Short answer: Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is scored under the Achievement-based or General Points Test. Successful applicants may reside in Hong Kong to work or start a business. There is no investment floor; the focus is education, experience, language, age and talent-list factors. Extensions need proof of ties in Hong Kong; permanent residence still generally requires ordinary residence of about seven years under the law.
Two scoring concepts
| Test | Typical fit |
|---|---|
| Achievement-based | Outstanding achievements (major awards, top-of-field recognition) |
| General Points Test | Points from education, experience, language, age, talent list |
Score lines, bonuses and the talent list follow the Immigration Department’s latest guide and can change.
Versus TTPS, GEP and CIES
TTPS uses A/B/C thresholds and is often faster to map; GEP needs an employer; CIES needs large net assets and investment. QMAS fits applicants below hard TTPS thresholds but with strong composite profiles who accept selection and longer processing.
Extension practice
Long absence after approval hurts extensions. Build employment, business or family records in Hong Kong early—contracts, MPF, tax and address evidence as the case requires.
Global Immigrate note
Self-score on the current table and test whether TTPS or GEP fits better. QMAS is selective—passing the score does not guarantee approval. Prioritise verifiable evidence over unverifiable awards.
Information current as of October 2026.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. See Hong Kong QMAS.