When should New CIES entrants apply for a Hong Kong identity card?
The timing depends on the stage of approval, the permitted stay, age and arrival date. Approval in principle and formal residence permission are different stages.
New arrivals aged 11 or above who are permitted to stay for more than 180 days generally register within 30 days of arrival, subject to exemptions. The 180 days describes permission to stay, not time already spent in Hong Kong.
A new arrival aged 11 or above who is permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days generally must register for an identity card within 30 days of arrival, subject to statutory exemptions.[1][4] A New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme applicant should first establish which stage of approval has been granted.
Approval in principle normally permits a visitor stay
Under New CIES, approval in principle can lead to permission to enter as a visitor for no more than 180 days to make the committed investment. After InvestHK verifies the investment and the Immigration Department gives formal approval, the entrant and approved dependants normally receive permission for no more than 24 months.[2]
An approval-in-principle notice alone therefore does not establish that the first-registration rule has been triggered. Someone already holding another Hong Kong residence permission must also consider that existing status.
The 30-day period runs from arrival
“More than 180 days” describes the permitted stay, not the time already spent living in Hong Kong.[1] An adult entering under formal residence permission exceeding that period should follow the 30-day registration deadline after arrival, rather than wait until six months have passed.
Family members need individual assessment. Applicants aged 11 to 17 attend with a parent or legal guardian. Children under 11 are generally exempt, subject to the relevant statutory exceptions.[1]
Book, complete the electronic form and attend in person
The official booking service allows an appointment and an electronic form to be prepared in advance. New arrivals can book using the relevant travel-document details. The actual application still requires personal attendance at a Registration of Persons Office.[3][4]
Documents must establish identity and residential status in Hong Kong. A child’s application also involves a birth certificate, the accompanying adult’s identification and any applicable guardianship evidence.[4] An appointment confirmation is not completed registration, so travel plans should allow for attendance and collection.
First registration is free
There is no charge for first registration.[4] The usual processing time is five working days, with collection generally possible on the next working day after processing finishes. Working days exclude weekends and public holidays.[4]
The acknowledgement of application does not replace a valid travel document at immigration control.[4] Nor does obtaining a first Hong Kong identity card establish permanent resident status. Continuing residence and eventual permanent residence remain subject to their own conditions.
Official sources
- Hong Kong Immigration Department: identity card registration and replacement (Chinese)
- Hong Kong Immigration Department: New CIES frequently asked questions
- GovHK: appointments and electronic forms for identity card registration
- Hong Kong Immigration Department: identity card registration and replacement
General policy information; individual circumstances and the competent authority’s requirements govern each application.