Hong Kong Citizenship: An Overview

Hong Kong is a unique city, effortlessly merging modernity with tradition. The city is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China that is a crucial center for business and trade in Eastern Asia. While the city does have a high degree of autonomy, this does not extend to its citizenship laws. In short, nationality law in Hong Kong follows the Chinese nationality law.

Foreign nationals are, however, able to apply for permanent residency in the country after a continuous period of seven years, provided they meet all the requirements. In this article, we’ll provide you with clarity on Hong Kong citizenship. We will also focus on the Investment as Entrepreneurs Program – also known as the Investor Visa – where you can secure the right to abode in the city in return for an investment.

Note that the Hong Kong government also ran the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, but this was suspended with effect from 15 January 2015 until further notice.

Why Hong Kong?

Hong Kong – also called the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or Hong Kong SAR – is a unique city that blends modern skyscrapers with tranquil temples – such as the magnificent Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island or the colorful Pak Tai Temple on Cheung Chau Island. Hong Kong SAR is home to expats from the world over and has cemented itself firmly on the global map as an innovator, investment hub, and entrepreneur’s dream. With an incredibly efficient transport system, a varied cuisine – with Cantonese, European, Japanese, Korean, and South East Asian influences – and excellent healthcare and education, moving to Hong Kong could be an easy option for many.

Hong Kong Citizenship

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, and while the city retained a separate legal system from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the question of sovereignty falls into the nationality law of the PRC.

According to the nationality law, Chinese nationality is obtained primarily through ancestry and not the place of birth. As such, persons of Chinese descent – or Hong Kong citizens – are usually considered Chinese citizens.

Dual nationality is also not permitted under the nationality law. If someone is of Chinese descent and has parents that are both Chinese citizens (or one parent that is a Chinese national), this does not mean that this person will have Chinese nationality. For example, if they are of Chinese descent and their parents have settled outside China or Hong Kong and obtained another nationality, or if the person is born outside China and has obtained a different nationality at birth, they will not hold Chinese nationality.

When it comes to Hong Kong, the city does not have its own citizenship, as the city follows Chinese nationality law, but does have its own valid travel document (passport). Only citizens of the PRC who are Hong Kong permanent residents and that have a permanent identification card can lodge an application for a Hong Kong passport.

Foreign nationals (who are not Chinese nationals) cannot obtain a Hong Kong passport, regardless of if they are Hong Kong permanent residents.

Foreign nationals can only get Chinese nationality in the following instances:

They have relatives who are Chinese citizens
Have settled permanently in China
Have other legitimate reasons

However, foreign nationals should be aware that, in reality, if they do not have a relative that is a Chinese national and who lives in China, then their chances of securing citizenship are slim to none. For example, although long-term residency is required, the duration of time is not specified. Note also that if you are a Chinese national, you cannot have dual citizenship. Foreign nationals that do acquire the status of a Chinese national will have to relinquish their foreign citizenship.

The Hong Kong Investment as Entrepreneurs Program

While you cannot secure citizenship in Hong Kong, you can secure permanent residency in the county through the Hong Kong Investment as Entrepreneurs program. To apply, you will need to establish a new business or join an existing business in Hong Kong.

To apply, you cannot be a Chinese national that is a resident of Mainland China or a national from Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Vietnam, or Nepal.

Chinese nationals living overseas can also be eligible for the program if they have permanent residence outside Mainland China or have been overseas for the year before they lodge their application.

Eligibility Criteria for the Hong Kong Investment as Entrepreneurs Program

For an applicant to apply, they will be considered if:

The applicant faces no security objection, and the applicant has no known record of having committed a serious crime
The application has a good educational background or proven professional abilities
The applicant is able to make a substantial contribution to the economy of Hong Kong – for example, a business plan, business turnover, financial resources, number of jobs created for the local economy, investment sum, introduction of new technology or skills)

Applicants who wish to establish or join a start-up can also submit an application. They will be considered favorably if the start-up is supported by a government-backed program. Having a rigorous vetting and selection process will also set them in good stead. If the applicant is the proprietor or partner of the start-up company or a key researcher of the project, then this will also assist their application.

Your spouse can also be included in the application, including if you are in a same-sex marriage or partnership or opposite-sex partnership.

More information can be found on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website here.

