British National (Overseas) visa
Hong Kong · Official name: British National (Overseas) visa (BNO visa)
British Nationals (Overseas) from Hong Kong and their family members can live, work and study in the UK for 2 years 6 months or 5 years, and extend as often as they like. After 5 continuous years in the UK they can apply to settle, with B1 English and the Life in the UK Test. Adult children of a BN(O) born on or after 1 Jul 1979 can apply in their own right. First-time applicants must show money to support themselves for 6 months.
Life in United Kingdom
Finance
3
Currency
British Pound
GBP
British Pound
Cost of living
92
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20% · social security 8%
Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.
Living
1
Happiness
#27 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Working in your field Premium
Whether you need a licence or registration to work in your field here
Who it’s for
BN(O) status holders aged 18 or over whose permanent home is in Hong Kong (or the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man if applying from inside the UK), their partners and children, and adult children of BN(O)s born on or after 1 Jul 1979.
Eligibility
BN(O) or child of a BN(O)Main applicant
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need to be 18 or over and either a British National (Overseas) or the child of one born on or after 1 Jul 1979.
Official wording
Be 18 or over and either a British National (Overseas) or the child of one born on or after 1 Jul 1979.
Home in Hong KongMain applicant
Sign in to check this route against your profileYour permanent home must be in Hong Kong if applying from outside the UK; from inside the UK it can also be in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
Family membersFamily
Sign in to check this route against your profilePartners, children under 18 and some adult dependent relatives can apply as dependants, usually at the same time as you.
Official wording
Partners, children under 18 and some adult dependent relatives can apply as dependants, usually at the same time as the main applicant.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 5 fees
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Want a licensed advisor to check your case?
Connect with a licensed legal advisor for United Kingdom. They set their own price and you pay them directly.
Before you pay anyone, check their licencePlaces to visit in United Kingdom
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
