Registration of Birth of Child in Hong Kong: Process and Paperwork Needed

Ensuring your child's legal registration in Hong Kong involves completing several important steps.

Registering a child's birth is a legal obligation, and failing to do so intentionally can result in criminal charges. Birth registration is a fundamental right for every child, necessary for medical care, education, and welfare benefits.

Law: According to Section 7 of the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance, Chapter 174, Laws of Hong Kong, parents must apply for their child's birth registration at a births registry within 42 days after birth.

Penalty: The maximum penalty for non-compliance is a fine of HK$2,000 or up to six months' imprisonment.

Registering a child's birth in Hong Kong is a formal process that requires several steps. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Online Pre-Registration Process

This service is intended for births occurring in Hong Kong. For births outside of Hong Kong, please contact the Immigration Department directly.

1:Visit the official government website:

https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/bdmreg/onlinebirthregistration.htm

2: Begin the Online Application for Pre-registration of Birth

- Access the form using this link: https://webapp.es2.immd.gov.hk/applies2-client/ebirth-reg/en-US/requirements?

- Log in using one of the following options:

- An iAM Smart account (a digital authentication service for Hong Kong residents).

- Alternatively, create an account or proceed as a guest if permitted.

3:Complete the Required Information

- Fill in the online form with the following details:

- Child’s Information: Proposed name (in both English and, if applicable, Chinese), date of birth, time of birth, and place of birth (e.g., hospital name).

- Parents’ Information: Full names, dates of birth, nationalities, Hong Kong Identity Card numbers (if applicable), or passport numbers.

- Birth Return Form Reference: If you received a Birth Return Form (Form BD1) from the hospital, you may need to enter a reference number or upload a scanned copy (check the portal for specific instructions).

- Ensure that all information matches the official documents you will present later.

4: Submit the Pre-Registration

• - Verify that all entered information is accurate.
• - Submit the form electronically. A confirmation number or acknowledgment (e.g., via email or on-screen) will be provided, which you will need for your in-person visit.

5: Schedule an Appointment (if Necessary)

• - The system may prompt you to schedule an appointment at a Birth Registry to finalize the registration. Available locations include:
• - Hong Kong Island: General Post Office Building, Central.
• - Kowloon: Kowloon Government Offices, Yau Ma Tei.
• - Some hospitals with birth registration counters (such as Queen Mary Hospital) may also allow you to complete the process there if the birth occurred on-site.

6: In-Person Finalization of Birth Registry (After Pre-Registration)

• If you pre-register online but finalize the registration in person at a Birth Registry, payment options vary slightly:

Documents Needed:

• - Bring the following to the registry within 42 days of the birth:
• - Confirmation number from the online pre-registration.
• - Original Birth Return Form (Form BD1) from the hospital.
• - Parents’ identity documents (HKID or passports).
• - Marriage certificate (if applicable).

Document Verification and issue of Birth Certificate:

Staff will verify your pre-registered details against the documents and issue the Birth Certificate upon completion.

Initial Registration Fees: No fee is charged if completed within 42 days; otherwise, a late fee of HK$140 applies.

Certified Copy of Birth Certificate: A fee of HK$140 is required for a certified copy.

If you request an official birth certificate during the online process and choose postal delivery, online.

PAYEMENT METHODS:

The Payment Methods:

- Credit Cards: Accepted include VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay, and JCB.

- PPS (Payment by Phone Service): A local online payment system linked to your bank account.

- FPS (Faster Payment System): A real-time payment platform widely used in Hong Kong.

- Mainland China’s Licensed Digital Wallets: Includes Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay App.

*Note: Credit cards are not accepted for in-person payments at the registry; they are only available for online transactions.

FULL ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR CHILD OF HONG KONG PR PERSON

- Eligibility: This applies to legitimate children born in Hong Kong where at least one parent is a Hong Kong permanent resident.

- An iAM Smart+ account is required for digital signing with legal backing.

PROCESS

- Submit the birth registration details via the Immigration Department’s website (www.immd.gov.hk/ebirthreg) or mobile app.

- Indicate if you want a certified copy of the birth certificate sent by post.

- Pay the HK$140 fee online using one of the above methods.

- The birth certificate will be mailed to you after processing, typically within 3 working days if all documents are complete.

