Hong Kong SAR China

Name: Hong Kong SAR China
Address: Hong Kong SAR China

You + Hong Kong SAR China

Asia's premier financial gateway with low taxes and English widely used in business, but among the most expensive cities globally and navigating the evolving political landscape requires awareness. Hong Kong SAR China's immigration policy is opening up this year. Hong Kong SAR China has a temperate climate (summers avg 24°C, winters avg 5°C).

For daily life, you'll need A2 Chinese. Hong Kong SAR China has an Immigrant Acceptance Score of 50 BETA, meaning experiences may vary for immigrants.

What people love

Low and simple tax: salaries tax capped at 15% (16% on net income above HK$5M) with no capital gains, VAT, or sales tax
English is an official language alongside Chinese; international business environment
Top Talent Pass scheme offers 2-year visa for graduates of 200 eligible global universities

What's hard

Extremely high housing costs (avg HKD 20,000+/mo for a small 1BR, ~$2,600)
Compact living spaces; 400 sq ft apartments are typical
Air quality issues, particularly in summer months (AQI frequently above 100)

Visa Pathways

Hong Kong SAR China's immigration policy is opening up this year. Hong Kong SAR China offers several visa pathways for immigrants. Here are the most common options.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

For high earners or graduates of top universities, no job offer required

Eligibility:Category A: HK$2.5M+ annual income in past year (granted 3-year initial stay), Category B: Degree from eligible university (aggregate list of 200 institutions, updated 1 Jan 2026) + 3 years work experience

Salary:HK$2500K+

Processing time:~4 weeks

Path to PR:Yes

General Employment Policy (GEP)

Standard work visa for professionals with a job offer from a Hong Kong employer

Eligibility:Job offer from Hong Kong employer, Degree or equivalent professional qualifications

Processing time:~4 weeks

Path to PR:Yes

See other visa pathways

Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)~2 weeks

Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)~8 weeks

Entrepreneur Visa (under GEP)~6 weeks

Student Visa / Entry Permit~6 weeks

Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify with official sources or a licensed immigration consultant.

Language for Hong Kong SAR China

If you want to settle permanently, you'll need B1 Chinese for permanent residency. It generally takes 6-9 months to reach this level with consistent study.

Housing

Find a place to live in Hong Kong SAR China with help from local experts.

Coming soon

Relocation agents in Hong Kong SAR China

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Temporary housing solutions

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Long-term rental specialists

Related Resources

You + Hong Kong SAR China

What people love

What's hard

Visa Pathways

Language for Hong Kong SAR China

Housing

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