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• Why expats choose Hong Kong
• Visa types & work permit requirements
• Relocating your household goods & pets
• Finding a new home in Hong Kong
• [What to expect when living in Hong Kong](#what to expect when living in Hong Kong)
• [Working in Hong Kong](#a-practical-guide-to-working in-hong-kong)
• Understanding the Hong Kong education system
• Health insurance & healthcare in Hong Kong
• Opening a bank account and managing your taxes

Why expats choose Hong Kong

Expats are mostly drawn to Hong Kong by strong career prospects and high salaries. Moving to Hong Kong can offer job opportunities and allows for a comfortable lifestyle with plenty of disposable income. According to our most recent annual Expat Insider Survey, Hong Kong ranks 14th out of 53 countries for career prospects.

Expats rate the city 23rd out of 53 for overall quality of life, highlighting excellent travel and transit options (9th), leisure activities (16th), and healthcare (19th). The city also ranks 21st for ease of settling in, with expats finding it relatively easy to make friends (11th) and feeling welcomed by the local culture (20th). On the practical side, Hong Kong stands out for personal finance (19th) and administrative matters like visas and banking (9th).

Overall, Hong Kong comes in 22nd out of 53 destinations, making it a strong choice for expats seeking both career growth and a high quality of life.

The guide to visa types & work permit requirements

One of the main requirements to obtain a work visa in Hong Kong is to have a confirmed job offer when you submit you documents for processing. However, if your professional knowledge is in high-demand and you have enough experience, you might be able to move to Hong Kong under a special type of visa. Regardless of your situation, or the type of visa you apply for, the application fee is generally similar across all categories.

After you have landed in Hong Kong, you will need to apply for a Hong Kong ID. This credit-card sized ID has a chip containing all your details, including your thumbprint for the biometric customs gates. Luckily this part of the process is a lot easier than getting the visa. It can be completed in English, and your new ID card will be ready within ten days.

Read our complete guide on visas & work permits in Hong Kong

Relocating your household goods & pets

The procedures are simple, bureaucracy minimal, and English is widely spoken. However, a good knowledge of customs regulations will simplify the relocation process even more.

While shipping personal and household goods is free from any tariffs or duties, you’ll need the correct paperwork for customs clearance. While you can bring up to 120,000 HKD (approx. 15,400 USD) in currency, be aware that Hong Kong has strict rules on restricted items, especially food. Alcohol import rules are more relaxed if you meet the requirements. There are no mandatory vaccinations for moving to Hong Kong, but make sure your routine shots are up to date. If you plan to travel in the region, consider additional vaccines such as hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies.

If you are moving to Hong Kong with pets, be aware that both customs and health requirements for your furry friend are quite strict. You will need to apply for a special permit as well as presenting health, residence, vaccination, and airline certificates to the relevant authorities on arrival. Head to the section on moving pets to Hong Kong for links to the necessary forms as well as more information on everything from quarantine to microchipping.

Read our complete guide on relocating to Hong Kong

Everything you need to know about finding a new home

Because the territory is so densely packed, getting accommodation in Hong Kong can be competitive. Even renting a standard apartment in Hong Kong is expensive. The average rent for a place with one bedroom often goes over 20,000 HKD (approx. 2,570 USD) per month. That does not include utilities as in Hong Kong you usually have to take care of them yourself. If you want utilities included, opt for fully serviced accommodation, though it usually costs more.

If you are thinking of how to rent a more spacious place – maybe even a house for you and your family — avoid focusing on Hong Kong Island, due to high property prices. New Territories region is further away from the center; however, it often offers only affordable option for renting a house in Hong Kong. If you are planning on staying long-term, see our section on buying a house as a foreigner — but note that prices are extremely high, often several million HKD.

In addition to that, this relocation guide introduces you to the most popular utility and internet providers, the possibilities for short-term housing in Hong Kong, and mortgage requirements.

Read our complete guide on housing in Hong Kong

Opinion

What stands out positively about Hong Kong is the excellent infrastructure, the environment and ease of transportation

Opinion

What to expect when living in Hong Kong

Living in Hong Kong means adjusting to crowded spaces and high living costs. Adapting to local customs is important, being respectful, greetings formally, and avoiding taboo topics like politics are valued. Public behavior is generally reserved and polite.

Obtaining a Hong Kong driver’s license can be simple or lengthy, depending on your eligibility. If your foreign license is from a designated country and you meet residency and validity requirements, you can convert it; otherwise, you must apply for a new license.

Getting around is easy thanks to Hong Kong’s efficient public transport system, including MTR trains, buses, trams, and ferries — all conveniently paid for with an Octopus Card, so owning a car isn’t necessary.

Read our complete guide on living in Hong Kong

A practical guide to working in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's workplace culture is fast paced, demanding yet rewarding professional life, especially for expats in fields like finance, tech, and law. To work in Hong Kong, you’ll need a visa either a GEP (employer-sponsored) or any of the other special work visas. Job hunting can be tough since employers need to prove a local couldn’t fill the role, so many expats land jobs through transfers or strong networks.

Freelancing or starting your own business is possible and requires a special visa, and getting the visa can be tough unless your business really benefits the local economy. The work culture is formal, hierarchical, and expects long hours 50+ per week isn’t unusual. On the bright side, you’ll get solid benefits like paid leave, holidays, sick leave, maternity/paternity protection, public healthcare, MPF retirement contributions, and workplace injury insurance.

Read our complete guide on working in Hong Kong

Opinion

One thing I really appreciate about Hong Kong is is a very flexible city that allows most anyone to come here, define who they are and live that way.

Opinion

Understanding the Hong Kong education system

Hong Kong’s education system is divided into kindergarten (ages 3–6), primary (6–12), junior secondary (13–15), and senior secondary (16–18), following a September to July school year. Public schools are free and follow a standard curriculum, while private and international schools charge fees and may offer different curricula. Getting into these schools can take time expect paperwork, interviews, and sometimes long waits, plus you’ll want to check out funding or subsidy options. For both primary and secondary schools, there’s a two-stage admission process: parents can apply directly to schools first Discretionary Places, and then the rest of the spots are assigned by the Central Allocation system, which uses your preferences, academic band, and a lottery.

For higher education, Hong Kong is home to several internationally ranked universities and colleges, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in English and Chinese. Language schools are also widely available, providing courses in Cantonese, Mandarin, and other languages to help students and adults integrate or advance their careers.

For more details on navigating admissions, understanding curricula, and funding options, read the full education guide

Health insurance & the healthcare system of Hong Kong explained

The public healthcare system in Hong Kong is affordable and accessible. The government provides public services at low-cost for all residents, including expats. Private health insurance is an option for those wanting more extensive coverage. All you need to be eligible is a valid visa and a Hong Kong ID card.

Expats in Hong Kong often choose private health insurance for shorter wait times, wider selection of doctors, and more personalized hospital care. Whether they are giving birth or going to a routine doctor’s appointment, those with private insurance will find themselves in some of Hong Kong’s best hospitals. Our guide covers everything from how to find a doctor in Hong Kong to getting medication and how much to budget for healthcare charges.

Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in Hong Kong

Everything you need to know about banking & taxes in Hong Kong

Opening a bank account in Hong Kong is straightforward. There are plenty of banks to choose from and many of their services are available in English. Your visa status does not affect your options either, so even as a non-resident you are able to choose the best suitable bank account for you. However, you do need to be present in Hong Kong when opening your account.

Hong Kong tax rates are fairly low and the system offers a number of allowances and deductions most of which don’t require documentation unless specifically requested. Still, it’s a good idea to keep track of your finances.

Read our complete guide on banking & taxes in Hong Kong