China sets unified approval rules for mainland residents seeking permanent settlement in Hong Kong and Macau

China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) has issued a landmark bulletin (Notice No. 3 of 2026) that replaces the long-criticised points-based “one-way permit” system with four clear, family-reunion-driven approval categories. Effective 1 July 2026, mainland residents may obtain permanent settlement approval in Hong Kong or Macau if they fall into one of four groups: 1. Spousal reunion (plus accompanying minor children) where the couple has been separated for at least three years; 2. Minor children (under 18) joining both parents who are already settled in either SAR; 3. Adult children (18-59) moving to care for both parents who are over 60, already settled in the SAR and have no other children there; 4. Parents aged 60 or above with no children on the mainland, joining an adult child (18+) settled in the SAR. Police exit-entry bureaus will continue to manage annual settlement quotas but must now assess applications strictly against the four criteria, a move officials say will “enhance transparency and predictability.” The NIA’s hotline 12367 and local bureaus have been tasked with publishing processing times and documentary check-lists. Business-mobility impact: • Multinational firms with cross-border workforces should expect faster, more standardised relocation of employee dependants, reducing the administrative uncertainty that previously accompanied one-way permit applications. • HR teams should re-audit assignment contracts and mobility benefits for staff married to Hong Kong or Macau residents—eligibility now hinges on documented three-year separation. • Talent-pipeline planners may need to revise succession strategies: older parents can relocate only if no other children remain on the mainland, potentially affecting caregivers in extended families. Practical tips: collect official household-registration (“hukou”) records, marriage or birth certificates and proof of separation dates well in advance; incomplete submissions will be rejected outright under the new rules. Applications can be tracked online via the NIA mini-app from 1 August, officials said.