Getting residence in Hong Kong
Hong Kong issues employment, investment and talent visas. No European-style permanent residence before 7 years ordinary stay.
The essentials · reside · July 2026
For comparing a residence title: timeline, cost, limits.
2–4 months
Employment visa (GEP)
$300–$2,000
3–6 months
Investment / business visa
$2,000–$15,000
6–12 months
Right of abode (7 years)
$100–$500
The routes
- Employment visa (GEP) — 1–2 year renewable visa
- Investment / business visa — Company-linked visa
- Right of abode (7 years) — Right of abode (ROA)
Who it fits
- Employment visa (GEP) — Local job, scarce skills, HK sponsor
- Investment / business visa — Substantial investment or credible business plan
- Right of abode (7 years) — 7 years continuous ordinary residence, HK ties
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
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 register their stay. A consular visa is a different route.
- Work / employment : Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
- Entrepreneur / company : Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project. A passport is a different outcome.
- 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 leads to residence. A passport is a different outcome.
- 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.