Hong Kong: a family-friendly city

Hong Kong is a city that celebrates family life, with a wide range of services, support programmes, activities and communities for new parents. From exceptional healthcare and early education options to cultural diversity and green spaces, Hong Kong is a place where families can live happily.

Whether you're expecting your first child, growing your family, or just planning ahead, this guide offers a helpful starting point.

Planning for parenthood

Before heading to the delivery room, getting your home and routines ready can make a world of difference, and you’ll find this preparation checklist for your newborn, a great place to start. The Department of Health’s Family Health Service also offers resources and advice around family planning, feeding and bathing equipment, safe sleep, home safety, and other baby essentials to forge a childrearing-friendly environment at home.

Navigating childbirth

In Hong Kong, you can plan for your child’s start by choosing either public or private healthcare to suit your needs and budget. Both routes offer professional and reliable maternity care.

• Public hospitals 
  Expecting parents should register their pregnancy early with a Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC) or directly with a public hospital. Demand can be high for affordable public maternity services, so early registration is key. You’ll also want to acquaint yourself with public hospital and clinic policies around visiting hours, ward arrangements, and birth plans, as these can differ from private hospitals.
• Private hospitals
  Private hospitals in Hong Kong offer various maternity packages with greater personalisation, flexibility and additional services. These typically include more flexible models of prenatal consultations, delivery services, and postpartum care. Packages can vary widely in cost, so it’s a good idea to compare services and understand any additional charges or admission procedures.

For helpful information and tools during your pregnancy journey, download the Hospital Authority’s free “My Pregnancy” app for reliable advice, hospital information, and useful resources.

Registering your baby’s birth

Within 42 days of your baby's arrival, you’ll need to register the birth at either the Births Registry in your district or the Tseung Kwan O Births Registry.

Book your appointment and prepare your documents in advance — you'll need identification for both parents and the hospital's birth certificate. The birth certificate you receive is an important document for future arrangements, such as applying for a passport, enrolling in school, and accessing healthcare. Please ensure the birth certificate is kept safe.

Childcare

As working parents, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right childcare arrangement for your family. Fortunately, Hong Kong offers several flexible options:

• Hiring a domestic helper
  Many families opt to hire a full-time helper, providing one-on-one care and flexibility. Helpers often assist with both childcare and household tasks, offering peace of mind for busy parents. For further guidance on hiring helpers, check out our Guide to hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong.
• Child care centres
  For more structured care for children under 3, Hong Kong offers subsidised Child Care Centres through the Social Welfare Department. These centres provide full-day and half-day programmes that promote social, emotional, and intellectual development in safe, nurturing environments.

A city that supports your new family

Starting your parenting journey in Hong Kong can feel exciting, and you’ll find plenty of support to guide you along the way. This is a place where family is cherished and communities rally to support one another and promote family well-being. From healthcare support to networks and modern facilities, Hong Kong is equipped to help new families experience a happy and healthy start.

With some thoughtful planning, open communication, and access to the right resources, you can embrace this new chapter with confidence — parenthood and enjoy every moment of the journey.

The information provided is for reference only and is subject to periodic updates. For the latest information, please visit the relevant website.