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Living & Tax

A guide to the simple tax system for people coming to work and live in Hong Kong.

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Guide to hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong

Guide to hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

For many families settling in Hong Kong, hiring a domestic helper offers support in managing household chores, childcare, and elderly care. The city’s fast-paced and busy lifestyle makes a full-time domestic helper invaluable for alleviating day-to-day household responsibilities for families with working parents. This article walks you through the key steps and requirements of hiring a domestic helper to ensure smooth and respectful employment.

Pet adoption: Second chances and forever homes

Pet adoption: Second chances and forever homes

Living & Tax

Bringing a new pet into your home is more than just a lifestyle choice — it’s an act of compassion that transforms lives. Hong Kong is committed to finding loving new homes for stray animals, providing them with the opportunity for a new beginning. Alongside active promotion of adoption over purchasing pets, The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) also collaborates with Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) and various shelters and rescue organisations to assist you throughout the adap

Hong Kong: a family-friendly city

Hong Kong: a family-friendly city

Living & Tax

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.

Understanding Hong Kong's matrimonial process

Understanding Hong Kong's matrimonial process

Living & Tax

With high rankings in safety, education, and standard of living, Hong Kong provides an ideal environment not only for professional growth but also for starting a family. Each year, over 40,000 couples in the city take the significant step of entering marriage, reflecting an enduring culture of commitment, growth, and partnership. From registration to ceremony, Hong Kong is home to a seamless matrimonial process. By understanding essential steps and expenses as an engaged couple, you and your partner can

Go green: Embracing eco-friendly lifestyles in Hong Kong

Go green: Embracing eco-friendly lifestyles in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Balancing environmental considerations with economic and social growth, Hong Kong is dedicated to building a greener, waste-conscious city. As a crucial step towards sustainability, Hong Kong outlines strategies and measures for enhanced waste management, continuing to guide major environmental initiatives and legislation.

Step into wellness: Hong Kong’s sports facilities and activities

Step into wellness: Hong Kong’s sports facilities and activities

Living & Tax

As a city that prioritises health and well-being, Hong Kong is dedicated to promoting holistic lifestyles for all citizens. Available across most districts and neighbourhoods, local sports infrastructure is comprehensive, convenient, and highly affordable to encourage regular exercise. From working out in neighbourhood parks to traversing the great outdoors, here are a range of options to help you stay fit and active in the city.

Practical travelling: Owning a car in Hong Kong

Practical travelling: Owning a car in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Characterised by exceptional connectivity and efficiency, Hong Kong’s urban mobility ranks amongst the world’s best. While residents enjoy access to a diverse public transport system, private cars also provide flexibility and convenience for daily navigation. By taking note of the following prerequisites, procedures, and precautions for car ownership, you can enjoy safe and seamless travelling in the city at all times:

Navigating common fees as a vehicle owner in Hong Kong

Navigating common fees as a vehicle owner in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Hong Kong is home to a well-connected and efficient transportation network, where vehicles provide seamless commute under the “left-hand traffic” rule. Apart from registration and maintenance, private vehicle owners should also prepare for common expenditures that they may encounter on the road, including fees related to license renewal, toll, parking, and fuel or charging.

Hong Kong holiday planning: From essential services to festive celebrations

Hong Kong holiday planning: From essential services to festive celebrations

Living & Tax

As a cosmopolitan hub that embraces diversity, Hong Kong’s multicultural community encompasses both Chinese and Western celebrations. Apart from annual leave, employees enjoy 17 public holidays each year. This article will provide key information about special service arrangements, transportation options, and festive events to help you navigate the city with ease on days off.

Relocating your pet to Hong Kong: Essential requirements and tips

Relocating your pet to Hong Kong: Essential requirements and tips

Living & Tax

Supported by pet-friendly facilities and services, Hong Kong’s developed and versatile pet scene enables both pets and their owners to thrive in the city. For talent planning to move to Hong Kong, having pets as companions can offer stability, support, and opportunities for socialisation as you adjust to local life. This guide covers essential pet relocation tips and information, including importation application procedures, healthcare, and leisure facilities.

Essential pension guide for working in Hong Kong

Essential pension guide for working in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Overseas talent entering Hong Kong for employment should pay attention not only to their work benefits but also to their retirement benefits. The Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Schemes and Occupational Retirement Schemes (ORSO schemes) are both retirement protection schemes set up for employees in Hong Kong. The MPF system is an employment-based retirement protection system designed to provide basic retirement protection for the working population of Hong Kong with a wide coverage.

