Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China · skilled migration · Leads to settlement

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

By Sam Parks · Last reviewed: 9 July 2026

Source check: all 13 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026

Points-based talent route for highly skilled or talented people to settle in Hong Kong without first securing a job offer.

No sponsorship requiredLeads to permanent residencyInitial stay normally up to 36 months under the General Points Test (or a longer initial period for Achievement-based applicants); renewable.

Processing time: Applications are processed and selected in periodic exercises rather than on a fixed timeline; refer to the official page for current arrangements.
Government fees: A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page.
Typical duration: Initial stay normally up to 36 months under the General Points Test (or a longer initial period for Achievement-based applicants); renewable.
Sponsorship required: No
Leads to permanent residency: Yes

Reviewed 9 July 2026Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗

In short

As of 9 July 2026, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is an unsponsored Hong Kong immigration route. Sources: official Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.

Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/hong-kong/quality-migrant-admission-scheme#answer

What is the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China?

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is an unsponsored Hong Kong route. Indicative government fees are A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page; indicative processing time is Applications are processed and selected in periodic exercises rather than on a fixed timeline; refer to the official page for current arrangements; typical duration is Initial stay normally up to 36 months under the General Points Test (or a longer initial period for Achievement-based applicants); renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.

Verified against Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) on 1 June 2026.

Overview

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme is a points-based route designed to attract highly skilled or talented people to settle in Hong Kong and enhance its economic competitiveness. Applicants do not need a job offer before applying. They are assessed under either a General Points Test (covering factors such as age, qualifications, experience and language) or an Achievement-based Points Test for those with exceptional accomplishments. The Director of Immigration selects successful applicants in periodic exercises.

Eligibility

Typical criteria

✓At least 18 years of age at the time of application.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
✓Able to support and accommodate yourself and dependants without relying on public assistance.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
✓No security objection and no known record of serious crime; good character.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
✓A good educational background, normally a first degree from a recognised university, or good technical qualifications and proven experience.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
✓Meet the minimum passing mark under the General Points Test, or qualify under the Achievement-based Points Test.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗

Common blockers

!Failing to reach the minimum passing mark and not qualifying under the achievement-based route.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
!Inability to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
!Security objection or record of serious crime.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
!Nationals of jurisdictions excluded from the scheme.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗

Typical evidence

·Passport and personal particulars.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
·Academic and professional qualification certificates.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
·Evidence of work experience and, where claimed, professional achievements.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
·Proof of financial means to support yourself and any dependants.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
·Language proficiency evidence where relevant to the points claimed.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗

Application pathway

Check the route fit
Self-assess against the General Points Test or Achievement-based Points Test to confirm you reach the threshold.
Build the evidence pack
Assemble qualification, experience, financial and (if claimed) achievement evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the QMAS application to the Immigration Department for assessment and selection.
After approval
If selected, activate the visa, settle in Hong Kong and renew toward seven-year residence.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

Official guidanceApplicant
Use official Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS).
Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) · verified 1 June 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a job offer for QMAS?+

No. The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme does not require a confirmed job offer before you apply. It is a talent route assessed on a points-based test. Once admitted, you are free to take up or seek employment in Hong Kong.

What is the difference between the General and Achievement-based Points Tests?+

The General Points Test scores you across factors such as age, academic and professional qualifications, work experience, language ability and family background, with a published minimum passing mark. The Achievement-based Points Test is for individuals with exceptional accomplishments and is assessed against achievement-focused criteria rather than the general scoring grid.

How long does a QMAS decision take?+

Unlike most Hong Kong work routes, QMAS applications are not processed on a fixed turnaround. The Immigration Department processes and selects applicants in periodic exercises rather than on a set timeline, so check the official page for current arrangements before planning your move.

Do I have to show I can support myself financially for QMAS?+

Yes. A QMAS criterion is that you can support and accommodate yourself and any dependants without relying on public assistance, and you are expected to provide proof of financial means as part of your evidence. Inability to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency is a common blocker.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

Find a regulated advisor in Hong Kong

How we verified this

We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.

Primary source: Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR)

Last checked: 1 June 2026

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