Eligibility requirements
- Be at least 18, have good character and no adverse immigration record, and demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and dependants without public assistance. A good educational background is normally required, with specified exceptional alternatives.
- For the General Points Test, meet at least six current criteria. They cover age 50 or below; eligible master's/doctoral qualifications and STEM; two languages and English; specified experience; income; and business ownership.
- The experience criteria distinguish five years of graduate/specialist work, three years in multinational/reputable enterprises, three years in innovation and technology, finance or international trade (including cross-boundary transport and supply-chain management), and two years with international exposure outside the home country/territory.
- The income criterion uses HK$1 million in the preceding year. Business criteria concern ownership/control of a business with HK$5 million annual profit, or a listed company. Ownership normally means at least 50% of a non-listed company or a significant holding, normally 10% or more, in a listed company, with the required control.
- Alternatively, demonstrate the very high standard under the Achievement-based Points Test, such as exceptional awards or recognised significant contribution to a field. Meeting a baseline does not remove the merit-based selection exercise.
Legal framework
Immigration Ordinance, Cap.115 ↗
The statutory immigration framework underlies admission, conditions of stay and any eventual right-of-abode assessment.
QMAS assessment routes ↗
The General Points Test has twelve criteria across age, qualifications, languages, experience, income and business ownership. A separate Achievement-based Points Test applies to exceptional achievements.
Build the evidence
Prepare records that substantiate the relevant criteria. The final checklist depends on the applicant, route and filing authority.
- Identity, travel and immigration records, character declarations and evidence of funds for the applicant and accompanying family.
- Degrees, transcripts and eligible-institution verification supporting the chosen academic criteria; language evidence aligned with the claims made.
- Employer letters, dates, job descriptions and company evidence supporting each experience or sector criterion; documentation distinguishing overseas exposure from ordinary travel.
- Income/tax records, corporate accounts and ownership/control documents for financial criteria, or independent awards, publications, peer recognition and contribution evidence for the achievement route.
How to apply
- 01
Build a criterion-by-criterion assessment
WG identifies the evidence for each of the twelve criteria or the separate achievement route. Do not assume that meeting six weakly documented claims is enough.
- 02
Explain the intended Hong Kong contribution
Prepare a coherent career and settlement narrative consistent with the applicant's skills, sector and evidence. This supports assessment but does not replace the published tests.
- 03
Submit the online dossier
Complete the selected route's application and fees, then respond to requests for originals or further information. Selection reflects individual merit and Hong Kong's needs.
- 04
Move from approval to settlement
Complete the e-Visa and entry formalities. Establish a record of residence, employment or business activities and prepare renewal evidence well before permission expires.
After approval & family planning
- General-test entrants normally have 36 months initially. The first extension examines steps to settle, including employment or business; further extensions examine settlement and contribution.
- The normal general-test extension pattern is three years then two years if approved. Separate top-tier income provisions may apply.
- Eligible spouses/recognised partners and unmarried dependent children under 18 may apply, subject to support, relationship and other conditions.
- Permanent residence is separate and normally requires at least seven years of continuous ordinary residence plus the relevant statutory conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the old 80-point QMAS threshold still the correct calculator?
No. The current General Points Test uses twelve criteria with a six-criterion threshold, introduced in November 2024.
Does meeting six criteria guarantee a visa?
No. Applications enter a merit-based selection and assessment process; stronger, well-evidenced credentials can be considered more favourably.
Do I need a Hong Kong employer first?
No initial offer is required. However, the settlement and renewal plan should be realistic, and later employment or business evidence is important.
Can a previous Hong Kong talent-scheme holder apply as if new?
Additional rules apply to applicants currently or recently admitted under talent schemes. Review the guidance rather than assuming a fresh period without settlement evidence.
Points to consider
- The current criteria and threshold can change. Use the official assessment page before filing.
- An eight-year permission under the achievement route is not a grant of permanent residence.
Sources & further reading
Editorial review: 21 October 2026. Official rules, forms, fees and entry restrictions can change. Check the linked authority before an application or investment decision.
General information, not an individual eligibility decision or legal, tax or investment advice. The competent authority determines the outcome. WG’s engagement and any regulated professional work are scoped separately.