The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is Hong Kong's points-based route for skilled or talented individuals who don't yet have a job offer. Since a November 2024 reform, the main points test is a pass/fail checklist with no fixed annual quota — but passing it only opens the door to a separate, merit-based selection stage.
No Job Offer Needed
QMAS is built for applicants without a confirmed Hong Kong employer at the time of application.
General Points Test
A pass/fail checklist across 12 criteria — meet at least 6 to be eligible to apply.
Achievement-Based Test
For exceptional talent only — a major award or a clearly recognised contribution to your field.
No Fixed Quota
Abolished for the General Points Test route in the November 2024 reform — but selection is still merit-based, not automatic.
Two Ways to Qualify
General Points Test (GPT): assesses you across 12 criteria in six categories — age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, annual income (a threshold around HK$1 million is one of the criteria), and business ownership. Since a reform effective 1 November 2024, GPT is no longer a cumulative score — it's a pass/fail checklist, and you need to meet at least 6 of the 12 criteria to be eligible to submit an application.
Achievement-based Points Test (APT): for exceptional talent only — an Olympic medal, a Nobel Prize, or another major national or international award, or clear evidence of a significant, peer-acknowledged contribution to your field. This is a qualifying pass/fail assessment ahead of Assessment Panel review, not a numeric score.
Passing the Test Isn't the Same as Approval
Meeting the GPT or APT threshold only makes you eligible to be considered — it is not a guarantee of a visa. A separate selection stage follows, run by a government Assessment Panel that weighs your profile against Hong Kong's current manpower needs and expected socio-economic benefit. As of the November 2024 reform, there is no fixed annual quota constraining the General Points Test route, but the merit-based selection step still means not every eligible applicant is approved.
Documents You'll Typically Need
- Valid travel document and proof of net worth or financial means
- Academic credentials with third-party verification
- Employment reference letters and income or business financial proof
- Language proficiency evidence
- For APT applicants: documented evidence of the specific achievement or contribution
Validity & Family
The General Points Test route carries an initial stay of 36 months. The Achievement-based Points Test route can carry an initial stay of up to 8 years. Your spouse or civil partner and unmarried children under 18 may accompany you, provided you can show sufficient means to support them.
How Long Does It Take?
Immigration Department guidance references roughly two to three weeks for an initial document check once a complete application is received — but the total time to a final selection decision is not officially quoted as a fixed figure, and can take considerably longer given the separate merit-based review stage. We give you a realistic estimate once we understand your specific case.
Applying for QMAS, Step By Step
Points Test Assessment
We work out whether GPT or APT fits your profile, and confirm you meet the current threshold before applying.
Documentation Preparation
We help build a strong, well-evidenced case for the Assessment Panel's merit-based review.
Submission & Follow-Through
We file the application and manage correspondence with the Immigration Department until a decision is issued.
Not confident you'd pass the points test?
The General Points Test is pass/fail on paper, but how a case is built and presented matters — and the Achievement-based route exists for exceptional profiles the standard test doesn't capture well. Don't rule yourself out without a proper look.
QMAS Questions
Do I need a job offer for QMAS?
No — QMAS is specifically for skilled or talented individuals who have not yet secured a job offer in Hong Kong. This is its key difference from the standard Employment Visa (General Employment Policy), which does require one.
What's the difference between the General Points Test and the Achievement-based Points Test?
The General Points Test (GPT) assesses you against 12 criteria across age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, annual income, and business ownership — since a November 2024 reform, it's a pass/fail checklist where you need to meet at least 6 of the 12 to submit an application. The Achievement-based Points Test (APT) is for exceptional talent only — an Olympic medal, a Nobel Prize, or another major national or international award, or a clearly recognised, significant contribution to your field.
Is there a quota for QMAS?
Not currently for the General Points Test route — the annual quota was abolished as part of the November 2024 reform. That said, meeting the points-test criteria makes you eligible to apply; it doesn't guarantee approval, since a separate selection stage follows.
If I pass the points test, am I guaranteed a visa?
No. Passing the General Points Test or Achievement-based Points Test only makes you eligible to be considered — final selection is a separate, merit-based step run by a government Assessment Panel, which weighs your profile against Hong Kong's manpower needs and socio-economic benefit. We help position your application as strongly as possible for that stage.
Last reviewed August 20, 2026 against current Immigration Department guidance. Hong Kong immigration policy changes periodically — this page is for general information only, not a guarantee of eligibility or outcome. Book a consultation and we'll confirm exactly how current rules apply to your situation.
Wondering if you'd pass the points test?
We'll score your profile against the current GPT criteria and tell you honestly where you stand.
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