The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) is conducting the 2026 Population Census in full swing, which operates throughout the year until December 31, 2026. Around 10% of households in Hong Kong are sampled for the 2026 Population Census. To date, over 160 000 households have completed the Census questionnaire. The C&SD expresses gratitude for their support and appeals for active participation of households yet to respond or to be sampled.

     The Census helps to obtain up-to-date information on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population of Hong Kong and on its geographical distribution. It provides vital statistical information to the Government for planning and development. Information collected in the Census will be kept in strict confidence.

     Sampled households (including owner-occupiers or tenants) who have received the notification letters in purple envelopes are encouraged to complete the online questionnaire at oq.census2026.gov.hk or conduct a telephone interview by calling the Census Hotline 18 2026. Census officers will also visit households with outstanding response and assist them in completing the questionnaire during 9 am and 10 pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays). When visiting households, census officers will wear a grey vest uniform, and carry an Enumerator Identity Card and a Census Officer Certificate of Identity issued by the C&SD for identification purposes.

     Some households having completed the Census questionnaire will be selected in the second half of 2026 to follow up on possible changes of the information as at mid-year. Separate notification letters will be issued to the households concerned. In addition, if the information provided by households has changed in the mid-year, they should call the Census Hotline 18 2026 to provide the latest information.

     The C&SD reminds that households will not be required to provide information on their HKID card, bank accounts or credit cards in the Census. The caller ID "18 2026" or SMS sender ID "#C&SD" will be displayed when the C&SD calls or sends SMS messages to households in Hong Kong. The C&SD will not ask respondents to submit password in any telephone call, email or SMS message, and will not embed hyperlinks in emails or SMS messages unless requested by respondents. To report suspected deception cases or verify the identity of census officers, members of the public should call the Census Hotline 18 2026.

     The Census is conducted under Section 9 of the Census and Statistics Ordinance (Cap. 316). All persons specified are obliged to provide the required information. It is an offence if any persons contravene the legal requirement for completing the Census questionnaire.

     The summary results for the 2026 Population Census will be released in August 2027.

     For enquiries about the 2026 Population Census, please call the Census Hotline 18 2026 or visit the thematic webpage of the 2026 Population Census (www.census2026.gov.hk). The Census Hotline operates from 9 am to 10 pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) throughout the data collection period.

Ends/Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN