Hong Kong.
Family Background	20	Points are awarded if a close family member is a Hong Kong permanent resident, the spouse has a high level of education, or there are accompanying dependent children.

Common Questions about QMAS

Q: I just scored 80 points on the QMAS test. Are my chances of approval high?

A: 80 points is the minimum threshold to apply, but it does not guarantee approval. In recent years, due to the large number of applicants, the approval score has been rising. A score of 120 or above is generally more competitive. The PremierVisa consulting team will provide you with an accurate assessment and professional advice on how to improve your score by optimizing your profile (e.g., obtaining professional qualifications, preparing for language tests).Q: What is required for a QMAS visa extension? Do I have to work in Hong Kong?

A: The key to a QMAS extension is to prove that you are "ordinarily resident" in Hong Kong and have made a contribution to the city. This does not necessarily mean you must be employed by a Hong Kong company. You can also start a business, participate in community activities, or have your children study in Hong Kong. We will guide you on how to prepare the extension documents to demonstrate your strong ties to Hong Kong.

【For High Earners & Top Graduates】Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is a major "talent-grabbing" initiative launched by the Hong Kong government at the end of 2022. It is characterized by an extremely fast application process, no points test, and clear approval criteria, designed to quickly attract high-income talents and graduates from top universities worldwide.

A, B, and C Application Categories Explained

The TTPS has no quota and is open to applicants who meet one of the following three categories:

Category	Eligibility Criteria	PremierVisa Professional Tips
Category A	Annual income of HK$2.5 million or more in the year preceding the application.	The source of income is not limited by region and can include salary, company dividends, investment returns, etc. This is a fast track for high-income elites.
Category B	Bachelor's degree from a top 100 university worldwide, with at least three years of work experience in the five years preceding the application.	The "top 100 universities" list is designated by the Hong Kong government and covers four major world university rankings. There are no industry restrictions on work experience.
Category C	Bachelor's degree from a top 100 university worldwide in the five years preceding the application, but with less than three years of work experience.	This category has an annual quota of 10,000, available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is suitable for recent graduates from top universities.

TTPS vs. QMAS: Which is Better for Me?

Comparison Item	Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)	Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
Approval Speed	Extremely fast, usually within 4 weeks	Slower, with an approval cycle of about 6-12 months
Application Threshold	Clear criteria, black and white	Comprehensive scoring, with some uncertainty
Flexibility	High degree of freedom to work and live in Hong Kong after initial approval	Requires demonstrating ties to Hong Kong for extension
Target Audience	High-income individuals, graduates from top universities	Diverse backgrounds, not limited by education or income

Common Questions about TTPS

Q: Is it difficult to extend a TTPS visa?

A: The TTPS extension model is "2+3+3" years. After the initial 2-year stay, applicants must prove they have secured a job or started a business in Hong Kong to be granted a 3-year extension. The key to extension is demonstrating that you are employed or have started a business in Hong Kong. There is no strict salary requirement, but a reasonable salary will help ensure a smooth extension.Q: I graduated more than 5 years ago but from a top 100 university. Can I still apply for Category B?

A: Yes. The core requirement for Category B is "at least three years of work experience in the five years preceding the application," with no limit on the graduation date. As long as you graduated from a qualifying top 100 university and meet the work experience requirement, you can apply for Category B.

【For Affluent Individuals】New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)

After being suspended for many years, Hong Kong's investment immigration program was relaunched in 2024 as the "New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme" (New CIES). The scheme aims to attract high-net-worth individuals to bring their capital to Hong Kong, thereby consolidating the city's status as an international asset management center.

HK$30 Million Investment Threshold Explained

Applicants must invest a minimum of HK$30 million in permissible investment assets, divided into two parts:

1.CIES Investment Portfolio (HK$27 million): Invest in a range of Hong Kong financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, and funds (excluding residential real estate).

2.Support for Innovation and Technology Industries (HK$3 million): Invest in the "CIES Investment Portfolio" managed by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited to support the development of innovation and technology industries.

Application Process and Timeline

1.Eligibility Assessment: Submit an application to InvestHK to prove a net worth of not less than HK$30 million.

2.Approval-in-Principle: After receiving "Approval-in-Principle" from InvestHK, apply to the Immigration Department for an entry visa.

3.Complete Investment: Complete the aforementioned HK$30 million investment within a specified period (usually 180 days) after the visa is issued.

4.Formal Approval: Submit proof of completed investment to the Immigration Department to obtain formal approval and settle in Hong Kong.

Common Questions about CIES

Q: Can the CIES investment be withdrawn?

A: You must maintain the investment while holding the visa. You can switch assets within your investment portfolio, but the total market value must not fall below HK$30 million. After successfully becoming a Hong Kong permanent resident after 7 years, you can freely dispose of all invested assets.Q: How many family members can I bring with me through CIES?

A: Applicants can bring their spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18. They will be granted the same stay conditions as the main applicant.

Conclusion: Diverse Pathways, Professional Guidance

Hong Kong's immigration policy for 2025-2026 is more open and diverse than ever. Whether you are a professional with a strong academic background, a high-earning industry elite, or a high-net-worth individual with substantial capital, there is a path to help you achieve your goal of settling in Hong Kong. However, each scheme has its unique application logic and approval points. Choosing the most suitable option and preparing a professional and persuasive application are the keys to success.

With its precise grasp of Hong Kong's immigration policies and extensive case-handling experience, PremierVisa can provide you with an application strategy that best fits your personal circumstances. We not only assist with your application submission but also provide one-stop professional services from initial assessment and document preparation to subsequent extensions and permanent residency applications.