Return to Mainland China permit (Home Return Permit) for Hong Kong Permanent Residents

illumination on 02/04/2017 - 19:03
Last edited 02/04/2017 - 19:04

Looking at travelling China some time in late June, and am aware of the existence of a "Return to Mainland China permit" which is for certain eligible HK residents. Wikipedia article here.

I am aware that it's probably only a small subset of Ozbargain users that will be able to advise on this, so I don't expect to get too many responses.

In terms of eligibility, I believe I am eligible. I hold a HK permanent ID with 3 stars which I believe is the main criteria to be eligible.

I'd like to be able to do this without going to Hong Kong, but I have a feeling that this may not be possible.

Is anyone able to provide some advice/insight? Does anyone know the cost? It's pretty hard to find information about it online..

Travel

Comments

    • illumination on 03/04/2017 - 01:38
      +1

      How so?

    • Scrooge McDuck on 05/04/2017 - 11:27
      +4

      this whole china, hongkong and taiwan issue is really make me confuse.

      Hong Kong was a British Colony which was handed back to China in 1997.

      China and Taiwan are opposing governments of the Chinese Civil War. The People's Republic of China (China) is the Communist government and controls mainland China. The Republic of China (Taiwan/Chinese Taipei) is the Nationalist government and controls the island of Taiwan and its surrounding islands. Both claim sovereignty over each other's territory in addition to their own. The PRoC assumed the RoC's seat at the UN in 1971 and the RoC's diplomatic recognition has dwindled ever since.

  • NancyCat on 02/04/2017 - 19:58
    +5

    I love the fact that the Chinese government kept saying Hong Kong is part of China. But on the other hand HK residents have to go through a complicated process to get a permit/visa to visit China.
    (Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question)

    • cheng2008 on 04/04/2017 - 21:33

      I think it was part of the transition agreement with the British for 50 years after the handover.

    • maxdba on 05/04/2017 - 00:51
      +1

      Mainland residents have to go through even more complicated process to get a permit to visit Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In fact, it is quite easy to get the permit.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 05/04/2017 - 11:31
        +2

        Mainland residents have to go through even more complicated process to get a permit to visit Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In fact, it is quite easy to get the permit.

        jackie chan.jpg

        • maxdba on 05/04/2017 - 13:11

          Yes, it is more complicated because it has at least 6 different types and 3 different sub-types of permits. It is quite easy to get a travel permit which takes about 7 days to process and allow you to stay in HK for 7 days.

      • NancyCat on 05/04/2017 - 12:45

        Because many Mainlanders want to go to HK and stay there illegally. (e.g. to work, to give birth!!! ….) Doubt that there would be too many HKers want to/need to stay in China illegally.

        • maxdba on 05/04/2017 - 13:13

          Not after 2012. HK hospitals (public and private) are not allowed to let mainlanders to give birth in the hospitals any longer.

        • NancyCat on 05/04/2017 - 14:06
          -2

          @maxdba: In theory yes, but in reality, no. No hospital would turn a pregnant woman away when she is in labour. Mainland woman goes to HK as a 'tourist' when 3 months pregnant. Overstays/hides in Hong Kong. When time to give birth, goes to hospital. Hospital has to take the woman as she is in labour. Child entitles the right of abode in HK, as well as free education, free health care, housing …..

        • maxdba on 05/04/2017 - 23:42

          @NancyCat: free housing sounds great. I want to be a hong kong baby too!

  • Brucet on 02/04/2017 - 20:56

    You may ask someone from Travel agents.

  • bdl on 02/04/2017 - 21:13
    +9

    Become a book seller and you will get a free (one way) trip to China :)

    (but pretty sure you have to be in HK or Macau to get the document you want)

  • kfcfatfat on 02/04/2017 - 21:32
    +1

    if you have the hong kong ID with 3 star you can apply for the return home card. I got mine and i can travel to china with it. In order to apply in think you must apply in person in one of the China Travel Service (that's what i did). You can book a appointment to get it done. See http://www.ctshk.com/passport/bookrep.htm but the site is in chinese. 5 year card is $260HK and 10 year card is $390HK. Takes about 12 days. If this is the first time you are applying then you can't use the urgent service. If you are renew your return home card you can pay extra $200HK for a 5 days service. I found on the CTS fee page that they charge extra $200HK for post application, but i can't find anything about post application anywhere. So i think is better if you send them a email about your situation.

