Programme guides · Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) · Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) · Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) / Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents (ASMTP) · Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)
Hong Kong Permanent Residence: How the Seven Years of Ordinary Residence Are Counted
Global Immigrate consultants · Published · Updated
Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Oscar Yip, Founder & Managing Director
Summary
People who come to Hong Kong under TTPS, QMAS, GEP or CIES can apply for permanent residence after seven years of continuous ordinary residence, making Hong Kong their permanent home. The conditions, how each scheme counts, what can affect it and the documents needed.
The basic conditions
Ordinarily resided in Hong Kong in a recognised status for a continuous period of seven years or more
Taken Hong Kong as your permanent place of residence
How the seven years build up
Scheme
How time counts
TTPS
Time in Hong Kong after approval; extensions must go smoothly
QMAS
The same
Employment visa (GEP/ASMTP)
The same; changing employer needs prior approval
CIES
The same; the investment must be maintained
What can affect it
Long absences: can affect whether you are "ordinarily resident".
Gaps in extensions: an expired or refused extension can break continuity.
Dependants: spouses and children build up their years as dependants.
Documents usually needed
Identity documents and records of your stay
Records of work, residence and tax in Hong Kong
Evidence that Hong Kong is your permanent home
Planning advice
Understand your scheme’s extension conditions and prepare early.
Keep records of work, residence and tax in Hong Kong.
Plan for the whole family so nobody falls short.
FAQ
Can dependants apply for PR at the same time?
Dependants apply separately, based on their own years of ordinary residence.
Does switching schemes affect it?
Continuous residence in a recognised status counts, but make sure there is no gap when switching.
Does time on a student visa count?
Time as a student is treated under special rules; confirm case by case.
Hong Kong
Taiwan
Vietnam