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Pathway

Hong Kong Skilled Migrant Visa

Hong Kong Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

Highly skilled or exceptionally accomplished people can apply to move to Hong Kong without a job offer. Most must prove at least six of 12 criteria; meeting that minimum does not guarantee selection.

Job offer required?
Not required before applying
Usual assessment
Meet at least six of 12 tests covering age, education, languages, work, income, or business ownership
Alternative assessment
Exceptional awards or recognized contributions

Summary

Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, or QMAS, lets highly skilled or exceptionally accomplished people apply to move there without a local job offer. It is selective: meeting the minimum requirements lets you apply, but does not guarantee a place.

Most applicants use the General Points Test. Despite its name, the current test asks whether you meet at least six of 12 specific criteria. A separate test covers exceptional awards or achievements.

Applying without a job offer
  1. Check the basic requirements Confirm your age, nationality, education, financial support, and background.
  2. Choose the assessment that fits Prove at least six of 12 criteria, or meet the exceptional-achievement test.
  3. Apply and await selection Meeting the minimum lets you apply; it does not guarantee approval.

These are two alternative assessment routes. General Points Test entrants normally receive 36 months initially.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

Basic requirements

You must be at least 18, have an eligible nationality, and be able to support yourself and any family members without public assistance. You must have no criminal or adverse immigration record in Hong Kong or elsewhere.

You also need a good educational background, normally a first degree from a recognized university or similar institution. Strong technical qualifications, professional abilities, or achievements may be accepted instead.

The usual assessment

Since November 1, 2024, the General Points Test has used 12 yes-or-no criteria covering age, education, languages, work experience, income, and business ownership. You must prove at least six to apply. Applicants meeting more criteria are considered more favorably.

Read each criterion closely. Examples include a master’s or doctoral degree from an eligible university, particular lengths or kinds of graduate-level work experience, annual income of at least HKD 1 million, or ownership of a highly profitable or listed business. A strong career in general does not mean you meet these exact tests.

Exceptional achievements

The Achievement-based Points Test is a separate option for exceptional cases, such as a major national or international award or work recognized by peers as making a significant contribution to its field. Ordinary career success alone is not enough.

Family

A spouse or qualifying partner and unmarried dependent children under 18 may be able to join you. You must show that you can support and house them.

What This Route Allows

If approved, you can move to Hong Kong without being tied to an employer chosen before you arrive. You can take or change jobs during your permitted stay without advance approval.

Applicants admitted through the General Points Test normally receive 36 months initially. An extension requires evidence that you are taking real steps to settle in Hong Kong, such as working or starting a business.

What This Route Is Not

Meeting six criteria is not a promise of approval. The Immigration Department selects applicants and can refuse an application even when the minimum requirements are met.

Next Steps

  1. Check that your nationality is eligible.
  2. Read all 12 criteria and count only those you can prove, or check the separate exceptional-achievement test.
  3. Gather education, work, financial, achievement, and background records supporting your application.
  4. Apply online through the official process.
  5. If approved under the General Points Test, use the initial 36 months to establish work, business, or other evidence of settling in Hong Kong for renewal.

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Sources