Hong Kong
ISO2: HK
Hong Kong does not have a separate “Hong Kong citizenship” nationality; nationality applications in the HKSAR concern Chinese nationality (PRC) administered by Hong Kong’s Immigration Department. Typical pathway: qualify for Hong Kong permanent resident status/right of abode after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence, then apply (discretionary) for naturalisation as a Chinese national; successful applicants must not retain foreign nationality (as of 2026).
Passport
Citizenship by residence
- Minimum years of residence
- 7.0
- Requires permanent residence
- Yes
- Last updated
- Feb. 28, 2026
- Notes
- For non-Chinese nationals, Hong Kong permanent resident status/right of abode is generally available after 7 years of continuous “ordinary residence” immediately before applying; ordinary residence requires staying in Hong Kong legally, voluntarily and for a settled purpose (e.g., education/employment/residence). Naturalisation as a Chinese national in the HKSAR is governed by the PRC Nationality Law (Articles 7–8) and is discretionary. Immigration Department factors include: whether the applicant has right of abode in Hong Kong, habitual residence in Hong Kong, principal family members in Hong Kong, reasonable income and tax payment history, good character/sound mind, sufficient knowledge of the Chinese language (no fixed CEFR/HSK level published; assessed case-by-case), intention to continue living in Hong Kong, and other legitimate reasons. If approved, the applicant must not retain foreign nationality.
- Dual citizenship
-
Dual citizenship: Not allowed
Renunciation required: YesSpecial cases: PRC Nationality Law does not recognize dual nationality. For naturalisation as a Chinese national in Hong Kong, Immigration Department guidance states an approved applicant must not retain foreign nationality. In practice, some Hong Kong residents may hold foreign travel documents/right of abode for travel purposes, but this does not mean dual nationality is recognized under PRC law.
- Notes for dual citizenship
- For Chinese nationality (the relevant nationality for “citizenship” in Hong Kong), dual citizenship is not recognized; successful naturalisation requires non-retention of foreign nationality.
Qualifying residence permits
Dependant visa / residence as dependant
Ordinary residence can be for a settled purpose such as residence with family members; time as a dependant commonly counts toward the 7-year ordinary residence period (subject to individual circumstances).
Counts
Employment visa / entry permit (e.g., General Employment Policy - professionals)
Ordinary residence can be established through legal residence for a settled purpose such as employment; many applicants accrue the 7-year “ordinary residence” period while holding employment-related permission to stay.
Counts
Student residence / permission to stay for education (where applicable)
Ordinary residence can be established for a settled purpose such as education; whether the 7-year period is satisfied depends on lawful stay and the person’s circumstances.
Counts
Visitor / short-stay permission
Visitor/short-stay presence is not the typical basis for “ordinary residence”, which requires remaining in Hong Kong legally and for a settled purpose (e.g., education/employment/residence).
Doesn’t count
Required documents
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Birth certificate (civil status document)
Birth certificate to prove identity/civil status; typically requires formal legalization/apostille and translation as required.
|
Mandatory | Listed as a required supporting document for applicants aged 18 or above. |
|
Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)
HKID required as an identity document for nationality applications (and typically for residence/right of abode procedures).
|
Mandatory | Listed as a required supporting document for applications (including applicants aged 18 or above). |
|
Naturalisation as a Chinese National (Hong Kong) – Application (Form ID 874 / ID 875) + supporting documents
Application handled by Hong Kong Immigration Department under the PRC Nationality Law (Articles 7–8); discretionary assessment on multiple factors.
|
Mandatory | Apply to Hong Kong Immigration Department (Nationality Sub-section) in person or by post, or submit online via Immigration Department e-Services/GovHK. Each application is considered on its own merits; approval is discretionary. |
|
Passport(s) / travel document(s) showing travel records and length of residence in Hong Kong
Travel documents evidencing entry/exit records and the applicant’s length of residence in Hong Kong; may be supplemented by residence evidence below.
|
Mandatory | Listed as a required supporting document; may be supplemented by employer/school/tax letters or other residence evidence. |
|
Proof of residence in Hong Kong (employment letters / school letters / official receipts / bank statements / tax records)
Evidence supporting continuous ordinary residence, e.g., employer letters, school documents, official receipts, bank statements, and/or income tax receipts.
