What duration, renewal and accelerated or normal longer-term residence pathway is officially stated?
QMAS has two assessment routes with different initial stays. Under the General Points Test, the normal initial stay is 36 months; at the first extension the applicant must show steps to settle in Hong Kong, and later extensions require settlement and contribution to Hong Kong. Approved extensions normally follow a 3+2-year pattern. A General Points Test entrant who has remained for at least two years and has assessable salaries-tax income of at least HK$2 million in the previous assessment year will normally receive a five-year extension under the top-tier arrangement. Under the Achievement-based Points Test, the normal initial stay is eight years; any extension requires proof of ability to support and accommodate the applicant and dependants using their own financial resources. After at least seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong, a person admitted under the Scheme may apply for right of abode under the law. These are stated normal outcomes, subject to Immigration Department assessment and approval.
See recorded sources
- General Points Test initial stay and settlement at first extension
Persons admitted through the
under the Scheme will normally be granted an initial stay of 36 months on time limitation only without other conditions of stay upon entry. To obtain an extension of stay at the end of the 36-month period, applicants are required to provide proofs demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Immigration Department that they have taken steps to settle in Hong Kong by taking up residence here, e.g. by securing gainful employment or establishing a business.
- Further extension conditions and normal 3+2 pattern
To be eligible for further extension of stay, the applicants are required to provide proofs demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Immigration Department that:
they have settled in Hong Kong; and
they have made contribution to Hong Kong, such as engaging in graduate, specialist or senior level gainful employment with a stable income; or establishing or joining in a business of a reasonable size in Hong Kong.
Extensions of stay, if approved, will normally follow the pattern of “3+2” years on time limitation only without other conditions of stay.
- Top-tier five-year extension threshold
If a person admitted through the
under the Scheme has been permitted to remain in Hong Kong for not less than two years and he/she has an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of assessment, he/she will normally be granted an extension of stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay for a period of five years.
- Achievement-based Points Test initial eight years and extension proof
under the Scheme will normally be granted a stay of eight years on time limitation only without other conditions of stay upon entry. Should an extension of stay be required, the applicant shall demonstrate that he/she is capable of supporting and accommodating himself/herself and his/her dependants, if any, on his/her own financial resources during his/her stay in Hong Kong.
- Right-of-abode application after seven years
Persons admitted under the Scheme who have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