Safeguarding Against Scams and Fraud

Safeguarding Against Scams and Fraud

Living & Tax

As Hong Kong’s digital ecosystem continues to evolve, residents should take note of possible risks and dangers that arise in the cyberworld. While the government has taken significant measures to protect the public from deception, understanding ways to safeguard oneself against fraudulent activity can also ensure a smoother experience online. This article will cover existing cybersecurity initiatives and essential tips to help you navigate Hong Kong’s digital landscape safely.

Understanding employees’ rights and benefits

Understanding employees’ rights and benefits

Living & Tax

As a global talent hub, Hong Kong is committed to helping individuals of all nationalities, sexes, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds thrive professionally. Within the city’s multicultural and inclusive social environment, all talent are protected by local labour legislation and retirement schemes. The following article will help you further understand the legal protections enjoyed by talent in Hong Kong, including employees’ equal opportunities, basic rights and benefits, along with retirement p

A guide for taxpayers in Hong Kong

A guide for taxpayers in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Hong Kong, known for its low tax rates and straightforward tax system, offers a simple and streamlined tax process for taxpayers. In Hong Kong, taxes are charged based on a year of assessment — a 12-month period running from 1 April to 31 March of the following year. Whether you are a first-time filer or need a quick refresher, this guide will walk you through Hong Kong’s general tax information, including taxpayer types, filing methods, and payment options.

A beginner’s guide to driving in Hong Kong

A beginner’s guide to driving in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

A key adjustment for global talent moving to Hong Kong is adapting to the local driving system. Hong Kong adopts the ‘left-hand traffic’ rule for road design, in which traffic keeps on the left-hand side of the roads and steering wheels are set on the right-hand sides of vehicles. If, you're accustomed to driving on roads designed based on ‘right-hand traffic’ rule , don’t worry — by familiarising yourself with essential traffic considerations, you can safely navigate Hong Kong's dynamic urban landscape.

Move to Hong Kong: Enjoy all-inclusive living amenities with family

Move to Hong Kong: Enjoy all-inclusive living amenities with family

Living & Tax

Known for its dynamic economy and multiculturalism, Hong Kong stands out as one of the world’s top destinations for global talent to live abroad. From educational to healthcare and professional to leisure services, Hong Kong’s comprehensive infrastructure and rich natural resources are well-equipped to help families thrive:

Guide for non-local graduates seeking employment in Hong Kong

Guide for non-local graduates seeking employment in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Hong Kong has emerged as a favoured destination for higher education among both Mainland Chinese and international students. Enrolment in UGC-funded programmes for non-local students has risen significantly, from 16,469 in the 2016/17 academic year to 21,709 in the 2022/23 academic year. As of November 2023, 24,654 non-local graduates, accounting for 95.59% of all applicants, have received approval to stay or return to Hong Kong for employment.

Tips for a stress-free relocation to Hong Kong

Tips for a stress-free relocation to Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Moving to a new city, especially a fast-paced and dynamic one like Hong Kong, can be exciting. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or personal development, thorough planning is crucial for a smooth transition. To assist you in navigating this journey, here are some practical tips to ensure a stress-free relocation.

Cost of Living in Hong Kong: accommodation, food, and transportation

Cost of Living in Hong Kong: accommodation, food, and transportation

Living & Tax

For professionals planning careers in Hong Kong, understanding the real-life experience of settling in the city is crucial. Spend a few days visiting Hong Kong to gain a comprehensive understanding of its daily atmosphere and important factors such as workplace surroundings, accommodation options, transportation networks, and dietary habits. Visiting local markets and food centres can provide a direct experience of Hong Kong's lifestyle and culinary culture, helping you prepare thoroughly for your future

Thrive in Hong Kong: A promise of a clean and fair society for global talent

Thrive in Hong Kong: A promise of a clean and fair society for global talent

Living & Tax

Long recognised as a global hub for finance, trade, and innovation, Hong Kong’s dynamic business environment constantly attracts international talent to seek advancement in their career and build fulfilling lives. And yet, beyond the city’s economic prowess and cosmopolitan allure, what truly sets Hong Kong apart is its enduring commitment to the rule of law, fairness and transparency.

Embracing the New Way of Life in Hong Kong

Embracing the New Way of Life in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Moving to Hong Kong can be an incredibly exciting chapter in your life. While filled with boundless career and personal prospects for you to explore and achieve, this journey, like many others, has its challenges. Newcomers will likely find several common topics they need to address, such as learning a language, adapting to the local working culture, or building new relationships.

