Hong Kong – Residency

What residency options exist for foreign nationals in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s approach to residency centres on entry permits and visas that confer temporary status, which may ultimately progress to permanent residency — formally designated the Right of Abode. There is no dedicated retirement or digital nomad visa category in Hong Kong. The principal pathways are employment-based, talent-based, investment-based, and family-based, with the Immigration Department responsible for administering all routes.

General Employment Policy (GEP)

The General Employment Policy allows foreign workers to be engaged for a specific role within a Hong Kong company, provided that their skills or experience are not readily available in the local labour market. Applicants must hold a confirmed job offer that is relevant to their qualifications, have a clean criminal record, demonstrate sound academic credentials, and receive remuneration that aligns with prevailing market rates. The GEP operates without a quota, though it excludes nationals of Afghanistan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nepal, Vietnam, Cuba, and Laos.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

Launched in 2006, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is a points-based programme intended to draw highly skilled or exceptionally talented individuals to Hong Kong. Notably, the scheme does not require applicants to hold a prior job offer, setting it apart from most employment-based visa categories. It shares a conceptual resemblance with the points-based skilled migration systems operated by countries like Canada and Australia, though the precise evaluation criteria differ across each jurisdiction.

From November 2024, the General Points Test under QMAS was revised to incorporate more objective scoring standards and a simplified application process. The revised test replaced the previous item-by-item scoring method with an assessment questionnaire in which applicants confirm whether they satisfy 12 criteria across six categories: age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, annual income, and business ownership. Individuals who meet at least six of these criteria may proceed with an application.

Those granted entry under the GPT route of QMAS are typically permitted an initial stay of 36 months without other conditions of stay upon arrival. When seeking an extension, applicants must demonstrate that they have established themselves in Hong Kong and made a contribution to the city — for example, by holding graduate, specialist, or senior-level employment with a stable income, or by operating a viable business. Approved extensions generally follow a 3+2 year pattern.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is designed to attract outstanding individuals — including high earners and graduates of leading global universities — to explore and pursue opportunities in Hong Kong. Applicants with exceptional academic backgrounds or high income levels may enter without needing an existing job offer in hand.

The scheme accommodates remote working arrangements, permitting pass holders to be employed by overseas companies, subject to meeting an annual income threshold of HKD 1,200,000 (approximately USD 155,400) and complying with applicable income tax obligations. As of November 2024, 13 additional top Mainland and overseas universities were added to the eligibility list under TTPS, expanding the total to 198 qualifying institutions. Prospective applicants should consult the Immigration Department’s website directly to confirm the current list of eligible universities.

Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

The IANG enables non-local graduates to remain in Hong Kong for two years to seek employment following the completion of their studies. Key eligibility criteria include having obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification through a full-time, locally-accredited programme at a Hong Kong institution, with no requirement to have secured a job offer prior to the initial application for recent graduates. The IANG has no quota and is not sector-specific, though it does not extend to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or Nepal.

Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), reintroduced in March 2024 following a period of suspension, is Hong Kong’s primary investment-based residency programme. It provides a route to residency for high-net-worth individuals through substantial capital deployment. Applicants must invest a minimum of HK$30 million in qualifying assets — specifically, HK$27 million placed into a CIES Investment Portfolio (covering instruments such as stocks, bonds, and funds, with residential real estate excluded) and HK$3 million into a fund administered by Hong Kong Investment Corporation to support innovation and technology.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age with no serious criminal history, and must demonstrate a personal net worth of at least HK$30 million. As of early 2025, this wealth must have been held for a minimum of six months prior to submitting an application. Prospective investors should verify current thresholds directly with the InvestHK website and the Immigration Department, as these may be subject to revision.

Dependent Visa / Family Reunification

Foreign nationals admitted to Hong Kong under the General Employment Policy are entitled to bring their spouse, same-sex civil partner, or unmarried dependent children below the age of 18. Those admitted under QMAS may similarly bring their spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, civil union, or same-sex marriage contracted in accordance with the laws of the place where it was solemnised. Dependants admitted on this basis may independently qualify for permanent residency once they have fulfilled the seven-year ordinary residence requirement.

How does temporary residency function in Hong Kong, and what is the path to permanent status?

