Relocating to Hong Kong: Your Essential Handbook

閱讀時間約 27 分鐘
Hong Kong is a notorious metropolis with a world-class infrastructure; once you settle down here, you quickly realize that everything is just fingertips away. Whether you’re still in research mode and considering moving to Hong Kong or you’ve just arrived – in which case, welcome – here’s a checklist of all the matters you need to prepare for before you can enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer.

1. Apply for an appropriate visa

Make sure you’ve gotten the right paperwork in place and applied for the appropriate visa before you relocate to Hong Kong. The main Hong Kong visas are the following:
  • Unless you have a Hong Kong “Right of Abode” or “Right to Land”, an employment visa is compulsory to work in Hong Kong. Having a sponsoring company and your visa issued (and any dependent visas for your spouse and children if any) before your arrival is essential. Please expect 4 to 8 weeks for the Hong Kong Immigration Department to process your visa application.
  • Note that you are not eligible to work without an employment visa, although you could have easily, in a pre-Covid era, land as a visitor and then set about getting one. The problem now with this solution is that once your work permit is approved by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, you still need to travel out and back into Hong Kong to “activate” your new visa and status. In the context of Covid however, the compulsory 21-day (or 14-day at best) quarantine period upon arrival needs to be factored into your decision.
  • This visa is specifically for those who look to start a business, join or take over a Hong Kong company (by shareholding). It is subject to much higher standards than an employment visa and is assessed within the larger business context of Hong Kong. For example, the business plan, the amount of investment, the projected annual revenue, the number of local jobs created, any new technologies introduced, etc. will be considered in the adjudication process by the visa officer.
  • The estimated processing time of the Investment as Entrepreneur visa by the Immigration Department is at least 8 to 16 weeks upon receipt of all the required documents. This is longer than the performance pledge indicated on their website; so please plan ahead. Any request for supplementary information by the visa officer will even lead to additional processing time.
Dependent visa:
  • Dependent visas are compulsory for your spouse and children under the age of 18 if they will be staying with you in Hong Kong. Holding a dependent visa allows your spouse to find any job at will and work without being tied to a sponsoring company.

2. Shipping arrangement and insurance

Occasionally, damage or loss occur during such a big move. When coordinating overseas packing, shipping, clearance and delivery to your Hong Kong accommodation or new home, you should always protect your belongings – especially if you have valuable furniture or other movable properties – with reputable international insurance. Carefully check the insurance coverage to ensure that it will compensate for any type of damage or loss to your shipment.

3. Get a local mobile phone number

If you have just arrived Hong Kong, the cheapest way to stay connected is to get a local sim card. You will need an unlocked sim-enabled mobile phone.
You can buy a sim card from any mobile phone shop around Hong Kong, but the easiest way is to visit a convenience store such as 7-eleven or Circle K. You can even do this as soon as you touch down at the Hong Kong International Airport. Once you’re more settled, move to a monthly tariff with one of Hong Kong’s major telecommunication service providers. Be sure to check whether data access is included when you purchase a phone card.

4. Obtain Hong Kong ID card

If you will be staying in Hong Kong for more than 180 days, an application of HKID card must be filed within 30 days of landing. Residents in Hong Kong aged 11 or over must hold a valid Hong Kong ID card. You are not always guaranteed an appointment as a walk-in applicant, so it is recommended that you make an appointment online before going to the Immigration Office. Details of the procedures along with the 5 immigration offices where applications are processed can be found on the Immigration Department’s website. Remember to bring your passport, your valid visa with the landing slip and the completed application form to your appointment.
After receiving your Hong Kong ID card, always carry it with you. In accordance with Section 17C of "Immigration Ordinance" (Cap 115) of Hong Kong Law, any person who fails to produce proof of his identity for inspection as required by the law commits an offence. HKID Cards are fitted with a smart chip, and it is a library card too. Once your fingerprint has been registered on the chip, you can also use your HKID for quick immigration access via the e-channel in and out of the Hong Kong and Macau borders.

5. Set up a bank account

For your salary and other financial needs, you have to set up a local bank account. Most banks offer the same generic services such as current, savings, time deposits, and payroll accounts. Credit and debit cards are widely used here. HSBC and Hang Seng Bank are the most popular banks in Hong Kong and therefore the ones with the most branches and ATMs across the city. Nowadays, there is also a growing number of virtual banks you could consider, which offer better interest rates on your savings and lightning-fast transactions. As a general guideline, you will need to bring the following to open an account:
  • Your valid official government-issued ID, such as your passport with your valid visa and your HKID card
  • Proof of address, such as a utility bill (up to 3 months)

