Living in Hong Kong: the ultimate expat guide

Your choice of residence will largely depend on your priorities, your budget, and your lifestyle. Hong Kong offers very diverse environments, ranging from the ultra-modern business district to quieter island villages.

1. Hong Kong Island: the economic and political heart, with neighborhoods like Central and Wan Chai that are popular among professionals and expats working in finance. Rents here are the highest, but the proximity to offices, shops, and restaurants is appealing to young professionals.
2. Kowloon: a lively urban peninsula, it primarily attracts families and young couples looking for a dynamic environment with slightly more affordable rents than on Hong Kong Island.
3. New Territories: quieter and greener residential areas with more spacious housing. Highly sought after by families with children, they offer a more serene living environment while still being well-connected to the city center thanks to the transport network.
4. Outlying Islands (Lantau, Lamma, Cheung Chau): ideal for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle close to the sea and nature. Lantau is home to many expats working at the airport or Disneyland, while Lamma attracts creative individuals and those who appreciate a community-oriented environment.

Before settling down, it's advisable to visit several neighborhoods, assess the available services, and consider the commute time to your workplace.

To settle in Hong Kong, certain procedures are mandatory, regardless of your country of origin. The requirements vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay.

Citizens from France and other European countries do not require a visa for visits of fewer than 90 days. However, if you plan to establish permanent residency, a work, study, or residence visa is necessary. You can apply for this at the Immigration Department.

Anyone residing for more than 180 days must also obtain a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID). This official document is essential for daily life, as it is required to rent accommodation, open a bank account, and access the healthcare system.

Hong Kong is a major financial center, boasting a highly competitive job market. The sectors with the highest demand for talent are finance, logistics, information technology, international trade, and business services. English is widely used in the workplace, making it easier for expatriates to integrate.

Starting a company here is straightforward and efficient. The processes are digitalized, the tax environment is appealing (corporate tax capped at 16.5%, no VAT), and the legal framework is recognized for its stability.

Housing is one of the biggest challenges for expats in Hong Kong. Rent here is among the highest in the world, especially on the island itself, and finding an apartment often requires flexibility and quick decision-making. Rental options are typically preferred at the outset, with leases usually set for two years and a deposit equivalent to two months of rent. Buying property is an option for foreigners, but the prices and associated costs (stamp duties, taxes) make this a pricey and complex endeavor.

Hong Kong is among the most expensive cities in the world, especially due to the high rental costs. However, depending on your lifestyle, expenses can vary significantly, ranging from approximately HKD 25,000 to 40,000 per month (around €2,940 to €4,700) for a single person, and from HKD 70,000 to 120,000 per month (about €8,200 to €14,100) for a family of four.

Here are some estimated monthly benchmarks to give you a clearer picture of the cost of living in Hong Kong:

The healthcare system in Hong Kong is of very high quality and offers two main options for residents:

1. Public sector: accessible to residents holding a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID), with very low fees (about 170 HKD, or approximately 20 € for a consultation in a public hospital). However, waiting times to see a specialist or access non-urgent surgery can be very long (up to 2 years in some cases). Some services, such as dental care, are not included in the public offer.
2. Private sector: modern, efficient, and no waiting, but the costs are high. Prices range from 240 HKD to 570 HKD (approximately 28 to 67 €) for a medical consultation, and sometimes exceed 850 HKD (about 100 €). The cost of childbirth is also quite high: ranging from 100,000 HKD (around 11,700 €) for an uncomplicated delivery to 250,000 HKD (approximately 29,300 €) for an emergency delivery (including cesarean sections). A private health insurance is essential to cover these costs, and it is often included in expatriate packages. On average, insurance costs between 3,000 and 6,000 HKD per month (around 350 to 700 €).

There is no social security in the European sense. Therefore, foreigners should arrange private health coverage, either through their employer or via international insurance.

Effectively managing your budget is crucial for a successful relocation. Hong Kong ranks among the most expensive cities in the world, especially when it comes to housing, but its tax system remains advantageous and relatively straightforward.

Hong Kong is not your typical retirement destination. Most foreign retirees are former expatriates who have lived and worked here, rather than individuals relocating directly from overseas. However, retiring in Hong Kong can be an appealing option if you have substantial income, as the tax environment is favorable and the quality of services is high.

