2025 Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme: Latest Policy Changes and Full Analysis of 12 Application Criteria

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In 2025, the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has set stricter standards for applicants. The age limit has been adjusted to under 50 years old, and the education requirement has been raised to a master’s or doctoral degree, with additional points for STEM disciplines. After optimizing the points-based system, the ownership percentage and profit thresholds for business entities have also been increased. Below are the official 12 application criteria:

1. Age: Must be under 50 years old at the time of application.
2. Education: Master’s or doctoral degree, with additional points for STEM disciplines.
3. Language Proficiency: Chinese and English, with English requiring IELTS 7 or equivalent.
4. Work Experience: Over 5 years of degree-level experience or 3 years in multinational/renowned companies.
5. Specific Field Experience: In fields such as innovation technology, finance, or international trade.
6. International Work Experience: Over 2 years of overseas work.
7. Annual Income: Pre-tax income of HKD 1 million in the past 12 months, fully taxed.
8. Business Ownership (Non-Listed Companies): Holding over 50% shares, with company profits exceeding HKD 5 million.
9. Business Ownership (Listed Companies): Holding over 10% shares, with company profits exceeding HKD 5 million.
10. Industry Category: Must align with designated industries.
11. Professional Certification: Possession of relevant professional qualifications.
12. Innovation Ability and Dependant Policy.

Applicants should carefully review their qualifications to assess whether they meet the new policy requirements. The policy changes significantly impact different talent groups.

Key Points

• The 2025 policy lowers the age limit to 50 years old, raises the education requirement to a master’s or doctoral degree, and offers additional points for STEM applicants, focusing on young and middle-aged high-caliber talents.
• After optimizing the points-based system, greater emphasis is placed on applicants’ practical abilities, international experience, and innovative achievements, improving the efficiency of identifying high-caliber talents.
• Business entity requirements have been raised, with non-listed companies requiring over 50% ownership and meeting profit thresholds, and listed companies requiring over 10% ownership, reflecting a focus on business strength.
• The approval period has been shortened to 3-6 months, with a new top-tier talent invitation mechanism to help high-caliber talents settle in Hong Kong quickly.
• Applicants must meet at least 6 of the 12 criteria, preparing materials strategically based on their strengths, with a focus on age, education, language, income, and industry category.

Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Policy Changes

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Age and Education Requirements

In 2025, the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has adjusted the age and education standards for applicants. The age limit has been lowered from 55 to 50 years old, further focusing on young and middle-aged high-caliber talents. Regarding education, a master’s or higher degree is now the basic threshold, with additional points for applicants with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) backgrounds. This change reflects Hong Kong’s strong demand for high-level, specialized talents.

Many applicants need to reassess their qualifications, particularly whether their age and education meet the new standards. For those with doctoral degrees or STEM backgrounds, this policy adjustment offers more opportunities.

Points-Based System Optimization

The new policy has optimized the points-based system. The scoring system places greater emphasis on applicants’ practical abilities and industry contributions. Professional experience in fields such as innovation technology, finance, and international trade is a key factor for additional points. International work experience, professional certifications, and innovation abilities are also included in the scoring criteria. The optimized points-based system enhances the efficiency of identifying high-caliber talents, making it easier for those with global competitiveness to stand out.

Business Entity Requirements

In 2025, the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has raised the requirements for business entities:

1. Applicants must own a business entity with profits reaching USD 5 million (approximately HKD 3.9 million at 1 USD = 7.8 HKD) or more in the year prior to application.
2. Applicants must hold shares in a listed company.
3. Non-listed companies require over 50% ownership, while listed companies require over 10% ownership rights.
4. Applicants must provide relevant profit proof.

These requirements reflect the emphasis on applicants’ actual business capabilities and corporate strength. The policy encourages entrepreneurs and executives with substantial business backgrounds and capital strength to apply.

Approval Period

The approval process has been significantly expedited. In 2025, the approval period for the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has been shortened from 6-12 months to 3-6 months. The Hong Kong SAR Government has established a “Quality Migrant Assessment Committee” to review application materials, enhancing approval efficiency. Additionally, a new “Top-Tier Talent Proactive Invitation Mechanism” has been introduced, where the government directly invites leading talents, further accelerating the approval process. This change helps attract global high-caliber talents to settle in Hong Kong quickly.

