How do you get a Hong Kong Identity Card in 2026?

Immigration Department guidance says new arrivals aged 11 or above who are permitted to stay for more than 180 days must register for an identity card within 30 days of arrival. First registration for eligible new arrivals is generally free. People aged 15 or above are also expected to carry the card once issued.

Book before you walk in. Appointments open through the GovHK online booking service, the Immigration Department mobile app, or the telephone booking line. The booking window at Registration of Persons Offices stretches across many working days, so reserve early rather than hoping for a same-day walk-up.

Bring your valid travel document, landing slip or entry endorsement, and any Immigration letters that show your current limit of stay. Staff take your photo and fingerprints for the smart identity card. Processing commonly takes around a week of working days after the visit, then you collect the card in person as instructed.

One-way Permit arrivals from the Mainland follow a separate first-registration path that ImmD routes through the Kowloon Registration of Persons Office for adults. Everyone else should use the office and appointment type that matches "first registration" for new arrivals on the booking form.

Keep the acknowledgement slip safe until collection. If your immigration status later changes, ImmD can require a replacement card that mirrors the new status.

Banks usually want the HKID plus proof of address before a full resident account. Telecom real-name registration prefers the HKID once you hold one. Public healthcare Eligible Person rates also hinge on a valid HKID and a still-valid permission to remain. Next steps: Open a bank account, Get a mobile phone, and Enrol in public health access.

Your visa or employment entry permission remains a separate ImmD track. Card registration does not replace Apply for a residence or work entry permit.