How to Move to Hong Kong: Full Guide (2025)

Jump to: Quick Facts · Living Essentials · Pros · Cons · Visas Guide · Residency & Citizenship · Business · Resources

Thinking of moving to Hong Kong? Here’s what you need to know:

🇭🇰 Hong Kong at a Glance

• Location: Southern coast of China, population around 7.8 million – that’s a lot of dim sum lovers!
• Colonial Past: Became a British colony after the 1839-1842 Opium War, briefly occupied by Japan in WWII, returned to Britain, and handed back to China in 1997.
• Financial Powerhouse: One of the world’s top global financial hubs, known for economic freedom, high standards of living, and stellar education.
• Wealth: Boasts one of the highest per capita GDPs—$52,687—once famed for manufacturing, now a superstar of finance.
• Green Surprises: More than just skyscrapers—Hong Kong is packed with parks, beaches, hiking trails, and hundreds of islands (many just a short ferry ride away).
• Cultural Melting Pot: Major expat magnet, especially in finance; businesspeople from all around the planet call HK home.

🏠 Living Essentials

• Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).
• Languages: Primarily Cantonese; Mandarin and English widely spoken. Don’t worry—most signs are bilingual and many people speak solid English!
• Religions: Mostly Chinese folk religions (42.5%), with Buddhist (15.6%) and Christian (15.2%) communities.
• Population: 93.5% of Chinese descent.

🤔 Why Choose Hong Kong

• Low Taxes: Income tax rates are famously low (15% isn’t rare), but remember—you file and pay taxes yourself each year.
• Economic Freedom: “One country, two systems” means HK feels very different from mainland China—open, business-friendly, and free from corruption.
• East Meets West: Unique blend of Chinese heritage and Western business culture… no other city mixes it quite like this!
• Food Paradise: Every cuisine under the sun at every price point. Seriously, bring your appetite.
• Expat Friendly: Locals are used to newcomers; HK is often called “Asia on training wheels.”
• Safe Streets: One of the world’s lowest crime rates—no “bad neighborhoods,” especially on Hong Kong Island.
• Nature Fix: Not just concrete! Tons of outdoor fun—think hiking, water sports, island-hopping.
• Great for Families: Excellent public transport, strong international schools (UK/US options), and high-quality, affordable healthcare.
• Shopper’s Heaven: If it’s made, you can probably buy it here—and shopping is practically a competitive sport.
• Travel Hub: Hop around Asia with cheap flights and vacation deals. Adventure awaits!

⚠️ Hong Kong Challenges

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

• Expensive Living: Pricy real estate and rising costs make this one of the world’s costliest cities.
• Language Barrier: For careers outside finance/law, learning Mandarin or Cantonese is a must.
• Transient Vibes: Many expats stay short-term—high turnover can make it tough to keep friends.
• Long Flights Home: North America or Europe are a long, expensive flight away.
• Air Pollution: Smog is common, and clean-air enthusiasts may need time to adjust.
• Weather Woes: Hot, humid summers and typhoons are the real deal—pack layers (and patience).
• Political Changes: With Article 23 (March 2024), China now has an even tighter grip on HK’s rights and freedoms. The future? Uncertain.
• Consumer Culture: Love luxury labels? You’ll fit right in. Prefer a chill life? It may be a shock.
• Crowds: One of the densest places on earth—get ready for busy malls and packed subways, pretty much all the time.

🛂 Hong Kong Visa Guide

IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates)

• For: Non-local graduates from a Hong Kong university
• Highlights: No quota, no sector restrictions, and an employment offer isn’t required when applying within 24 months after graduation (if applying 6+ months after graduation, you’ll need a job offer)
• Family: You can bring your spouse/partner and children under 18 (they can work too!)
• Update: Includes graduates from Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

GEP (General Employment Policy)

• For: Non-locals with special skills/experience
• Application: Employer must apply for you
• Requirements: Relevant qualifications, a job offer (when a local can’t be found), and competitive salary (matching local professionals)
• Family: Your partner and kids under 18 can live and work in HK
• Bonus: After earning HK$2 million+ in the last year, you might snag a 5-year extension via the top-tier stream

SLS (Supplementary Labour Scheme)

• For: Workers at technician level or below
• Application: Employer applies for you
• Limits: No switching jobs at will; partners/kids can come but cannot work

QMAS (Quality Migrant Admission Scheme)

• For: Talented folks from the mainland & overseas wanting to build a career in HK
• No job offer needed before applying!
• Requirements: Self-sufficient financially, clean criminal record, speak Chinese (Cantonese/Putonghua) or English, and post-secondary degree
• Process: Point-based assessment to match your background with HK’s needs

WHS (Working Holiday Scheme)

• For: Citizens of 14 countries, aged 18-30
• Proof: Show at least HK$20,000 in funds
• Perks: Stay in HK for up to 12 months and work if you want!

Note: Most visa categories have strict quotas. Always check the official HK Immigration Department website for the latest updates.

🛬 Residency and Citizenship

Permanent Residency

• Tough but possible: Apply after 7 years living in HK (must show HK is your true/permanent home)
• Capital investment route: Need a net worth of HK$30M (~US$3.86M), kept for 6 months before applying
• Family offices: Qualify under CIES (invest up to HK$27M)
• Skilled immigrants: Spots reserved; assessed via the Achievement-Based Points Test or General Points Test

Citizenship (Naturalization)

• Follows PRC rules: Generally for those of Chinese descent (mainly via ancestry)
• Tip: Many expats skip citizenship, as HK Permanent Residency gives similar perks: entry, residence, work without restrictions, plus access to public healthcare

💼 Business in Hong Kong

Why HK?

• Low corporate tax: 16.5% on profits earned in Hong Kong
• Most form: a limited liability company (start new or buy an existing shell)
• Timeline & Cost: Takes about 6 days, costs around HK$5000 (~US$700)
• Assistance: Many companies offer to register your business remotely

Registration Tips

• Register your business within 1 month of starting operations
• Online process: Around 1 hour; paper application: ~4 working days

Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

• Live in HK: With an investment of HK$30M+ (can’t actively run the business though)
• Age: Must be 18+

Heads up: HK is awesome for business, but Singapore might be better for some—less paperwork, more “global” than “China-fied.”

📚 Helpful Resources

• Immigration Department: Official info on visas, residency & more
• Hong Kong Expat Survival Guide: Your best friend for moving and thriving in HK
• JobsDB Hong Kong – Hong Kong’s most-visited jobs portal with a vast database of local and international job openings; user-friendly filters ideal for expats

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