Regarding the application for permanent residency in Hong Kong, many people have a question: Is it necessary to stay in Hong Kong for 7 years for the application to be successful?

In fact, there is no need to worry too much about this issue.The Immigration Department's regulation is that as long as the usual residence requirement is met,, there is no strict requirement to stay in Hong Kong for 7 years. Anyone who legally, voluntarily, and for the purpose of settling down resides in Hong Kong (for example, studying, working, or residing) will be considered as usually residing in Hong Kong, regardless of the duration. Even if they are temporarily not in Hong Kong, they will still be regarded as usually residing in Hong Kong. In other words, when reviewing whether the applicant meets the "usual residence" requirement, what matters is whether they consider Hong Kong as their center of life, and there are no specific regulations or restrictions on the duration of stay in Hong Kong.

Generally speaking, the Hong Kong Immigration Department will assess the applicant based on the following personal circumstances and reasons for not being in Hong Kong.Whether they meet the conditions of "usual residence".:

①Reasons, duration, and frequency of not being in Hong Kong;
②Whether they have a habitual residence in Hong Kong;
③Whether they are employed by a company based in Hong Kong;
④And the location of their immediate family members (spouse and minor children).

Therefore, applicants can try to provide the following information,to prove that they are "usually residing" in Hong Kong..
①Proof of children studying in Hong Kong (transcripts, student handbooks, etc.);
②Communication address of habitual residence (either owned or rented);
③Proof of purchasing vehicles in Hong Kong, registration, and Hong Kong driving license;
④Proof of Hong Kong mobile phone network registration in Hong Kong;
⑤Utility bills (water, electricity, gas, phone, internet, etc.);
⑥Financial institution documents (bank statements, etc.);
⑦Proof of Hong Kong credit card and timely repayment records;
⑧Relevant proof of purchasing insurance in Hong Kong;
⑨Relevant proof of local Hong Kong companies assigning employees to work abroad;
⑩Proof from professionals (family doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc.).

It is important to note that if the applicant engages in any of the following behaviors during any time in Hong Kong, it will be considered asnot meeting the "usual residence" requirement in Hong Kong.:
①Entering Hong Kong illegally, regardless of whether they remain in Hong Kong with the authorization of the Director of Immigration afterwards;
②Remaining in Hong Kong in violation of any conditions of stay;
③Being imprisoned or detained based on a court sentence or order during any period.

In summary, it is not necessary to reside in Hong Kong for 7 years, but if one is absent from Hong Kong for a long time, they must explain the reasons.