Naturalisation as a Chinese national in Hong Kong
Official name: Application for Naturalisation as a Chinese National (Nationality Law of the PRC, Article 7)
There is no separate Hong Kong citizenship. Foreign nationals or stateless people who live in Hong Kong can apply to the Immigration Department to naturalise as Chinese nationals under the PRC Nationality Law, which has applied in Hong Kong since 1 July 1997. Applicants must be willing to abide by China's Constitution and laws and be a near relative of a Chinese national, have settled in China, or have other legitimate reasons. Approved applicants must not keep any foreign nationality. Decisions cannot be appealed and no reasons need to be given.
Life in Hong Kong SAR China
Finance
3
Currency
Hong Kong Dollar
HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
Cost of living
74
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
2–17%
Income tax (national)
Salaries tax is the lower of progressive rates (2%-17%) on net chargeable income or the standard rate (15% on first HKD 5m of net income, 16% above).
Living
1
Happiness
#88 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Long-term foreign residents of Hong Kong, especially permanent residents and close relatives of Chinese nationals with right of abode.
Eligibility
Article 7 conditions
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need to be willing to abide by China's Constitution and laws, and meet at least one other listed condition.
- Other conditions: near relative of a Chinese national, settled in China, or other legitimate reasons
- A supporting near relative must be a Chinese national
- A supporting near relative must have right of abode in Hong Kong
- A supporting near relative must be aged 18 or over
Official wording
Willing to abide by China's Constitution and laws, and at least one of: a near relative of a Chinese national, settled in China, or other legitimate reasons. A supporting near relative must be a Chinese national with right of abode in Hong Kong and aged 18 or over.
Factors considered
Sign in to check this route against your profileSeveral factors are considered, and each case is assessed on its merits.
- Whether you or a near relative have right of abode
- Whether Hong Kong is your habitual residence and where your spouse and minor children live
- Income, tax record, character and sound mind
- Knowledge of Chinese, intention to keep living in Hong Kong, other legitimate reasons
Official wording
Whether you or a near relative have right of abode; whether Hong Kong is your habitual residence and where your spouse and minor children live; income, tax record, character and sound mind; knowledge of Chinese; intention to keep living in Hong Kong; other legitimate reasons. Each case is assessed on its merits.
No foreign nationality
Sign in to check this route against your profileUnder Article 8 a person whose application is approved shall not retain foreign nationality. You must prove you no longer hold it before the certificate is issued.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 documents
- 2 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Connect with a licensed legal advisor for Hong Kong SAR China. They set their own price and you pay them directly.
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