    • netbies on 03/04/2017 - 01:09

      You not only need a valid 3 star HK ID card, but also HK SAR passport if this is your first time application.

      Also, if you have not stayed in Hong Kong long enough, e.g. eligible to process OZ passport and HK SAR passport, they may question you and refuse to grant you the card. My wife was in the same situation, she has both HK ID card and HK SAR passport, but she cant get the 回鄉證, cause they know she did not live in Hong Kong and need to explain in writing if you want to apply for it. We dont bother to do that, as it is your lost, not mine.

      • illumination on 03/04/2017 - 01:44

        You need a HKSAR passport as well? First I've heard that tbh

        • TakaHas on 03/04/2017 - 09:07
          +5

          I can confirm you definitely need a current HKSAR passport to apply for Mainland Travel Permit (MTP).

          It's not easy as my aunt has gone through the process previously cause you need to provide various proofs (forgot what they were).

          Unless you are intending to travel to China regularly, otherwise it would be better to get travel visa with the Chinese embassy to your AU passport. You will have minimal diplomatic support from AU if you enter China with MTP like the UTS professor Chongyi Feng as you have acknowledge you are a Chinese resident when you enter the country.

        • illumination on 03/04/2017 - 11:17

          @TakaHas: Hmm yea sounds more difficult than I initially thought.

          Am aware of the minimal diplomatic support but am not too bothered by that.

        • netbies on 03/04/2017 - 12:19

          @TakaHas:

          Agree.

        • redwood on 03/04/2017 - 12:32

          @TakaHas: A current HKSAR passport is not necessary (Speaking as an Australian born Hong Kong descendent). I hold just an Aussie passport yet my parents have been able to apply for a home return permit for me previously (Many years ago).

        • TakaHas on 03/04/2017 - 13:14
          +2

          @Redwood: You were lucky then. I believe rules have changed.

          香港居民申領《港澳居民來往內地通行證》(回鄉證) 須知 (Rough translation below)
          You must meet one of the following to be eligible:
          1. Born in HK and are Chinese nationality's HKSAR permanent resident (PR).
          2. Mainland Chinese resident permitted to stay in HK, and obtained HK PR status.
          3. Born outside of HK's Chinese nationality, and obtained HK PR status.
          4. HK PR with overseas nationality or no nationality, and already granted or assumed Chinese nationality.
          5. HK resident that holds MTP with less than 6 months validity or have expired, damaged, change of information or old MTP version renewing MTP.

          I assume OP would qualify part of 4. If you click on details to show a list of items that needs to be submitted along with the application, 5 states you require HKSAR passport, hence my aunt had to go through the process of applying the HKSAR passport first prior to applying for MTP.

          OP don't mind investing the time now for future convenience when opportunity arises and minimal to no foreign consular protection, I would support OP to proceed with the process sooner rather than later.

        • redwood on 03/04/2017 - 13:18

          @TakaHas: 4 requires Chinese nationality which is what I assume OP don't have. 3 stars on your HKID =/= Chinese Nationality. In fact Chinese Nationality Law prohibits dual citizenship meaning OP would have to denounce AUS citizenship before he can use 4 to apply for HRP.

        • ronnknee on 03/04/2017 - 13:19

          @TakaHas:

          You were lucky then. I believe rules have changed.

          I was going to say the same.

        • countingbeans on 03/04/2017 - 19:11

          @Redwood: is yours still valid? Mine expired years ago and I'm wondering whether I can renew without a HK passport….

        • redwood on 03/04/2017 - 19:28

          @countingbeans: Mine expired a while back and I haven't renew since. My guess is as long as you have the old one you can renew, if you don't just claim you "lost" your old one and renew, it would come at a higher fee though

        • ronnknee on 04/04/2017 - 09:04

          @Redwood:

          When you say many years ago, you actually mean when you were a kid? How can you say what is currently necessary or not necessary when:

          1. Your parents applied for you.
          2. This happened possibly over 10 years ago.
        • redwood on 04/04/2017 - 09:11

          @ronnknee: I'm not saying it's currently not necessary, but from my experience many years ago <10, it wasn't. I'm not sure bout now, so I put a bracket (many years ago) at the back. I also know someone in HK who don't have a passport yet able to get an HRP, so I assume that it's currently not required. Just trying to provide a data point.

        • ronnknee on 04/04/2017 - 09:12

          @Redwood:

          A current HKSAR passport is not necessary

        • redwood on 04/04/2017 - 09:13

          @ronnknee: Typo, my bad. Happy?

