As a global financial center and an international metropolis, Hong Kong has always attracted a large number of foreign talents. In order to better attract highly-skilled talents, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has established a variety ofimmigrantsprojects, two of the most talked about areHong Kong Talents Scheme(Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) andHong Kong Professionals Scheme(General Employment Policy, or GEP). Both programs have their own characteristics and are suitable for different types of applicants. So, which program is better for you? In this article, we will compare the characteristics of these two immigration programs to help you make the most suitable choice.

One,Hong Kong ProfessionalsProgram (QMAS) Introduction

The Hong Kong Talents Scheme (HKTS) is an emigration program established by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to attract talented people from around the world. Unlike traditional work visas, applicants are not required to have a job offer from a Hong Kong employer at the time of application in order to apply for residence in Hong Kong. This program is mainly for applicants with high academic qualifications, high skills, special achievements or outstanding talents, and aims to promote the economic and social development of Hong Kong by attracting talents with potential.

fundamental requirement::

1. Apply without a job offer: Applicants do not need to secure a job offer in Hong Kong first and can apply directly.
2. marking scheme: Applicants are required to pass the Hong Kong Immigration Department's marking scheme, which scores 225 points out of a total of 80 points, with a minimum passing mark of 80 points. The scoring criteria include academic qualifications, working experience, language proficiency and age.
3. Suitable industries and talent types: Applies to highly skilled personnel with international competitiveness, especially specialists in the fields of finance, science and technology, and creative industries.

Key Benefits::

• High flexibility: No job offer is required and applicants can choose suitable job or business opportunities according to their personal career development.
• Larger quota: There is a more generous quota limit each year and a better chance of successful application.
• long term stability: After successfully obtaining a visa, the visa holder can reside in Hong Kong for a long period of time and enjoy the quality of life and education resources in Hong Kong.

II. Introduction to the Hong Kong Professionals Scheme (GEP)

Unlike the QMAS, the Hong Kong Professionals Scheme (HKPS) is primarily for foreign professionals who have been offered employment by Hong Kong employers. The scheme requires that the applicant already holds a job offer from a Hong Kong employer at the time of application and must be working in Hong Kong in a specific profession. The core objective of the scheme is to meet the demand for industry-specific skills in the Hong Kong market by attracting a professionally skilled expatriate workforce.

fundamental requirement::

1. Job offers required: Applicants must first obtain a job offer from Hong Kong and the position needs to meet the labor market demand in Hong Kong.
2. Professional skills requirements: Applicants need to have specialized skills in a specific industry, and the position usually requires advanced education and extensive work experience.
3. Work experience and education: Applicants are usually required to have at least a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience, and some high-end positions may require a master's or doctoral degree.

Key Benefits::

• Better suited to industry-specific talent: If you are a professional in a specific industry, especially in areas with high market demand in Hong Kong, such as finance, technology, medicine, etc., the Specialist Scheme is a very suitable choice.
• employer sponsored: The Specialized Talent Scheme requires a job offer from a Hong Kong employer, and a successful application can lead to a faster acquisition of the right of abode in Hong Kong.
• Spouse and children may accompany: Applicants holding a Specialist Visa may bring their spouse and minor children with them.move to Hong KongThe

III. Comparison between the Merit Scheme and the Specialized Talent Scheme

IV. Which plan is better for you?

Which program you choose depends on your personal situation and career plans. Here are some key considerations:

1. If you already have a job offer from Hong Kong: If you have received a job offer from a Hong Kong employer and the field of work meets the needs of the Hong Kong labor market, then choose theHong Kong Professionalsplanwould be the quickest route. The program is relatively simple, has a short approval time, and has a high success rate.
2. If you don't have a job offer but have advanced education or professional skills: If you are highly educated or have special professional skills and wish to choose your own job opportunities in Hong Kong, thenHong Kong Talents SchemeMore suitable. Although the application process may take longer, a successful application will give you more flexibility to work and live in Hong Kong.
3. If you have international achievements or industry influence: If you have an outstanding achievement in a particular field (e.g., winning an international award, work experience with a global reputation, etc.), choose toAchievement-based point system of the Hong Kong Talent SchemeIt may be more advantageous. This program does not rely on the employer and looks more at the particular achievements of the individual.
4. If you wish to settle in Hong Kong as soon as possible: If you wish to obtain a working visa for Hong Kong in a quicker way and lay the foundation for applying for permanent residence in the future.Hong Kong Professionals SchemeProvides a direct and effective pathway.

V. Summary

Hong Kong ProfessionalsBoth the Talents Scheme and the Professionals Scheme have their own advantages. The key to choosing which one is more suitable for you lies in your personal situation, your professional background and whether you already have a job offer from a Hong Kong employer. If you are a highly skilled person and have the ability to choose a job independently, the Talents Scheme offers you more flexibility; if you already have the support of a Hong Kong employer, the Professionals Scheme can help you achieve your goal of moving to Hong Kong more quickly. Regardless of which scheme you choose, you need to fully understand the requirements and be prepared in order to increase the success rate of your application. We hope this article will help you find the most suitable path for you to move to Hong Kong.