Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme

Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission scheme might be relevant to you if you are considering a job in Hong Kong. As always, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you start. 

HONG KONG QUALITY MIGRANT ADMISSION SCHEME

The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme uses a points-based system of evaluation, awarding points for things like age, education, and language proficiency. 

With the aid of this programme, you may obtain a visa that will enable you to live permanently in Hong Kong and support yourself there. 

You are qualified for various professional job lists in the Hong Kong area once you have been accepted into the QMAS category. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA OF HONG KONG QUALITY MIGRANT ADMISSION SCHEME

Apart from citizens of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam, any visitors may apply for a QMAS visa if they meet the following criteria:

• Age – When requesting a QMAS visa from Hong Kong, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Financial requirements – Possess the means without the aid of Hong Kong’s government assistance to support and house oneself, as well as any dependents, if any.
• Language proficiency – Individuals should be proficient in both written and spoken forms of Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English.
• Educational qualifications – You must have a strong educational foundation. Typically, having an undergraduate degree from a reputable university or higher school is preferred. But, in exceptional cases, without such a degree, documentation of strong technical credentials, pertinent professional talents, accomplishments, and experience will be taken into consideration.

POINT-BASED TESTS

Candidates who meet the prerequisites additionally need to pass one of the point-based exams:

General Points Test

The General Points Exam has five point-scoring categories: age, educational and professional background, job experience, language ability, and family history. Out of a possible 165 points, 80 is the minimum score required to pass.

Achievement-Based Points Test 

The Achievement-Based Points Test is designed for those with great talent or skill who have accomplished remarkable things. This test only has one point-scoring component, worth 165 points, and it will be given if

• a prize for extraordinary achievement has been given to you (such as an Olympic medal, the Nobel Prize, or a national or international honour); or
• You can demonstrate that your work has received praise from others or has substantially advanced your profession (e.g. lifetime achievement award)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Form of Application Completed (English or Chinese)
• A duplicate of your passport’s page with personal information. a copy of the passport page with your most recent entry stamp or extension of stay label in Hong Kong, if you are presently residing there
• A copy of your People’s Republic of China identification card (if any)
• Each accompanying dependent family member’s completed Dependants Visa Application Form and supporting documentation. For further information, visit Hong Kong Dependants Visa Guide
• A copy of documentation that shows your personal net worth, such as bank statements, bank certificates, statements outlining your investments’ current market value, real estate valuation reports that show the property’s current market value, the most recent audited financial statements of a company, your ownership stake in the company, creditor statements outlining your personal debt balance, etc.
• A copy of documentation demonstrating your fluency in Chinese or English, such as the results of a recognised language test (for English, IELTS or TOEFL, whereas PSC or HSK for Chinese)
• A copy of any documents serving as evidence of one’s academic qualifications, such as diplomas or academic records transcripts
• A certified document of one’s membership, training, and professional credentials
• A copy of documentation demonstrating your relevant work history, such as a letter of recommendation from a former employer, your employment contract, etc. (if you are employed by a company); official company registration documents demonstrating your role within the company (if you own a business); a customer reference letter (in case you are self-employed); etc.
• A copy of your Hong Kong resume showing your major professional achievements and long-term goals

NOTE: Every document presented must be written in English or Chinese or have a certified translation from one language to the other. As required, the immigration authorities have the right to request additional documentation.

• It may take between 8 and 12 months from the time the application is submitted until it is approved in principle.
• There is no price for submitting documents.
• For the issuance of a visa or entrance permit, HK$260 is required.

QMAS VISA RENEWAL

Typically, the QMAS-issued visas are only good for a year. If you want to stay in Hong Kong longer, you must submit your renewal application at least four weeks before your permitted stay expires. 

Only if you meet the requirements listed below will your renewal application be taken into consideration:

Under the scheme of the General Points Test

You must be able to show that you’ve made an effort to settle in Hong Kong by finding a job or starting a business within the allotted time. If you are unable to show that you have taken these actions, the immigration authorities may, in their sole discretion, give you a one-year extension, if they judge it necessary.

Under the scheme of the Achievement-Based Points Test

In Hong Kong, you must be able to show that you are capable of providing for and housing your dependents on your own without aid from the government.

FAMILY DEPENDANT VISA

Those who apply for work permits under this programme are allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried, dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong. Each family member is required to submit a dependent visa application for this reason.

Holders of dependent visas are free to work or study in Hong Kong, as appropriate, and their term of stay is dependent upon how long the applicant plans to stay in Hong Kong.

READY TO APPLY FOR HONG KONG QUALITY MIGRANT ADMISSION SCHEME?

You can get assistance from Relin Consultants with the application process for Hong Kong business registration.

Please contact us if you’re considering applying to Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme or looking into options for becoming a more permanent resident and starting a business there. We’ll lead you on the appropriate path.