How to Move to Hong Kong

Hong Kong Visa Options

Hong Kong offers five main visa pathways for foreign nationals. The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) has three categories: Category A for those earning HK$2.5 million or more annually, Category B for graduates of top 100 global universities with 3+ years of work experience, and Category C for recent graduates of top 100 universities (quota-limited). None require a job offer. The General Employment Policy (GEP) is the standard work visa requiring employer sponsorship and proof the role cannot be filled locally. TechTAS fast-tracks admission for tech talent at qualified companies. The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) requires HK$30 million in permissible financial assets. Entrepreneurs can also apply under the GEP with a viable business plan.

• Top Talent Pass requires no job offer for high earners or top university graduates
• GEP processes in approximately 4 weeks with employer sponsorship
• TechTAS offers a 2-week fast-track for qualified tech professionals
• CIES requires HK$30M investment in permissible assets
• All visa types lead to permanent residence after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence

Cost of Living in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, driven primarily by housing costs. A one-bedroom apartment on Hong Kong Island runs HK$15,000 to HK$25,000 per month, while Kowloon and the New Territories are 20 to 40 percent cheaper. The median household income is approximately HK$30,000 per month. Dining out is surprisingly affordable at local restaurants (HK$50 to HK$100 per meal), though Western restaurants charge considerably more. Public transport via the MTR and buses is efficient and cheap (HK$500 to HK$800 per month with an Octopus card). A single person can live comfortably on HK$25,000 to HK$35,000 per month outside of central Hong Kong Island, including rent.

Language Requirements

Hong Kong has two official languages: Chinese (Cantonese) and English. There is no formal language test for any visa type or for permanent residence (right of abode). English is widely used in business, government, and professional settings. Signage, public transport, and official documents are bilingual. That said, Cantonese dominates daily life, local restaurants, markets, and neighborhood interactions. Mandarin is increasingly common but is not a substitute for Cantonese in local contexts. Most expats find that learning basic Cantonese significantly improves quality of life, even though it is not legally required.

Credential Recognition

Foreign degrees and professional qualifications are assessed by the HKCAAVQ (Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications). The TTPS Categories B and C specifically require a degree from a top 100 global university as ranked by QS, Times Higher Education, or US News. Regulated professions such as medicine, law, accounting, and engineering require additional licensing through their respective Hong Kong professional bodies. Doctors must pass the Licensing Examination of the Medical Council of Hong Kong. Solicitors must complete the Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examination. Start professional registration early, as some processes take 6 to 12 months.

Visa Application Process

Most Hong Kong visa applications are submitted to the Immigration Department, either directly or through the employer. TTPS and GEP applications process in approximately 4 weeks. TechTAS is the fastest at roughly 2 weeks. The CIES takes about 8 weeks. You will need a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of financial standing, and documentation specific to your visa category (employment contract, salary proof, university transcripts, or investment portfolio). Applications can be submitted online through the Immigration Department's e-Service platform or by mail. Unlike many countries, Hong Kong does not require an apostilled criminal background check for most visa types.

Path to Permanent Residence

Hong Kong does not offer citizenship to foreign nationals. Instead, after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence, you can apply for the right of abode, which is functionally equivalent to permanent residence. You receive a permanent HKID card and the right to live and work in Hong Kong without any visa restrictions. "Continuous ordinary residence" means you have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong and have not been absent for extended periods, though there is no strict day-count requirement. The Immigration Department assesses each case individually. Once granted, the right of abode is not lost by leaving Hong Kong, but your permanent HKID must be renewed every 10 years.

Your First Days in Hong Kong

Arriving in Hong Kong requires a focused sequence of registrations. You must register for your HKID card at an Immigration Department office within 30 days of arrival. Opening a bank account (HSBC, Hang Seng, Standard Chartered) requires your passport and proof of address. Most landlords require 2 months' deposit plus 1 month's rent upfront. Get an Octopus card for public transport immediately. Expect the full setup process to take 2 to 3 weeks from arrival.

Moving with Family

Dependents of all visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under 18) can apply for dependent visas. Dependent visa holders have the right to work in Hong Kong without any additional permission. Hong Kong has a three-tier education system: government schools (free, taught in Cantonese), Direct Subsidy Scheme schools (subsidized, various languages), and international schools (private, English or other languages). International school fees range from HK$100,000 to HK$250,000 per year. Waitlists at popular international schools can be 1 to 2 years, so apply early.

Healthcare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a dual public-private healthcare system. Public hospitals and clinics under the Hospital Authority provide heavily subsidized care (HK$100 per day for inpatient, HK$50 per outpatient visit). Wait times for specialist appointments in the public system can be months to years. Most expats use private healthcare, either through employer-provided insurance or individual policies costing HK$3,000 to HK$10,000 per month depending on coverage. Private hospitals offer shorter wait times and English-speaking staff. All HKID holders have access to the public system regardless of visa type.

Taxes in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a low-tax jurisdiction. Salaries tax is charged on a progressive scale from 2% to 17%, or at a standard rate of 15%, whichever is lower. There is no capital gains tax, no VAT or sales tax, no tax on dividends, and no withholding tax on interest. Hong Kong taxes on a territorial basis, meaning only income sourced in Hong Kong is taxable. Self-employed individuals pay profits tax at 8.25% on the first HK$2 million and 16.5% thereafter. The tax year runs from April 1 to March 31. Filing is straightforward and done through the Inland Revenue Department.