The majority of foreign nationals arrive in Hong Kong on a temporary basis — through a work visa, talent scheme permit, or dependent visa — and must periodically renew their status. In contrast to systems in countries such as France or Germany, which may grant a standalone long-stay permit from the outset, Hong Kong’s framework requires applicants to build a track record of continuous ordinary residence before permanent status can be conferred.

To be eligible for permanent residency, an applicant must have “ordinarily resided” in Hong Kong without interruption for a minimum of seven years while holding a valid, qualifying visa — such as an employment, dependent, or student visa. Non-Chinese nationals must additionally declare Hong Kong as their permanent home. “Ordinary residence” is understood to mean residing in Hong Kong voluntarily, lawfully, and for a “settled purpose,” with temporary absences not necessarily breaking the continuity of residence.

Chinese nationals may qualify using any seven-year period of residence, while foreign nationals are only eligible based on the seven years immediately preceding their application. This distinction is significant — it means that foreign nationals cannot rely on earlier periods of residence if a substantial gap in their stay has occurred.

The Immigration Department considers each case on its individual merits. As a general rule, time spent in Hong Kong as a visitor does not count toward the qualifying period. Prolonged absences of more than six months may raise questions, unless the applicant can substantiate that their primary home continued to be in Hong Kong throughout. Those present on work, student, or dependent visas and maintaining continuous residence will ordinarily have qualifying periods of stay.

Certain categories of person — including foreign domestic helpers and workers admitted under imported labour schemes — are legally barred from accumulating ordinary residence, irrespective of how long they remain in Hong Kong. This is a distinctive feature of the territory’s system, contrasting with many other jurisdictions where domestic workers may count their time in-country toward a permanent residency application.

Permanent residents who are not Chinese nationals will automatically forfeit their Right of Abode if they have been away from Hong Kong for more than 36 months after ceasing to have ordinarily resided there. Such individuals are then granted the “right to land,” which similarly affords unrestricted access to live and work in the territory.

How do you go about applying for residency in Hong Kong?

The application procedure varies according to the residency pathway being pursued. Work visa and talent scheme applications are typically lodged before or shortly after arrival in Hong Kong. Applications for permanent residency (the Right of Abode) must be submitted while the applicant is physically present in Hong Kong. All applications fall under the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Applying for a work visa or talent scheme permit

1. Confirm your eligibility: Determine which scheme is appropriate for your circumstances — GEP, QMAS, TTPS, IANG, or New CIES. Review the current eligibility conditions on the Immigration Department website, as these, including lists of qualifying universities, are revised periodically.
2. Compile employer and business documents: The sponsoring employer confirms that the position is genuine and cannot be filled by a local candidate, and provides corporate documentation including a Business Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, company profile, and audited accounts.
3. Assemble personal documentation: The applicant collects their personal and professional records, including a valid passport, a completed application form, a curriculum vitae, academic certificates, professional qualification documents, employer references, and evidence of any previous Hong Kong residence or study where applicable.
4. Lodge the application: The employer and applicant compile the full application package and submit it to the Immigration Department. Submission is generally accepted by post, in person, or through a local sponsor, and in some circumstances initial documentation may be submitted electronically with originals to follow upon request.
5. Attend an interview if required: Where an application receives approval-in-principle — as is the case under QMAS — the applicant must attend an interview in Hong Kong and present the originals of all documents provided during the application process.
6. Receive your permit: Upon approval, your entry permit or visa label will be issued. Familiarise yourself with the conditions of stay and any renewal deadlines from the outset.

Applying for permanent residency (Right of Abode)

1. Verify completion of seven years of ordinary residence under a qualifying visa, and confirm that you are physically present in Hong Kong at the time of application.
2. Complete Form ROP145 (Application for Verification of Eligibility for Permanent Identity Card) or the applicable form for your situation. Non-Chinese nationals must also complete Form ROP146 (Declaration of Having Taken Hong Kong as Only Place of Permanent Residence).
3. Submit by post, drop-in, or online: Under standard circumstances, submit the completed application form along with copies of supporting documents by post or drop-in to the Right of Abode Section, 3rd Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories. An online submission option is also available.
4. Allow time for processing: The Immigration Department ordinarily takes six weeks to process an application where all supporting documentation is in order. Additional time may be needed depending on the complexity of individual cases and the volume of applications being handled concurrently.
5. Register for your permanent identity card: Applicants aged 11 or over must attend in person at the Registration of Persons Office to apply for a Hong Kong permanent identity card.

