Hong Kong QMAS moves to "6 of 12 criteria"; the long-standing 245-point system is abolished
Hong Kong, China · Residency planning · Current rules, 2026
| Country / region | Hong Kong, China |
|---|---|
| Category | Residency planning |
| Date | Current rules, 2026 |
| What happened | The 245-point general points test is abolished, replaced by 12 assessment criteria across six domains, of which at least 6 must be met to file. Hard indicators were added, including pre-tax income of at least HK$1 million in the 12 months before application (only earned employment and business taxable income counts). The talent list was expanded to 60 categories, with STEM, innovation and technology, finance and biomedicine given priority review. |
| Impact on applicants | Old points-test guides circulating online no longer apply. Six criteria is only the filing threshold — outcome depends on industry and fit with Hong Kong's industrial priorities, and templated applications have a low success rate. |
| Source | Immigration Department, Hong Kong, China - Quality Migrant Admission Scheme official criteria ↗ |
Source: Immigration Department, Hong Kong, China - Quality Migrant Admission Scheme official criteria ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.
FAQ
Hong Kong QMAS moves to "6 of 12 criteria"; the long-standing 245-point system is abolished — what happened?
The 245-point general points test is abolished, replaced by 12 assessment criteria across six domains, of which at least 6 must be met to file. Hard indicators were added, including pre-tax income of at least HK$1 million in the 12 months before application (only earned employment and business taxable income counts). The talent list was expanded to 60 categories, with STEM, innovation and technology, finance and biomedicine given priority review.
What does this mean for applicants?
Old points-test guides circulating online no longer apply. Six criteria is only the filing threshold — outcome depends on industry and fit with Hong Kong's industrial priorities, and templated applications have a low success rate.
Where does this information come from?
Immigration Department, Hong Kong, China - Quality Migrant Admission Scheme official criteria, verified by us on 2026-09-20.
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