For Mainland residents settling in Hong Kong

Mainland residents who wish to settle in Hong Kong must apply for a Permit for Proceeding to Hong Kong and Macao (commonly known as a “One-way Permit (OWP)”) from the offices or departments of the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau at the place of their household registration in the Mainland.

Mainland residents who meet one of the following conditions may apply for an OWP to settle in Hong Kong:

• Applicants whose spouses are settled in Hong Kong (they may also apply to bring along children aged under 18)
• Applicants aged above 18 and under 60 who need to come to Hong Kong to take care of their parents settled in Hong Kong, both of whom are aged above 60 and have no children in Hong Kong
• Applicants aged above 60 who have no children in the Mainland and are dependent on their children aged above 18 who are settled in Hong Kong
• Applicants aged under 18 who are dependent on their parents settled in Hong Kong
• Applicants who are children of Hong Kong permanent residents and hold a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode

Matters relating to OWP applications, including specific application procedures, required documents, waiting time, quota allocation and order of priority for applications, are handled by the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau in accordance with the relevant laws, policies and administrative regulations of the Mainland. For details, please contact the relevant authorities.

For Macao residents settling in Hong Kong

Macao residents who wish to work, study, establish or join in any business, or reside in Hong Kong must apply for visas/entry permits.

Please refer to the following website for specific application procedures: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/faq/visas.html.

For Hong Kong residents who have lost their Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents in the Mainland

Hong Kong residents who have lost their Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents in the Mainland may apply for a replacement at the offices or departments of the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau. For specific criteria, please refer to the website of the National Immigration Administration. If the Hong Kong residents do not meet the criteria for applying for a replacement in the Mainland, they may report the loss to the public security authorities and obtain a loss report, and then apply for a single-use permit at the offices or departments of the Exit-Entry Administration or at the Shenzhen office of China Travel Service (Hong Kong) (https://www.ctshk.com/mep/zh/ch-chinaPermitLost/) for the purpose of returning to Hong Kong.

For Hong Kong residents who have lost their identity documents in Macao

Hong Kong residents who have lost their Hong Kong identity documents (e.g. Hong Kong Identity Card, HKSAR Passport) in Macao may proceed as follows:

In general circumstances:

• Go to the corresponding location based on your valid departure bus or ferry ticket to report the loss and complete departure clearance:
  • If you have a valid bus ticket: go to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Checkpoint
  • If you have a valid ferry ticket for departure within three hours: go to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Checkpoint or the Taipa Ferry Terminal Checkpoint
• If you do not have a valid departure bus or ferry ticket: go to the Immigration Building of the Public Security Police Force (Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública (CPSP)) to report the loss and apply for a “Declaration of Loss of Document”

If the loss involves any criminal act or the loss of other property:

• Report the case first: report the loss and obtain a “Report Testimonial” or “Complaint Notification” in person at a subdivision of the CPSP or the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária)
• Then complete departure clearance: go to the above-mentioned location based on your valid departure bus or ferry ticket to complete departure clearance (non-ticket holders should go to the Immigration Building of the CPSP to apply for a “Declaration of Loss of Document”)

For details, please refer to the relevant guidance of the Macao Government: https://www.gov.mo/en/services/ps-1475/ps-1475a/?noredirect=en_US.

Under the Marriage Ordinance (Cap. 181), a Hong Kong resident may marry upon attaining the age of 16. However, if either party to the marriage is under the age of 21 and neither party is a widower or widow, the written consent of a parent or guardian to the marriage is required.

Under the Marriage Ordinance (Cap. 181), the procedures for marriage registration in Hong Kong are as follows:

• One of the marrying parties has to give a Notice of Intended Marriage (the notice) to the Registrar of Marriages (the Registrar) either directly or through a civil celebrant of marriages
• The Registrar may, at least 15 days after the giving of a notice, issue a Certificate of Registrar of Marriages to enable the marrying parties to celebrate their marriage within three months from the date of the notice if all the statutory requirements are met.
• A marriage has to take place at a marriage registry by a Registrar, or in a licensed place of worship by a competent minister or at any other place in Hong Kong by a civil celebrant of marriages.
• If a marriage does not take place within three months after the giving of the notice, the notice shall be void and a fresh notice has to be given before a marriage can take place.

For more information, please visit the website of the Immigration Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: https://www.immd.gov.hk/hkt/marriage/Registration_of_a_Marriage.html

Applications for a Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record (CAMR) from the Hong Kong Immigration Department can be submitted by post, online, in person or through an authorised representative. The applicant should complete an application form and pay the prescribed fee for a search of marriage record.

