Getting residence in Hong Kong
Hong Kong issues employment, investment and talent visas. No European-style permanent residence before 7 years ordinary stay.
How to read the paths
Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.
- EU free movement — EU/EEA citizens: registration, not a classic consular visa.
- Work / employment — Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
- Entrepreneur / company — Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project, not a passport.
- Passive income / retirement — Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
- Nomad / remote — Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
- Residence by investment — Investment or financial threshold → residence (not a passport).
- Citizenship by investment — Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
- Naturalisation / long stay — After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
- Other — Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.
Paths by category
Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees — verify with official sources and local counsel.
Work / employment
Employment visa (GEP)
Work / employment
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- HK contract
- Employer files with Immigration Department
- Entry visa
- HKID
- Renewal
Sources: immd.gov.hk
Residence by investment
Investment / business visa
Residence by investment
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Business plan + funds
- HK incorporation
- Immigration dossier
- HKID
Sources: immd.gov.hk
Naturalisation / long stay
Right of abode (7 years)
Naturalisation / long stay
Permanent residence
Permanent
Process steps
- Document 7 years
- ROA application
- Permanent HKID
Sources: immd.gov.hk