Housing 101: A Quick Guide for Novice Hongkongers

Housing 101: A Quick Guide for Novice Hongkongers

Living & Tax

For individuals moving to a new city, identifying suitable accommodation is a key consideration. Where urbanity and nature coexist harmoniously, Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan metropolis that embraces unique ways of life, attracting global talent to make it their home.

Taxation in Hong Kong and Your Home Place

Taxation in Hong Kong and Your Home Place

Living & Tax

Hong Kong's low tax regime has made the city an attractive destination for non-local talent. Due to its laws limiting taxation on outside residents and corporations, Hong Kong is often considered a tax haven. In fact, in 2020, accounting firm PwC ranked Hong Kong second only to Bahrain in terms of having the most tax-friendly tax system. Without taxing capital gains, interest, dividends, or sales tax, Hong Kong benefits investors and shoppers.

The Essentials for a Smooth Move to Hong Kong

The Essentials for a Smooth Move to Hong Kong

Living & Tax

So you've got your boxes all packed up, set a moving date and you're ready to start a new chapter in Hong Kong. Before you take off, it's best to get your ducks in a row and take care of everything you can while you're still in your current location. This way, your transition into your new life in Hong Kong will be a breeze. We've put together a list of things to help you out along the way.

Steps to Find Suitable Housing

Steps to Find Suitable Housing

Living & Tax

Ready to make the move to Hong Kong? There are several factors to consider when seeking accommodation in the city – but first and foremost, you may want a neighbourhood close to work and; or if you’re moving with kids, nearby your favourite schools.

Securing employment opportunities in Hong Kong

Securing employment opportunities in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

Known for its straightforward and simple income tax system, culturally diverse lifestyle, world-class education, transport infrastructure, healthcare, and more, Hong Kong’s bright lights have long attracted talent. What’s more attractive? Your effort will pay off. Hong Kong has one of the highest-paid job markets in the world, with an annual salary of around HK$780,000 (US$99,450) for managerial roles in Accounting & Finance, and HK$840,000 (US$107,100) for IT Project Managers in Innovation and Technology

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Living & Tax

It makes sense to find a career that will help you thrive in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Fortunately, Hong Kong companies are likely to pay top dollar for great talent, be they local or foreign.

Amenities & Cost of Living

Amenities & Cost of Living

Living & Tax

It takes a lot to move abroad, but it costs considerably less to live in Hong Kong if you are prepared. The elephant in the room is that housing will probably take a big bite out of your pie, but it’s not as bad as you might think. The cost of living here, with all things considered, is very affordable, considering it’s a global financial centre.

Nightlife in Hong Kong

Nightlife in Hong Kong

Living & Tax

To fully experience Hong Kong, embrace the spirit of Hongkongers: work hard and play harder. Many locals work late and love to drink until even later. Several districts are worth checking out for beers, cocktails, and good times.

A Straightforward Tax System

A Straightforward Tax System

Living & Tax

Another compelling reason to move to Hong Kong is that it’s home to one of the lowest tax rates in the world. The territory’s tax structure is straightforward and uncomplicated, with a progressive rate starting at 2% and capping at 17% on net income after deducting the basic allowance of HK$132,000, or at a standard rate of 15% on net income, whichever is lower. You’ll also receive additional tax allowances if you’re married, have children, or are single parents.

Hong Kong Housing

Hong Kong Housing

Living & Tax

Whether you want to live in a penthouse with commanding views over Victoria Harbour or prefer the peace of an outlying island like Discovery Bay or Lamma, there are plenty of options for talent moving to Hong Kong. Those moving on their own may enjoy the livelier neighbourhoods like Mid-Levels and Wan Chai, while families may prefer the quieter communities like Sai Kung or Lantau Island.

Income Levels

Income Levels

Living & Tax

If you’re looking for a place where you and your family can experience a good lifestyle and enjoy a high disposable income under low tax rates, Hong Kong certainly delivers. The city has some of the highest-paid executives in Asia. According to US data company PayScale, finance managers can expect an annual salary of HK$552,945 (US$71,132), project managers are paid around HK$534,444 (US$68,752), and software engineers receive approximately HK$322,486 (US$41,485).

House Hunting

House Hunting

Living & Tax

Housing often causes the biggest headache during your move. To ease your pain, we've compiled some helpful house-hunting tips.

Take on Your New Chapter

Find Your Suitable Visa Scheme

Do you want to work, study, or live permanently in Hong Kong? Check the eligibility requirements of different visa schemes.

Visa Applications Immigration Information