Hong Kong
Hong Kong SAR, China · Capital: Hong Kong
A global financial centre and gateway to China with a simple territorial tax system (salaries tax capped at 15%), no capital-gains or sales tax, and fast talent-admission schemes.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Hong Kong.
Policy overview
4 visa routes into Hong Kong
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
HK-GEP
Employer-sponsored visa for professionals with skills not readily available locally.
Eligibility
- Job offer
- Degree/specialist skills
- Market salary
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Background
HK-TTPS
Open work visa for high earners and graduates of top global universities.
Eligibility
- Income ≥ HK$2.5m, or
- Degree from a top-100 university
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
HK-QMAS
Points-based entry for skilled migrants without a prior job offer.
Eligibility
- Points on age/education/experience
- Self-support
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
HK-CIES
Opened 1 March 2024. Residence for investors placing at least HK$30 million in Hong Kong assets, with permanent residence possible after 7 years.
Eligibility
- Net assets of HK$30 million held for the 6 months before applying
- HK$27 million in permitted financial assets or non-residential property, plus HK$3 million in the CIES Investment Portfolio
- Keep the investment for the whole stay
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Hong Kong, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Hong Kong needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Banking & finance
Asia's premier capital market drives relentless demand for finance talent.
Fintech & tech
A fast-growing fintech and Web3 sector competes for engineers.
Professional services
Legal, accounting and consulting firms serve the regional-HQ economy.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Hong Kong Island (Central)
Finance coreThe financial heart, where banks, law firms and regional headquarters cluster.
- Cost index
- 108
- 1-bed rent
- $2,600
- Quality
- 80
Kowloon
Dense & connectedA dense, vibrant district offering more space for the money and superb transport.
- Cost index
- 96
- 1-bed rent
- $2,000
- Quality
- 78
New Territories
Greener & affordableMore affordable, greener areas popular with families and commuters.
- Cost index
- 82
- 1-bed rent
- $1,500
- Quality
- 80
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendActively recruiting global talent to rebuild its workforce; mainland-China integration is the political backdrop.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
One of the safest major cities in the world.
Higher = safer (crime index 24/100).
Where to live
Which Hong Kong city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Hong Kong Island (Central)
Vertical city
The financial heart, where banks, law firms and regional headquarters cluster.
New Territories
Suburban & hills
More affordable, greener areas popular with families and commuters.
Kowloon
Buzzing urban
A dense, vibrant district offering more space for the money and superb transport.
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Immigration solicitors for Hong Kong
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