6. Research on districts for accommodation

Accommodation is one of the biggest decisions when considering a move to Hong Kong. No doubt, this will be your greatest financial expense here. Fortunately, there are many kinds of properties to suit all needs and budgets.
Most of the expatriates will prefer to live in the central-western of Hong Kong Island, for the first two years at least. If you are looking for an exciting lifestyle with plentiful of leisure, sport, dynamic cultural activities, Hong Kong Island will be a smart choice for you. Hong Kong is strongly influenced by British colonization and offers a well-integrated western lifestyle. However, the living cost on Hong Kong Island will be slightly higher than in other districts (e.g. rental fees, food cost, leisure memberships, transportation, etc.)
Compared with Hong Kong Island, Kowloon will be the best choice for those who love traditional culture. Kowloon is a multifaceted integrated community with comprehensive urban planning. As Kowloon is the cultural hub of Hong Kong, you can find an intriguing combination of traditional temples alongside high-end luxury shopping centers. There are plenty of colonial-style mansions in some of the Kowloon districts with outstanding school networks. If you put in the research time, your living cost in Kowloon can be noticeably lower than on Hong Kong Island.
If you already know you are keen on a quiet life, you may choose to live on Lantau Island (Discovery Bay) or Lamma Island, which offer downtempo, slow-paced residential areas with beautiful beaches and green open space. Yet, abundant amenities are available although your daily commute will be longer than a 15-minute MTR (one of the most efficient subway networks in the world) ride. A large community of expatriates from around the world live on these islands.

7. Get an Octopus card

It would be an understatement to describe the Octopus card as a widely used debit-style card for public transport. It is literally omnipresent in Hong Kong, from public transports to convenience stores – or any kind of stores –, car parks, vending machines, groceries, utility bill payments and now receiving government subsidies. This card can be bought at any MTR station and topped up easily at any convenience store, or installed as an application on your mobile phone. You may also apply for the automatic top-up service with your local bank, so you will never run out of credit, and might even accumulate award points.

8. Hong Kong international schools’ search

There is a multitude of options in Hong Kong when it comes to schools and curriculums. They range from local public, government subsidized to fully international kindergartens, primary and high schools which can educate your child from age 3 right through 18. We strongly recommend you research on and apply for school for your children as early as possible because popular schools receive a huge number of applications and have only a limited number of annual seats. You may even need some good luck.

9. Join a club

Being a member of a private club in Hong Kong is a luxury. It is a great place for networking and provides a change of scenery when it feels like your small apartment is closing in on you. Clubs also offer the chance to be involved in sports like sailing and golfing, plus access to good value food and drinks (most clubs offer good value for money on this front). If you have kids, access to children’s activities and events will also be much welcome.

10. Hire a domestic helper

If you will likely be too busy with your assignment and have no time to tidy up your own place, you may hire a foreign domestic helper (typically from the Philippines or Indonesia) to help you out with your house chores. A foreign domestic helper may only be employed on a full-time and live-in basis on a 2-year contract. Most ex-pat (particularly those with children) families will hire a domestic helper or nanny to assist with their housework and the caring of their children.

11. Bring your pet with you

Maybe you already have one or more pets in your domicile country. Depending on where you choose to live, Hong Kong is remarkably pet friendly. Unlike its reputation, Hong Kong is not an all-concrete jungle; there are bountiful of parks and an open area to set your four-legged friends free. There are also an unbelievable number of magnificent trails both on the Island and the New Territories, providing sumptuous places to exercise yourself and your pooch. Plus, there are pet-friendly cafes and open-areas, notably around Stanley in Southside, or the new hotspot for expats in Tseung Kwan O.
Obviously, you will need to thoroughly verify the pet type, quarantine rules and the related costs before bringing your pet here.

