Change of Nationality to Chinese

When a foreigner gets a right of abode (permanent resident) in Hong Kong, he/she can consider to apply naturalization as a Chinese National so that he/she can have a HKSAR passport and China Home Return Card. However, one should give up his/her original nationality and passport.

Factors to be considered in a Change of Nationality to Chinese Application:

• whether the applicant has a near relative who is a Chinese national with the right of abode in Hong Kong
  
  whether the applicant has the right of abode in Hong Kong
  
  whether the applicant’s habitual residence is in Hong Kong
  
  whether the principal members of the applicant’s family (spouse and minor children) are in Hong Kong
  
  whether the applicant has a reasonable income to support himself/herself and his/her family
  
  whether the applicant have paid taxes in accordance with the law
  
  whether the applicant has good character and sound mind
  
  whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge of the Chinese language
  
  whether the applicant intend to continue to live in Hong Kong in case his/her naturalization application is approved
  
  whether there are other legitimate reasons to support the application

Prism Service Involves:

• Provide consultation service regarding to the documents required for change of nationality to Chinese application
  
  Prepare a tailor-made document checklist for the applicant
  
  Complete all necessary Hong Kong Immigration forms for the applicant
  
  Review and organize the collected documents in favor of immigration policy
  
  Suggest alternative documents if the applicant is not able to get the listed documents
  
  Submit the application to Immigration Department
  
  Reply on the applicant’s behalf to all enquiries and correspondence from Immigration Department
  
  Prepare and draft all letters required for submission to Immigration Department
  
  Monitor the application process
  
  Keep the applicant’s updated on the status of the application
  
  Inform to the applicant for the principle approval
  
  Provide guidance on renouncing the applicant’s original nationality
  
  Get the formal approval notification from Immigration Department

Application Procedure:

• 1. Free consultation regarding to the change of nationality to Chinese application
  2. Advise the applicant on the alternatives and the likelihood of success
  3. Obtain the applicant’s signature on the letter of engagement
  4. Obtain deposit payment
  5. Prepare a tailor-made document checklist for the application
  6. Complete immigration forms, drafts and letters
  7. Review the collected documents to ensure they are correctly presented
  8. Submit the change of nationality to Chinese application
  9. Ongoing liaison with Immigration Department
  10. Reply Immigration Department’s enquiries on the applicant’s behalf
  11. Taking principal approval of the application
  12. Getting renunciation of original nationality approved
  13. Applying and getting approval on the HKSAR passport and China Home Return card
  

Documents Required:

• An application Form ID 874;
  
  Copies of all the applicant’s passports for the past 7 years;
  
  Supporting documents to prove the applicant’s continuous residence in Hong Kong for the past 7 years;

Processing Time:

• The Change of Nationality to Chinese application process normally takes 9 to 16 months from the date of submission.

Remarks:

• Once approved, the applicant has to give up his/her original nationality. No dual citizenship is allowed.