Previously, according to media reports, the well-known entrepreneur LAW Wing-ho publicly disclosed that his application fortheHong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme(hereinafter referred to asthe Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme) had been rejected on the ground thathedid not have a university degree. ” The reason was that he did not have a university degree .
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This incident quickly triggered a heated debate, and also made the public attention once again focused on theHong Kong identity, whichis regarded as a“golden springboard“by many high net worth families.On the one hand, celebrities’ applications are being blocked, while on the other, Hong Kong’s ZF is making unprecedented efforts to“grab talents“.
Since the launch of the Scheme in late 2022 and up tothe end of July 2025, about510,000applicationshave been received under the various talent admission schemes in Hong Kong, of which about340,000have been approved, and more than220,000talents have arrived in Hong Kong with their family members.
Sowhat exactly are the irreplaceable advantages of Hong Kong statusin2025?What are the changes in thelatestHong Kong merit applicationpolicy? Do ordinary people really have a chance?
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I. Why is“Hong Kong Identity“hot?
Decoding the four core advantages
The gold content of the Hong Kong identity is much more than a piece of paper that can be actively pursued by business celebrities like Luo Yonghao. According to the2024Policy Address, Hong Kong, China, is making every effort to createa “high concentration of international high-end talents“, and the dividends attached to its status accurately hit thecore demands ofhigh net-worth families ineducation, taxation, development and protection.
1、Children ‘s education“dual-track“golden springboard
Hong Kong has five of the world’s top 100 universities, with strong educational strength. With Hong Kong resident status, children can enjoy the treatment of local students, and through the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) to study in local universities, the acceptance rate is much higher than that of non-local students.
Even more attractive is the“dual-track study“path: after obtaining the Hong Kong permanent resident status and the Home Visit Permit, children can be admittedto138top mainland universitiessuch as Tsinghua University and Peking University without examination onthe basis of theirDSEresults, or they can take the Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students (JEE), which is even less difficult, and have a significant advantage in enrolling in prestigious mainland schools. At the same time, holding a Hong Kong identity is also a passport for children to enroll in quality international schools in the Mainland.
2.Competitive low tax environment
Hong Kong is globally renowned for its simple and transparent low tax regime. The highest personal salaries tax rate is only17%with a high tax allowance; the profits tax (corporate income tax) rate is only8.25%-16.5%, and there is no capital gains tax or estate duty.
For Hong Kong residents working in the Greater Bay Area, the ZF also provides tax subsidies, with fiscal subsidies for the excess of personal income tax paid in the Mainland over Hong Kong’s tax liability. This provides entrepreneurs and executive groups with a strong advantage in growing and passing on their wealth.
3、High degree of freedom and international accessibility
With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly174countries and regionsaround the world,Hong Kong statusranks among the top in terms of global accessibility. This means great freedom and efficiency for those who need to conduct frequent international business and travel.
4.World-class medical care and social security
Hong Kong’s medical standards are world-renowned, especially in areas such as cancer treatment and cardiac surgery, and its per capita life expectancy is among the highest in the world. A comprehensive public healthcare system and top-notch private healthcare services provide double protection for residents’ health.
Schematic diagram, source web
Second,the new policy of the Hong Kong merit scheme full analysisfrom the
“Inclusion“to“Selection“
Law’s case reminds us that applying for Hong Kong status requires precise matching of official policies. Hong Kong’s policy on admission of talents is not static, but is dynamically optimized according to development needs.
According to the Hong Kong2024Policy Address, the manpower shortage in various sectors is estimated to be around180,000in the next five years, and the ZF will revamp various mechanisms for the admission of talents in this regard. Among them,the optimization measuresforthe Hong Kong Talents Schemehavebeen implemented since1November2024.
1. Core Change: Reform of the Comprehensive Points Scoring System (CPSS) and Adoption ofthe “12Assessment Criteria“
The most significant change is that the General Points System of the QMAS has adopted more objective and clearer assessment criteria,replacing the original itemized scoring methodwith a12-item assessment questionnairecovering six major areas.
