Applying HK ID card - in HK vs Overseas?

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    10

    Applying HK ID card - in HK vs Overseas?

    I was born and raised by chinese parents in HK, but I left HK at age 20to Canada. I am now thinking of getting the HK ID card with right to abode, for ease of entry into & out of HK, and China (after getting the Return Home Permit later).

    I just read thru the info of the HK Immigration Dept website. It appears that I have two alternatives: apply overseas, or apply in HK.

    However, overseas application require a later reneral in HK: "A PIC issued to a person overseas will be valid for as long as the holder stays abroad. The card must be renewed within 30 days after the holder's return to Hong Kong unless he/she is still under the age of 11."

    Overseas application is free, while a HK renewal will cost be over $300.

    IS IT NOT CHEAPER & LESS HASSLE FOR ME TO APPLY IN HK, as I will be there later this year for a visit?

    Thanks.


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    23,205

    I'm confused here. If you were born and living in HK to age 20 then you must already have been issued with a HK PIC, and all you need to do is get it reissued as a SmartID card when you next visit HK. There is no charge for doing this that I know of.