|
Mandatory | Accepted examples include employer letters, school letters, tax records/IRD letter, and other documents showing residence/ordinary residence in Hong Kong. |
|
Chinese language ability evidence (case-by-case)
Immigration Department considers whether the applicant has “sufficient knowledge of the Chinese language”. No single published CEFR/HSK level is specified; evidence/assessment is case-by-case.
|
Optional | Immigration Department considers “sufficient knowledge of the Chinese language”; no fixed published test level—provide evidence as applicable (education/work/language use). |
|
Proof of relationship with supporting near relative (and proof of relative’s Chinese nationality + right of abode) (if applicable)
If supported by a near relative who is a Chinese national with right of abode in Hong Kong, provide relationship proof and proof of the relative’s status (e.g., travel document + Hong Kong permanent identity card).
|
Optional | Required if the application is supported by a near relative who is a Chinese national with right of abode in Hong Kong. |
|
Proof supporting “other legitimate reasons” (if applicable)
If applying based on other legitimate reasons (not near relative / not right of abode), documentary proof is required to support the reasons.
|
Optional | Required if applying based on “other legitimate reasons” / not relying on near relative or right of abode. |
|
Tax payment evidence (Inland Revenue Department letter / tax returns)
Evidence that the applicant has paid taxes in accordance with Hong Kong law; listed among factors/documents for nationality applications.
|
Optional | Tax payment history is a stated consideration factor; where available it strengthens the application and is listed among example residence proof documents. |
Submission offices
GovHK / Immigration Department e-Services – Online application for naturalisation as a Chinese national
Online
Online submission channel for completing the application form and uploading supporting documents (GovHK page, last revised Feb 2026).
Nationality Sub-section, Travel Documents and Nationality (Application) Section – Immigration Headquarters
NATIONAL
· Tseung Kwan O
Submission address for naturalisation as a Chinese national: 2/F, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories (in person or by post).
Right of Abode / Permanent resident status (7-year ordinary residence) – Immigration Department service page
NATIONAL
Official Immigration Department guidance on applying for verification of eligibility for a permanent identity card / right of abode, including 7-year ordinary residence evidence examples.
Official sources
GovHK – Online Application for Naturalisation as a Chinese National (Feb 2026 revision)
Government
GovHK portal page describing the online submission channel and fees; last revision Feb 2026.
en
Immigration Department – Application for Naturalisation as a Chinese National (eligibility, factors incl. Chinese language; submission address; supporting documents list)
Government
Primary operational source for Hong Kong nationality applications under PRC Nationality Law (Articles 7–8), factors considered, required documents, and where/how to apply.
en
Immigration Department – Apply for Right of Abode in Hong Kong (7-year ordinary residence evidence; declaration for non-Chinese applicants where applicable)
Government
Official page describing the 7-year continuous ordinary residence requirement and example evidence (employment/school/bank/tax receipts) for right of abode/permanent resident applications.
en
Immigration Department – Meanings: “Ordinary residence” (legal, voluntary, settled purpose such as education/employment/residence)
Government
Defines “ordinary residence” for right of abode purposes and provides interpretive guidance.
en
Immigration Department – Naturalisation as a Chinese National: A Guide for Applicants (ID 874A, 6/2024) (Articles 7–8; process; renunciation/foreign nationality implications)
Government
Official guide explaining statutory basis (Articles 7–8), process steps, and non-retention of foreign nationality if approved.
en
PRC Nationality Law – Article 3 (no dual nationality) (National Immigration Administration English text)
Law / Regulation
Authoritative text stating PRC does not recognize dual nationality for any Chinese national (Article 3).
en
Latest ranking snapshot
As of Feb. 28, 2026
- Travel freedom173.00
- Residency rights1.00
- Quality of life128.70
- Economic freedom60.40
- Tax friendliness30.00
Source: passport_composite_ranking_top150.csv; mapping: visa_free->travel_freedom_score, residency_rights_n->residency_rights_score, qol_index->quality_of_life_score, economic_freedom->economic_freedom_score, taxation_score->tax_friendliness_score, net_salary_usd->disposable_income_after_tax_score.