Overseas submissions for the permanent residency verification process will not be accepted, so legal presence in Hong Kong is mandatory at the time of lodgement. Check the Immigration Department website regularly for the latest fee schedules and processing times, as these are subject to revision.

What documentation is required for a Hong Kong residency application?

The documents required differ considerably depending on the residency pathway. The following outlines the documentation most commonly requested across Hong Kong residency applications. The official Immigration Department website remains the definitive reference for the precise checklist applicable to each specific scheme.

Typical documents for a work visa or talent scheme application

• Valid passport (including all relevant pages, entry and departure stamps)
• Completed application form (e.g. ID 990A for GEP applications)
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Professional qualification certificates
• Reference letters from previous employers
• Signed employment contract (for GEP/IANG applicants)
• Employer’s Business Registration Certificate and company profile
• Recent photographs meeting passport specifications

Typical documents for a permanent residency (Right of Abode) application

• Copies of pages from a valid travel document showing personal particulars and the most recent arrival stamp
• Evidence of ordinary residence in Hong Kong over the preceding seven years, such as tax notifications, employment contracts, or tenancy agreements reflecting continuous habitation during that time
• Hong Kong Identity Card (if already issued)
• Tax records from the past seven years, employment contracts confirming Hong Kong as your place of work, or rental agreements supporting proof of address
• Utility bills as supplementary evidence of address
• Form ROP145 (application form) and, for non-Chinese nationals, Form ROP146 (declaration of permanent home)
• Where the applicant is under 18, the identity card or travel document of the parent or legal guardian, along with documentation establishing the relationship

In practice, the Immigration Department may require additional documentation from foreign nationals applying under Article 24 of the Basic Law, including confirmation that all applicable taxes have been settled. Any documents not in Chinese or English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Always confirm the exact document requirements on the Immigration Department’s official website prior to submission.

Are there registration obligations with government authorities after arriving in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong operates a mandatory identity card system applicable to all residents. Once admitted to Hong Kong on a visa or entry permit with the intention of staying for an extended period, foreign nationals are required to register for a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID). This registration step is the principal administrative obligation for those settling in Hong Kong.

Under the Registration of Persons Ordinance, any individual aged 11 or above who has been present in Hong Kong for more than 180 days is obliged to obtain an identity card. An application must be lodged within 30 days of the obligation arising, and the applicant must be legally present in Hong Kong at the time of submission. The Registration of Persons Offices manage the issuance of HKID cards, and appointments can be arranged through the Immigration Department.

Those admitted as short-stay visitors are not required to obtain a HKID. However, any foreign national granted an employment visa, talent scheme permit, or dependent visa should register for their identity card promptly upon or shortly after arrival. Failing to register within the prescribed timeframe may lead to a fixed penalty or prosecution under the Registration of Persons Ordinance.

Unlike certain European countries where arrivals must register with a local municipality or town hall within a specified period, Hong Kong does not impose a separate municipal registration requirement. The single-tier HKID registration system is comparatively straightforward. Current registration requirements and appointment availability can be confirmed at immd.gov.hk.

What rights and restrictions apply to residents in Hong Kong?

The entitlements and limitations associated with residency in Hong Kong differ depending on whether a person holds temporary or permanent status. This distinction has meaningful consequences in terms of employment freedom, access to public services, and civic participation.

Temporary residents (visa/permit holders)

Foreign nationals holding a work visa or talent scheme permit are generally authorised to work in Hong Kong in accordance with the conditions stipulated in their permit. Dependants admitted on a dependent visa may also be granted work entitlements. That said, conditions of stay under the GEP are typically tied to a specific employer or purpose, and changing employment without first obtaining the appropriate approvals can create complications. Eligibility for permanent residency is preserved provided that valid employment visa status is continuously maintained throughout the qualifying period, even when there are changes in employer. Each employment transition should be properly recorded and documented.

