British National (Overseas) Visa (BN(O))

To qualify for this visa, you must meet specific criteria regarding your status, your relationship to a status holder, and your residency.

BN(O) Status Holders

You must be a British National (Overseas). You do not need a valid BN(O) passport to apply, as the Home Office can verify your status through their historical records. Note that you cannot apply for new BN(O) status today; it was only available to those who registered before July 1, 1997.

Family Members

The following relatives can apply to join or accompany a BN(O) status holder:

• Partners: Spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners (provided you have lived together for at least two years).
• Children and Grandchildren: Those under the age of 18.
• Adult Children (The 2026 Expansion): As of February 2026, adult children born between July 1, 1979, and June 30, 1997 (who were under 18 at the time of the handover) can now apply independently of their parents. Adult children born on or after July 1, 1997, also retain the right to apply independently if they have at least one BN(O) parent.
• Adult Dependent Relatives: Parents, grandparents, or siblings over 18 may qualify only in exceptional circumstances where they require a high level of daily care provided by the BN(O) status holder.

Residency and Financials

• Current Residence: If applying from outside the UK, you must be ordinarily resident (normally living) in Hong Kong. If applying from within the UK, you must be resident in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Hong Kong.
• Financial Maintenance: You must demonstrate that you can support yourself and your dependents for at least six months in the UK without relying on public funds.
• Health Requirements: Applicants from Hong Kong must provide a valid Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a clinic approved by the Home Office.