Home > Topical Issues > General Information on Right of Abode in HKSAR > 5. The position of Chinese citizens who do not hold foreign passports

Topical Issues

5. The position of Chinese citizens who do not hold foreign passports

If you are a Chinese citizen, you can enjoy the ROA in the HKSAR if :

* you were a Hong Kong permanent resident immediately before 1 July 1997; or
* you were born in Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the HKSAR; or
* you have at any time ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years before or after the establishment of the HKSAR; or
* you were born outside Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the HKSAR to a parent who, at the time of your birth, was a Chinese citizen falling within the category of persons in the second or third bullet above. Your ROA in the HKSAR can only be exercised if you are able to establish your status as a permanent resident by your holding of:
  • a valid travel document issued to you and of a valid certificate of entitlement also issued to you and affixed to such travel document;
  • a valid HKSAR passport issued to you; or
  • a valid permanent identity card issued to you.
You will continue to enjoy the ROA in the HKSAR as long as you remain a Chinese citizen.

 

You will not lose your status as a permanent resident even if you are absent from Hong Kong for long periods.

 

Chinese citizens not born in Hong Kong will be able to acquire the ROA after having ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years before or after the establishment of the HKSAR.

 

Note: See Part 1 for the meaning of "Ordinary residence".

Back Top