What Are the Application Requirements for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)?

Many people considering a Hong Kong identity search for: What are the application requirements for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)?
Hong Kong QMAS, officially known as the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, primarily attracts highly skilled or talented individuals to develop their careers in Hong Kong. Unlike the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), QMAS does not rely solely on a specific income benchmark or graduation from a designated university. Instead, it comprehensively evaluates qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, income, and corporate background.
Currently, QMAS features two assessment mechanisms: the General Points Test and the Achievement-based Points Test. Most professionals, corporate executives, and business owners focus on the General Points Test. Immigration Department

I. What Are the Basic Eligibility Requirements for QMAS?

According to the current regulations of the Hong Kong Immigration Department, applicants must meet several basic qualifications:
* Be at least 18 years of age;
* Be able to financially support and accommodate themselves and their dependents in Hong Kong without relying on public assistance;
* Have no criminal record or adverse immigration record;
* Possess good educational qualifications, generally requiring a degree from a recognized university or higher education institution.

In special circumstances, if an applicant possesses exceptional technical qualifications, professional competence, relevant experience, or outstanding achievements, their case may also be considered. Immigration Department
Once these basic qualifications are met, applicants can proceed to evaluation under either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test.

II. How Does the General Points Test Assess Applicants Now?

The current QMAS General Points Test consists of 12 assessment criteria spanning six categories:
* Age;
* Qualifications;
* Language proficiency;
* Work experience;
* Annual income;
* Business ownership.

The current application threshold requires applicants to meet at least 6 out of the 12 assessment criteria to be eligible to submit an application under the General Points Test. Immigration Department
For instance, whether an applicant is aged 50 or below, holds a Master's or Doctoral degree from an eligible university, or possesses good proficiency in English or dual languages corresponds to different assessment items.

III. What Are the Advantages of Work Experience?

QMAS evaluates work backgrounds in considerable detail.
* If an applicant has no less than 5 years of work experience at the degree level or expert level, it can correspond to relevant criteria.
* Having worked in renowned enterprises such as listed companies, multinational corporations, Fortune Global 500 companies, or Forbes Global 2000 companies can also create an advantage.
* Additionally, relevant work experience in specific sectors such as innovation and technology, finance, international trade, cross-border transportation, and supply chain management, or possessing international work experience, is also the focus of the current assessment framework. Immigration Department

Therefore, even among individuals with many years of work experience, different industries, corporate backgrounds, and job roles play varying roles in a QMAS application.

IV. Can Business Owners Apply for QMAS?

Yes, and the current assessment framework specifically establishes criteria related to income and business ownership.
* For example, if an applicant's annual income reaches HKD 1 million or above in the year immediately preceding the application, they may meet one of the income criteria.
* If an applicant owns a business and meets prescribed shareholding, control, and profitability requirements, they may also qualify under the business ownership criteria. Immigration Department

Thus, when business owners apply for QMAS, evaluations go beyond academic qualifications to combine corporate equity, business profitability, personal income, industry experience, and management background.

V. Does Meeting 6 Criteria Guarantee Approval?

No.
Meeting 6 criteria means reaching the current submission threshold, which does not equate to automatic approval.
QMAS remains a talent selection scheme. The authenticity and precise alignment of an applicant's educational background, work experience, income, corporate profile, and supporting documentation with the declared criteria are crucial.
Therefore, applicants should not simply count how many items they match, but ensure that every claimed item is supported by complete documentation.

How Easysail Global Can Assist You

If you are considering QMAS, the Top Talent Pass Scheme, the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP), or other Hong Kong visas, relying solely on online checklists to determine your suitability is not recommended.
Every individual's academic background, industry, work history, corporate profile, income structure, children's education, and relocation goals are unique. A Hong Kong immigration pathway that suits someone else may not be right for you.
You can share your basic background with Easysail Global, and we will analyze your actual profile to determine:
* Which QMAS assessment criteria you currently meet;
* Whether you have reached the current application threshold;
* How to properly prepare documentation regarding education, income, work, and enterprise;
* Whether QMAS, TTPS, or another visa category is more suitable for you;
* How to arrange Hong Kong residency for your spouse and children;
* Key considerations for subsequent visa renewals and long-term residency status.

The core of QMAS is not just whether you can apply, but whether your true background matches the current assessment framework.