global affairs | January 20, 2026

Is Hong Kong permanent resident a citizen?

Hong Kong permanent residents have the right of abode in Hong Kong and the right to vote in elections for the Legislative Council and the District Council. It is also the de facto citizenship status in Hong Kong because most of citizen rights are associated with the right of abode.

Can you lose permanent resident status HK?

The status of a Hong Kong permanent resident can be lost (despite its name consisting of a word”permanent”) when the foreigner (i.e. non-Chinese citizen) are absent from Hong Kong for any continuous period of 3 years or more.

How can a person be a permanent resident of Hong Kong?

If you hold an old type of identity card and are a Chinese citizen born in Hong Kong or who has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years, you may be eligible for Hong Kong permanent resident status under paragraph 2(a) or 2(b) of Schedule 1 to the Immigration Ordinance, Cap 115.

Can foreigners get Hong Kong citizenship?

Nonresidents seeking to become permanent residents must be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of at least seven years before becoming eligible for the status.

What is a resident of Hong Kong called?

Hongkongers (Chinese: 香港人), also known as Hong Kongers, Hong Kongese, Hongkongese, Hong Kong citizen and Hong Kong people, typically refers to legal residents of the city of Hong Kong; although may also refer to others who were born and/or raised in the city.

Are Hong Kong residents Chinese citizens?

According to the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Chinese Nationality is acquired primarily through ancestry, not place of birth. Persons of Chinese descent, regardless of whether they were born in Mainland China as well as Hong Kong SAR are usually considered to be Chinese citizens.

How long does it take to apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong?

Normally, the Immigration Department will take six weeks to process applications if all of the supporting documents provided are in order. Further time may be required depending on the complexity of the application, and the number of applications received at the same time.

Who is eligible for Hong Kong citizenship?

A person is eligible to apply for a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Passport if he/she is: a Chinese citizen; a permanent resident of the HKSAR; and. a holder of a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card.

Can I get Hong Kong citizenship?

When can Hong Kong residents move to UK?

Since 31 January, Hong Kong residents have been able to come to the UK for up to five years and apply for permanent residency.