2. New review mechanism
Applicants only need to confirm whether they meet the12criterialisted in the questionnaire.If they meetat least sixof thecriteria, they can submit an application.
Eligible applications will be submitted to the newly established Assessment Committee chaired by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare and comprising other relevant Directors of Bureaux for further selection, with the Director of Immigration making the final approval decision.
3. Elimination of annual quotas
There is no annual quotaunder the optimized Integrated Points Scoring System, which means that there is no worry about quota restriction as long as the applicants are good enough.
4. Clarifythe 12guidelines (based on the official spirit of generalization):
According to the officially announced optimization direction and the integration of information from various sources, these12guidelines mainly cover the following categories:
Age: Usually between18and50years old is more advantageous.
Academic qualifications: Master’s or doctoral degree from a qualified university (e.g., one of the top 100 universities in the world).
Areas of specialization: academic qualifications or expertise inareas ofscience, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) that are in urgent need for the development of Hong Kong.
Language proficiency: good written and spoken Chinese or English (proof of IELTS, TOEFL, etc. is usually required).
Work experience: no less than5years of work experience equivalent to degree level or specialist level.
Famous company experience: no less than3years of work experience in a famous company or multinational company.
International experience: with no less than2years of international work experience.
Industry experience: Extensive experience in innovation and technology, finance, international trade and other specific areas.
Income level: Annual income ofHK$1,000,000or above (or equivalent in foreign currency)in the year prior to application.
Business Achievement: Own a business entity that has made an annual profit ofHK$5millionor morein the year preceding the application.
Public company experience: Owns a public company.
Contribution Plan to Hong Kong: Provide a concrete and feasible plan for development in Hong Kong.
Figure / List of TEM disciplines (partial)
5.Continuous Expansion ofthe “Talent List“with More Precise Targets
To tie in with Hong Kong‘s development direction ofbuildingthe “Eight Centers“, the ZF will continue to updatethe “Talent List“, which hasincreased the number of professions covered from51to60inFebruary2025, with new areas such as senior system architects, green shipping professionals, aircraft maintenance engineers, etc. The“TalentList“will also be expandedtoinclude newprofessions. The new areas include senior system architects, green shipping professionals, aircraft maintenance engineers, etc.
Applicants who meet the professional qualifications of the Talent Listwill be given priority in theapplication for Hong Kong meritocracy.
Figure/List of eligible universities (partial)
Third,the whole process of the application of Hong Kong’s top talent strategy
Once you know the policy, how do you start applying? Here are the steps based on the official process sorted out:
Step 1: Eligibility self-assessment
This is the most critical step. Applicants should carefully check against the above“12Assessment Criteria“and objectively assess whether they can fulfill at least6of them. Particular attention should be paid to whether your academic qualifications, income and work experience match the areas on the list of talents in short supply in Hong Kong.
Step 2: Prepare application materials
The completeness and authenticity of the materials directly determine success or failure. The core materials usually include:
Proof of personal identity: ID card, passport, Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit, photo.
Proof of academic qualifications: Degree certificate, graduation certificate and authentication report issued by an organization such as Xuexin.com.
Proof of work experience: letters of recommendation from all previous employers, employment contracts, separation certificates, organizational charts, etc., to prove years of work experience, positions and achievements.
Proof of language proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL transcripts, or academic documents showing that the language of instruction is English.
Proof of assets and income: proof of personal assets (e.g. deposits, properties), as well as the latest year’s payroll tax statement, bank current, anda special statement ofannual salary up toHK$1million.
Proof of business(if applicable): company business license, audit report or financial statement of the latest year, proof of equity, etc.
A plan to come to Hong Kong: a detailed account of the work or business development plan after coming to Hong Kong, and the possible contribution to Hong Kong.
Step 3: Online Submission of Application
Submit the application form and scanned copies of all supporting documents online via the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s e-Application platform. The optimized online platform aims to streamline the application process.