If the search result shows that the applicant has no marriage record in Hong Kong, a CAMR will be issued upon payment of the prescribed fee. However, if there is a marriage record, the applicant will be issued a letter of marriage record indicating the date(s) of the marriage(s) registered in Hong Kong.

The following link sets out the detailed application procedures and requirements for a CAMR in Hong Kong:
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/marriage/Certificate_of_Absence_of_Marriage_records.html

The Home Affairs Department provides a range of support services for new arrivals. For more information, please refer to the following websites:

• Information on support services for new arrivals: https://www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/services_for_new_arrivals_from_the_mainland/new_arrivals.htm
• Service Handbook for New Arrivals (Chinese only) published by the Home Affairs Department: https://www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/services_for_new_arrivals_from_the_mainland/handbook.htm

For Mainland residents settling in Macao

• Mainland residents who apply for settlement in Macao as a relative (whether parent, spouse, or child) of a Macao resident must submit their application to the relevant Public Security Bureau with approval jurisdiction in the Mainland. For relevant procedures and required documents, please inquire with the competent Mainland authorities. Upon approval of the application, they must apply for a residence authorisation with the Public Security Police Force (Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública, (CPSP)) of Macao.

For Hong Kong residents settling in Macao

• Hong Kong residents or non-local spouses (except Mainland spouses) of a Macao resident applying for settlement in Macao must first apply for a residence authorisation with the Residence and Stay Affairs Department (Departamento para os Assuntos de Residência e Permanência) of the CPSP of Macao. Upon approval of the application, they must apply for a Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Non-Permanent Resident Identity Card with their residence certificate. A person may apply for a Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card only after holding a Macao SAR Non Permanent Resident Identity card for seven years. For enquiries regarding application procedures for residence authorisation, please call (853) 28725488 or (853) 28725499.

For further information, please visit the “Residence Authorization” page on the Macao SAR Government Portal.

For Macao residents who have lost their Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents in the Mainland

Macao residents who have lost their identity documents in the Mainland should first report the loss to the local Public Security Bureau to obtain a loss report specifying the name of the holder, and the type and number of the lost identity document. They may apply for a single-use People’s Republic of China Exit and Entry Permit for returning to Macao in one of the following two ways:

• They may apply to a local department of the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau by providing proof of identity such as an SAR passport or a driving licence. If applicants fail to provide such proof, the approving authority will verify their applications with the relevant Macao authority.
• They may also apply to the Visa Office of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department via China Travel Service (Macao) by simply providing the loss report and relevant identity documents. Under the new initiatives introduced in October 2020, Hong Kong and Macao residents may apply directly to the local department of the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau in the Mainland for the replacement of a new Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents. Applications will be processed in no more than seven working days, and urgent requests may be expedited through the green channel. A person will be permitted to enter Macao after completing identity verification at the checkpoint upon arrival. The person must then report the loss to obtain a Report Testimonial and apply for the replacement of an identity card at the Identification Services Bureau (Direcção dos Serviços de Identificação).

For Macao residents who have lost their identity documents in Hong Kong

• Macao residents who have lost their identity card in Hong Kong should first report the loss to the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) to obtain the loss report. If they have no other identity document for departure, they may go to the Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan or the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui directly to declare the loss of document and proceed with departure clearance in one go;
• Those who have enrolled for automated clearance service in Hong Kong may have their identity verified quickly through the checking system without the need for further verification by relevant Macao authorities; and
• They must apply to the Identification Services Bureau (Direcção dos Serviços de Identificação) of Macao for the replacement of a Macao SAR Resident Identity Card by producing the loss report issued by the HKPF after returning to Macao.

According to Article 1472 of the Civil Code (Código Civil), the minimum legal age to get married for both men and women in Macao is 18 years old.

Pursuant to Article 1487 of the Civil Code, individuals aged 16 but under 18 can get married with the consent of their parents or guardian, or with court approval where such consent cannot be obtained.

Applications for marriage registration can be made online or in person in Macao. Marrying parties may choose the application method they consider appropriate and complete registration procedures as required by law.

Online application

• Marrying parties who are eligible users of the “Marriage Integrated Public Service” may complete the application procedures online through the “Macao One Account” electronic public service platform. This service is intended for unmarried users of the “Macao One Account” in one of the following categories: both parties being holders of a Macao Resident Identity Card; one party being a holder of a Macao Resident Identity Card and the other a holder of a Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card (commonly known as the “Blue Card”); and both parties being “Blue Card” holders.
• Applicants lodging an application for marriage registration through the “Macao One Account” must select the location and date of wedding within 90 days after receiving a notice of approval. Through this service, users can apply for marriage registration, book a wedding date, update their marital status on identity card, and apply for marriage allowance all in one go.

