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Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme

The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (abbreviated as "QMAS") was announced on June 28, 2006. There are two application methods: the “General Points Test” or the “Achievement-based Points Test”. The General Points Test grants a 3-year residence visa, and after meeting the requirements of “settling in Hong Kong and contributing to Hong Kong,” applicants can apply for renewal. The renewal process is 2+3+3 years (for top talents, the renewal process is 3+5 years). The Achievement-based Points Test grants an 8-year residence visa at once. Both systems allow applicants to apply for permanent residency after 7 years of residence. Global provides services for visa renewals, adding dependents, and applying for permanent residency, which requires a separate contract.

Introduction to Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a superior geographic location and is one of the world’s top three financial centers along with London and New York. Its favorable business environment and advantages in education for children attract many mainland families each year. Last year, the number of successful applicants for the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme surged by 96%, the highest level in the 14-year history of the scheme. More mainland families are choosing to immigrate to Hong Kong.

Service Content:

Providing advice and consulting for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme application
Assisting in preparing supporting documents
Preparing relevant application forms
Drafting authorization letters, statements, and certificates
Submitting application documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department and handling follow-up communications
Providing feedback to applicants on the application status
Responding to additional document requests from relevant authorities (if any)
Paying the application fees and collecting visa documents on behalf of the applicant
Mailing the visa to the applicant’s provided address
Assisting in applying for a Hong Kong ID card (if needed)

Advantages

Simple application process

No investment required, no industry restrictions, no interview required during the pandemic

Free movement

Passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 168 countries and regions, including the UK, France, and Germany

Simple tax system

Low tax burden, no double taxation with Mainland China, and a 15% personal income tax rebate for the Greater Bay Area

Perfect healthcare and social security system, reduced outpatient and inpatient fees

Elite education

15 years of free public education, children can take the Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan Joint Examination/Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination

Other benefits

Children born in Hong Kong can directly obtain Hong Kong permanent residency

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years or older

Bachelor’s degree or higher, meeting the points requirements of one of the two point-based systems

Good proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) or English, both written and spoken

Asset proof of RMB 200,000 or above for the individual, and RMB 400,000 or above for the family

No criminal record or adverse immigration history in Hong Kong or elsewhere

Method 1: Achievement-based Points Test

Applicants who have received distinguished awards (such as Olympic medals, Nobel Prizes, national or international awards), or

Applicants who can demonstrate that their work has been recognized by their peers, or that they have made significant contributions to their field (e.g., receiving a lifetime achievement award)

Points can either be full or zero

Method 2: General Points Test

The maximum score is 225, and the passing score is 80

Scoring criteria include: age, education or professional qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, talent list, and family background (for specific scoring, please refer to the points table)

The scheme is not applicable to nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam.

A good academic background generally requires a university degree awarded by a recognized university or higher education institution. In special cases, good technical qualifications, demonstrable professional skills, and/or experience and achievements supported by documentation may also be considered.

KYC Documents & Application Process

KYC Documents

1.
Application Form ID(C)981
2.
2 photographs (50mm*40mm to 55mm*45mm)
3.
A valid copy of the travel document with personal information
4.
A copy of residence identity proof from the country of residence (if the residence is not in the country of nationality)
5.

A copy of the Chinese resident ID card (if applicable)
6.
Personal net worth proof documents
7.

A copy of higher education graduation certificate
8.
Professional qualification certificate (if available)
9.
A copy of a reference letter from each employer or a copy of company proof for each business owned or a copy of proof of self-employment experience
10.
A copy of documents proving major achievements/future plans and other statements
11.
A copy of language proficiency certification
12.
Original notarized criminal record certificate

Application Process

1.

Providing advice and consulting
2.

Preparing supporting documents, drafting authorization letters, filling out forms
3.

Submitting application documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department
4.

Communicating with the Immigration Department and responding to additional document requests from relevant authorities
5.

Notification of application determination from the Immigration Department
6.
Selection process
7.
Announcing selection results
8.

Issuing the principle approval notice
9.
Applicant’s arrival in Hong Kong for an interview
10.
Issuing the visa

FAQs

Question

Is there an economic requirement for applying for the Talent Scheme?

Answer

                                                The Hong Kong Talent Scheme does not require investment but requires applicants to provide proof of assets to demonstrate that they can support themselves in Hong Kong without relying on public assistance.
Generally, it’s recommended that individuals provide asset proof of HK$120,000 and families provide HK$360,000. Bank deposits, personal stocks, and real estate can be used as proof of assets, and no source of funds needs to be provided.

                                                The Hong Kong Talent Scheme application consists of two conditions: basic eligibility and a points system. Applicants must meet the basic eligibility criteria before proceeding to the scoring stage.
Basic eligibility: 18 years or older, bachelor’s degree (with a diploma), proficiency in Mandarin/Cantonese/English, no criminal record, and sufficient financial means.
Points system: Applicants can choose between a general points system or an achievement-based system. The total score is 245 points, and a score of 80 points is required to apply. Due to the high requirements of the achievement-based system, most applicants will opt for the general points system, where points are given based on age, work experience, education, etc. 80 points is sufficient for application.

                                                Not necessarily. Although the Hong Kong Talent Scheme uses a points system, a higher score does not automatically increase the approval chances.
During the approval process, points are only a preliminary filter. The final approval depends on factors such as education, work experience, and the applicant’s plans in Hong Kong.
Thus, a high score doesn’t guarantee approval, and a low score should not be a reason to give up. Don’t fall into this misconception.

                                                Some applicants may be concerned that their age will affect their chances of approval.
In the Hong Kong Talent Scheme scoring system, individuals aged 18-39 get 30 points, those aged 40-44 get 20 points, 45-50 get 15 points, and 51 and above get 0 points, so older applicants are at a disadvantage when it comes to age points.
However, older applicants often have extensive work experience. As long as they meet the basic requirements and score 80 points, they can still apply. The key is to highlight work advantages and strengths, and to carefully prepare the plan for coming to Hong Kong, explaining what they will do in Hong Kong, how they will do it, and what contributions they can make to Hong Kong. This can still lead to approval.

                                                The Hong Kong Talent List includes the talents needed for Hong Kong's current and mid-term economic development. Since August 28, 2018, the Hong Kong Talent Scheme has used the Hong Kong Talent List. Applicants with backgrounds in industries listed on the Talent List can receive an additional 30 points in the Comprehensive Points System.

                                                Whether you are applying for the Hong Kong Talent Scheme or after receiving approval for Hong Kong residency, permanent residency, or a Hong Kong passport, you do not need to cancel your Mainland China household registration.
Canceling the Mainland household registration is related to the Home Return Permit. After seven years of permanent residency, if you wish to apply for the Home Return Permit, you will need to cancel your Mainland household registration.

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