Hong Kong Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Hong Kong

Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). A major global financial centre and logistics hub, Hong Kong is known for its dense skyline, efficient public transport, low crime rates and dynamic business environment. Visa rules, work permits and residency requirements may change, so always verify details with official Hong Kong government sources before relocating.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Hong Kong, offering professional export packing, air & sea freight, customs coordination and door-to-door delivery to key areas such as Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, Tung Chung and Discovery Bay.

1. Before You Move to Hong Kong

1.1 Visa Types & Entry Requirements

Unless you have the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong, you generally need a visa or entry permit to work, study or reside in the HKSAR beyond any visa-free period.

Key visa/entry permit categories include:

General Employment Policy (GEP) – for professionals with a job offer from a Hong Kong employer
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) – points-based, quota-limited scheme
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) – for high-income or high-achieving talent
Investment & Entrepreneur Visas – for starting or joining a business in Hong Kong
Student Visas – for full-time studies at recognised institutions
Dependant Visas – for eligible family members of residents

Tip: For most employment and investment visas, the local employer or sponsor submits the application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department on your behalf.

1.2 Working in Hong Kong

Key sectors employing expatriates include:

Banking, wealth management & insurance
Logistics, shipping & aviation
Legal, consulting & professional services
Technology, fintech & data services
Retail, trading & sourcing
Education & international schools
Hospitality, events & tourism

1.3 Housing & Accommodation

Hong Kong has a dense housing market with compact apartments and high-rise living. Popular expatriate areas include:

Mid-Levels & The Peak: premium residential areas on Hong Kong Island
Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun: central, urban districts
Repulse Bay, Stanley: coastal, family-friendly areas
Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tong, Hung Hom): convenient for commuting
New Territories (Sha Tin, Tai Po, Sai Kung): more space and greenery
Lantau Island (Tung Chung, Discovery Bay): community-style living near the airport

Typical rental requirements:

Security deposit (usually 2 months)
Advance rent (1 month)
Signed tenancy agreement and stamp duty
Proof of income or employment

1.4 Banking & Finances

The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). To open a bank account, you may need:

Passport
Hong Kong ID or valid visa
Residential address proof
Employment contract or employer reference

1.5 Healthcare & Medical Coverage

Hong Kong has a mixed public–private healthcare system. Public hospitals and clinics are managed by the Hospital Authority and offer heavily subsidised services, while private hospitals provide shorter waiting times and additional comfort.

Important: Many expatriates use private medical insurance or employer-sponsored plans to access private hospitals and clinics, especially for non-emergency care.

1.6 Key Documents to Prepare Before Moving

Passport (valid beyond intended stay)
Visa/entry permit approval letters
Employment contract and job offer letter
Degree and professional certificates
Marriage and birth certificates for dependants
Recent passport photos

2. Your First Weeks in Hong Kong

2.1 Arrival & Immigration

Upon arrival, immigration officers will verify your passport, visa/entry permit and supporting documents. Keep printed and digital copies accessible throughout your journey.

2.2 Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)

Most residents staying longer than 180 days must apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card at the Registration of Persons Office. Your HKID is essential for banking, healthcare, employment and many daily services.

2.3 Setting Up Essentials

Mobile phone plan and local SIM
Octopus card for public transport and small payments
Bank account activation
Utilities (electricity, gas, water) if not included in rent
Broadband internet at home

3. Hong Kong at a Glance

3.1 Geography & Districts

Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and outlying islands. The urban core is built around Victoria Harbour, with hilly green country parks surrounding dense commercial and residential areas.

3.2 Politics & Economy

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China operating under the principle of “one country, two systems”. It is a major centre for finance, trade, logistics, professional services, aviation and tourism.

3.3 Climate & Weather

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Typhoons can occur between May and November, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

4. Why Many Canadians Choose Hong Kong

Gateway to Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markets
Highly developed financial and professional services sector
Efficient, reliable and affordable public transportation
Extensive international school options and English-medium education
Energetic urban lifestyle combined with easy access to hiking and beaches
Low personal tax regime compared to many global cities

5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life

Hong Kong is one of the world’s more expensive cities, particularly for housing. However, public transport and some local food options are relatively affordable.

Rent: significant portion of monthly expenses, especially on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Utilities: electricity, water, gas and management fees
Transport: MTR, buses, trams and ferries are efficient and reasonably priced
Groceries & Dining: local markets and cha chaan teng cafés can be very good value; international dining is more expensive
School Fees: international schools can be costly and waiting lists may apply

Tip: Ask your employer whether they provide a housing allowance, medical insurance and education support for dependants as part of your relocation package.

6. Transportation & Getting Around

6.1 Public Transport

Hong Kong’s public transport system is one of the most efficient in the world:

MTR (Mass Transit Railway): rapid transit covering most urban areas
Buses & Minibuses: extensive network serving all districts
Trams: historic double-decker trams on Hong Kong Island
Ferries: Star Ferry and other services connecting islands and districts
Octopus Card: rechargeable contactless smart card used for most public transport and many shops

6.2 Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Taxis are widely available and colour-coded by zone (red for urban, green for New Territories, blue for Lantau). Ride-hailing apps are also used for private car services.

6.3 Air Travel

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a major global hub with the Airport Express train providing fast access to the city. Many residents use Hong Kong as a base for regional travel throughout Asia-Pacific.

7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit

7.1 Everyday Culture

Cantonese is widely spoken; English is also an official language and used in business
Fast-paced work culture, especially in finance and professional services
Strong food culture with everything from local dai pai dong stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants
Weekends often blend city life with hikes, beaches or nearby islands

7.2 Popular Areas & Attractions

Central & Soho: business district, dining, nightlife
Victoria Peak: iconic views over the harbour
Tsim Sha Tsui: harbourfront, museums and shopping
Mong Kok: street markets and local neighbourhoods
Lantau Island: Big Buddha, Ngong Ping 360, hiking
Outlying Islands: Lamma, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau for relaxed day trips

Hong Kong Country GuideYour Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Hong Kong