In-person application

• In-person applications must be completed at the Civil Affairs Registry (Conservatória do Registo Civil) in the following three steps: first, make an advance appointment, specifying the date and time of visiting the Civil Affairs Registry for submitting a written application for marriage registration. Applicants are advised to confirm the required documents for submission in advance.
• Next is the application for marriage registration. Either both parties, or one party to the marriage together with the authorised person of the other party must present the original of the required documents to sign the application. Additionally, marrying parties may also enter into a prenuptial agreement at the Registry. In principle, registrars will examine and approve the application in not more than five working days. Applicants must select a date for marriage registration within 90 days after the application is approved.
• The final step is marriage registration. To conclude the registration, marrying parties must attend their marriage registration ceremony at the Macau Wedding Room or Taipa Wedding Room on the selected date.

For further information, please visit the website of the Civil Affairs Registry of the Macao SAR Government: https://online-service.rn.dsaj.gov.mo/civil/civil-info/marriage/

The Certificate of No Marriage Record/Registration in Macao is primarily used to confirm the absence of a person’s registered marriage in Macao, thereby serving as a valid proof of the person’s single status. It is issued by the Civil Affairs Registry of Macao.

Applicants for the Certificate must demonstrate a legitimate interest and specify the purpose of application. Non-Macao residents may submit their application by post, enclosing a copy of their proof of identity, a bank draft, and the required postage. Applications can be submitted in person or by post subject to the specific requirements below:

In person application

• Applicants may apply for the Certificate of No Marriage Record/Registration directly at the Civil Affairs Registry of Macao. They must present the necessary proof of identity and complete the application procedures as instructed by Registry staff.

Application by post

• This method is primarily intended for non-Macao residents. The specific steps are as follows:
  • First, prepare an application letter stating the relevant information required for the application, then sign the letter and enclose it with a copy of proof of identity.
  • Next, prepare a bank draft payable to “Conservatória do Registo Civil de Macau” (i.e. the Civil Affairs Registry). Send the application letter, a copy of proof of identity and the bank draft by post to the prescribed address “Rua do Campo, n.º 162, Edifício Administração Pública, 13.º andar, Macau”.
  • Lastly, settle the application fee, including the certification fee, approximately MOP 30 for postage and the bank handling charge for the bank draft. Applicants should make sure documents for the application are in order and that all fees and postage are fully paid as required.

Macao residents have access to a comprehensive range of community and family support services provided by the Social Welfare Bureau (SWB) (Instituto de Acção Social) and non-governmental social service organisations.

In addition to providing an array of support services for individuals and families in difficulties through the four social services centres and one service sub centre in Macao, the SWB is responsible for administering various allowances and subsidies, including the Subsidy for Senior Citizens and Disability Subsidy.

The service scope of the SWB covers personal and family counselling, financial assistance, round-the-clock emergency support, disaster relief, referral services, legal consultation, and other related services. Additionally, counselling, protection, and related assistance measures for victims of domestic violence are also provided by the SWB.

The SWB also implements the Community Employment Assistance Scheme and the Positive Life Service Programme in collaboration with non governmental organisations, with the aim of encouraging social welfare recipients to rejoin the workforce. A dedicated department is also set up under the SWB to provide immediate crisis intervention and counselling for cases involving domestic violence, acute emotional distress, suicidal behaviour, etc.

In addition, the SWB provides a wide range of family and community services through subsidies to various non-governmental social service organisations, including integrated family and community services centres, community centres, specialized community service, shelters, and temporary accommodation. The objective is to promote the healthy development of individuals and families through a three-tier prevention philosophy comprising preventive, supportive and counselling services.

For enquiries and application of the services, residents may visit the social service centre in their respective districts, call the service hotline, or consult the SWB’s website. Details of the service locations are available at: https://www.ias.gov.mo/en/about-swb/service?first=A0&isSubsidized=2&second=A1.

Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Residents:

• According to the Regulations for the Application of Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents (the “Regulations”), Hong Kong and Macao residents who have lived in the Chinese Mainland for more than six months may apply for a Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents (“Residence Permit”). Applicants must provide proof of legitimate and stable employment, a legitimate and stable residence, or continuous study in the Chinese Mainland. Issued by the Public Security Bureau of the people’s governments at the county level, the Residence Permit is valid for five years.
• Holders of the Residence Permit enjoy the rights to employment, participation in Social Insurance System, and payment to, withdrawal from and use of the Housing Provident Fund in their place of residence in accordance with the law. People’s governments at the county level or above and their relevant departments shall provide Residence Permit holders with the following basic public services:
  1. Compulsory education;
  2. Basic public employment services;
  3. Basic public health services;
  4. Public cultural and sports services;
  5. Legal assistance and other legal services;
  6. Other basic public services mandated by the State and the local municipality.
• Application procedures and basic regulations for the Residence Permit: To apply for a Residence Permit, applicants must submit their Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan travel documents (exit-entry documents), along with proof of legitimate and stable employment, a legitimate and stable residence, or continuous study, to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau of the people’s governments at the county level. A Residence Permit will be issued once an application is approved. According to Article 10 of the Regulations, if an applicant meets the requirements, a Residence Permit (whether it is a new, renewed or replacement one) shall be issued within 20 working days from the date the application is accepted. In remote areas, the processing time may be reasonably extended by up to 10 working days. However, the processing time in some regions may be only 15 working days. For details, please refer to the specific local regulations.
• If the residential address of a Residence Permit holder changes, the holder must apply for an endorsement within 10 days of the change. If a Residence Permit is lost or damaged, the holder may apply for a replacement or renewal from the local Public Security Bureau. In addition to enjoying the listed basic public services, Residence Permit holders are entitled to various rights, including applications for vehicle registration, vehicle driving permits, vocational qualification examinations, and the conferment of vocational qualifications in accordance with the law.
• Pursuant to Article 9 of the Regulations, a holder may apply for a renewal if his/her Residence Permit expires, becomes damaged or illegible, or if his/her place of residence changes. If the Residence Permit is lost, they may apply for a replacement. Applicants must present their travel permits for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents for verification. The original Residence Permit must be returned upon the issuance of the new one.

The Exit-Entry Administration Office of the Public Security Bureau is responsible for the administration of Residence Permits, including the waiting time, quota allocation, and order of issuance under the One-way Permit scheme. For specific application procedures, please contact the relevant Mainland authorities.

For Mainland residents who have lost their Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (“EEP”) in Hong Kong

• Mainland residents who have lost their EEPs while in Hong Kong should first report the loss in person to a local police station to obtain a loss report. They can then apply for a single-use permit at China Travel Service (Hong Kong). Applicants are required to provide the loss report issued by the police station, a photocopy of their identity card (if available), and a recent photo without head coverings. Upon obtaining the single-use permit, they must leave the territory through their preferred immigration control point within the validity period of the permit.
• After returning to the Mainland, they may apply to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau at their place of household registration or residence for a replacement EEP, thereby restoring their normal exit and entry rights.

For Mainland residents who have lost their EEP in Macao

• Mainland residents who have lost their EEP while in Macao should first report the loss and apply for a departure document at the Immigration Building of the Public Security Police Force (Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública (“CPSP”)). They should then visit China Travel Service (Macao) to obtain a single-use permit, and must leave Macao through their preferred immigration checkpoint within the validity period of the permit. Alternatively, they may go directly to the Departure Office of the Border Gate Checkpoint to apply for an emergency return to the Mainland.
• Mainland residents who apply to the Departure Office of the Border Gate Checkpoint for an emergency return to the Mainland must provide relevant proof of their emergency, such as an acute illness or the critical condition of a relative. All supporting materials are subject to review and must be approved before the application can be processed. The replacement single use permit is valid for a single entry back to the Mainland only, and does not allow re-entry to Hong Kong or Macao.
• Mainland residents who have lost their entry document, whether on its own or along with the Non resident Worker’s Identification Card (commonly known as the “Blue Card”), while in Macao should first report the loss and apply for a departure document at the Immigration Building of the CPSP.
• If the loss involves a criminal act (such as theft or robbery) or includes the loss of other documents and personal property, they should first report the loss in person at a subdivision of the CPSP or the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária) to obtain a “Report Testimonial” or “Complaint Notification”. They should then proceed to the Immigration Building of the CPSP in person to apply for a departure document.
• Documents required:
  • A duly completed “Declaration of Loss of Travel Document” (Form DARP/SP M-6) (Note: The form is available at the respective subdivisions and the website of the CPSP);
  • The “Report Testimonial” or “Complaint Notification” issued by a subdivision of the CPSP or the Judiciary Police (only required if the loss involves a criminal act);
  • Other proof/documents showing the applicant’s identity (if any);
  • Any additional information required by the department under special circumstances.
• After returning to the Mainland, they may apply to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau at their place of household registration or residence for a replacement EEP, thereby restoring their normal exit and entry rights.