3 major advantages

1. Favorable Taxation: There is no local tax on foreign pensions.
2. Access to a high-quality healthcare system, with renowned public and private hospitals. However, obtaining private health insurance is highly recommended to cover any uncovered expenses, which can impact your budget.
3. International Urban Environment, secure, with a rich cultural scene.

💡 Important points to note

1. There is no specific legal retirement age in Hong Kong. However, most residents stop working at 65 years old, the age at which you can withdraw funds from the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF - local retirement system).
2. Without a permanent resident card (which can be obtained after 7 years of residency), there is no specific visa for retirees: you need to have another status (for example, through a working spouse or a residence permit).
3. The cost of living in Hong Kong is high. Expect to pay an average of HKD 20,000 to 25,000 (approximately €2,350 to €2,950) for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. For a comfortable lifestyle, which allows for leisure and travel, a net monthly income of around HKD 34,000 to 45,000 (about €4,000 to €5,000) is strongly recommended.

Hong Kong attracts a large number of international students due to its universities' global reputation and cosmopolitan environment. The territory is home to 8 public universities and several private institutions, including The University of Hong Kong (HKU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and HKUST, all ranked among the top universities in Asia.

Why study in Hong Kong?

The universities here are world-renowned, offering many programs in English, particularly in finance, sciences, engineering, and management. The city provides a unique student experience, combining modernity, multiculturalism, and proximity to mainland China. However, the cost of studies is high: expect to pay between 9,000 and 15,000 USD (approximately 8,300 to 13,800 €) per year at public institutions, and even more at private ones.

💡 Our tips

1. Start your applications early, as admission is competitive.
2. Confirm the equivalence of your diplomas through the HKCAAVQ.
3. Budget for accommodation: university housing is limited, so many students choose to share apartments.

The education system in Hong Kong is known to be demanding and competitive. School is mandatory from ages 6 to 15, with teaching primarily conducted in Cantonese or English, depending on the institution. The Education Bureau provides extensive information on the education system and includes a search engine to help you find the school that best meets your criteria.

An international move to Hong Kong requires planning and organization. Whether it’s about the transport of your belongings or adjusting to the cultural environment, several elements need to be prepared in advance:

1. Compare prices and services from various moving companies (quotes + insurance).
2. Be aware of the customs procedures for importing your personal belongings. Certain items may incur duties (such as alcohol and tobacco), while others may be prohibited (including some medications, plants, and animals).
3. Gather your official documents (driver's license, diplomas, marriage certificate, medical certificates, birth certificate, visa, etc.). Some documents (such as diplomas and criminal records) may need to be in English, so you may need to have them translated by a sworn translator.
4. Check the compatibility of your electronic devices: Hong Kong operates on 220 V / 50 Hz, similar to France, but the plugs are of Type G (British). A simple adapter will suffice.
5. If you plan to travel with a pet, specific regulations apply that require advance organization: a special permit is mandatory, vaccinations must be up to date, and depending on the country of origin, there may be a quarantine period of up to 120 days.

Living in Hong Kong means embracing an urban lifestyle that is vibrant, safe, and cosmopolitan. Expats appreciate the safety, efficiency of services, and the balance between professional hustle and leisure time.

Hong Kong offers a vibrant urban lifestyle alongside direct access to nature. There’s a wide array of leisure activities that are easily accessible, including sports, dining experiences, cinema, nightlife, hiking, water sports (diving, sailing, water skiing...), golf, martial arts (MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai...), festivals, concerts, shopping, museums, and more... You’ll never get bored!

Anticipate your administrative tasks: apply for your appropriate visa, register for the Hong Kong Identity Card, and consider securing private health insurance.

Take the time to read our articles, especially those on employment, housing, and healthcare in Hong Kong.

Don’t hesitate to ask your questions on the Hong Kong forum, where the expat community shares valuable advice and experiences!

To help you settle in, be curious, open to local customs, and enjoy the lifestyle of Hong Kong, which is urban, safe, and close to nature.

Relocating to Hong Kong means choosing a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that is marked by a unique cultural blend. To ensure your project succeeds, good preparation is essential. We hope this Expat.com guide has provided you with the necessary keys to organize your move and fully enjoy your new life in Hong Kong.