Thinking of relocating to Hong Kong? You won’t regret it. Home to a rich multicultural heritage, lively urban life and breathtaking natural sceneries, Hong Kong is a popular relocation destination and has a large community of expats. As an international trading hub, Hong Kong welcomes thousands of people from all over the world each year for work, travel and long-term residency.
Fast facts
- Hong Kong means “fragrant harbour”.
- Holding the record as the city with the highest number of skyscrapers in the world, Hong Kong has a staggering 8,000+ skyscrapers.
- Hong Kong is the world’s eighth most densely populated city.
Why do people relocate to Hong Kong?
Most people who relocate to Hong Kong do so for work reasons. Hong Kong offers a wide range of career opportunities, particularly in the industries of tourism, financial services, and trading and logistics. Hong Kong is also one of the safest places to live in the world. Despite its densely populated urban area, Hong Kong has a very low crime rate. The overall quality of life in Hong Kong is good. Although housing can be expensive and challenging to find, Hong Kong’s transport and travel systems are some of the best in the world.
Since there are so many expats living in Hong Kong, it is relatively easy to adjust to the environment when moving here. Both English and Chinese (mainly Cantonese) are spoken in Hong Kong. All signage and official documentation are also presented in English, which makes it convenient for English-speaking expats to navigate life in Hong Kong. Further to this, the local community of Hong Kong is generally very welcoming and hospitable, making it easy to meet people and build networks.
What do I need to know before moving to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong offers a variety of visa options. Travellers from most origin countries are permitted to enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 180 days. If you plan on working in Hong Kong, however, you need to apply for a work visa. Your employer can sponsor and issue your work visa along with any dependent visas for your family before you arrive in Hong Kong. This process can take up to two months. Note that dependent visas are mandatory for any family members who are moving with you. A person holding a dependent visa is allowed to work and live in Hong Kong.
Next up, you should know that everyone in Hong Kong aged eleven and older must have a valid Hong Kong ID card. If you plan on staying in Hong Kong for more than six months, this applies to you. You can apply online for an ID card at the Immigration Office within 30 days of arriving in Hong Kong. Once you have obtained your ID, you need to keep it with you at all times.
Ready to relocate to Hong Kong?
No matter where you are relocating from, we can help you make your move to Hong Kong as stress-free as can be. Whether you need personal or corporate relocation support, pet relocation services, property management expertise or home buying assistance, your relocation specialist at Claymore Thistle will be by your side every step of the way.
Book a free consultation with one of our relocation agents today!