APPLYING FOR HONG KONG ID CARD

• After getting birth certificate, you need to apply for Hong Kong ID card.
• Gather Required Documents as mentioned below:
• Child’s Birth Certificate: Original or a certified copy issued by the Birth Registry.
• Parents’ Identity Documents: Original HKID cards (for permanent resident parent(s)) and/or passports.
• Photograph: One recent passport-sized photo of the child (40mm x 50mm, white background, straight headshot, no hats or glasses unless for religious/medical reasons). For very young infants, some centers may assist with taking the photo on-site.
• Proof of Address: A utility bill, rental agreement, or other document showing the residential address in Hong Kong (optional but recommended).
• Application Form: Form ROP 145 (Application for Registration of a Person Born in Hong Kong) or ROP 143 (for online pre-application, if applicable).

You can apply for the HKID either in person or through an online pre-application followed by an in-person visit.

Option 1: In-Person Application

• Where to Apply: Visit one of the Immigration Department’s Registration of Persons office.
• Hong Kong Island: 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.
• Kowloon East: 3/F, Kowloon Government Offices, 405 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei.
• Kowloon West: 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road.
• Other locations are listed on www.immd.gov.hk.
• 
  
• Registration of Birth

• You can apply for the HKID either in person or through an online pre-application followed by an in-person visit.

PROCESS:

• Submit the completed Form ROP 145 and required documents.
• The child must be present for photo and fingerprinting (fingerprints are not required for children under 11, but a photo is still taken).
• No appointment is typically needed for first-time child registrations, but check the website for peak times.

Option 2: Online Pre-Application

• Access: Use the Immigration Department’s website (www.immd.gov.hk) or the iAM Smart mobile app.
• Steps:
  • Log in with an iAM Smart account (one parent’s account is sufficient).
  • Fill out Form ROP 143 online with the child’s and parents’ details.
  • Upload scanned copies of the birth certificate, parents’ HKID/passports, and the child’s photo (if required).
  • Submit the pre-application and receive a confirmation number.
  • Book an appointment online to visit an ROP Office for final processing.
• In-Person Visit: Bring the child, original documents, and confirmation number to the scheduled appointment.
• Step 4: Processing and Fee
• Fee: The first issuance of an HKID for a child born in Hong Kong to a permanent resident parent is free.
• Processing Time:
• In-person: The HKID is usually issued on the spot or within 1–2 working days.
• Online pre-application: Final issuance occurs during the in-person visit, typically within 10 working days from the appointment date.

Step 5: Collect the HKID

• You’ll receive a Juvenile Identity Card (for children under 11), which is valid until the child turns 11. At age 11, they must apply for an Adult HKID with fingerprints.
• Collection is in person at the ROP Office where the application was finalized. Bring the receipt or acknowledgment slip provided during the application.

Additional Notes

• Simultaneous Application: Some hospitals with birth registration counters (e.g., Queen Mary Hospital) allow you to apply for the HKID immediately after birth registration, streamlining the process.
• Non-Permanent Residents: If the child is not eligible for a permanent HKID, you may need to apply for a visa or dependent status first, then a non-permanent HKID.

Useful Links:

Main page for registration of birth and death:

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/birth-death-marriage-registration.html

To register child birth: https://www.gov.hk/en/apps/immdes2bdmonlinebirthreg.htm

Registration of Persons (ROP) Offices:

• Hong Kong Island: 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.
• Kowloon East: 3/F, Kowloon Government Offices, 405 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei.
• Kowloon West: 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road.

• Other locations are listed on www.immd.gov.hk.

  Immigration e-Services Hotline: (852) 3128 8668 between 7 am and 11 pm daily.

  Fax to (852) 2877 7711 or

  email:  enquiry@immd.gov.hk.

Additional Notes

• Simultaneous Application: Some hospitals with birth registration counters (e.g., Queen Mary Hospital) allow you to apply for the HKID immediately after birth registration, streamlining the process.
• Non-Permanent Residents: If the child is not eligible for a permanent HKID, you may need to apply for a visa or dependent status first, then a non-permanent HKID.

For general enquiries: 

(852) 2824 6111 during office hours (from 8:45 am to 5:15 pm, Monday to Friday; from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday, except public holidays),

For additional assistance, please contact:

Immigration e-Services Hotline: (852) 3128 8668 between 7 am and 11 pm daily.

For general enquiries: (852) 2824 6111 during office hours (from 8:45 am to 5:15 pm, Monday to Friday; from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday, except public holidays),

Fax to (852) 2877 7711 or

email:  enquiry@immd.gov.hk.