British National (Overseas), abbreviated BN(O), is a class of British nationality associated with the former colony of Hong Kong. The status was granted by voluntary registration to Hong Kong residents who had been British Dependent Territories citizens (BDTCs) before the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997. BN(O) registration was limited to the 10-year period preceding the transfer as a transitional arrangement for colonial subjects; current residents cannot newly acquire this nationality.