Quota Adjustment

In terms of quotas, the 2025 policy has moderately increased the annual total quota. Hong Kong aims to attract more high-level talents from around the world by expanding the quota. This adjustment not only increases the scale of talent admission but also provides more opportunities for professionals from various fields. Talents from different industries can actively participate in the application process based on their qualifications.

Application Criteria

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Criteria Overview

The 2025 policy for the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme sets 12 comprehensive criteria. Applicants must meet at least 6 of these 12 criteria to proceed to the next stage of review. The new policy emphasizes age, education, language, income, and business entities, highlighting the diverse capabilities of high-caliber talents. The table below provides an overview of the 12 application criteria:

Applicants should assess their qualifications against the new policy requirements and prioritize their strengths.

Age Requirement

The 2025 policy adjusts the age requirement to 18-50 years old. Applicants must be under 50 years old when submitting materials. This aims to attract young and middle-aged high-caliber talents, enhancing the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s talent structure. Those under 18 or over 50 years old will not pass the initial screening.

Education Standard

The education standard requires a bachelor’s degree or higher. Master’s or doctoral degrees, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines, receive additional points. Graduates from prestigious institutions also gain an advantage in the comprehensive points-based system. The new policy explicitly includes prestigious master’s/doctoral degrees and STEM disciplines in the scoring criteria, enhancing the competitiveness of highly educated talents.

Work Experience

The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has clear requirements for work experience:

1. Applicants must have at least five years of work experience equivalent to degree level or expert level.
2. Those with three years of experience in multinational companies or renowned enterprises (e.g., Fortune 500) can earn additional points.
3. Over three years of work in specific fields such as innovation technology, finance, or international trade also earns additional points.
4. Applicants with over two years of international work experience demonstrate a global perspective.

Work experience duration and field directly impact scoring, so applicants should detail their resumes, highlighting international and specialized experience.

Financial Capacity

Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity. Individual applicants need to provide proof of assets worth at least approximately USD 15,385 (1 USD = 7.8 HKD). Family applications require proof of approximately USD 46,154 in assets. During renewal, applicants must demonstrate stable income in Hong Kong, which may include salaries or investment income. The sustainability and stability of financial capacity are key evaluation criteria.

Character Requirement

Applicants and their dependants must have no criminal records or adverse immigration records. The Hong Kong Immigration Department will conduct a thorough background check. Good character is a fundamental threshold for all applicants, and any violations may lead to application rejection.

Language Proficiency

The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has clear grading standards for language proficiency. Applicants must have good written and oral skills in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) and English. Proficiency in a third language earns additional points. Specific requirements are as follows:

English proficiency can be proven with an IELTS score of 6 or above or a TOEFL score of 550 or above, valid within two years. Applicants with degrees from English-speaking countries are exempt. Chinese applicants fluent in Chinese and English can achieve full points.

Annual Income

Annual income is a key evaluation criterion. Applicants must have a pre-tax income of approximately USD Entrepreneur applicants must demonstrate annual business profits of approximately USD 641,025. Income proof must include tax documents or bank statements to ensure authenticity and reliability.

Business Ownership

Business ownership is a significant scoring factor for entrepreneurs and executives. Applicants for non-listed companies must hold over 50% shares, with the company achieving profits of at least approximately USD 641,025 in the previous year. Applicants for listed companies must hold over 10% shares. Applicants must provide company articles, audit reports, or other documents to prove actual ownership and profitability.

Industry Category

The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme prioritizes industries such as finance, innovation technology, law, aviation and shipping, healthcare, environmental technology, and creative industries. In 2025, the talent list added nine new professions, covering more in-demand fields. The table below outlines the main industry categories and priority support:

Professional Certification

Applicants with professional qualification certificates in relevant industries will earn additional points. For example, internationally or China-recognized certifications in finance, law, healthcare, or construction serve as strong proof of professional capability. Professional certifications not only boost scores but also demonstrate the applicant’s expertise and industry recognition.

Innovation Ability

Innovation ability is a key focus of the 2025 policy. Applicants with outstanding achievements in innovation technology, finance, or international trade will earn high scores. The review will comprehensively assess applicants’ performance in innovative projects, patents, international awards, and industry influence. Applicants must detail their innovation achievements and their practical impact in the materials.

Applicants with international perspectives and innovation capabilities are more likely to gain favor under the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.

Dependant Policy

The dependant policy allows the main applicant to bring their spouse and unmarried children under 18 to apply together. The spouse must be in a legally recognized marriage or partnership. Dependants must have no criminal or adverse immigration records. It’s recommended to submit materials for the main applicant and dependants simultaneously to streamline the process. Dependants must provide proof of relationship, financial capacity, and residence in Hong Kong.

Suitable Candidates

Highly Educated Talents

Highly educated talents have a clear advantage in the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. Applicants with master’s or doctoral degrees can earn higher scores, especially those from internationally recognized institutions. Hong Kong welcomes talents with strong academic backgrounds and research capabilities. Many university graduates successfully pass the initial review with academic achievements and professional certifications.

Innovation Technology Talents

Professionals in innovation technology are a key focus for Hong Kong’s talent acquisition. Experts in artificial intelligence, data science, and cloud computing often receive high scores due to their cutting-edge technical skills. The Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport provide abundant resources for innovative talents. Applicants with patents, innovative projects, or international awards can significantly improve their scores.

Finance and Trade Talents

Finance and international trade talents remain central to Hong Kong’s economic development. Professionals in asset management, fintech, and international settlements have high approval rates due to industry demand. Hong Kong’s robust banking system offers vast opportunities for financial talents. Trade professionals, familiar with international regulations and cross-border operations, are highly valued by businesses.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are highly competitive in the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. Business owners with actual controlling stakes and profitability can earn additional points through their business entities. Hong Kong values entrepreneurs’ innovation and market expansion capabilities. Many entrepreneurs establish companies in Hong Kong to expand into international markets and upgrade their businesses.

Young Professionals

Young professionals enjoy multiple scoring advantages in the application:

1. Applicants aged 18-39 can earn up to 30 points, reflecting Hong Kong’s emphasis on young talents.
2. Doctoral or dual master’s degrees earn 40 points, master’s or dual bachelor’s degrees earn 20 points, and graduation from internationally recognized institutions adds 30 points.
3. Meeting one of Hong Kong’s 11 in-demand professions (e.g., fintech, data science) earns up to 30 points.
4. Over 10 years of relevant experience with 5 years in senior positions earns 40 points, and over 2 years of international experience earns 15 points.
5. For example, Mr. Li, aged 47, despite not having an age advantage, successfully applied with a master’s degree and 20 years of experience through professional material preparation, demonstrating that rich experience and education can offset age disadvantages.

Young professionals, with advantages in age, education, profession, and experience, are a key target group for Hong Kong’s international talent attraction.

Application Process and Precautions

Application Process

The application process for the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme consists of six main steps:

1. Applicants first assess their qualifications, including age, financial capacity, character, language proficiency, and education, and select the appropriate points-based system for self-assessment.
2. Applicants must prepare all relevant proof documents, such as academic certificates, work proof, and asset proof, ensuring their authenticity and completeness.
3. Applicants submit their applications online through the designated platform, uploading scanned documents, and the system generates an application file number for progress tracking.
4. The application enters the review stage. The approval period is typically 3-6 months, depending on the applicant’s qualifications, document completeness, and industry demand.
5. Upon approval, applicants download an electronic visa and pay related fees, then apply for a stay visa and Hong Kong ID card.
6. After approval, applicants can renew based on the “3+3+2” or “3+5” model, and after 7 years of continuous residence, they can apply for Hong Kong permanent residency.

Document Checklist

Applicants must prepare the following main documents:

• Valid passport or Chinese resident ID
• Academic and degree certificates
• Work experience proof and recommendation letters
• Asset and income proof (e.g., Hong Kong bank statements, tax documents)
• No criminal record proof
• Language proficiency proof (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL score reports)
• Business entity documents (e.g., company articles, audit reports)

Documents must be authentic and complete. It’s recommended to organize and verify them in advance to avoid delays due to missing materials.