Permanent residents (Right of Abode holders)

Attaining permanent residency carries a number of significant advantages: the right to remain in Hong Kong indefinitely without the need to renew visas or permits; unrestricted work rights, including the freedom to work across any sector, establish businesses, or change employers without requiring further approvals; and access to a range of public services encompassing education, healthcare, and certain welfare entitlements.

The Right of Abode guarantees the holder the freedom to live and work in Hong Kong without restriction or time limitation. It is a legally recognised status securing indefinite residency in Hong Kong, along with associated privileges such as the right to stand for public office, acquire land, and benefit from certain stamp duty exemptions.

Healthcare access

Hong Kong’s public healthcare system, administered by the Hospital Authority, delivers heavily subsidised services primarily to permanent residents and other eligible persons. Temporary residents may use public hospitals but are generally charged at higher rates than permanent residents. Unlike the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, which extends universal coverage to all residents regardless of immigration status, access to subsidised healthcare in Hong Kong is more closely tied to permanent residency and eligibility criteria. Private healthcare is widely accessible and frequently used by expatriates on temporary permits.

Citizenship — an important distinction

There is no separate Hong Kong citizenship status. Only those holding Chinese nationality are eligible to obtain a Hong Kong passport. Under Chinese nationality law, citizenship is acquired primarily through descent rather than place of birth. A Hong Kong permanent resident who holds Chinese nationality is automatically regarded as a Chinese citizen. For foreign nationals, holding permanent residency does not alter their citizenship, but it does establish their long-term legal standing in the city.

Foreign permanent residents may apply to naturalise as Chinese nationals, which would shield them from the automatic loss of permanent resident status, but this requires renouncing their existing nationality upon success. Given that the People’s Republic of China does not recognise dual nationality, this is a consequential decision that warrants careful deliberation.

Tax obligations

Hong Kong applies income tax on a territorial basis, meaning that both residents and non-residents are liable to tax only on income arising in Hong Kong, while income derived from foreign sources falls outside the scope of taxation. Salaries tax is levied at progressive rates ranging from 2% to 17% on income exceeding HKD 120,000. Business income is subject to profits tax at a rate of 16.5%. This territorial approach is notably more favourable than the worldwide income tax regimes employed by countries such as the United States.

Where can reliable and current information on Hong Kong residency be found?

Residency regulations, talent scheme eligibility criteria, and fee structures in Hong Kong are revised on a regular basis. Consulting authoritative government sources directly — rather than relying solely on third-party websites or outdated materials — is essential. The principal sources of reliable information are listed below.

• Hong Kong Immigration Department: immd.gov.hk — the central authority for all visa, permit, and residency matters. Provides application forms, eligibility requirements, fee schedules, and processing time guidance for every scheme.
• GovHK: gov.hk — the official Hong Kong government portal, covering immigration matters, identity card registration, and related services for residents.
• Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE): hkengage.gov.hk — a dedicated government-backed platform providing support for talent admission schemes including QMAS, TTPS, IANG, and the Talent List.
• InvestHK: investinghk.gov.hk — the government body responsible for administering the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) and investor-related immigration matters.
• Community Legal Information Centre (CLIC): clic.org.hk — operated by the University of Hong Kong, offering accessible legal explanations of Hong Kong’s immigration and permanent residency framework.
• Your home country’s embassy or consulate in Hong Kong: National embassies can offer guidance on travel requirements for Hong Kong, notarial services, and documentation support throughout the application process.

Hong Kong’s immigration policy — particularly in relation to talent and investment schemes — has shifted considerably in recent years. The original Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was placed on hold in 2015 and subsequently relaunched in 2024 with substantially higher financial thresholds. Similarly, QMAS underwent a significant overhaul in 2024, and the TTPS was introduced in 2023 as an entirely new initiative. Always consult the official sources listed above to verify the most current requirements before reaching decisions or lodging applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Hong Kong residency application process typically take?

Processing durations are generally predictable but can fluctuate depending on the visa type, the complexity of individual circumstances, and how promptly any additional information is furnished when requested. High application volumes during peak periods can also lengthen timelines. For a standard work permit or visa, you can typically expect a decision within four to eight weeks from the point of complete document submission. For permanent residency verification, the process ordinarily takes six weeks when all required documentation is in order, though more complex cases may take longer. The Immigration Department website should be checked for current processing timeframes.