Step 4: Evaluation and Supplementary Documents
Applications are received by the Immigration Department for vetting. Eligible applications will be submitted to the Vetting Committee. During the process, the Immigration Department may require supplementary documents or conduct interviews.
Step 5: Approval and endorsement
Upon approval of the application, avisa/entry permitwill be issued by the Immigration Department. The applicant is required to take this document to the Public Security Bureau of the Mainland to apply for the corresponding endorsement for entry into Hong Kong.
Step 6: Activate your identity and apply for ID card
Enter Hong Kong within the validity period of your visa to activate your identity andapply for a Hong Kong Resident Identity Card at the Hong Kong Immigration Department within30daysof your arrival in Hong Kong.
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IV. Renewal and Permanent Residence
The Keyfrom“Approval“to“Roots“
Successful approval is only the first step, maintaining status and eventually obtaining permanent residency (usually after7years ofresidence) is a longer term goal, andpolicy trends for2025indicate that renewal vetting will focus more on the applicant’s“substantial connection“and“contribution“to Hong Kong.
1. Renewal Mode and Core Requirements
The initial entry visa for the Premium Program is generally valid for3years, and subsequentrenewalsare required in a“3+2”or“3+3+2”mode.
Official Core Requirements: According to the ZF instructions, the key to renewing a visa is to prove that you havesettled in Hong Kongandcontributedto the Hong Kong community.
Key inspection points of the Immigration Department: Mainly include the length of residence in Hong Kong, whether the applicant has a regular job or business in Hong Kong, whether the applicant’s children are studying in Hong Kong, whether the applicant has paid tax andMPFaccording to the law, and whether the applicant has a habitual residence in Hong Kong. When renewing your visa, you are required to provide appropriate documents such as employment contract, proof of company operation, tenancy agreement, utility bills and tax receipts.
2、Apply to become a permanent resident
An applicant may apply to become a Hong Kong permanent resident after he/shehas ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not lessthan sevenyears. Apart from satisfying the residence requirement, the Immigration Department will make a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s living ties with Hong Kong, work contribution and sense of belonging to Hong Kong.
It is vital toprepare complete records of your stay in Hong Kong (e.g. employment contracts, tax returns,MPFrecords, proof of family life in Hong Kong).
Photo/Source:Henley & Partners
V. Who is more suitable to apply forthe Hong Kong Talents Scheme?
Under the policy direction of“precise selection of talents“, the following groups of people have a relatively higher success rate in application:
1. Highly educatedSTEMspecialists
Master’s degree or above from a top 100 global university withR&D or management experienceinSTEMfieldssuch as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Biomedicine and Integrated Circuits.
2. Financial and professional services elite
Extensive experience and international qualifications (e.g.CFA,CPA)in asset management, fintech, legal services, accounting and auditing.
3. Business owners and senior managers
Have a successful entrepreneurial background with a profitable company; or hold a middle or senior management position in a multinational or listed company.
4. Talents with an international perspective
Years of overseas work or study experience with fluent bilingual or multilingual skills.
5. Professionals eligible for the talent list
Work in the60shortage professionslisted on the Talent List, such as innovation and technology, shipping and creative industries.
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Conclusion:
The case of Luo Yonghao, whose application for Hong Kong meritocracy was rejected, precisely proves that the Hong Kong meritocracy scheme is not simply based on wealth or fame, but is a set of systematic and standardized elite screening mechanism.
The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)2025has a clearer path and clearer objectives after the policy has been optimized. The door is still wide open for those who have truly outstanding academic qualifications, professional skills, international experience and can make practical contributions to the development of Hong Kong.
Grasping the policy window, understanding the official requirements, and preparing carefully are thekeys tosuccessfully obtaining this precious“international pass“. Hong Kong, China, with its unique charm and opportunities, is waiting for the arrival of global talents.
*Source: Hong Kong “One Stop”,Policy Address2024, Immigration Department,Henley & Partners, compiled by General News Herald, reprinted with attribution, contact for erosion and deletion.
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