Hong Kong SAR ChinaPermanent residenceLast checked October 30, 2026

Hong Kong permanent resident status (right of abode) after 7 years

Official name: Permanent resident of the HKSAR (right of abode), Basic Law Article 24 / Immigration Ordinance Schedule 1, category (d) for non-Chinese nationals

Non-Chinese nationals become eligible for Hong Kong permanent resident status (right of abode) after ordinarily residing in Hong Kong for a continuous period of at least seven years immediately before applying, and taking Hong Kong as their place of permanent residence. Status is not automatic: you must apply to the Director of Immigration (for verification of eligibility for a permanent identity card), make a declaration in the specified form, and show that Hong Kong is your permanent home. Chinese nationals follow a similar seven-year rule under a different category.

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Life in Hong Kong SAR China

Finance

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar

HKD

Hong Kong Dollar

Cost of living

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).

Official rates, 2025/26 · headline only

Living

Happiness

5.6

#88 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreign nationals who have lived in Hong Kong continuously for seven years on a qualifying status (for example employment, investment, dependant or study under rules for ordinary residence).

Eligibility

Seven years' ordinary residence
Ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years, immediately before the date of application to the Director of Immigration.
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Hong Kong as place of permanent residence
Make a declaration that Hong Kong is your place of permanent residence, using the form the Director specifies.
Under 21
Declaration by parent or guardian · if applicant is under 21
- Give information on your habitual residence in Hong Kong
- Say whether your spouse and minor children live in Hong Kong
- Give information on reasonable means of income
- Give information on tax payments
Official wording
A declaration in the form specified by the Director (made by a parent or guardian if under 21), plus information such as habitual residence in Hong Kong, whether your spouse and minor children live in Hong Kong, reasonable means of income and tax payments.
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SourceEligibility for right of abode / permanent resident statusimmd.gov.hkChecked Oct 30, 2026

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