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Hong Kong talent schemes
Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
Professionals and high achievers from every sector can come to Hong Kong without a job offer.
Reviewed by Oscar Yip · Updated October 2026
Programme overview
QMAS applicants are assessed under either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test and approved through periodic selection exercises. The General Points Test scores age, education, work experience, language ability, income and business background; the Achievement-based Points Test suits people with international awards or outstanding achievements.
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InvestmentNo investment required
Job offerNot required
AssessmentGeneral Points Test: meet at least 6 of 12 criteria
First stayGeneral 36 months; Achievement-based 8 years
Summary
QMAS needs no prior job offer. Applicants must meet the basic eligibility requirements and be assessed under the General Points Test (currently meeting at least 6 of 12 criteria) or the Achievement-based Points Test, followed by periodic selection. Those approved under the General Points Test are usually granted 36 months, and under the Achievement-based test eight years, during which they can freely take up employment or start a business.
Key benefits of QMAS
- No job offer neededYou do not need a local job offer; once approved you can come to Hong Kong and then look for work or start a business.
- Meet 6 of 12 criteriaThe test covers age, education, languages, work experience, income and business, so different profiles can reach the threshold.
- No upper age limitYou only need to be 18 or over; being 50 or under is just one of the scoring criteria.
- Eight years for high achieversApplicants with major international awards or peer-recognised achievements are normally granted eight years under the Achievement-based test.
- Free to work or start a businessYour stay is on time limitation only: you can take up or change jobs or start a business without prior ImmD approval.
- Family can work and studyYour spouse and unmarried children under 18 can join you as dependants and may work or study in Hong Kong.
- Long extensionsAfter the first 36 months, extensions normally follow a 3+2-year pattern; after two years here with assessable income of HKD 2 million, five years.
- Permanent residence after 7 yearsAfter seven years of continuous ordinary residence you can apply for Hong Kong permanent residence with the right of abode.
- Low salaries taxSalaries tax never exceeds the standard rate: 15% on the first HKD 5 million of net income and 16% above; no capital gains tax.
Why Global Immigrate for QMAS
- families approved
- 25+
- approval rate
- 92%
- offering this programme since
- 2019
Evidence and argument strategy
A team that knows the assessment standards plans your evidence, recommendation letters and personal statement, addressing each criterion in turn.
Planning for renewal and permanent residence
From the first application we plan for the conditions of renewal and permanent residence, not just the first step of entry.
Clear, transparent fees
All service fees and third-party costs are set out in writing before you sign — no hidden charges — and our refund terms are explained clearly.
Requirements
Applicants generally need to meet the following:
- Aged 18 or over
- Good character, with no adverse immigration or criminal record
- Normally a university degree (exceptions may be considered)
- General Points Test: meet at least 6 of the 12 criteria; or meet one of the two Achievement-based criteria
- Able to support and accommodate yourself and your dependants in Hong Kong without relying on public assistance
Our three guarantees
Full service-fee refund if refused
Guaranteed in your service agreement: if your application is refused, we refund the service fees you have paid in full — or you can switch to another suitable programme at no extra charge.
No extra charge for further documents or resubmission
If the authorities request further documents, or an application must be resubmitted, we handle it at no additional service fee.
Handled by professionals, fee fixed at signing
Every application is prepared and reviewed by our professional immigration team. Your service fee is fixed when you sign, with no additional charges afterwards.
Service fees exclude investment amounts, government fees and third-party costs. Refusals caused by false or incomplete information, or by the applicant not cooperating as required, are not eligible for a refund. Full terms are set out in the service agreement.
Free QMAS brochure
Covers the requirements, process and timeline, a fee overview and FAQs. Leave your details and we’ll send it to you.
Thank you — the brochure is on its way to your inbox
If you can’t see it, please check your spam folder. A consultant may also contact you to answer any questions about the programme.
Application process
- Assessment and scoring1–2 weeksWe assess your competitiveness under the points tests.
- Prepare and submit2–4 weeksGather evidence of your education, work and achievements.
- Selection and approvalDepends on selection; no official time publishedThrough periodic selection and approval; meeting the threshold does not guarantee selection.
- Arrival and extensionsPer your visa periodAfter arriving, apply for extensions when the conditions are met.
Pathway to PR and citizenship
- Hong Kong residence visaDepends on selection
A residence visa with no job offer needed; your spouse and children under 18 can join as dependants.
While on this statusTo renew you generally need to show employment or a business in Hong Kong; Hong Kong must be your place of ordinary residence for the 7 years — there is no set number of days, but you must explain any absence of more than 6 months in a row when applying for PR
- Hong Kong permanent residenceAfter 7 years of continuous ordinary residence
Apply for a Hong Kong permanent identity card with the right of abode; no more visa renewals. Hong Kong has no separate nationality: Chinese nationals with permanent residence can get an HKSAR passport, while others must first apply for Chinese nationality, which is strictly assessed.
Keeping permanent statusChinese nationals keep permanent residence regardless of absence; non-Chinese permanent residents who are away for 36 months in a row lose the right of abode and instead hold the right to land (they can still live and work in Hong Kong without a visa)
General information only; requirements follow each country’s latest rules and can vary with your circumstances.
QMAS client stories
Client storyA personal statement linking his expertise to Hong Kong’s needs, and QMAS approval
Mr Wu’s QMAS experience. He wanted to move to Hong Kong under QMAS.
Read the full storyClient storyQMAS approval and extensions followed through, so the family could settleMs Tong’s QMAS experience. She wanted the family to live in Hong Kong long term.
Read the full storyClient storyA professional who didn’t qualify for TTPS applies under QMASMs Liu’s QMAS experience. Her income was below TTPS Category A and her university was not on the list.
Read the full storyCompared with other options: Hong Kong
See the Hong Kong overview| Programme | Investment | Status | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) | No investment or job offer needed | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Usually about 4 weeks | Annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more, or a degree from an eligible university |
| Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)This programme | No investment or job offer needed | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Usually about 6–9 months | Well-rounded professionals who do not qualify for TTPS |
| Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) / Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents (ASMTP) | No investment; Hong Kong employer needed | Residence (employment visa) | Usually a few weeks | Professionals already hired by a Hong Kong employer |
| Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) | HKD 30,000,000 | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Depends on net asset and investment review | High-net-worth individuals and families |
QMAS FAQ
What is the difference between the two points tests?
The General Points Test scores a range of personal factors and suits most professionals; the Achievement-based Points Test suits people with international awards or outstanding achievements.
Should I choose QMAS or TTPS?
If you qualify for TTPS, it is usually faster; professionals who do not qualify for TTPS can consider QMAS.
When can I apply for Hong Kong permanent residence?
After ordinarily residing in Hong Kong for a continuous period of seven years in a recognised status, and making Hong Kong your permanent home, you can apply for Hong Kong permanent residence.
Sources
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