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Hong Kong Permanent Residence or Right of Abode in Hong Kong

Updated: Jul 4



Hong Kong Permanent Residence or Right of Abode in Hong Kong


Hong Kong permanent residence is a legal status that allows a person to live and work in Hong Kong indefinitely. It is also known as the right of abode in Hong Kong.


Benefits


Hong Kong permanent residents enjoy a number of benefits, including:


  • The right to live and work in Hong Kong indefinitely

  • The right to vote in Hong Kong elections

  • The right to apply for a Hong Kong passport

  • The right to bring their spouse and minor children to live in Hong Kong


Eligibility for the Hong Kong Permanent Residence or Right of Abode in the HKSAR


To be eligible for the Hong Kong permanent residence /right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), you must meet one of the following criteria:


  • Be a Chinese citizen born in Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)

  • Be a Chinese citizen who has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years before or after the establishment of the HKSAR

  • Be a person of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the HKSAR to a parent who, at the time of birth of that person, was a Chinese citizen falling within category (a) or (b)

  • Be a foreigner (person not of Chinese nationality) who has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong lawfully for a continuous period of not less than seven years and has taken Hong Kong as his/her place of permanent residence

  • Be a person who had no right of abode anywhere other than Hong Kong before the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR

  • Be a spouse or minor child of a Hong Kong permanent resident

  • Be a person who has made an outstanding contribution to Hong Kong


Ordinary residence


Ordinary residence is a legal concept that is not clearly defined in Hong Kong law. However, it is generally understood to mean that a person has made Hong Kong their permanent home. To establish ordinary residence, you must show that you have lived in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years and that you have made your home here.


Factors that the Immigration Department will consider when determining whether you have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong include:


  • The length of time you have lived in Hong Kong

  • The purpose of your stay in Hong Kong

  • Your ties to Hong Kong, such as your family, employment, and social activities

  • Whether you have maintained a permanent home in Hong Kong


Outstanding contribution


The Immigration Department has the discretion to grant the right of abode to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to Hong Kong. This category is intended for people who have made significant contributions to Hong Kong's economic, social, or cultural development.


Application for Hong Kong Permanent Residence / Right of Abode in Hong Kong


To apply for the Hong Kong permanent residence / right of abode in Hong Kong, you must first determine your eligibility. There are a number of ways to qualify for the right of abode, including:


  • Being born in Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)

  • Ordinarily residing in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years before or after the establishment of the HKSAR

  • Being the spouse or minor child of a Hong Kong permanent resident

  • Making an outstanding contribution to Hong Kong


If you are eligible for the right of abode, you can apply by submitting a completed application form and the following supporting documents to the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong SAR:


  • Valid travel document

  • Birth certificate

  • Document(s) showing your immigration status at your place of residence

  • Hong Kong permanent identity card(s) of your parents (if applicable)

  • Marriage certificate of your parents (if applicable)


You may also need to submit additional documents depending on your eligibility category. For example, if you are applying on the basis of ordinary residence, you will need to provide evidence that you have been living in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years.


Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, the Immigration Department will review your case and make a decision.


If you are successful in your application, you will be granted the right of abode in Hong Kong and you will be issued a permanent identity card. This will allow you to live and work in Hong Kong indefinitely.


Here are some tips for applying for the right of abode in Hong Kong:


  • Make sure you are eligible before you apply.

  • Gather all of the required documents and submit them in full.

  • Be accurate and truthful in your application.

  • Be patient and understanding, as the processing time can be long.


Processing Time


The processing time for Hong Kong permanent residence / right of abode applications varies depending on the complexity of the case. However, it can take several months or even years to receive a decision.



Consult with Bestar


Bestar can help you assess your eligibility for Hong Kong permanent residence and guide you through the application process. We can also help you prepare your application and supporting documents.


Here are some of the benefits of consulting with Bestar when applying for Hong Kong permanent residence:


  • We can help you determine your eligibility and choose the right application category for your case.

  • We can advise you on the required documents and help you prepare your application.

  • We can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

  • We can help you navigate the complex immigration system and avoid making mistakes that could jeopardize your application.


If you are serious about applying for Hong Kong permanent residence, consult with Bestar. We can help you increase your chances of success and make the application process as smooth as possible.


If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, you should consult with an immigration lawyer.


If you are unsure whether you are eligible for the right of abode in the HKSAR, you should consult with an immigration consultant.






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