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

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

By · Last reviewed:

Source check: all 13 official citations reconfirmed 13 September 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 Immigration 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

Common blockers

Typical evidence

Application pathway

  1. Check the route fit

    Self-assess against the General Points Test or Achievement-based Points Test to confirm you reach the threshold.

  2. Build the evidence pack

    Assemble qualification, experience, financial and (if claimed) achievement evidence.

  3. Submit through the official channel

    Submit the QMAS application to the Immigration Department for assessment and selection.

  4. After approval

    If selected, activate the visa, settle in Hong Kong and renew toward seven-year residence.

After approval: prepare for your next step

For Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.

  1. 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
  2. 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
  3. 3. Confirm what you may do. Check whether employment, self-employment, remote work or study is permitted under the status granted. Do not infer unrestricted work rights from the absence of an employer sponsor.
  4. 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
  5. 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.
Official Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) instructionsBuild my moving plan for this routeMoving to Hong Kong

Plan the practical side of your stay

Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in Hong Kong. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.

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.

  1. 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

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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.

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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

See the full evidence trail and methodology

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