Approval Period

The approval period is generally 3-6 months. If documents are incomplete or additional information is required, the period may be extended. High-scoring applicants or those in in-demand industries may experience faster approvals. Applicants can track progress using their file number.

Renewal and Permanent Residency

Upon approval, applicants receive an initial 3-year stay period. During renewal, applicants must prove stable income and good character in Hong Kong. Common renewal models are “3+3+2” or “3+5”. After 7 years of continuous legal residence, applicants can apply for Hong Kong permanent residency.

Precautions

Applicants must ensure all documents are authentic and valid. False documents will lead to rejection and affect future applications. It’s advisable to plan application timing carefully to avoid delays impacting personal plans. Common pitfalls include incomplete documents, non-standard income proof, and incorrect industry category selection. Consulting professional agencies before applying can improve approval rates.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Advantages

The 2025 Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme offers numerous advantages for high-caliber talents:

• Strong Policy Appeal: The Hong Kong SAR Government continues to optimize policies, improving approval efficiency. The approval period has been shortened to 3-6 months, attracting global high-level talents.
• Broad Industry Support: The scheme covers in-demand industries such as innovation technology, finance, healthcare, and law. Applicants can choose suitable industries based on their professional backgrounds to increase approval chances.
• Comprehensive Family Policy: Main applicants can bring their spouse and children under 18. Family members can access Hong Kong’s high-quality education and healthcare resources.
• Rich Economic and Development Opportunities: Hong Kong’s free economic system and status as an international financial hub allow applicants to manage global funds through Hong Kong bank accounts. With an exchange rate of 1 USD = 7.8 HKD, the annual income threshold of approximately USD 128,205 is globally competitive.
• Recognition of Innovation Ability: The policy encourages innovation technology talents, with STEM professionals and those with international patents or awards earning additional points, boosting approval rates.

The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme provides a broad platform for talents with professional capabilities and international perspectives.

Challenges

Despite policy optimizations, applicants still face several challenges:

• Higher Application Thresholds: The age limit has been lowered to 50, and education requirements have been raised to master’s or doctoral degrees. Some applicants may need to replan their career paths.
• Complex Document Preparation: Applications require multiple proofs, including education, income, assets, and no criminal records. Incomplete or non-standard documents can delay approval.
• Industry Category Restrictions: The scheme prioritizes specific industries. Applicants from traditional or non-in-demand fields face greater approval challenges.
• Renewal and Permanent Residency Pressure: Applicants must continuously prove stable income and good character in Hong Kong. Permanent residency can only be applied for after 7 years of continuous residence.
• High Financial and Profit Requirements: Entrepreneurs must prove business profitability, with non-listed companies requiring high ownership percentages and profit thresholds, such as annual profits of approximately USD 641,025 (1 USD = 7.8 HKD).

Applicants should weigh the pros and cons based on their qualifications, strategically planning their application to improve approval rates.

The 2025 Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has optimized aspects such as age, education, and the points-based system, raising application thresholds. Applicants should rationally assess their suitability based on their qualifications. The new policy offers more opportunities for high-caliber talents while presenting challenges. It’s recommended to pay attention to process details and policy updates. For questions, refer to the FAQ section.

FAQ

Can applicants use degrees from outside China?

Applicants can use degrees recognized in China or other countries. Degrees must be authenticated by relevant Hong Kong authorities to ensure validity.

Must asset proof be provided through a Hong Kong bank account?

Asset proof can be provided through Hong Kong or other international bank accounts. It’s recommended to prioritize Hong Kong bank accounts for easier fund management.

Is an interview required during the application process?

Most applications involve written reviews. Some high-scoring or specialized industry applicants may be invited for interviews or asked to provide additional materials by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

Are there age restrictions for dependants?

Dependants are limited to spouses and unmarried children under 18. Children over this age cannot accompany as dependants.

Do application materials need to be translated into English?

All non-English or non-Chinese materials must include English translations. Translations must be provided by professional agencies and accompanied by originals.

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