Processing time for the Hong Kong Investment as Entrepreneurs Program

Upon receipt of all necessary documents, the visa/entry permit application for investment typically requires four weeks to process. The Immigration Department requires all mandatory documents and information before beginning the processing of the application.

The Immigration Department is responsible for processing and determining all applications. Accepting applications is solely at the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s discretion and is subject to government policy changes.

After seven years, you will also be able to apply for permanent residency status.

Note that even if an application meets all the necessary criteria, the Director of the Immigration Department retains complete discretion to reject any application.

Benefits of Becoming a Hong Kong Permanent Resident

Securing permanent residency in Hong Kong through the Investment as Entrepreneurs program (Investment Visa) means you can access many attractive benefits.

Some of the benefits of having permanent residence in Hong Kong are the following:

The right to reside permanently in Hong Kong
The right to work in Hong Kong
Access to healthcare
Access to education
Access to government programs, provided that you are eligible
The right to vote in some local elections (where eligible)

Note that for foreign nationals looking to live in Hong Kong, having permanent residence grants you most of the same advantages that come with having a Hong Kong SAR passport. Securing temporary residency in the city and then applying for permanent residency is the best way for you to move to Hong Kong.

For other ways to secure permanent residency in Hong Kong, you can check out our article on Hong Kong Residency: An Overview.

Global Citizen Solutions: Who We Are and How We Can Help You

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right relocation, residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. If you want to apply for a residency by investment (RBI) or citizenship by investment (CBI) program but are still determining which program is for you, we are here to help.

The following materials may be of interest to you:

And you can find out how Hong Kong ranks in our Global Passport Index. You can check out the Hong Kong country page here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hong Kong Citizenship

Are Hong Kong citizens Chinese citizens?

There is no such thing as Hong Kong nationality. However, the city does have its own passport, but only Chinese nationals can obtain a Hong Kong passport.

Does the US allow dual citizenship with Hong Kong?

Hong Kong citizenship and Hong Kong nationality do not exist. The city does have its own passport, but only Chinese nationals can obtain one, provided they meet the requirements.

China does not allow dual citizenship and if you are a Chinese national you cannot have dual citizenship. Therefore Hong Kong dual citizenship with the USA is not possible.

Can a US citizen live in Hong Kong?

There are various options for US citizens to move to Hong Kong, such as through employment in the city. For permanent residency, you will need to have lived in Hong Kong for seven years and register Hong Kong as your place of permanent residency.

How long do you have to live in Hong Kong to get citizenship?

For foreign nationals that are not Chinese nationals, citizenship is not possible. To secure permanent residency, you will need to have resided in Hong Kong for more than seven years, and you will need to register Hong Kong as your place of permanent residency. You will need to provide supporting documents to prove this.

A child born overseas to a Hong Kong permanent resident is also eligible to get permanent residency. No matter how long you stay in Hong Kong, you will not be able to get citizenship, as Hong Kong citizenship does not exist. The city has its own passport, but only Chinese nationals can secure one, provided they meet the requirements.

If you are considering moving to Hong Kong, we recommend seeking the help of experts in the field, including a reputable law firm to ensure that the process runs smoothly.

Can you have Hong Kong and British citizenship?

No, as Hong Kong citizenship is not possible, you cannot have Hong Kong British citizenship. Only Chinese nationals can apply for a Hong Kong passport, provided they are also permanent residents of Hong Kong.

How can I get Hong Kong citizenship?

Hong Kong does not have its own citizenship. However, the city does have its own passport (travel document). Only citizens of the People’s Republic of China who are Hong Kong permanent residents (i.e., they hold a permanent residence card) can lodge an application for a Hong Kong passport. In short, only permanent residents of Hong Kong that have Chinese nationality can apply for a Hong Kong passport.

Can I gain Hong Kong citizenship through my parents?

Your parents will not have Hong Kong citizenship but may have a Hong Kong passport. As such, they will be Chinese nationals. You should check the Chinese law to see if you are eligible for Chinese citizenship. Note that Chinese nationals cannot have dual citizenship.

Only permanent residents of Hong Kong that are nationals of the People’s Republic of China can apply for a Hong Kong passport. Hong Kong citizenship does not exist, and the city follows Chinese citizenship laws.

What is the Hong Kong Investor Visa?

The Investor Visa or Hong Kong Investment as Entrepreneurs program allows applicants to secure residency in Hong Kong if they establish a new business or join an existing business in Hong Kong.