TL;DR

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is a points-based immigration scheme that can be applied for without a prior job offer, and is suitable for talent with specific skills, academic qualifications and academic achievements. In 2026, QMAS adopted the General Points Test (12 assessment criteria, of which at least 6 must be met, for a total of 12 points). Approval takes approximately 6–12 months. Compared with the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), the advantage of QMAS is that it does not require a top 100 university or an annual salary of HK$2.5 million, but the processing time is longer and the success rate is lower. Suitable for: those with good educational qualifications (master’s degree or above), work experience (especially in Talent List industries such as high technology/finance), and an international background.

1. 2026 QMAS Points-based System Reform

In 2025–2026, QMAS adopted a new General Points Test, comprising 12 assessment criteria in total, with 1 point for each, and a minimum of 6 points is required to apply.

1.1 The 12 Assessment Criteria (Simplified Version)

  • 1. Age: 18–50 years old
  • 2. Academic qualification (Doctorate): Holds a doctoral degree (in any discipline)
  • 3. Academic qualification (Master’s): Holds a master’s degree (STEM-related preferred)
  • 4. Academic qualification (top 100 university): Graduated from a top 100 university (QS/THE/ARWU/US News)
  • 5. Work experience (≥5 years): No less than 5 years of work experience at degree level
  • 6. Work experience (≥3 years at a multinational company): No less than 3 years of work experience at a multinational corporation or a well-known enterprise
  • 7. Work experience (≥2 years international): No less than 2 years of international work experience (outside Hong Kong)
  • 8. Work experience (Talent List industry): Work experience falling within the Talent List categories
  • 9. Language ability (Chinese): Good Chinese writing and spoken ability
  • 10. Language ability (English): Good English writing and spoken ability (IELTS 6.5+)
  • 11. Annual income (≥HK$1 million): Annual salary of HK$1 million or above in the year preceding the application
  • 12. Business ownership: Owns a business (company shareholder/partner)

Eligibility threshold: a minimum of 6 points.

1.2 Achievement-based Points Test

Suitable for the very few individuals with “outstanding achievements” (such as Olympic medal winners, Nobel Prize laureates, etc.), who may apply directly without scoring points.

2. Talent List (2026)

If the applicant’s profession falls within the Talent List, it will be given priority consideration. The 2026 Talent List covers the following fields:

  • Asset management compliance professionals / risk management professionals
  • Financial technology (FinTech) professionals
  • Data scientists and cybersecurity specialists
  • Innovation and technology professionals (AI, biotechnology, robotics, etc.)
  • Shipbuilders / marine engineers
  • Marine insurance professionals
  • Creative industries professionals (performing arts, digital entertainment, etc.)
  • Legal professionals (dispute resolution, transaction lawyers, etc.)
  • ESG (environmental, social and governance) professionals

3. Application Process

  1. Self-assessment: Confirm that you meet at least 6 of the assessment criteria
  2. Prepare documents: Proof of academic qualifications, proof of employment, proof of language ability, financial proof, etc.
  3. Submit application online: Submit via the Immigration Department website
  4. Selection: The Immigration Department conducts selection exercises periodically (approximately once per quarter)
  5. Approval-in-Principle: Upon approval, you must come to Hong Kong in person for an interview
  6. Formal visa issuance: Upon approval, a 2-year + 3-year + 3-year stay visa is issued

Processing time: Approximately 6–12 months (considerably longer than the 2–4 weeks of the Top Talent Pass Scheme)

4. QMAS vs Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): Which to Choose?

  • Prior job offer required?: ❌ No · ❌ No
  • Assessment criteria: Points-based system (at least 6 of 12) · Annual salary of HK$2.5 million or a top 100 university
  • Processing time: 6–12 months · 2–4 weeks
  • Success rate: Lower (approximately 20–30%) · Higher (Category A/B approximately 80%+)
  • Suitable for: Master’s + experience + good language skills but not necessarily a top 100 university · Top 100 university graduates or high-income individuals
  • Quota: No explicit quota but the actual number approved is limited · Has a quota but Category A/B are unlimited

Selection advice:

  • If you are a top 100 university graduate: Apply for the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) (faster and simpler)
  • If you are not from a top 100 university but have a master’s degree + international experience + good English: apply for QMAS
  • If your annual salary exceeds HK$2.5 million: apply for TTPS Category A (no university background required)

5. FAQ

Q1: Can family members come to Hong Kong after QMAS approval? A1: Yes. An approved applicant may apply for dependant visas for their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 18.

Q2: Can you change jobs / switch industries during QMAS? A2: Yes. QMAS does not restrict you to any particular industry or job. After approval, you may work as an employee, start a business or study, offering a very high degree of flexibility.

The information in this article is current as of May 2026. The points-based system and the Talent List are subject to the latest announcements by the Immigration Department.