This year, the National Immigration Administration of China has extended the validity of the Home Return Permit until the end of the year. With the year-end and Lunar New Year being peak seasons for returning home or traveling to the mainland, the number of people renewing their Home Return Permits has surged. To avoid delays caused by an expired permit, it’s best to renew your Home Return Permit as soon as possible.

This guide will explain the online booking process, application steps, fees, expedited service, and queue jumping options for renewing your Home Return Permit.

In response to the pandemic and border closures over the past few years, the National Immigration Administration announced that from May 8, 2023, the validity of Home Return Permits with expiration dates from January 1, 2020, to December 30, 2023, would automatically be extended to December 31, 2023. This aims to prevent a rush of new permit applications immediately after reopening.

As the expiration date approaches, the number of applications for permit renewal has increased. Currently, travel agencies no longer offer same-day service for processing; applicants must first complete an online application form and book an appointment for renewal.

Eligibility for Renewal

1. Hong Kong-born residents who are Chinese nationals and permanent residents of Hong Kong.

2. Mainland residents approved for settlement in Hong Kong, holding Hong Kong residency.

3. Chinese nationals born outside Hong Kong who have established permanent residency in Hong Kong.

4. Foreign or stateless individuals who are permanent residents of Hong Kong and have been approved to join or restore Chinese nationality.

5. Those who meet these criteria and whose permits are expired, damaged, or have incorrect personal details, or who have lost their permits, can apply for renewal.

Renewing Your Home Return Permit: Online Booking

1. Go to the travel agency’s website and select "Register Appointment."

2. Choose the application type as "Renewal of Home Return Permit."

3. Complete your personal details, including your permit number, name, and date of birth. Note: After the 8-digit permit number, include a 2-digit renewal number.

4. Select a renewal center. Currently, there are 6 centers available.

5. Choose the date and time for your appointment.

6. Verify your details and enter the verification code to complete the appointment.

Renewing Your Home Return Permit: Photo Requirements/Required Documents

After making an appointment, arrive at the renewal center on time with the following documents

• Hong Kong Identity Card
• Home Return Permit to be renewed
• Hong Kong Permanent Resident Identity Card
• Photo Verification Receipt (a barcode from the photo service provider’s upload to the photo verification center)
• Compliant Paper Photo (48 x 33 mm, pure white background, no teeth showing, hair must not cover eyebrows or eyes, ears visible, no colored glasses or tinted contact lenses, and no thick-framed glasses that obstruct the eyes; lenses should not reflect light.)

Renewing Your Home Return Permit: Process/Time

Upon arrival at the renewal center, use the self-service kiosk:

1. Scan your old Home Return Permit and Hong Kong Identity Card.

2. Scan the photo verification receipt barcode and sign.

3. Choose between standard (HK$390, 12 working days) or expedited service (HK$670, 5 working days).

4. Verify your information and collect a number ticket.

5. Wait to submit your paper photo and pay the fee. Note: If you choose mail delivery for your new permit, the old permit will be immediately invalidated, and you can only use the new permit once received.

Renewal Fees: Standard/Expedited

Renewal: Expedited Service/Queue Jumping

Online booking provides priority for individuals over 70 years old and infants under 3 months. If no appointments are available on the day, urgent cases such as illness, funerals, medical treatment, or schooling will be processed based on valid proof provided by the applicant.

FAQs

1. How to apply for Home Return Permit renewal?

Travel agencies no longer offer same-day processing. Applicants must fill out the online application form and book an appointment online.

2. How long does it take to renew the Home Return Permit?

Standard processing takes 12 working days, while expedited processing takes 5 working days.