Obtaining permanent residency in Hong Kong is a dream for many who have immigrated to Hong Kong through various means such as the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Employment for Professionals, or further studies. However, an important condition for applying for permanent residency in Hong Kong is that the applicant must have resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least 7 years.

How is the continuous residence of 7 years calculated?

What if I leave Hong Kong multiple times within 7 years?

Usually residing in Hong Kong
"Usually residing in Hong Kong" does not mean that one must live in Hong Kong at all times. This means that the applicant can leave Hong Kong as long as their life is centered around Hong Kong.

For example:
Mr. L has to return to the mainland every half month for work, so Mr. L's situation will still be regarded by the Immigration Department as usually residing in Hong Kong.

Therefore, during the 7 years prior to applying for permanent residency, the applicant does not need to be in Hong Kong for all 365 days of the year, but must prove that their life or work is centered in Hong Kong. As for the duration of the applicant's stay in Hong Kong, the Immigration Department does not have specific requirements or limitations, and this flexibility actually grants the applicant corresponding freedom.

What situations are not considered "usually residing in Hong Kong"?
Whether one is usually residing in Hong Kong depends on personal circumstances and the situation of not being in Hong Kong. The following categories are not considered reasonable and legal usual residence in Hong Kong.

1. During all periods of time in Hong Kong:
1,Entering Hong Kong unlawfully, regardless of whether they remain in Hong Kong with the authorization of the Director of Immigration;
2,Remaining in Hong Kong under circumstances that violate all stay regulations;
3,Remaining in Hong Kong as a refugee or being detained in Hong Kong while awaiting refugee status determination or deportation;
4,Remaining in Hong Kong as an external contract worker under a government agency's employee program;
5,Remaining in Hong Kong as an external domestic helper (referring to those from outside Hong Kong);
6,Remaining in Hong Kong as a staff member of an embassy as specified by the Consular Relations Ordinance;
7,Remaining in Hong Kong as a member of the Hong Kong garrison;
8,Remaining in Hong Kong as a holder of a valid travel document issued by the Central People's Government.

2. During any of this time, being imprisoned or detained by court order.

What to do if I leave Hong Kong multiple times within 7 years?
The prerequisite for applying for permanent residency in Hong Kong is residence. If the applicant frequently travels between the mainland and Hong Kong with very limited time spent in Hong Kong, it is likely that their application for permanent residency will be rejected. How can one remedy this situation?

In this regard, meet the basic residence time requirement, then purchase insurance in Hong Kong, set up a bank account, invest in property in Hong Kong, or provide relevant proof of residence and arrange for children to study in Hong Kong to express the determination to settle in Hong Kong in exchange for recognition from the Hong Kong government.

It is recommended that everyone prepare employment relationships, other proof documents in advance, and try not to leave Hong Kong for more than 6 months.