An invitation from Hong Kong relatives does not automatically create residence rights. Mainland family members must use the route matching a visit, eligible dependant residence or settlement.
What to have ready
Before you start
Mainland residents visiting relatives obtain an Exit-entry Permit with a family-visit endorsement through the relevant public-security exit-entry authority. Hong Kong's Mainland-resident arrangements differ from the general foreign-passport visit-visa table. One-way Permit settlement is administered by Mainland authorities under its own rules, while dependant admission has sponsor and identity restrictions. Endorsement validity, allowed journeys, Mainland permission and the stay actually granted at each Hong Kong admission are separate items to read.
What to do, step by step
- Describe the family relationship, purpose, dates and Hong Kong accommodation. Prepare relative and Hong Kong family identity evidence using the official checklist for the Mainland accepting authority. Different relationships need not result in the same endorsement duration or journey allowance.
- Check the issued permit and endorsement for name, purpose, journeys and dates before arranging transport. If caring for a relative requires a longer residence arrangement, investigate the genuinely applicable residence route instead of extending the trip plan beyond the permission obtained.
- Keep the Hong Kong landing slip and granted stay date and compare them with the planned return. Family-visit status does not authorise taking employment. Where a narrowly defined visitor activity exception may apply, check its exact official scope rather than inferring general work permission.
- For a special or urgent need to remain longer, apply through the Hong Kong visitor-extension channel before expiry with supporting reasons. Separately ask the Mainland authority about endorsement matters. Acceptance by one authority is not confirmation that the other permission has been extended.
Costs, timing, and things to check
Visitors generally depart before expiry. Hong Kong's online visitor-extension window is within fourteen days of the remaining limit, while other submission methods generally use seven days before expiry. Decisions depend on the individual case, so do not wait until the final day to seek help.
Macao residents, overseas-resident Chinese nationals and Mainland residents follow different documentary routes. When nationality, residence or relationships differ, describe the facts to the official authority rather than asking only whether a Hong Kong identity card is enough.
A practical example
A Guangzhou mother visiting an adult child checks her relationship category with the Mainland authority and records the stay granted after arrival. If the plan becomes long-term residence, she investigates settlement eligibility rather than treating repeated visits as a substitute for residence approval.
Choose documents by purpose and verify Hong Kong stay and Mainland endorsement separately.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.