Hong Kong permanent residence (right of abode)

For non-Chinese nationals the Basic Law and the Immigration Ordinance set three conditions: you entered Hong Kong with a valid travel document, you have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years immediately before the application, and you have taken Hong Kong as your place of permanent residence. You must declare the last point in writing; a parent or guardian makes the declaration for applicants under 21. You do not hold the status until the application is approved.

Typical routes to the seven years are the GEP, QMAS, TTPS, IANG, the entrepreneur route, the New CIES and dependant visas. The stay must be lawful when you apply; time spent in Hong Kong only because of a non-refoulement claim does not count as ordinary residence.

Non-Chinese applicants use form ROP145 (application for verification of eligibility for a permanent identity card, with notes ROP145A) together with form ROP146, the declaration that Hong Kong is their only place of permanent residence. You attach your Hong Kong identity card, a travel document showing your entry and current status, and evidence of seven years of continuous ordinary residence, for example school records, employment proof, official receipts, bank statements or tax receipts.

Applicants under 18 also provide a parent's or guardian's identity document and proof of the relationship. Documents not in Chinese or English need a certified translation.

Send the application by post to the Right of Abode Section, 3rd Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, use the ImmD drop-in boxes, or apply online through GovHK. Underpaid mail is not accepted. While the application is pending, keep your current permission to stay valid and apply for an extension before it expires if necessary.

Once eligibility is verified, any condition of stay is cancelled. Applicants aged 11 or over then apply in person at a Registration of Persons Office for a Hong Kong permanent identity card, which is proof of the right of abode; children under 11 holding a valid foreign passport can have an endorsement placed in it. The verification and the first permanent identity card are free of charge.

Permanent residents can live and work in Hong Kong without immigration conditions. Non-Chinese permanent residents can lose the status after a long absence; ImmD explains the rules on its page on loss of permanent resident status, so check it before moving away for an extended period.