QMAS — Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (優秀人才入境計劃)

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QMAS — Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (優秀人才入境計劃)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4–9 months

Estimated Cost

HKD $1,200–$1,900

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Overview

Points-based admission scheme for skilled professionals settling in Hong Kong without a prior job offer, with a pathway to permanent residency.

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is Hong Kong's talent visa for skilled professionals who don't need a prior job offer. Administered by the Immigration Department since 2006, it decouples residence rights from employer sponsorship through a points-based system assessing age, education, professional experience, language ability, and family background.

Applicants can initially stay 3 years with extensions; 7 years of ordinary residence leads to right of abode. Spouses and unmarried dependents under 18 may accompany the primary applicant. General Points Test applications take 6–9 months; Enhanced processing (November 2024 onward) takes approximately 4 months. Fees: HKD 600 application plus HKD 1,300 (stays over 180 days).

This visa is ideal for high-achieving professionals and academics seeking to relocate to Hong Kong without securing employment first—to launch ventures or explore opportunities on their own terms.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (non-refundable)HKD $600

Visa issuance fee (stay > 180 days)HKD $1,300

Visa issuance fee (stay ≤ 180 days)HKD $600

TotalHKD $1,200–$1,900

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Right of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)

Hong Kong

Right of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1–3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Aged 18 or above.

Good character (no criminal record or adverse immigration history).

Sufficient financial means to support self and dependents without public assistance.

Good educational background (normally a first degree from a recognized university).

Fluent in written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English.

Must meet the passing threshold under either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed application form.

Copy of personal details page of passport.

Copy of PRC ID card (if applicable).

Proof of academic qualifications (degree certificates, transcripts).

Proof of work experience (reference letters, employment contracts).

Proof of language proficiency (if applicable).

Proof of personal net worth/financial resources.

Evidence of key career accomplishments or future plans.

Certificate of No Criminal Conviction.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No job offer required to apply — retain freedom to explore opportunities after arrival
Path to permanent residency and right of abode after 7 years of ordinary residence
Initial visa up to 3 years renewable, with extensions up to 8 years under achievement points test
Spouse and unmarried children under 18 can accompany; spouse unrestricted work rights
Two assessment pathways: General Points Test or Achievement-based Points Test for flexibility
Moderate fees: HKD 600 application + HKD 600–1,300 issuance depending on stay duration
Enhanced General Points Test effective November 2024 offers streamlined processing

Worth Knowing

6–9 months typical processing for General Points Test; achievement-based faster but rarely available
Highly competitive; minimum point threshold does not guarantee approval under discretionary selection
Requires strong documentation: academic degree, professional achievements, financial capacity, language fluency
Not available to nationals of Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam
Criminal record or security concerns result in automatic disqualification