Hong Kong (HK)
Hong Kong is one of the world's most dynamic cities — a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China operating under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework that preserves its common law legal system, independent judiciary, free port status, and separate currency.
Capital: Hong Kong
Region: Asia
Language: Chinese (Cantonese)
Currency: HKD (HK$)
Cost of living: Very expensive (index 90)
Emergency: 999
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Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in Hong Kong.
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Permanent Residency
Name
Right of Abode (Permanent Residency)
Eligibility
Any person who has resided in Hong Kong continuously for a period of not less than 7 years as a Hong Kong permanent resident or as a person permitted to land or remain in HK, and who has taken HK as their place of permanent residence. For non-Chinese nationals: 7 years of continuous ordinary residence under any permitted category (Employment Visa, QMAS, TTPS, Dependent Visa, etc.). For Chinese nationals: usually by descent or naturalisation rather than this route.
Duration
Permanent — once granted, Right of Abode does not expire and does not require renewal.
Requirements
- ✓HKID card (held throughout the 7-year period)
- ✓Evidence of continuous ordinary residence for 7 years (e.g. employment records, tenancy agreements, tax records, MPF statements, school records for children)
- ✓Completed application form ID 200 (Application for the Right of Abode in HKSAR)
- ✓Declaration of intention to use HK as place of permanent residence
- ✓Current valid passport
- ✓No significant criminal record in HK
Upon approval, the holder receives a Permanent Identity Card (藍色身份證 — blue HKID). This grants the right to live and work in HK without any visa restriction, the right to vote in Legislative Council elections, and eligibility to apply for a HKSAR passport. Absences from HK are allowed during the 7-year period — the key is "continuous ordinary residence" which does not require unbroken physical presence but must show HK as your principal home. Applications processed by the Immigration Department; processing: 8–12 weeks.
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Citizenship
Name
Hong Kong SAR Passport / Chinese Citizenship
Eligibility
Hong Kong citizenship is equivalent to Chinese citizenship under the Basic Law. Chinese nationality (and HKSAR passport) is not available to non-Chinese nationals simply through residence in Hong Kong. The HKSAR passport is issued only to Chinese nationals with the Right of Abode in HK. Foreign nationals who naturalise as Chinese citizens (through marriage to a Chinese national or special contribution to China) may become eligible, but China does not permit naturalisation through residence alone.
Duration
Permanent (Chinese nationality, once acquired).
Requirements
- ✓Chinese nationality (by birth, descent, or special naturalisation — not residence-based for foreigners)
- ✓Right of Abode in HK
- ✓Application for HKSAR travel document at Immigration Department
- ✓Renunciation of previous nationality may be required (China does not officially recognise dual nationality)
Most Western expats who build a life in HK will obtain permanent residency (Right of Abode) but cannot obtain Chinese/HK citizenship unless they have Chinese ancestry or marry a Chinese national and complete the complex naturalisation process. The HKSAR passport is highly practical — visa-free or on-arrival access to 168+ countries (2026). Foreign nationals retain their own nationality and passport while holding the Right of Abode.
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
BN(O) Pathway to UK Residency
Eligibility
UK Nationals (Overseas) — BN(O) status — available to Hong Kong residents born before 1 July 1997. The UK BN(O) Visa allows BN(O) holders and their qualifying family members to live, work and study in the UK for 5 years, then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and subsequently British citizenship. Does not affect HK residency rights or HKSAR status.
Duration / Outcome
5 years initially (2+2+1 year periods) then ILR.
Requirements
- ✓BN(O) passport or eligible BN(O) status
- ✓Application in UK or online from HK
The BN(O) scheme was significantly expanded in 2021 following the National Security Law. Approximately 400,000–800,000 HK residents are estimated to have BN(O) eligibility. Holding a BN(O) visa does not affect your HK employment or residency status — you can use both simultaneously. UK residency under BN(O) is fully separate from HK Right of Abode — they coexist. IMPORTANT: Since 31 January 2021, BN(O) passports are no longer recognised as travel documents for entry to or exit from Hong Kong — BN(O) holders with HK Right of Abode use their HKID (permanent identity card) to enter Hong Kong.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
Eligibility
Points-based immigration scheme for talented individuals who wish to live and work in Hong Kong without a prior job offer. Assessed on a points system (General Points Test or Achievement-Based Points Test for individuals with exceptional achievements).
Duration / Outcome
12 months initially; renewable on evidence of employment or business establishment.
Requirements
- ✓Points test score above threshold
- ✓University degree or exceptional achievement
- ✓Good character
- ✓Financial sufficiency proof
- ✓Age 18+
After 7 years of ordinary residence under QMAS (including time combined with other permitted categories such as TTPS), the applicant may apply for Right of Abode. The annual quota was removed in October 2023 and QMAS now operates without a numerical cap. 2024 reform: QMAS revamped under new criteria framework (6 out of 12 qualifying criteria required under General Points Test). TTPS Category A initial visa extended to 3 years (from 2 years) in October 2024; TTPS renewal window extended to 3 months before expiry. Talent List updated March 1, 2025 to include 60 professions facing local shortages. TTPS residence time counts toward the 7-year Right of Abode threshold.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
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Dual citizenship is not allowed — The People's Republic of China does not officially recognise dual nationality under the Nationality Law of the PRC (1980). Chinese nationals who acquire a foreign nationality are theoretically required to renounce their Chinese citizenship. However, PRC enforcement of this rule is inconsistent in Hong Kong — many HK Chinese permanent residents hold both a HKSAR passport and a foreign passport (e.g. British, Canadian, Australian) without formal renunciation. The practical risk of enforcement is low for long-term HK residents who hold a foreign passport. When in doubt, consult an immigration solicitor. From a Hong Kong immigration perspective, a person's foreign nationality status does not affect their Right of Abode or HKID.
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
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