Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR)

Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR)

Hong Kong is a leading global financial and business hub, attracting individuals who want to settle and grow. With iconic low taxation, world-standard infrastructure, and high quality of life, many individuals desire to achieve Hong Kong Permanent Residency for long-term benefits.

Hong Kong PR grants individuals the Right To Abode, allowing them to live, work, or set up a business without visa restrictions. Applicants who attain a Hong Kong PR would benefit from public services, which include healthcare and education, and travel within the region without any objections.

Requirements for Hong Kong Permanent Residency

Right of Abode is a rule laid down in the Hong Kong statute that confirms that citizens need not hold any other citizenship beyond the rights under this law.

Nationality

• Chinese nationals who were born in Hong Kong

Continuous Ordinary Residence for Seven Years

• The applicant must have been lawfully residing in Hong Kong for at least 7 years preceding his application.

• Temporary absences for short visits or work have no impact on this count.

  
  

• Excessive or extended absences from Hong Kong may disturb residence continuity unless justifiable (for instance, work assignments outside of Hong Kong). 

Proof of Habitual Residence

• The applicant is required to prove that Hong Kong is his principal home and not simply a work or business venue.

  
  

• Evidence includes rent agreements, property ownership, utility bills, and tax liability. 

Financial Independence

• An applicant must demonstrate that he is self-sufficient since any reliance on public assistance may debase the application.

  
  

• For salaried persons, salary slips, tax returns, and employment contracts could prove relevant, while business owners should submit company registrations and financial statements. 

Adherence to Immigration Laws

• The applicant should have been duly maintaining himself in terms of immigration status throughout his stay.

  
  

• Any visa overstays or contravention of employment regulations shall jeopardize the application.

Clean Criminal Record

A clean criminal record is a must, as any past illegal activities may cause the application to be rejected.

Ties to Hong Kong

• The options to be evaluated are employment, family ties, community activities, or business interests.

  
  

• Supporting evidence demonstrating that the applicant is committed to staying in Hong Kong for a longer time may therefore be required.

Right of Abode in Hong Kong

• Grants unrestricted entry and exit from Hong Kong.

• PR holders can live, work, or start a business without visa restrictions.

• Access to public healthcare, education, and social services.

Additional Requirements for Non-Chinese Applicants

Non-Chinese nationals shall declare their intention for permanent residence and may be appointed for further inspection under certain conditions by the department concerning their nationality.

• May undergo extra eligibility checks or assessments based on nationality.

• Authorities may request additional documents or interviews before granting PR.

What are the Documents Required for Hong Kong PR?

These documents are needed to be qualified for permanent residency in Hong Kong. The applicant is required to provide proof of continuous residence, financial independence, and connection with Hong Kong to the Immigration Department.

Personal Information

• Duly completed Application Form (ROP 145) - Official form for Right of Abode Application

  
  

• Valid Passport - A full photocopy of the relevant pages, including the personal details page and visa stamps.

  
  

• Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) - Proof of legal residence in Hong Kong.

Proof of Seven Years of Continuous Residence

Proof of seven years of continuous and legal residence within Hong Kong without any long-term absences from the jurisdiction. These include:

• Rental agreements or proof of owning property (demonstrates long-term residence)

  
  

• Utility bills like electricity, water, gas, internet)

  
  

•  covering several years

  
  

• Bank statements capturing local transactions that confirm physical presence within Hong Kong)

  
  

• Medical record, insurance policy, or club membership demonstrating long-term ties.

Employment and Financial Records (For employed applicants)

• Terms and conditions of the employment contract concerning the Hong Kong-based employer.

  
  

• Salary slips and MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) contributions as evidence of financial independence.

  
  

• Tax returns (IR56B form) from the Inland Revenue Department.

  
  

• Reference letter from the employer confirming his job tenure and role.

Business Ownership Documents (For entrepreneurs or self-employed applicants)

• Business registration certificate from the Hong Kong Companies Registry.

• Company financial statements, profit/loss reports, and tax filings.

• Office lease agreement proving the business operates within Hong Kong.

• Invoices, contracts, or transaction records verifying active business operations.

Family and Dependent Documents (If applying with dependents)

• Marriage certificate (for spouses applying together).

  
  

• Birth certificates (for children included in the application).

  
  

• Dependent visa records (if applicable).

Declaration of Intent (For Non-Chinese Applicants)

• Signed declaration confirming permanent residency intention in Hong Kong by the applicant.

Additional Supporting Documents (if required)

• All letters or documents would be called for by the Immigration Department in the course of assessment.

  
  

• Show Evidence of community involvement like memberships in organizations, voluntary work, or professional associations.

How To Apply For Hong Kong PR?

The following is the application process that must be followed to get a Hong Kong PR -

Prepare Necessary Documents

• Completed application form (Form ROP145).​

• Valid travel document or passport.​

• Proof of continuous seven-year residence in Hong Kong (e.g., rental agreements, utility bills).​

• Recent photographs.​

• Other supporting documents as specified by the Immigration Department.​

Submit the Application

• Applications can be submitted in person or by mail to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.​

• Ensure all required documents are included to avoid delays.​

Attend an Interview (If Required):

• Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information.​

Await Approval:

Processing times vary: applicants will be notified of the outcome.​

Collect Permanent Identity Card:

Upon approval, applicants must register for a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card.

Following these steps carefully ensures a hassle-free process, which will lead you to acquire a Permanent Residency in Hong Kong.

Key Benefits of Hong Kong Permanent Residency:

• Long-term residency security

• Ease of travel, 

• Business opportunities

• Family sponsorship options. 

• The right to live and work in Hong Kong without restrictions.​

• Access to public services and benefits.​

• The ability to vote in certain elections.

What are the Costs Involved in Applying for Hong Kong PR?

Applying for Permanent Residency in Hong Kong is not that expensive. As such, the costs associated with the application include:

How Much is the Processing Time for Hong Kong PR?

Many factors affect the processing time of Permanent Residency applications for Hong Kong-related matters. These factors may include the completeness of the application and the background of the applicant. A general timeline would be as follows: 

The overall processing time can range from 6 months to over a year, depending on individual circumstances and the Immigration Department’s assessment process.