To have permanent residence in Hong Kong, which is also known as the right of abode (ROA) in the HKSAR offers some clear benefits for those who plan to settle down in Hong Kong for a long term. Depending on your nationality and the length of time you live in Hong Kong, the eligibility for your right of abode will be determined.
This guide will give you all-around insight into the Hong Kong permanent resident application process.
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The Eligibility Of The Hong Kong Residency Status
There are some quite complicated criteria to determine who is considered eligible for a Hong Kong permanent resident status. If you are thinking of applying, take some time and go through all the details. It would be great if you could talk to an adviser who can help you with the immigration and Hong Kong permanent resident application process.
Below are the eligible criteria for Chinese citizens:
- Chinese citizens who were born in Hong Kong.
- A Chinese citizen who has been living 7 years of usual stay in Hong Kong.
- Chinese individuals whose one or both of the parents fulfill the requirements.
For those who are not Chinese, the criteria will be different as below:
- A non-Chinese citizen who continuously lives in Hong Kong for 7 7-year period. The applicant needs to validate the approval and they need to declare and confirm living there permanently.
- A Hong Kong-born resident aged under 21 who is non-Chinese by nationality with Hong Kong permanent resident status granted to one or both of his/her parents.
Besides the mentioned route, another eligibility route is available – if you have acquired the right of abode in Hong Kong before July 1, 1997, the date of the transfer of sovereignty to China, you may be eligible to regain your right to permanent resident status as long as you obtain the government’s approval.
You can refer to the ROA flowchart in the Hong Kong immigration website which will help you to establish if you’re eligible to apply.
The Benefit Of Hong Kong Permanent Resident
As Hong Kong Permanent Residents you are entitled to get access to those rights and privileges that are normally available only to the citizens. These include:
- The entitlement to reside permanently in Hong Kong
- The authorization to engage in employment in Hong Kong
- Availability of education and healthcare services
- The privilege to participate in certain local elections
- Eligibility for access to specific government initiatives
Difference Between Hong Kong Citizens And Permanent Residents
The process of becoming a permanent resident in Hong Kong is not the same as getting citizenship, but it has other benefits, which have been mentioned.
The citizens of Hong Kong are considered as the Chinese citizens. On the contrary, the procedure of naturalizing as a Chinese citizen is usually regarded as difficult. Hence, most of the people who want to live in Hong Kong opt for permanent residency rather than a visa. Thus, they are able to keep their original citizenship and at the same time, they can enjoy the conveniences of being a permanent resident in Hong Kong. On the other hand, naturalization would demand them to renounce their original citizenship.
It should be emphasized that the permanent residency status is not at all permanent. To be more specific, it can be revoked if you leave Hong Kong for more than 3 years, unlike citizenship. Besides, to be a Hong Kong citizen, one doesn’t have to be a permanent resident. Besides the requirement of having a year’s experience in the field, there are many other eligibility criteria that must be met. To put it in a simpler way, for example, in order to get a Hong Kong passport, the first step is to get Chinese citizenship.
Hong Kong Permanent Resident Application
To grant the Hong Kong Permanency Residence you must perform the listed below:
- Make sure you fill in the correct application form corresponding to your eligibility route.
- Collect supporting documents for the purpose of proving your status.
- For non-Chinese citizens, you will also have to make a declaration that Hong Kong will be your long-term home (Form ROP146).
- Mail or submit hard copies of your application – or attach everything by scanning and sending it digitally.
The supporting documents to be included will depend on the route you are applying through. For instance, Hong Kong applicants who have been residing in Hong Kong for more than 7 years, can provide the past 7 years of tax notifications, employment contracts showing Hong Kong as their place of work, or rental contracts as their evidence. Alongside this you will be notified if any other documents are needed to process your application.
Normally, it is not required to pay any costs for the first residency card that you apply for.
How Long Does It Take To Process Hong Kong Permanent Resident Application?
After you’ve applied for permanent residence, the processing time usually goes through quite fast. Nevertheless, the waiting period depends on the demand, and typically, it takes about 6 weeks for the process to be finished and delivered.
When your Hong Kong permanent resident application is approved, your current visa will be cancelled and you will also be expected to be at the Registration of Persons office to collect your physical card. Application for a kid under 11 years of age is not possible but they can have an endorsement on the passport to show that they are still eligible to stay in Hong Kong.
Having the right of abode as a Hong Kong resident and being entitled to permanent resident status will give you access to the benefits and rights normally enjoyed by the citizens. This can make it feel very fruitful if you are planning to stay in Hong Kong permanently. Make use of this guide to get you started on your application process and so as to help you throughout the system.
How FastLane Group Can Help?
Ready to take the next step towards the Hong Kong permanent resident application? Let FastLane Group guide you through the application process seamlessly. With our expertise and support, you can navigate the complexities with confidence and ensure a smooth journey toward your long-term settlement in this vibrant city. Contact us today to get started!
