To obtain a Hong Kong passport, you must first become a permanent resident of Hong Kong. To become a permanent resident, you must first be a resident of Hong Kong, which means you need Hong Kong identity. The Hong Kong government launched the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme in 2006, aiming to attract high-caliber talents with good educational backgrounds to settle in Hong Kong, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the global market. In 2023, the policies of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme were adjusted to relax restrictions, so many people are eager to seize the opportunity to apply for this scheme. This guide covers the benefits of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the official criteria, and the groups more likely to succeed in their applications.
| Table of Contents |
|---|
Benefits of Quality Migrants
1. No Need for Long-Term Residence in Hong Kong
You can renew your visa while primarily residing in mainland China, as long as you meet the “ordinary residence” requirement. You can retain your mainland identity and household registration. Compared to student or skilled worker visas, which require staying in Hong Kong to work, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme offers greater flexibility, making it more suitable for those who primarily live in mainland China.
2. Guaranteed Education for Children
With a Hong Kong identity, you have many options for your children’s education. You can enjoy rich international education resources both in Hong Kong and mainland China, with no barriers to international schools. Additionally, your children can participate in the Hong Kong DSE and the Overseas Chinese Students Exam, with lower admission requirements, enhancing their competitiveness in society.
3. One Application for Family Benefits
One family can have a principal applicant, allowing children and spouses to also obtain identities and move to Hong Kong as a family.
4. Freedom to Travel to Multiple Countries
A Hong Kong passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 168 countries and regions worldwide, including Canada, Finland, Japan, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Sweden, and many more, truly achieving global freedom of movement. However, note that obtaining a Quality Migrant Admission does not equate to obtaining a passport!
5. Low Tax Rates and Asset Value Preservation
Hong Kong has the lowest global tax rates, with a simple tax system and no complicated tax calculations. You can save more money with the same income in Hong Kong, and your assets are more likely to retain their value. Additionally, Hong Kong has no inheritance tax, so your children will not need to pay significant taxes on inherited assets.
Official Criteria of Quality Migrants
Phase 1: Basic Eligibility
- Age: 18 years or older
- Financial Requirement: Must demonstrate the ability to support oneself and dependents during their stay in Hong Kong without relying on public assistance.
- Good Character: Must not have any criminal record or adverse immigration record in Hong Kong or elsewhere.
- Language Proficiency: Must have good written and spoken Chinese or English (spoken Chinese refers to Mandarin or Cantonese).
- Basic Education: Must possess a university degree from an accredited university or institution (valid technical qualifications, demonstrable professional capabilities, and/or achievements may also be considered).
Phase 2: Scoring System
After meeting the basic eligibility, applicants can choose between the following two scoring systems for assessment.
Comprehensive Scoring System
1. Age
| Score Category | Points |
|---|---|
| 18-39 | 30 |
| 40-44 | 20 |
| 45-50 | 15 |
| 51 or older | 0 |
2. Education or Professional Qualifications
| Score Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate/2 or more Master’s degrees | 40 |
| Master’s degree/2 or more Bachelor’s degrees | 20 |
| Bachelor’s degree/Professional qualification from a nationally or internationally recognized or prestigious professional body certifying the holder’s high level of specialized knowledge or skills | 10 |
| If the bachelor’s degree or higher is awarded by a globally recognized prestigious institution, additional points can be awarded | 30 |
3. Work Experience
| Score Category | Points |
|---|---|
| At least 10 years of work experience equivalent to a degree level or expert level, including at least 5 years in a senior position | 40 |
| At least 5 years of work experience equivalent to a degree level or expert level, including at least 2 years in a senior position | 30 |
| At least 5 years of work experience equivalent to a degree level or expert level | 15 |
| At least 2 years of work experience equivalent to a degree level or expert level | 5 |
| If you have at least 2 years of international work experience equivalent to a degree level or expert level, you can earn additional points | 15 |
| If you have at least 3 years of work experience equivalent to a degree level or expert level in multinational companies or well-known enterprises, such as publicly listed companies or those in the Forbes Global 2000 or Fortune Global 500, you can earn additional points | 20 |
4. Talent List
| Score Category | Points |
|---|---|
| If you meet the specifications of related professions on the talent list, you can earn additional points | 30 |
5. Language Proficiency
| Score Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Proficient in Chinese and English | 20 |
| Proficient in either Chinese or English | 10 |
Total Score Calculation: To be eligible for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, you must achieve a minimum score of 80 points.
Alternative Scoring System
Applicants can also apply under the “General Points Test,” which considers factors like academic qualifications, work experience, and age. The points are similar to the Comprehensive Scoring System, but this option is typically preferred by individuals with specialized knowledge.
Suitable Applicant Groups
The following groups are generally more likely to succeed in their Quality Migrant Admission applications:
- Individuals with postgraduate degrees from prestigious institutions
- Professionals with significant work experience in high-demand sectors (e.g., technology, finance, healthcare)
- Those with substantial international work experience or qualifications
- Talents included in the Hong Kong Talent List
- Individuals fluent in multiple languages
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme offers a valuable opportunity for those looking to settle in Hong Kong. By understanding the eligibility criteria and focusing on relevant qualifications, applicants can enhance their chances of success.
