Can I live in Hong Kong with a British passport?
James Williams
Updated on March 06, 2026
Hong Kong: China will no longer recognise British national overseas citizens. China has announced it will no longer recognise the passports of British national overseas citizens just hours after the UK launched its scheme to give passport holders a path to residency as political freedoms decline in Hong Kong.
How long can a UK passport holder stay in Hong Kong?
If you’re a British national (overseas) you can stay in the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months without a visa. However, you are subject to immigration control and, as a visitor, do not have the right to live, work or take up long-term study in the UK.
Can I live and work in Hong Kong?
This means that people from around 170 different countries around the world can visit Hong Kong visa free for periods ranging between seven days and 180 days, while you’ll still need a visa to work, study or live permanently in Hong Kong.
Can British people move to Hong Kong?
Tips about Moving to and Living in Hong Kong British citizens may visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 180 days. If you want to take up employment, establish a business, study, or settle down, you will need to obtain a visa before arrival. Hong Kong can offer high quality health care services.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Hong Kong?
Dual nationality is not legally recognised in Hong Kong under Chinese law, but the rules have never been enforced, diplomats said. Hong Kong is home to 300,000 Canadian, 100,000 Australian and 85,000 American passport holders – many of them dual nationals.
Does UK allow dual citizenship?
Our policy on dual nationality The United Kingdom: recognises dual nationality. allows British nationals who have dual nationality, to hold a British passport.
Can I get British citizenship if I was born in Hong Kong?
All successful applicants will become British citizens. Some will become British citizens otherwise than by descent, whilst some will become British citizens by descent. In general, British Dependent Territories citizens who were born outside Hong Kong became British Dependent Territories citizens by descent.
What is a good salary for Hong Kong?
The approximate amount in USD is 950. The average salary in Hong Kong is much higher. It is also a good figure to base you research on, if you are coming to HK as an expat. The current average salary per month is 19100 HKD (2430 USD) for male workers and 14700 HKD (1875 USD) for female workers.
How is life in Hong Kong for expat?
Hong Kong is a fantastic destination for expats and their families, with wonderful food, a vibrant culture and so much opportunity. Just make sure you are well prepared, with a job offer secured, international health insurance prepared and an apartment ready to help you settle in quickly.
Can a Hongkonger hold a BN ( O ) passport in the UK?
BN (O) passport holders should be given “the full set of rights” and more should also be done to enable Hong Kong students in the UK to remain after they finish their studies, Double added. Hongkongers born after 1997 cannot hold a BN (O) passport and the status cannot be handed down by their parents.
Can a Hong Kong citizen work in the UK?
Hong Kong has no citizenship, but only residency. It’s usually pretty trivial for someone in HK to get work permission in the UK, because you usually have skills or money that gets passed the UK criterion for getting a work permit. However, there are no special programs that the UK has for HK residents.
Can a British National live in Hong Kong?
The UK government has created a new visa to enable British National (Overseas) (BN (O)) status holders ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, and their immediate family members, to settle in the UK to live, work and study.
Do you need a visa sticker for Hong Kong?
If your application is approved you will not get a vignette (visa sticker) in your passport or need to collect a biometric residence permit (BRP) when you are in the UK. If the app cannot read the chip in your passport, you will need to use another BN (O), HKSAR or EEA passport with a biometric chip.