Hong Kong, China — Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
Hong Kong, China · Skilled migration · Summary: No Hong Kong employer sponsorship required — after approval you may work or start a business freely in Hong Kong. From 2026 it moved to a rigid 12-criteria filter (aged 50 or below, master's or doctoral degree from an eligible university, 5+ years of degree-level work experience, annual income of HK$1 million or more, bilingual ability, holding a profitable enterprise, etc.).
| Outcome | Initial visa 3 years → permanent residence after 7 years |
|---|---|
| Capital threshold | From 2026, at least 6 of the "12 criteria" must be met |
| Investment / route | Comprehensive assessment (no employer required) |
| Processing time | Approx. 3–9 months |
| Residence requirement | Renewal requires genuine work or business substance in Hong Kong |
| Category | Skilled migration |
FAQ
How much does Hong Kong, China — Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) require?
The current threshold is: From 2026, at least 6 of the "12 criteria" must be met. The route is: Comprehensive assessment (no employer required). Beyond the published threshold, expect government fees, legal fees and due diligence costs; actual outlay depends on the firm's quote.
How long until I receive "Initial visa 3 years → permanent residence after 7 years"?
The typical processing time is around Approx. 3–9 months. Actual duration depends on document completeness, background checks and official processing pace, and varies significantly by case.
Is there a residence requirement?
Renewal requires genuine work or business substance in Hong Kong
Anything specific for mainland Chinese applicants?
Terms may change as authorities adjust them, and practice can differ by consular district and over time. Where cross-border transfers or tax arrangements are involved, consult a professional adviser before filing.
Source: Immigration Department, Hong Kong, China - Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (official site) ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.
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