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Eligibility assessment
A certificate or a long CV may leave important questions unanswered. Explain the award, your own contribution, recognition from peers and the impact of your work through evidence others can check.
- Making your achievements clear under the Achievement-based Points Test
- Assessing yourself under the General Points Test
Family applications
Check who qualifies as a dependant, how to arrange a later arrival and who signs a child’s application. Keep relationship evidence, support, accommodation and each person’s paperwork in view.
- Applying for family members to join you under QMAS
Preparing documents
Build a file that supports what you actually declare. This guide works through identity, net assets, qualification verification, employment records and translations, including differences in names, dates and amounts.
- Gathering the documents for your QMAS application
Approval and arrival
Before booking the journey, check the decision notice, visa collection, travel documents and any required endorsements. After entry, record the date that actually governs your permitted stay.
- After QMAS approval: your e-Visa and first arrival
Online submission
A missing employment date can interrupt the form; an unclear payment screen can leave you unsure whether it went through. Prepare your information, check attachments and keep the records that confirm submission.
- Completing the QMAS online application
Getting started
Work out where to start, which documents may take time to obtain, and what still needs doing after approval. Use this guide to plan around your work and family circumstances.
- Preparing a QMAS application, from eligibility to arrival
Following up an application
Identify what the notice is asking and which records answer it. Keep track of your response, and distinguish evidence of existing facts from asking to be assessed on new circumstances.
- Replying to a QMAS document request and checking progress
Banking and payments
Choose an account around your everyday needs, prepare the evidence your bank actually requests, and check payments and security once it opens.
- Opening a bank account: documents, checks and security
- FPS and Octopus: receiving money, travel and loss protection
Identity and administration
The first month is easier when tasks have an order. Deal with legal deadlines, housing and contact first, then work through accounts, school, work and healthcare.
- Your first month: identity, housing, accounts and family plans
- Your first HKID: appointments, documents and collection
Work and tax
Organise income and deduction evidence from your first job, separating employer reporting, your return and payment, and prepare for the first bill.
- Your first Hong Kong tax return: year of assessment and provisional tax
- MPF when starting work: enrolment, contributions and account checks
- Starting work: contracts, hours, wages and leaving a job
Health and safety
Understand public and private entry points and eligibility, and prepare medical, medication and emergency information before someone becomes unwell.
- Healthcare in Hong Kong: family medicine, emergencies and records
- Typhoons, heavy rain and emergencies: a family safety plan
Children and education
School applications and Education Bureau registration documents both need attention. Start with your child’s age and intended school year, then compare schools against everyday care needs.
- Kindergarten admission: K1 applications and registration documents
- Helping children settle into Hong Kong school life
- Transferring into a Hong Kong school: places, documents and offers
Phones and internet
Compare total costs and exit terms, checking coverage, contract duration, additional charges and cancellation procedures before signing.
- Mobile and broadband contracts: fees, number porting and moving home
- SIM real-name registration: documents, activation and fraud prevention
Renting and moving
Check equipment, utility readings, account transfers and keys before furniture arrives, keeping clear evidence for the eventual end of the tenancy.
- Rental handover and move-in: inspections, readings and address changes
- Finding a rental: budgets, viewings, neighbourhoods and ownership checks
- Stamping a tenancy: the 30-day deadline and electronic process
Transport and community
Start by finding the places you need each day, then look into libraries, recreation and family support. Getting to know local routes and building rules makes everyday arrangements easier.
- Settling into a neighbourhood: public services and everyday routines
- Everyday transport: routes, transfers, payments and backups
Renewal guidance
Registration is only part of the picture. Connect the company structure, transactions, accounts, premises, people and investment to the business you actually run and your own involvement in Hong Kong.
- Explaining your business for a QMAS renewal
- Keeping every family member’s renewal on track
- Preparing employment evidence for a QMAS renewal