Apply for Right of Abode in Hong Kong

Guide to Hong Kong Permanent Residency – Right of Abode explained by immigration experts

Hong Kong permanent residence

The Right of Abode in Hong Kong is equivalent to Permanent Residency, granting you the unrestricted right to live and work in the city without a visa. Permanent residents enjoy numerous benefits such as access to public services, no visa requirements for employment, and the ability to enter and leave Hong Kong freely.

To qualify, an individual must have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of at least seven years. Once granted, the Right of Abode allows you to apply for a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, the official proof of your status.

Who is eligible for permanent residency?

Eligibility for the Right of Abode depends on specific criteria laid out by Hong Kong’s Immigration Department. You may be eligible if:

You are a Chinese citizen born in Hong Kong or have resided there for seven years or more.
You are a non-Chinese citizen who has legally resided in Hong Kong for at least seven consecutive years and has made the city your permanent place of residence.
You are under 21 years old and were born in Hong Kong to parents who are permanent residents.
You are the spouse or dependent of a permanent resident and meet the required conditions.

Applicants must also demonstrate strong ties to Hong Kong, such as long-term employment, family connections, or significant contributions to the local economy.

Residence by investment options

While Hong Kong currently does not offer a formal residency-by-investment program, certain visa categories can lead to permanent residency over time through business or investment activity.

1. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): This is a quota-based scheme targeting skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria related to age, education, language proficiency, and professional experience. Those accepted under QMAS may become eligible for the Right of Abode after residing in Hong Kong for seven years.

2. Investment as an Entrepreneur (Start-up Visa): If you plan to establish or join a business in Hong Kong, you can apply under the entrepreneur visa category. Your business plan, capital investment, job creation potential, and innovation level are all considered. Over time, continuous residence under this visa can lead to permanent residency.

3. Employment Visa Route: If you are working in Hong Kong under a valid work visa (e.g., through the General Employment Policy) and maintain legal and continuous residence for seven years, you can apply for the Right of Abode.

While these aren’t direct investment-for-residency pathways, they offer viable long-term settlement options for investors and skilled professionals.

Go-Global Immigration Services: who we are and how we can help you

At Go-Global Immigration Services, we specialize in making your immigration journey to Hong Kong as seamless and successful as possible. Our experienced consultants assist individuals and families with:

Eligibility assessments for the Right of Abode
Visa processing and documentation
Strategic planning for long-term residence through work or investment
Legal guidance on maintaining residency and applying for a Permanent Identity Card

Whether you’re an entrepreneur aiming to launch a business or a professional seeking long-term settlement in Hong Kong, our team provides end-to-end support tailored to your goals.

Let Go-Global Immigration Services be your trusted partner in achieving your dream of living and working in Hong Kong with the Right of Abode.