After the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise was completed last year, the Hong Kong government stated on June 18, 2024, that the old smart identity cards issued before November 26, 2018, will be phased out in two stages during 2025.
Old ID cards belonging to anyone born in 1970 or later will no longer be valid as of May 12,2025. The second phase will impact old ID cards held by people born in 1969 or earlier and will start on October 12, 2025.
The Registration of Persons (Invalidation of Identity Cards) Order 2024 was submitted to the Legislative Council for approval on June 26 and will be published in the Gazette on June 21.
All residents of Hong Kong, both those who are permanent residents and those who are not, are subject to this new legislation. Anyone in need of a replacement ID card is urged by the Immigration Department (ImmD) to make an appointment as soon as possible.
You have 30 days after your return to replace your card if you are currently outside of Hong Kong and are unable to do so during the specified times (see examples of Old ID cards and New ID cards). Unauthorized renewal of an ID card without a legal reason is a crime that carries a $5,000 fine.
Prism Consultancy offers various services in which it can help those affected by the coming phase-out of old smart identity cards, among others.
1. Visa and Immigration Services: In case, for the clients living in Hong Kong on a working permit can process to update their identity cards by using as per Visa & immigration procedure Prism Consultancy assist you with obtaining new smart Identity Card. This help includes leading customers through the necessary documentation, and working straightforwardly with Immigration to guarantee a consistent procedure.
2. Compliance advice: Prism Consultancy can provide compliance advice to individuals (including both permanent and non-permanent residents) on how the new legislation around ID-card replacement may affect them. That involves learning the deadlines, paperwork and penalties of non-compliance with all these new regulations.
3. Incorporation and Employment Services: For Expats employed by Hong Kong Companies who required to change ID Card under employment compliance, we can add on registering your company incorporating. In addition, they help ensure businesses are regulatory compliant locally and that the employer registration formalities for their employees can be easily managed.
4. Document Preparation and Submission: This involves the preparation and submission of relevant documents to the Immigration Department, which is conducted by Prism Consultancy for their clients. This service ensures that all forms are filled correctly and on time so the risk of delays or problems with identity card replacement they will be minimal.
5. Legal Compliance and Risk Management: Our dedicated staff has in-depth knowledge regarding all Hong Kong immigration law and regulations necessary to ensure that individuals (as well as businesses) are on the right side of the law when it comes time to have their ID card re-issued. This can help, for example, in advising you on compliance deadlines and potential penalties and the risks to unauthorized renewal attempts.
Leveraging their experience as a recognized consultancy offering reliable visa services immigration and company incorporation in Hong Kong, Prism Consultancy extends its support to ensure that clients make a smooth transition to new smart identity cards without any hindrance or hassle for transforming from the current ID card system while maintaining eligibility which will be altered with their resignation.
