Immigration to Hong Kong
Living and Working in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. With a population of approximately 7.5 million, spanning over 1108 km (428 square miles), Hong Kong is located in eastern Asia, on the southeast coast of the People’s Republic of China, facing the South China Sea. Hong Kong is very popular globally among tourists and Immigrants. Living and working in Hong Kong is the dream of millions across the world. We say this as 34 million people visited Hong Kong in the year 2023. In 2024, Hong Kong is a top choice for international immigrants. With its strong economy, strategic location, and rich culture, this lively city draws people from all around the world. Whether you’re seeking employment, a good quality of life or a safe place to raise a family, Hong Kong has something for everyone.
Immigrants with skills in technology and digital marketing will get ample opportunities to grow and excel in Hong Kong. Entrepreneurs are flocking to Hong Kong to launch their business, taking full advantage of the city’s strategic location and business-friendly environment. The healthcare system is highly developed here and immigrants can expect high-quality medical care. Education is another area where Hong Kong excels. The expat families can expect a high standard of education for their children here.
Traveling information
To enable smooth travel for visitors and business people, the Immigration Service in Hong Kong is committed to exercise effective immigration control and enforcing the law, thus making Hong Kong a thriving center for leisure and commerce. To enter Hong Kong a visa/entry permits are required, except for those citizens who are in the category of visa-free entry as per the immigration policy. Hong Kong has adopted an open immigration policy wherein nationals from around 170 countries are allowed to enter Hong Kong visa-free for tourism, business or social visits. The stay allowed in visa-free policy ranges from 7 to 180 days. For other citizens, Hong Kong provides the ‘e-Visa’ services which is very convenient and simple. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and fill out the required arrival card upon landing.
Getting to Hong Kong is easy as it is an International Hub. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of the world’s busiest airport with direct flights from major cities around the world. Popular Airlines like Cathay Pacific, British Airways and Emirates offer frequent flight services making Hong Kong highly accessible to the people globally. Hong Kong is connected by sea to Mainland China and Macau. From Macau there are high-speed ferries that take about an hour, making it the fastest and most affordable option. Ferries to Hong Kong run from mainland Chinese cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. These routes are slightly longer but still preferred by many travelers.
You can travel from Hong Kong by Train to Mainland China by the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL). It is a high-speed rail service connecting Hong Kong’s West Kowloon station to Shenzhen and Guangzhou in mainland China. It takes approximately 14 minutes to reach Shenzhen and about 48 minutes to reach Guangzhou. The train also runs to cities like Beijing and Shanghai, thus making it convenient for travelers from Hong Kong to visit other parts of China.
How to Immigrate to Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers various types of Visas depending on the purpose of visit. The standard visas offered are:
- Visit Visa – Short stay tourist visa usually valid for 80 days depending on nationality.
- Transit Visa – For travelers passing through Hong Kong en-route to another country or destination. Required only if the traveler leaves the airport transit area.
- Employment Visa – There are three categories a) Skilled Worker Visa, b) Domestic Helper Visa and 3) Training Visa.
- Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa – For those who plan to establish or join a business which contribute to the economy in Hong Kong.
- Working Holiday Visa – issued to people from selected countries who work while on holiday in Hong Kong. This is a short–term visa and issued to people between 18-30 years of age.
- Student Visa – Issued to those who are studying in secondary school, universities or other recognized institutions in Hong Kong.
- Dependent Visa – For Children and Spouses of those who already hold visas such as employment or student’s visas. The Spouse or Children are dependents and must be sponsored by the Visa holder.
- Visa for Mainland Chinese Residents – Residents of mainland China who would like to visit Hong Kong for tourism, study or work are given special visas.
- Permanent Residence (Right of Abode) – Foreign nationals can apply for permanent residency after residing in Hong Kong for seven (7) consecutive years. This kind of visas allows the citizen to live and work in Hong Kong without a visa.
To get the detailed information on the visas and other immigration services, visit the Immigration Department – The Government of Hong Kong Website: immd.gov.hk
People
Hongkongers, as the people of Hong Kong are known, are characterized by their resilience, adaptability, and strong work ethic. They balance traditional Chinese values with a modern, cosmopolitan outlook, making them both pragmatic and industrious. Family ties are deeply valued, with a strong emphasis on respect for elders and maintaining harmony within the household. Education is highly prized, seen as a crucial pathway to success, and many families invest heavily in their children’s academic achievements. The dominant religions are Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, with Christianity also having a significant presence. Hongkongers are generally open and welcoming to immigrants and foreigners, reflecting the city’s history as an international hub, where diverse cultures are embraced and integrated.
Job offers in Hong Kong
There are ample of opportunities for international workers in Hong Kong. However, the job market is very competitive, therefore it requires strategic planning and a deep understanding of the local job market. The prominent industry is finance and banking, because Hong Kong is a global financial hub. Other thriving industries are:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Marketing and Advertising
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Legal Services
- Education
Some Jobs especially related to customer interaction requires that the Candidates must be fluent in English. Since Cantonese is the primary language of communication, proficiency in Cantonese is desired, which can be a significant advantage. In multinational companies based in Hong Kong English is the working language, but is beneficial to learn Cantonese to enhance your employability. The Hong Kong government’s Talent List program under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme offers a pathway for professionals in specific fields to move to Hong Kong without a job offer. The eligible professions include asset managers, actuaries, creative industry professionals, data scientists, cyber security specialists, lawyers, fintech experts, IT specialists, marine engineers, insurance professionals, naval architects, and waste treatment experts. Applicants must meet certain education and experience criteria. The scheme allows 1000 expats to enter Hong Kong annually. To get the detailed information of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, click: immd.gov.hk
Cost of Living in Hong Kong
In 2024, the cost of living in Hong Kong remains high, especially in areas like housing, healthcare, dinning out and international school fees. Transportation and some goods and services are comparatively costly. Therefore, for immigrants and expats, managing expenses can be challenging but achievable with strategic planning. To reduce costs, choose housing in less central neighborhoods, which offer more affordable housing options. Many immigrants settle in Hong Kong Island Towns or newer areas where rent is affordable. Some affordable popular areas for expats are:
- Lantau Island
- Yuen Long
- Tuen Mun
- North District
- Repulse Bay
- Central
- Tai Hang
- Midlevels East
- Sai Kung
- Shatin
- Tai Po
Cooking at home and exploring local market for groceries can significantly cut down on food expenses. The traditional markets in Hong Kong known as wet markets are cheaper & fresher than super market. Additionally, using public transportation instead of owing a car, and taking advantage of free or low-cost recreational activities, can help maintain a balanced budget while enjoying life in Hong Kong.
To find the latest cost of commodites and services in any Hong Kong city, visit: numbeo.com
Education
Hong Kong is known for high-quality schooling which is publicly funded. Kindergartens and pre-school start at age 3, however it is not mandatory. All kindergartens are private and the fees vary depending on the institution. The duration is either full day or half-day. The education from primary to senior secondary school (ages 6 through 18) is free in public schools. These public schools are run by government and usually taught in Chinese. There are public schools run by a charitable or a religious organization, which are also free. Apart from these there are private schools subsidized by the government are not free. There are private schools exclusively for Chinese students which are charged and students are admitted is based on their educational excellence. International schools are expensive and are run privately and usually teach in English. There are also private English schools which are partly subsidized by government meant for English-speaking students. Such school requires a fees.
Home Schooling is also legal in Hong Kong. Parents in Hong Kong can get support from an online school for courses, methods, programs etc. which will make Homeschooling easier. Visit the following blog to find out more about Homeschooling in Hong Kong: internationalschooling.org
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