        • Franck P on 04/04/2017 - 14:13
          +1

          @Redwood: you were lucky to have HK PR because nowadays babies born to Chinese nationals holding HK PR while holding a foreign PR/citizenship at the time of birth would not get HK PR, let alone a Home Return permit

        • 26144073772 on 04/04/2017 - 15:05
          +1

          Edit: In the past I was also able to apply for a permit without a HK passport, but that seems to have changed now. Clicking on the 'additional details' link at the end of each eligibility criteria on the website, they all state in there somewhere "同時提交有效的香港特區護照", which basically means you need to provide them with a current HK SAR passport.

          Original comment: Not sure if a fresh application has different rules, but I was able to successfully renew my Home Return Permit late last year without a HK SAR passport (I hold an Australian passport and HK ID).

        • netbies on 05/04/2017 - 06:39

          @26144073772:

          Agree. The rules have changed. Renewals is fine without a HKSAR passport as they are not checking on it. However, new application requires it.

        • KayDat on 06/04/2017 - 13:42

          @TakaHas: $390HKD for 10y Permit, and $370HKD for a 32 page HKSAR passport adds up to ~$130AUD at current rates. Single-Entry visa with 3-month Validity is $60AUD and Double-Entry with 6-month Validity is $90AUD. Getting the Permit is a pain, but so is applying for a visa at an embassy. I'd say if you have any chance of entering China more than once over the next 10 years, it's worth it (if you're already going to be in HK). Having a permit also means you're more likely (or perhaps less disinclined) to cross the border since it's so straight forward.

        • ProjectZero on 06/04/2017 - 14:52

          @TakaHas: I don't remember needing a HKSAR passport to apply for that permit, when did this begin? I got mine about seven years ago and I have another 3 years or so to go.

        • KayDat on 06/04/2017 - 14:59

          @ProjectZero: Sounds like you got yours right before the new rules kicked in. Lucky.

    • illumination on 03/04/2017 - 01:45

      I think I might have to email them.. or I'll call the Hong Kong embassy here and see what can be done. I can't really read Chinese at a decent enough pace/confidently enough to use the Chinese website!

      • spal on 03/04/2017 - 06:16

        Try using google chrome, it would suggest an option to translate.

      • Findo on 13/04/2017 - 20:58

        I tried applying for the re-entry permit and HKSAR passport when I was in Hong Kong last year. I was told that I needed the passport before I could apply for the re-entry permit. It's definitely confusing and the rules have changed a lot from a few years ago. I doubt I'd be able to get an ID card with 3 stars now if I didn't do it a few years ago. My problem lies in proving I'm Chinese - my parents became Australian citizens in the late 80s and I was born in Australia. I held a BNO at some point so that might help prove my ties to HK, but I have nothing to prove I am Chinese short of saying I'm Chinese. The mob responsible for issuing re-entry permits told me to bring al my passports and visas next time I come to see if I am eligible after all, because when I first visited Hong Kong and China as a baby I did so with a visa, not on my parents' re-entry IDs. Having said that, all the documents are in Chinese and I can't read Chinese :/

        My relatives reckon when China isn't so mighty anymore I'll have an easier chance of getting a re-entry permit because they want tourist dollars hahah.

  • iforgotmysocks on 03/04/2017 - 08:32
    +14

    Truly a question for Australia's foremost bargains website.

    Don't forget cashrewards.

    • illumination on 03/04/2017 - 09:07

      What's that? Never heard of it

    • derkyft on 03/04/2017 - 17:39

      you, I like you

    • PictureMeBroken on 04/04/2017 - 18:58
      -4

      True words mate, don´t really get what this has to do with ozbargain?

      • illumination on 05/04/2017 - 01:25
        +2

        I'm actually struggling to think of how to "justify" posting this on Ozbargain to you and iforgotmysocks. At the time of replying, this is the third most commented topic on page 1 of the Travel subforum.

        Whilst I accept the unusual and specific nature of my query, I didn't think people would have an issue with me posting a question about Travel in the Travel subforum. In addition, the forum section is where we often talk about non-bargain related stuff of a more general nature.

        Furthermore, I even acknowledged that…

        I am aware that it's probably only a small subset of Ozbargain users that will be able to advise on this, so I don't expect to get too many responses.

        I've certainly received a lot more responses than I initially expected, and probably more than you'd think I'd get for a question of this nature.

