DIY Hong Kong QMAS Application Guide | Generated by AI
I’ll help you understand how to apply for Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) on your own. Let me search for the most current information about the application process.Let me fetch the official guidance notes to get more detailed information about the DIY application process.Great! I now have comprehensive information about applying for QMAS in a DIY way. Here’s how to do it yourself:
How to Apply for QMAS DIY
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, ensure you meet all the prerequisites:
- Age: 18 years or above
- Financial requirement: Demonstrate you can support yourself and dependants for 12 months without public assistance (using bank deposits, real estate, securities, or business interests)
- Good character: No criminal or adverse immigration record
- Basic qualifications: First degree from a recognized university (or exceptional technical qualifications/professional abilities)
- Nationality: Not from Afghanistan, Cuba, or North Korea
Step 2: Choose Your Assessment Route
You can apply under one of two routes:
A. General Points Test - Has 12 criteria across 6 aspects:
- Age (50 or below gets points)
- Academic qualifications (master’s/doctoral from eligible universities, especially STEM fields)
- Language proficiency (Chinese and/or English, plus foreign languages)
- Work experience (5+ years graduate level; 3+ years in MNCs/specific fields; 2+ years international)
- Annual income (HK$1 million+ in the past year)
- Business ownership (company with HK$5 million+ profit or listed company)
You need to meet the passing threshold to be eligible (check the Immigration Department website for current threshold).
B. Achievement-based Points Test - For exceptional talents with:
- Major awards (Olympic medals, Nobel prizes, national/international awards), OR
- Significant peer recognition for contributions to your field
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Key documents needed:
For everyone:
- Valid travel document/passport
- Recent photograph
- Proof of financial assets (bank statements, property valuations, investment statements)
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Verification from third-party credential verification organizations (check Immigration Department website for approved list)
- Language proficiency proof (test results like IELTS 7.0+, TOEFL 94+, or other evidence)
For work experience:
- Reference letters from each employer on company letterhead
- Job descriptions with dates, titles, and detailed duties
- For business owners: company registration, audited financials, tax returns
- For self-employed: client contracts and reference letters
For income claims:
- Tax assessment notices
- Salary slips or company profit statements
- Stock option documentation (if applicable)
For business ownership:
- Company registration documents
- Audited financial reports
- Shareholding proof
All non-English/Chinese documents must have certified translations.
Step 4: Submit Online Application
Applications must be submitted online through the designated GovHK website:
- Go to: www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/visarequire/visasentrypermits/applyqmas.htm
- Fill in the complete online form
- Upload all supporting documents (JPEG, PDF, GIF, PNG, or TIF format)
- Pay the non-refundable application fee online (by credit card, PPS, or FPS)
- Sign electronically to confirm accuracy
- You’ll receive an acknowledgement after submission
Important: You can only submit ONE application at a time under ONE assessment route.
Step 5: Wait for Selection
- Selection exercises are conducted regularly
- Processing typically takes 6-12 months
- The Assessment Panel considers manpower needs, your credentials, and Hong Kong’s socio-economic needs
- Meeting the threshold doesn’t guarantee approval - it’s competitive
Step 6: If Approved
- You’ll receive a notification with a payment link for the visa issuance fee
- Pay the fee online
- Download/print your e-Visa immediately
- Mainland Chinese residents need to obtain an Exit-Entry Permit and exit endorsement from Mainland authorities
- Initial stay: 36 months (General Points Test) or 8 years (Achievement-based)
Step 7: Bring Dependants (Optional)
You can include your spouse and unmarried children under 18 in your initial application, or they can apply to join you later.
Key Tips for DIY Success:
- Be thorough with documentation - incomplete applications cause delays
- Use exact job titles from your employment records
- Calculate your points honestly before applying (General Points Test)
- Highlight achievements that demonstrate value to Hong Kong’s economy
- Check the Talent List - if your profession is on it, mention this prominently
- Keep copies of everything you submit
- Don’t provide false information - this can lead to prosecution and removal
After Arrival:
For extension of stay, you’ll need to prove you’ve:
- Taken up employment with stable income, OR
- Established/joined a business in Hong Kong
Extensions follow a “3+2” year pattern. After 7 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Need help? Contact Immigration Department:
- Phone: (852) 2829 3383 or (852) 2824 6111
- Email: enquiry@immd.gov.hk
- Website: www.immd.gov.hk
The DIY process is definitely doable if you’re organized and meet the requirements. Just make sure all your documents are complete and accurate!