Moving to Hong Kong – Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan metropolis where old tradition blends perfectly with Western culture and post-modern trends. Ethnic Chinese make up the bulk of its population, but there is also a lot people with different ethnicity. As a shopping and food paradise, most shops and restaurants in Hong Kong open until 10pm or 11pm. There are also many entertainment and night life going on here, making Hong Kong such a dynamic city!
Apart from the high living standard, Hong Kong is a great place for your career development. The Hong Kong Government has highlighted a skilled employee shortfall of 14,000. Therefore, Hong Kong has committed itself to increasing incentives for foreign skilled workers to move to and work in Hong Kong. You cannot be more confident on the future opportunities for expats in this international city.
Working in Hong Kong
Working environment
Moving to Hong Kong – Hong Kong is always regarded as the gateway into the China market. You can expect to have regular business trips to mainland China. Also, Hong Kong has the advantage of transparency in law and businesses. That’s why you can see lots of head offices of multinational companies in this city.
Local workers generally regarded professional foreign workers have some special attributes, such as a particular business skill and knowledge of a specialist commercial area. Your employer is going to expect to get a good return from your talent. You will find the working week is longer in Hong Kong. The average of working hour in Hong Kong is 50 hours per week.
Finding a Job
Moving to Hong Kong – If you can prove that the job you’re doing can’t be done by a local and that only you can fill the position, you are very likely to find your dream job in Hong Kong. Finance, law, teaching, media and hospitality are popular sectors for expats.
Applying for visa
Moving to Hong Kong – All non-Hong Kong residents wanting to work in Hong Kong will require a Work Permit. The Immigration Department will usually examine several key areas:
1. Your education background: a graduate degree and above is preferable.
2. Your relevant experience, in particular those which are in short supply in Hong Kong.
3. Reasonable salary level (US$40000 or above)
4. How beneficial you are to Hong Kong’s economy.
5. Whether a local worker can fill your potential positions.
6. How you can benefit the locals (e.g. training, impartation of knowledge).
If you have already have a job offer in Hong Kong before you move in, you can apply your professional working visa through Hong Kong Immigration Department. Your employer and you are required to fill in the application forms. Then both parties need to send the forms and relevant documents to the Immigration Department for the application process, which can take up to eight weeks.
(For UK:)
If you have not found a job prior your move to Hong Kong, you can come to Hong Kong to look for employment opportunities during your visa free period(180 days), but you are not allowed to start your work until you obtain the working visa.Your employer and you are required to fill in the application forms. Then both parties need to send the forms and relevant documents to the Immigration Department for the application process, which can take up to eight weeks.
(For USA, Australia and Singapore:)
If you have not found a job prior your move to Hong Kong, you can come to Hong Kong to look for employment opportunities during your visa free period(90 days), but you are not allowed to start your work until you obtain the working visa.Your employer and you are required to fill in the application forms. Then both parties need to send the forms and relevant documents to the Immigration Department for the application process, which can take up to eight weeks.
Taxation
Moving to Hong Kong – Hong Kong has one of the most favorable tax systems in the world. The maximum individual income tax rate is very low.(15-17%)
More on your daily life in Hong Kong.
Do I need to take a lot of luggage or necessities for relocation?
There is nothing you can’t get in Hong Kong that you would have back home. Most of the top international brands are here, ranging from clothing, food and other products. For western grocery shopping, check out where your closest ParknShop or Wellcome is. Moreover, from IKEA to Marks & Spencer to Zara, all the top-end designers are here.
Housing
Moving to Hong Kong – When you are living in Hong Kong, the most densely populated city in the world, housing is certainly the most expensive aspect of living. You can expect a high percentage of your salary to be spent on your living space alone. Leases for a rental property are usually valid for 24 months and require a month’s rent as deposit, but some landlords ask for up to three month’s rent as a deposit, which depends on the district of the property.
Transportation
The most popular mode of transit in Hong Kong is the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), which is Hong Kong’s subway or underground. It spans the entire city. It is cheap, efficient, fast and clean in comparison to most of the rail networks around the world. Mobile phone reception is also available whilst travelling on the MTR.
If you have any driving license which is valid or has not expired for more than 3 years, you are eligible for a driving license in Hong Kong. However, a parking slot is generally expensive, which can cost more than HK$100000(GBP 8600).
Climate and Weather
The weather in Hong Kong varies substantially and is considered a sub-tropical climate. Winters are very cold, Summers are very hot and humid, whilst a rainy season prevails through Spring and the beginning of Summer. Typhoons normally happen during the Summer time. If there is Typhoon 8 or Black Rainstorm signal from the Observatory, people do not need to go back to their workplaces.
Life as an Expat
Although the majority of populations are Hong Kong Chinese, you will never be alone as an expat. There are lots of expats around in the urban areas. During daytime they work hard in the offices. Then they enjoy their nightlife in the vibrant Hong Kong, in which Lan Kwai Fong is their particular favouite place for having drinks with friends. There are also more than 60 international schools in Hong Kong. Your children is guaranteed to receive quality education with schoolmates from different countries.
Before your move to Hong Kong, you can also check out InterNations. It is the most popular website to let expat in Hong Kong knowing each other. It contains a lot more tips and guides for expats living in Hong Kong. More importantly, you will find that friends are everywhere