Please refer to the latest official announcements from the respective authorities for the most up-to-date information.

According to Article 1047 of the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China, no marriage may be contracted before the man has reached 22 years of age and the woman 20 years of age.

According to the “Notice of the Ministry of Civil Affairs on Further Regulating the Certification of (Absence of) Marriage Registration Record”, Civil Affairs Departments across the country will no longer issue these certificates to any department or individual. However, exceptions apply to notarisation matters involving Taiwan region and the countries listed in the annex of the notice. The countries and regions requiring the issuance of these certificates are: Kazakhstan; Finland; Austria; the Netherlands; Germany; Argentina; Uruguay; Mexico; Poland; and Taiwan, China.

Some marriage registration authorities accept a notarised declaration of unmarried/not-remarried status issued by a notary public office in the Mainland as a supporting document. For the requirements regarding the certification of absence of marriage registration record required for marriage registration, please contact the local marriage registration authority.

What is the “Double Hundred Project” for community support services?

• According to the “Notice on Issuing the Implementation Plan for the Double Hundred Project of Social Work Development in Guangdong” (Yue Min Fa [2021] No. 3), jointly issued by the Provincial Department of Civil Affairs, the Provincial Department of Finance, the Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security, the Provincial Women’s Federation, and the Provincial Disabled Persons’ Federation, one of the key tasks of the “Double Hundred Project” is to establish social work service stations and service teams in all towns (subdistricts). Their core service target are vulnerable and special groups, including minimum subsistence allowance recipients, extremely poor individuals, people with severe disabilities, disadvantaged children, and elderly people left behind in rural areas. Under the Project, they will be provided with professional social work services, such as social assistance, elderly care services, child welfare, community integration, and legal assistance.

How to seek help?

• Cities in Guangdong Province have launched inquiry channels for local social work service stations. If you need to locate a social work service station within Guangdong Province, you can find their addresses and contact information through the following channels:
  • Official website of the Department of Civil Affairs of Guangdong Province (http://smzt.gd.gov.cn/）
  • “Guangdong Civil Affairs” WeChat Official Account

Other Benefits:

• Pension insurance: The “Interim Measures for Participation in Social Insurance by Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents in the Mainland” outlined the relevant regulations for Hong Kong and Macao residents to participate in social insurance and enjoy its benefits in the Mainland. Those who have accumulated at least 15 years of pension insurance contributions in the GBA cities and have reached the statutory retirement age (same as that for Mainland residents: 60 for men and 55 for women) can complete their retirement procedures at their place of residence to receive a monthly pension.
• Elderly benefits: Elderly Hong Kong residents who hold a Residence Permit can enjoy local elderly allowances under the same eligibility criteria as Mainland residents once they reach the required age (80 or 85 years old, depending on local standards).

What are the dedicated channels that facilitate Hong Kong and Macao residents’ access to government services in the Mainland?

• Dedicated offline counters: Government Service Centres, Human Resources and Social Security Bureaux, Vehicle Control Offices and Housing Provident Fund Management Centres across the GBA have set up dedicated service counters for Hong Kong and Macao residents. These counters provide services in Cantonese and streamline processes to reduce the repeated submission of documents.
• Online processing: Residents can use the WeChat Mini Programmes “Yue Sheng Shi” (粵省事) and “Yue Shang Tong” (粵商通). After completing real-name verification with the Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Residents, they can access over 200 services. These include social insurance enquiries, housing provident fund withdrawals, handling violations, and appointment booking for government services.
• Cross-boundary consultation: The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (with liaison units in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai) provides Hong Kong residents with one-stop consultation services on Mainland policies and procedural guidelines.
• Dedicated counters for Guangdong-Hong Kong appointed notary services: On 13 October 2025, dedicated counters for Guangdong-Hong Kong appointed notary services were set up and came into operation in Zhongshan. This marked Zhongshan as one of the first pilot cities in the province to set up a service window for China-Appointed Attesting Officer (Hong Kong) services. Focusing on Hong Kong-related legal affairs, these counters provide standardized, one-stop legal services, such as consultation and enquiries, for Hong Kong residents and enterprises. For information regarding such dedicated counters in other Mainland GBA cities, please contact the local public notary offices.

Please refer to the latest official announcements from the respective authorities for the most up-to-date information.