Can family members be included in a Hong Kong residency application?

Yes. Foreign nationals admitted to Hong Kong through employment, talent, or investment schemes are permitted to bring their spouse and children under 18 to live in Hong Kong, with spouses typically entitled to work legally. While a dependent visa grants family members the right to reside in Hong Kong, each dependant must independently satisfy the seven-year ordinary residence requirement to qualify for permanent residency in their own right.

What happens if a residency application is refused?

Where an application for a visa, entry permit, or permanent residency is rejected by the Immigration Department, applicants generally retain the right to seek a review. For visa refusals, applicants may write to the Immigration Department to request a reconsideration, providing additional documentation or clarifications as appropriate. For Right of Abode cases, a formal appeal mechanism exists under the Immigration Ordinance. Seeking advice from a qualified immigration lawyer is strongly recommended whenever an application is refused, in order to properly assess the grounds and identify the most effective course of action.

Can residency be lost through extended absence from Hong Kong?

Non-Chinese permanent residents will forfeit their Right of Abode automatically if they have been absent from Hong Kong for more than 36 months after ceasing to ordinarily reside there. During the qualifying period, applicants may spend time abroad without jeopardising their eligibility, provided the absence is temporary in nature and their principal home remains in Hong Kong. A person is not regarded as having ceased to be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong on account of a temporary absence. The relevant considerations include the reason for and duration of the absence, how frequently it occurred, whether the individual maintained habitual residence in Hong Kong, whether they were employed by a Hong Kong-based organisation, and where their immediate family members were based.

Does Hong Kong residency give you the right to a Hong Kong passport?

No. A distinct Hong Kong citizenship status does not exist. Only individuals holding Chinese nationality may obtain a Hong Kong SAR passport. For foreign nationals, permanent residency confers the Right of Abode and its associated privileges, but does not automatically entitle holders to a Hong Kong passport. Naturalisation as a Chinese national is theoretically possible but requires the renunciation of any existing nationality, given that China does not permit dual citizenship.

Does time spent studying in Hong Kong count towards permanent residency?

Yes. Time spent in Hong Kong on a valid student visa is factored into the seven-year ordinary residence calculation, though the applicant must make a successful transition to an employment visa following the completion of their studies. Time spent on visitor visas is not counted. Applicants are advised to maintain comprehensive records of all periods of stay, entry and exit stamps, and their visa status throughout the qualifying period.

How does residency in Hong Kong relate to tax obligations?

Individuals who ordinarily reside in Hong Kong or are present for more than 180 days in a year — or more than 300 days across two consecutive years — may be regarded as Hong Kong tax residents, though the applicable rules may be modified under any relevant tax treaty. Hong Kong taxes income on a territorial basis, meaning that both residents and non-residents are taxed solely on income arising within Hong Kong, with overseas income exempt from taxation. There is no capital gains tax, and income from dividends or interest is not taxed. Expatriates should also examine their home country’s tax legislation to determine whether any continuing obligations apply after relocating abroad.

Is there a retirement visa or passive income route to residency in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong does not presently offer a dedicated retirement visa or passive income residency pathway of the kind available in countries such as Thailand (Retirement Visa) or Portugal (D7 Passive Income Visa). The closest equivalent for those not in active employment is the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), which calls for a substantial personal net worth and a minimum investment of HK$30 million. Applicants must demonstrate a personal net worth of at least HK$30 million; as of early 2025, this wealth must have been in place for at least six months prior to lodging an application. Prospective applicants should verify the latest thresholds directly with InvestHK and the Immigration Department before proceeding.

What is the difference between the Right of Abode and the Right to Land?

Hong Kong recognises two related but legally distinct statuses for foreign nationals: the Right of Abode (permanent residency), which grants the holder unrestricted rights to live and work in Hong Kong without limitation, including voting rights and eligibility to hold public office; and the Right to Land, which equally permits unrestricted living and working in Hong Kong but without certain entitlements such as voting rights. A non-Chinese national who loses their Right of Abode will automatically transition to holding the Right to Land, meaning they may continue to enter Hong Kong freely and reside, study, or work in the territory without restriction.