12. Healthcare

Hong Kong offers a wide range of world-class healthcare services, and you may elect to go public and pay extra dollars for private service from privately owned hospitals and clinics. Holding a HKID will entitle you to public healthcare services at an affordable price. You may also have private health and dental coverage if you are employed by a large or multinational company. Do check with your sponsoring company.
為什麼會看到廣告
啓源集團總部設於香港,自成立至今近20年,已於北京、上海、深圳、臺灣、新加坡、紐約和倫敦設立辦事處。集團成員包括會計師事務所、知識産權代理及移民顧問公司等。 會計事務官網︰www.kaizencpa.com 簽證事務官網︰www.kaizenvis.com
留言0
查看全部
avatar-img
發表第一個留言支持創作者!
Certains conjecturent que les travailleurs étrangers sont prêts à accepter des salaires inférieurs, affectant ainsi le niveau de salaire local à long
Hong Kong is a world-famous international business and financial hub. Let’s take a closer look at the visa specificities.
簽證項目看似簡單清晰,卻總有各種奇特案例令人拍案驚奇,有些是出於人道考量,有些卻無從考證。
Job seekers are realistic after all: Is the remuneration package attractive enough? Is the welfare good enough? Is the corporate culture ethical and e
Let’s talk about HK working visa, starting from the very beginning.
香港作為國際金融都市,其優良的經商環境多年來受到不少跨國企業青睞,被不少國際評級機構視為最有利於外資進入的司法管轄區之一。不少打算到香港工作的外國人在申請簽證時,都有同一個問題︰到底要申請一般就業簽證,還是企業家來港投資簽證?兩者的差別會在哪裡呢?
Certains conjecturent que les travailleurs étrangers sont prêts à accepter des salaires inférieurs, affectant ainsi le niveau de salaire local à long
Hong Kong is a world-famous international business and financial hub. Let’s take a closer look at the visa specificities.
簽證項目看似簡單清晰,卻總有各種奇特案例令人拍案驚奇,有些是出於人道考量,有些卻無從考證。
Job seekers are realistic after all: Is the remuneration package attractive enough? Is the welfare good enough? Is the corporate culture ethical and e
Let’s talk about HK working visa, starting from the very beginning.
香港作為國際金融都市,其優良的經商環境多年來受到不少跨國企業青睞,被不少國際評級機構視為最有利於外資進入的司法管轄區之一。不少打算到香港工作的外國人在申請簽證時,都有同一個問題︰到底要申請一般就業簽證,還是企業家來港投資簽證?兩者的差別會在哪裡呢?
你可能也想看
Google News 追蹤
Thumbnail
我很鼓勵投資人不要只投資台股,對股市有一點熟悉度後,建議範圍擴況大到美股,甚至是投資全球。因為台股僅是單一國家/市場,如果能將資產投資到其他國家,風險會更分散,機會也更多,特別是美國股市。 美股會很難懂嗎?我相信你認識的美國企業可能會比台灣企業多,我從標普500成分股前15大企業裡隨便抓十
Thumbnail
美股因多家熱門話題與龍頭企業市值快速增長受到關注,本文介紹如何透過國泰世華CUBE App 開設台股及美股複委託帳戶、定期理財的便利性。 定期投資適合單筆資金有限、經驗不多的理財小白、上班族,或者忙碌、沒時間研究基本面的朋友,國泰世華CUBE App美股定額投資功能,操作便利性幾乎完勝海外券商。
Thumbnail
這是張老師的第三本書,我想前二本應該也有很多朋友們都有讀過,我想絕對是受益良多,而這次在書名上就直接點出,著重在從投資的角度來切入
Thumbnail
對於第一次墨爾本自由行的人,我很推薦你們選墨爾本中央商業區 Melbourne CBD。這裡是我覺得最理想的墨爾本住宿地點,因為景點很集中、交通十分方便、生活設施也非常豐富,很多墨爾本飯店和公寓酒店都集中在這裡
