The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) and the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) are renowned for attracting top talent, but there's a lesser-known benefit: both schemes can serve as a springboard for businesses, granting eligibility to establish Hong Kong as a base for commercial development.
Notable figures like Olympic gold medalist Guo Jingjing, Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress Zhou Xun, and other exceptional talents have successfully obtained Hong Kong residency through QMAS. The scheme has a rigorous selection process, where applicants must demonstrate significant international or regional achievements.
Who is more suitable for applying QMAS?
For instance, if a local University professor and a Ivy league University assistant professor apply for QMAS simultaneously, the latter is more likely to succeed due to their involvement in internationally recognized research, highlighting the importance of notable achievements in the application process.
QMAS only accept the TOP talents
QMAS applicants don’t require a pre-arranged employment offer and can work or establish a business in Hong Kong once approved. This "Open Work Permit" offers flexibility, allowing successful applicants to adapt to changes in the business environment and personal aspirations.
It's crucial to note that every QMAS application undergoes strict evaluation and competition with other applicants, meaning not every submission will be accepted.
In contrast, the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), launched on December 28, 2022, targets highly educated or high-earning individuals from around the world, offering a simpler application process. Like QMAS, TTPS applicants don't need a job offer and can work or do business in Hong Kong once approved.
Is there a minimum income requirement for the Top Talent Pass Scheme?
No. Applicants for the Top Talent Pass Scheme must meet one of the following conditions:
1) there is a specific income requirement, where the applicant’s income over the past year must be at least HKD 2.5 million; or
2) the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university and have accumulated at least three years of work experience within the past five years. If the applicant holds a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university but has less than three years of work experience, they may still apply under an annual quota of 10,000 applications.
Question: I have a master’s or doctoral degree from an eligible university. Can I apply for the Top Talent Pass Scheme?
Answer: Unfortunately, under the current regulations, a master’s or doctoral degree from an eligible university does not qualify for the Top Talent Pass Scheme. Eligible universities are those that have ranked in the top 100 on various rankings over the past five years, such as the National University of Singapore, the University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Tokyo, among others.
Both schemes allow successful applicants to obtain a Hong Kong Identity Card, enabling them to work, do business, and move freely in and out of Hong Kong without strict residency requirements. This flexibility allows you to experience Hong Kong firsthand before deciding whether to stay long-term.
Contact Anlex Consultants for expert guidance on your application process and increase your chances of securing Hong Kong residency. Reach out to learn more!
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