        Do you think this would have been better suited to the Off-Topic -> Everything Else subforum? You are more than welcome to report this and suggest it to a mod if you like?

    • Scrooge McDuck on 05/04/2017 - 11:37

      Truly a question for Australia's foremost bargains website.

      Location: Not Sydney

    • bdl on 07/04/2017 - 09:19

      You obviously don't know the correlation between HKers and bargains. Ai yah!

  • mskeggs on 03/04/2017 - 11:15

    Is the driver behind this question to save the cost of visas? Or is there another benefit?

    • illumination on 03/04/2017 - 11:19
      +3

      Good question. Basically, yes. However, I also imagine that over the next 10 years (which I believe is the validity of the permit), I will probably have more opportunities to go to China and it'll just be less of a headache knowing that I don't need to apply for a visa each time I go. I don't imagine I'll go too frequently, but I'm happy to invest the time now to not have to think about it in the future.

    • 26144073772 on 04/04/2017 - 15:13
      +1

      The permit is much cheaper than a visa. A 5 year multiple entry permit costs 260 HKD (about 44 AUD), whereas a single entry visa from Australia will set you back 110 AUD - more than double the price and one use only!

    • mightyhawks23 on 05/04/2017 - 15:50

      Skipping the queues at immigration is the largest benefit esp if you're crossing over from HK to Shenzhen regularly

  • ronnknee on 03/04/2017 - 13:26
    +1

    Read Ms.URIENGILL's comments for their application process experience from a few years ago. Quite interesting.

  • ckcc44 on 04/04/2017 - 13:14

    Actually from memory I think you can only use that card when you travel through Hong Kong, so if you flight directly from Australia to China I don't think you can use that card to enter in China

    • 26144073772 on 04/04/2017 - 15:00

      My dad was able to use his Home Return Permit a couple of years ago to enter China (Guangzhou) from Australia.

    • illumination on 05/04/2017 - 01:26

      I believe you can - I've seen this mentioned a few times (people thinking that you have to enter via HK) but have seen more than a few comments saying you can travel straight into China with the card.

      • tensai on 05/04/2017 - 09:56
        +1

        you definitely can.
        At the HK border side, you exit with a HK ID card or passport, you only use the Home Return Permit when you at the Chinese custom. So if you fly from HK to Beijing for example, you use the Home Return Permit when you land at Beijing airport. It is the same for you flying from Australia to Beijing.

        • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2017 - 13:41

          Yep. Tensai is correct.

          Done it myself lots of times.

          No need to pay for an agent either.

  • Szemen on 04/04/2017 - 17:00
    +1

    Hey, I'm from HK with all the requirements to get one. However, the last time I asked, they require a passport and proof of residence in HK (i.e. they want evidence you've lived in HK for the past 10 years or something along those lines)

    In the end, we gave up. The time that we needed to head into China, into Shanghai and Nanjing, we just got a visa from our Aussie passport. A bit easier. Although the visa permit place (it's a 3rd party company… go figure…) required me to show them my Permanent ID, even though it wasn't stated anywhere in the paperwork that it was required.

    • illumination on 05/04/2017 - 01:31

      How long ago did you try this?

    • netbies on 05/04/2017 - 06:43

      Exactly, what happened to my wife's case. Same, eventually we gave up.

    • Szemen on 05/04/2017 - 09:30

      Must've been about 5 years ago. I will expand on it a bit though…

      I was born in HK, so all they required from me was a HK Passport. Which I don't have.

      My partner, she was born in Australia but lived in HK for most of her schooling life, so she has a 3 star HKID. Being that she wasn't born in HK, they need proof of residency for up to (I think) a decade.

      Like netbies, we put it in the too hard basket. it's not like we're clamoring to head into mainland China. We decided we'll just go through the visa process each time we want/need to go.

  • glassyan on 04/04/2017 - 17:03
    +1

    So many mis-information in this thread….

    If this is the first time you apply for the home return permit, you must first obtain the HK SAR Passport to prove you are Chinese Citizens. Three stars on the HK ID card is a good indicator but not conclusive prove that you are Chinese citizens, I heard people have got three stars on the HK ID card but later turned out they are not Chinese citizens.

    Once you have the HK SAR passport on hand, you can then arrange an appointment online with CTS, however you will need to fly back to Hong Kong to get your home return permit. This is the same for renewal (I tried to renew it while I am in Australia and it is just impossible).