Thumbnail
連鐵道迷都讚不絕口的日本北陸鐵道旅行團,除了搭乘黑部立山的鐵道之外,剛好又碰上紅葉季,放眼望去享受被紅葉包圍的特殊體驗,非常適合拍照,怎麼拍都有網美的感覺!這麼棒的日本跟團旅遊,就讓AsiaYo幫各位好好介紹一下日本北陸鐵道跟團旅遊的魅力吧~
Thumbnail
想去日本跟團旅遊的朋友們,還沒有決定好要取哪個地方旅遊嗎?那非常推薦各位選擇日本東北賞楓經典跟團!除了可以搭乘纜車欣賞到滿山滿谷的紅葉,日本東北的自然景觀更是一絕!接下來就跟著AsiaYo一起來看看有那些推薦的日本東北優質行程吧~ 🍁東北經典賞楓跟團行程推薦 【東北賞楓】楓染奧入瀨溪、賞楓鐵道
Thumbnail
走走走~又到了大家出國的旺季,你有打算到哪裡出國旅遊嗎~若還沒有想法也沒關係,今天AsiaYo帶來了目前正夯的跟團旅遊,就是我們越南富國島旅行團!在富國島不僅可以體驗潛水的樂趣,搭乘纜車享受一望無際的美麗海景,還有各種主題樂園,不僅小朋友喜愛,連大人也為之瘋狂,究竟富國島魅力何在?就讓AsiaYo來
Thumbnail
來到泰國大家一定想到的泰國潑水節,但泰國除了潑水節,泰國也有許多玩水的經典行程等著大家來體驗喔~為此AsiaYo準備了泰國芭達雅經典玩水熱門跟團行程路線送給大家,這些泰國跟團行除了玩水之餘,也可以體驗到泰國悠久文化~聽到這心動的朋友快跟著AsiaYo尋找喜愛的泰國跟團旅遊吧!
Thumbnail
最近神力女超人的電影要上映了 回顧一下第一集的感動吧 電影的主軸不像Harry Potter一般 一直say love卻始終讓人摸不著頭緒 愛到底哪裡強大 也不像Carol一般 有著明確的議題 在一個明確的大旗底下 深藏許多深情 Wander Woman 彷彿就是講我們自己一樣一樣 小時候 我們
Thumbnail
今天,我想要跟你聊聊「因果關係」的話題。
問我「今年2020為什麼在演講會這麼多的活動參與打卡?」 大學時代,Edward Chen 老師帶著幾位大學生,去參加第一次「toastermaster 吐司達人的會議」我就認識它。而陸陸續續的參與,就是「參與」。很少主動太積極地協辦活動。[忙]就是一向的藉口。 今年被「邀請」「揪」出來擔任區幹部
Thumbnail
我很鼓勵投資人不要只投資台股,對股市有一點熟悉度後,建議範圍擴況大到美股,甚至是投資全球。因為台股僅是單一國家/市場,如果能將資產投資到其他國家,風險會更分散,機會也更多,特別是美國股市。 美股會很難懂嗎?我相信你認識的美國企業可能會比台灣企業多,我從標普500成分股前15大企業裡隨便抓十
Thumbnail
美股因多家熱門話題與龍頭企業市值快速增長受到關注,本文介紹如何透過國泰世華CUBE App 開設台股及美股複委託帳戶、定期理財的便利性。 定期投資適合單筆資金有限、經驗不多的理財小白、上班族,或者忙碌、沒時間研究基本面的朋友,國泰世華CUBE App美股定額投資功能,操作便利性幾乎完勝海外券商。
Thumbnail
這是張老師的第三本書,我想前二本應該也有很多朋友們都有讀過,我想絕對是受益良多,而這次在書名上就直接點出,著重在從投資的角度來切入
Thumbnail
對於第一次墨爾本自由行的人,我很推薦你們選墨爾本中央商業區 Melbourne CBD。這裡是我覺得最理想的墨爾本住宿地點,因為景點很集中、交通十分方便、生活設施也非常豐富,很多墨爾本飯店和公寓酒店都集中在這裡
Thumbnail
連鐵道迷都讚不絕口的日本北陸鐵道旅行團,除了搭乘黑部立山的鐵道之外,剛好又碰上紅葉季,放眼望去享受被紅葉包圍的特殊體驗,非常適合拍照,怎麼拍都有網美的感覺!這麼棒的日本跟團旅遊,就讓AsiaYo幫各位好好介紹一下日本北陸鐵道跟團旅遊的魅力吧~
Thumbnail
想去日本跟團旅遊的朋友們,還沒有決定好要取哪個地方旅遊嗎?那非常推薦各位選擇日本東北賞楓經典跟團!除了可以搭乘纜車欣賞到滿山滿谷的紅葉,日本東北的自然景觀更是一絕!接下來就跟著AsiaYo一起來看看有那些推薦的日本東北優質行程吧~ 🍁東北經典賞楓跟團行程推薦 【東北賞楓】楓染奧入瀨溪、賞楓鐵道
Thumbnail
走走走~又到了大家出國的旺季,你有打算到哪裡出國旅遊嗎~若還沒有想法也沒關係,今天AsiaYo帶來了目前正夯的跟團旅遊,就是我們越南富國島旅行團!在富國島不僅可以體驗潛水的樂趣,搭乘纜車享受一望無際的美麗海景,還有各種主題樂園,不僅小朋友喜愛,連大人也為之瘋狂,究竟富國島魅力何在?就讓AsiaYo來
Thumbnail
來到泰國大家一定想到的泰國潑水節,但泰國除了潑水節,泰國也有許多玩水的經典行程等著大家來體驗喔~為此AsiaYo準備了泰國芭達雅經典玩水熱門跟團行程路線送給大家,這些泰國跟團行除了玩水之餘,也可以體驗到泰國悠久文化~聽到這心動的朋友快跟著AsiaYo尋找喜愛的泰國跟團旅遊吧!
Thumbnail
最近神力女超人的電影要上映了 回顧一下第一集的感動吧 電影的主軸不像Harry Potter一般 一直say love卻始終讓人摸不著頭緒 愛到底哪裡強大 也不像Carol一般 有著明確的議題 在一個明確的大旗底下 深藏許多深情 Wander Woman 彷彿就是講我們自己一樣一樣 小時候 我們
Thumbnail
今天,我想要跟你聊聊「因果關係」的話題。
問我「今年2020為什麼在演講會這麼多的活動參與打卡?」 大學時代,Edward Chen 老師帶著幾位大學生,去參加第一次「toastermaster 吐司達人的會議」我就認識它。而陸陸續續的參與,就是「參與」。很少主動太積極地協辦活動。[忙]就是一向的藉口。 今年被「邀請」「揪」出來擔任區幹部