The scheme allowed at least 50,000 persons, and their spouses and children, to become British citizens by means of registration under the 1990 Act.

British nationals who were permanent residents of Hong Kong with the right of abode, who also met certain eligibility criteria, could apply to be selected to become registered as British citizens, under Section 1(1) of the 1990 Act, during two three-month periods: The Governor and the Government of Hong Kong retained the power to invite, accept, process and approve applications after 31 March 1994.

To be considered for registration as a British citizen under s. 1(1), a person was required to be settled in Hong Kong and to be one of the following: There were four classes of eligible s. 1(1) applicants: Selection of persons in the GOC and DSC classes was primarily based on a "points system".

However, a spouse who married the family head after that person was registered under s. 1(1) was required to be settled in Hong Kong on the date of the marriage to be eligible for registration under s. 1(4).

They are not entitled to British consular protection in Hong Kong and other parts of the People's Republic of China.