    Regarding dual nationality, China does not recognize but tolerate dual citizenship for Chinese citizens born in Hong Kong, this is because nearly half of the HK population have the BNO passport during the handover, to do otherwise would mean they will have to revoke Chinese citizenship from half of the population in HK.

    For those who say you will lose Chinese nationality once you acquire another nationality, this does not apply to Chinese citizens with permanent HK ID cards. The only way to lose your Chinese nationality in this instance is if you complete this form: www.immd.gov.hk/pdforms/id869ae.pdf
    Please make sure you don't ever sign this form without understanding what it means, some people have accidentally lost citizenship this way….

    Short version:
    Step 1: Get HK SAR Passport
    Step 2: Book an appointment and fly to Hong Kong
    Step 3: Enjoy your home return permit.

    • canyoudoitcheaper on 04/04/2017 - 23:00

      Be prepared to answer a lot of difficult questions if you are applying for the HKSAR passport, and already hold a foreign passport.

      • glassyan on 04/04/2017 - 23:03

        Is that from experience? I hold 2 other passports when I apply for my HKSAR passport and they didn't blink an eye, unless they have tightened up in the last few years.

        Why would they care anyway? If you look under the immd.gov.hk website about Chinese nationality, you will see multiple nationality is clearly allowed.

      • netbies on 05/04/2017 - 06:47

        There is not a problem apply the HKSAR passport. The problem is in step 2.5 where when you try to apply for the return card, they will ask for the proof you have been living in Hong Kong. If you cannot provide the proof, you can explain in writing and they will review whether to grant you or not. Too much hassles.

        • oz-eh on 05/04/2017 - 10:42

          It could be a case by case then. I just applied and received my HKSAR passport last year and they didn't ask me anything. (Before that I hold an Australian Passport). This year I have finally got my Home Return Permit after being rejected all these years because didn't hold a HKSAR passport.

        • glassyan on 05/04/2017 - 11:21

          Interesting, guess it depends on whether you get a nice agent or not. When I completed the application form I put down my Australian address, she then told me I need a Hong Kong address and so I just put down my relative's address, she knows clearly I don't live in Hong Kong but doesn't seems to care.

        • FloatingPoint on 05/04/2017 - 14:31

          @glassyan: The whole process for applying the return card is a mess. Different experience from different people. While they listed their 'rules' but they only see those as only a reference. They can deny your application on any grounds, or at they will. You never know until you try.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2017 - 13:38
      -1

      Not true;

      As long as you are deemed as a Chinese Citizen under Chinese Law then you don't need to waste money on the HK SAR Passport.

      Using the HKID with 3* is enough.

      I could go renew the passport but it will be a pain in the neck and waste money.

      The new HKID card has the chip as well, so it should be easy to authenticate who you are. If you don't have this you will have to spend extra time getting yourself authenticated. Especially if you get stopped with a foreign passport which would give a warning that you might not be a Chinese Citizen (some people renounced due to paranoia).

      • glassyan on 05/04/2017 - 17:13
        +2

        It's a recent rule change, you need the HK SAR Passport if you are applying for the home return permit for the first time, you don't need it if you are just renewing the permit.

        • KayDat on 06/04/2017 - 13:20

          "Recent" being anything in the past 5-6 years I reckon. I got mine almost 2 years ago, and I had to hold an HKSAR passport. I believe they use it as proof that you are a Chinese national. I should mention that it's a breeze to apply for an HKSAR passport, most of it can be done online (as long as you have an HKID) so I applied for my passport first, then when I next visited HK I grabbed the passport from the immegration office and applied for the Return Home Permit before leaving.

          The Return Home Permit application on the other hand… geez, the few comments on this thread give an idea on what a pain CTS is. And you need to get a photo at one of their photo booths as well, can't just BYO passport photo. 10 years ago my father kept bugging me to get my permit when visiting, and I cbs at the time and boy did I regret it. Back then it was a very straight forward process. Also CTS interview was a pain, they even asked me why my adult HKID start date was several months after my birthday (most people would get their HKID right after their 18th birthday), had to make up some excuse about "studying abroad" (lol).

    • KayDat on 06/04/2017 - 13:03

      Very well summarised.

  • penguin286 on 05/04/2017 - 12:40
    +2

    As someone who's born in HK but raised in Oz since childhood - I am pleasantly surprised by the number of us in and around Ozbargain and posting on its forum

    • Szemen on 05/04/2017 - 16:00

      You me both! Was not expecting so many replies being an Aussie forum.

      • KayDat on 06/04/2017 - 13:26

        This is a bargain hunting website… you're surprised it doesn't attract Asians?

        • Szemen on 06/04/2017 - 17:01

          Not that. You do expect lots of Asians here (it's in our blood heh) but HK and the population here is but a dot compared to the top 10 countries that migrate here (UK, NZ, China, India, Vietnam, etc etc). BoS doesn't include SARs and Taiwan within China.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2017 - 12:58
    +2

    Visit China.
    Breath.
    Visit China.
    Breath.

    Tough choice…

  • Gelato on 05/04/2017 - 13:05

    The permit would usually be applied at one of the branches of "China Travel Service" in Hong Kong. I have called up their Sydney office to ask if it's possible to apply a permit in AU and the the answer was no.

    http://ww1.ctshk.com/zh/ch-overseasbranches/?australia

  • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2017 - 13:35
    -1

    When I used this feature I just entered Hong Kong using my HKID.

    I then went across the border at Shenzhen with HKID and you just fill out a simple form and they will issue you with a piece of paper which is the "Return to Mainland China permit". I think you can organise it much earlier in Hong Kong through the Embassy but I had to stay there at the custom's border for 1 hour to complete the process.

    When returning to Hong Kong, don't bring out your Australian passport or you may be stopped and questioned (Officer just queried about no one entering with this to China [thought I was an illegal], but I immediately brought out the Permit and got through back to Hong Kong).

    You don't need to go to China Travel Service…

    • netbies on 05/04/2017 - 15:05

      I have never heard of this, interested to know.

      Anyone care to elaborate more if they know about this?

      • watson4884 on 06/04/2017 - 10:32

        That is an one-off permit(cost $300hkd to obtain)
        they call it"臨通"
        and I don't think it is available now?
        so,for op
        Because you are the "First" time to get the return home permit
        you need your hkid card and passport to apply for it.
        1.You need to show up either when applying/collect the passport(Cost around $370 -500hkd depends on if you want it for more pages or less pages on you passport,take around 14 days)
        2.Bring the passport and hkid with you to apply the return home permit.
        You need to show up either when applying/collecting it as well.
        another ~14days
        So,it will take you a month to get both..

        • netbies on 06/04/2017 - 10:41

          I thought you were saying you can get a temporary pass if you just go across the HK/China border with you HK ID card.

          But what you are saying is actually about applying the "回鄉證" which is different.

          The reason I was asking that was because I was in HK last month, and my 回鄉證 was expired. I need to go to China for a day or 2 and therefore, I have to renew my 回鄉證 plu pay extra for rapid processing. If there is something like a temporary pass, I wont have to pay extra for renewing my 回鄉證. :(

        • watson4884 on 06/04/2017 - 12:00

          @netbies:
          GreenDeerling-The one he applied is "臨通"
          a lot of people get caught of sending grey imports to China.
          The officers will seize their old card,and the pay $300 to get one off permit back to HK.

          Yes,you do need extra for a quicker process(like 5 business days instead of 12-14days)
          香港居民未曾申領《港澳居民來往內地通行證》（以下簡稱“回鄉證”）或所持回鄉證失效、遺失而需要往返內地，可以在香港申領有效期三個月一次入出境的《中華人民共和國出入境通行證》（以下簡稱“臨通”）。

          普通件，12個工作天後取證，工作天不計算星期六、日及香港公眾假期，收費港幣120元。
加快件，5天後取證，不計算星期日及香港公眾假期，收費港幣320元。
有關申請按規定視情況即時受理或通過遞函經審批部門審核同意後方可受理，如需遞函審批的需另收取遞函服務費港幣200元。

          ＊如有特殊情況須緊急提早取證的 ,請與證件服務中心的職員洽處。

          They have changed the policy early in 2012-2013
          so,if you renew the return home permit-you do not need the passport

  • lippy on 05/04/2017 - 21:45

    I can also confirm that you need a HK passport in order to apply for the home return permit. I recently did this last year in May 2016.

  • lippy on 05/04/2017 - 21:53

    Apply for HK Passport - this can be done online where you fill out the necessary forms, attach a passport photo (see photo requirements), submit online.

    Wait a couple of weeks > you will be notified when the passport is ready.

    In the meantime, book appointment with China Travel. Because you know passport is ready, I strongly suggest you to go to China travel website (http://www.ctshk.com/passport/bookrep.htm) and book a timeslot to order the home return permit.

