Hong Kong Identity Card
What is it? The Hong Kong Identity Card is an official identity document issued by the Immigration Department. All residents above the age of 11, living in Hong Kong longer than 180 days must, within 30 days, register for an identity card.
There are two types of HKID’s that can be applied for, the Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card and the Hong Kong Identity Card. The difference between the two is that a permanent identity card holder has the right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrate Region
Permanent HKID holders can be either a citizen by birth, under 21 years of age with a parent who is a permanent resident, or applicable for one after seven years of residency. To apply for a HKID card, anyone above the age of 11 who enters, and is permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days is eligible.
It is a requirement for any persons above the age of 15 to carry their ID cards with them at all times, as well as switching to an adult ID card within 30 days after their 18th birthday.
The HKID can also be used as a travel document, exempting them from visa’s travelling to Macau, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Taiwan, as well as, the chip within the card gives ease of convenient immigration clearance through e-channel systems.