    While you are in HK

    Pick up passport in person.
    once collected, go to the appointment you had with china travel (which you booked previously), submit the relevant forms and show your hk passport.

    it will take a few weeks for that to be processed and ready for collection.

    If you are not in HK anymore to pick up the card, you can authorise a family member or friend to do so or ask China travel to mail to an address (signature on delivery required) and at extra cost.

  • lippy on 05/04/2017 - 22:07

    Oh also note that if you previously own a "BNO" (i think it is like a home return permit previous name) then you may not need to go into the trouble of applying a HK passport.

    You just need to "renew" it and you might be able to bypass the passport and apply straight for the home return permit.

    Better to check with HK immigration!

    • kelvinate on 05/04/2017 - 23:48
      +1

      A BNO is not the same as a HK Passport. A BNO or British nationals overseas grants you the same rights as a British citizen while using the passport to enter/exit a country. UK have stopped issuing this for HK people long time ago.

      A HK Passport grants you the right to be in a country as a Chinese national under the HK government. You are both a citizen of China as well as a PR in HK.

      OP: in the same situation as you. You must apply for the card in HK. Supposedly there is a Chinese travel document that you can apply in Chinese embassy but I prefer dealing in HK rather than the Chinese government. I been told by others that you can't enter China using your HK Passport.

  • lippy on 06/04/2017 - 00:19

    Yes my bad. Thanks for clarifying BNO meaning.

    Either way, if you were born in hk in the 80's then you most likely would have a home retuen permit and can May bypass the trouble of applying passport, check with hk immigration!

    If not, then refer to my previous post!

  • ef on 06/04/2017 - 12:36

    I was born in AU, I qualified for the HKID because my dad wasn't AU citizen and was HK citizen when I was born.
    I do not have a HK passport.
    I got the return to home permit using my HKID, but I got it early 2000s I think. I have renewed the return to home permit in 2012, but I had to do it person at China travel.
    My proof of living in HK was to use the address of my grand parents place.

    I have heard it is harder for first time return to home applicants now though. 2012 I used the permit to go on a tour to China from HK. The tour guides were wondering how the hell I got the return to home permit.

  • KayDat on 06/04/2017 - 13:47

    Just remember if you enter China with a HRP, you're definitely classified as a Chinese citizen, so you can't technically ask for consular assistance from Australia. Of course, China doesn't recognise dual citizenship so even if you entered China on an Oz passport w/ visa and you're a Chinese national, China could choose to ignore all that and just treat you solely as a Chinese citizen if they so wish. Likewise, if you asked for it I'm sure the Australian gov would could provide consular assistance, it'd just be very messy. Something to be aware of, that's all.

    • tensai on 06/04/2017 - 14:38

      "if you enter China with a HRP, you're definitely classified as a Chinese citizen, so you can't technically ask for consular assistance from Australia" thats correct.

      "If you entered China on an Oz passport w/ visa" then you should hide your HRP and don't tell anyone that you are a Chinese national, then China won't know you are Chinese national. And seek consular assistance from Australia.

      • KayDat on 06/04/2017 - 14:57

        If you already had an HRP, I doubt anyone in their right mind would bother with a passport/visa, just due to fiscal sense. What I meant was, even if you enter China with a foreign passport and visa (and you've never held an HRP) but you are a Chinese national, if China so wishes they could simply treat you as a Chinese citizen as opposed to a foreigner. Yes, you could technically ask for consular assistance from your respective embassy, but China itself could still treat you as a Chinese citizen.

      • ronnknee on 06/04/2017 - 20:38

        Then you'll be treated as an illegal immigrant because there's no visa on your passport.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2017 - 16:53

    I hold a HK permanent ID with 3 stars…

    I also give you 3 stars.
    However i only give China 1 star.

    • KayDat on 06/04/2017 - 20:33

      Taiwan number 1!

      https://youtu.be/xN0vUlljX0I?t=2m10s

      • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2017 - 22:04

        OK, i think i've got it.

        Networked game, playing with some folk from mainland China (CCP).
        Guy gets shot, and then starts provoking CCP guys with Taiwan reference, given one China policy.
        Says Taiwan #1 (independent), not Taiwan #29 (29th province).

        Whatever it is i've got "Taiwan #1" stuck in my brain.
        Thanks for that.
        Well, that and "f'n hower!"

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