Moving to Hong Kong: Expat Living Guide 2026

Hong Kong remains one of Asia's most dynamic cities and a major international financial centre, despite the significant political changes since 2019–2020. As of 2026, it continues to attract international professionals in finance, law, technology, and trading, drawn by low flat-rate taxes, world-class connectivity, excellent infrastructure, and a concentration of global business. The British expatriate community remains substantial — an estimated 35,000–40,000 UK nationals as of 2026.

This guide provides an honest assessment of Hong Kong in 2026 — what has changed, what the city still offers, and the practical steps to a successful relocation.

Hong Kong in 2026 — An Honest Overview

The 2019–2020 protests, the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020, and the subsequent emigration of a significant portion of Hong Kong's middle class have materially changed the city's character. A substantial number of British Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders and their families have relocated to the UK under the BN(O) Visa route.

That said, Hong Kong remains:

• A leading global financial centre — the third-largest equities market in Asia, a major hub for IPOs and private equity.
• One of the lowest-tax jurisdictions for working individuals in the world.
• Exceptionally well-connected to Mainland China and the rest of Asia.
• Modern, safe, efficient, and well-run in terms of infrastructure.

The city's population has declined somewhat from its peak, which has moderated rents in some areas. The social atmosphere is different from a decade ago — more subdued and less politically vibrant. For those relocating purely for professional and financial reasons, Hong Kong continues to function effectively and attractively.

Visas

Hong Kong has a separate immigration system from Mainland China.

Employment Visa. The most common route for expatriates. Your employer sponsors you and applies on your behalf. The application is straightforward if you have a confirmed job offer, relevant qualifications, and the position cannot be readily filled locally. Processing typically takes four to six weeks.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). A points-based scheme for those without a prior job offer. Points are awarded for age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and family background (a revised assessment framework took effect from 1 November 2024). Successful applicants are admitted as residents and can seek employment. The annual quota was removed from 2023 and the scheme continues to operate without a numerical quota cap, though applicants are still assessed and selected against the scheme's criteria.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). Introduced in October 2022 to attract high earners. Two streams: those earning HKD 2.5 million+ per year (approximately £240,000+) from the previous year's income are admitted without quota; those who are graduates of certain top-ranked global universities (list published by IMMD) and have at least three years of work experience. The TTPS provides a two-year pass renewable on proof of employment or self-employment.

Investment as a Means of Entry to Hong Kong. Substantial investment in Hong Kong (generally equities, real estate, or businesses) can support residency, but there is no formal investor visa programme as there is in other jurisdictions. The TTPS and General Employment Policy are the main routes for most HNW individuals.

Tax

Hong Kong's tax system is its single biggest attraction for internationally mobile professionals:

Salaries Tax. Taxed on Hong Kong-sourced income only (territorial basis). Rates are highly progressive but the maximum marginal rate is 17%. However, individuals can be assessed at the standard rate on net income (after the standard deduction) if this produces a lower bill. Since 2024/25 the standard rate is two-tiered: 15% on the first HKD 5 million of net income and 16% on the excess. In practice, high earners typically pay around 15% of total income.

Profits Tax. For self-employed individuals and businesses. The standard rate is 16.5% (8.25% on the first HKD 2 million of assessable profits).

No capital gains tax, no VAT or GST, no inheritance tax, no dividend withholding tax — Hong Kong's tax simplicity is genuinely remarkable by global standards.

UK-HK Double Tax Treaty. A comprehensive agreement was never fully concluded; the arrangement that exists is limited. UK source income (rental income from UK property etc.) will typically remain taxable in the UK under normal SRT and source rules.

Banking

Hong Kong is home to one of the world's most sophisticated banking sectors:

• HSBC Hong Kong — HSBC was founded in Hong Kong; its Premier banking product has among the best globally; seamless for existing HSBC UK customers. Account opening can begin from the UK.
• Hang Seng Bank (majority owned by HSBC) — retail banking with strong local presence.
• Standard Chartered Hong Kong — strong retail and private banking offering.
• Bank of China (HK), DBS HK, Citibank HK — good alternatives; strong digital platforms.

Account opening in Hong Kong is thorough — KYC requirements are robust and documentation requirements substantial. Bring comprehensive proof of employment, income, address history, and existing banking references.

Healthcare

Hong Kong has a dual public/private healthcare system. The public system (managed by the Hospital Authority) provides subsidised care to residents but waiting times for non-emergency treatment in public hospitals are long by UK and Singapore standards.

The vast majority of expatriates use the private healthcare system. Private hospitals — including Gleneagles HK, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital — are modern, English-language, and of high quality. International private medical insurance (or employer-provided group cover) is standard for expatriate packages.

Education

Hong Kong has a very strong international school sector — one of the most established in Asia. The ESF (English Schools Foundation) group operates 22 schools across Hong Kong offering the British National Curriculum and IB programmes. ESF schools are highly regarded, but places are competitive and fees are high (approximately HKD 130,000–175,000 per year as of 2026).

Other international schools include HKIS (American curriculum), German Swiss International School, French International School, and a range of independent British schools. Many employer relocation packages include school fee allowances.

Cost of Living

Hong Kong is extremely expensive, particularly for accommodation. As of 2026:

• A two-bedroom apartment on Hong Kong Island (Mid-Levels, Happy Valley): HKD 35,000–65,000 per month.
• Kowloon and the New Territories: 20–40% cheaper for comparable space.
• Eating out: Hong Kong has world-class dining; local restaurants (dai pai dong, cha chaan teng) are very affordable; Western restaurants are comparable to London.
• Domestic helpers (live-in Filipino or Indonesian domestic workers) are extremely common and affordable — monthly minimum wage for a Foreign Domestic Helper is approximately HKD 4,990 (as of 2026).
• No car needed — Hong Kong's MTR (mass transit railway) is world-class; taxis are affordable.

Practical Considerations

• Language: English is an official language and widely used in business and signage. Cantonese is the local spoken language. Mandarin is increasingly important for Mainland-focused business.
• Weather: Subtropical; hot and humid May–September with typhoon season; pleasant October–April.
• National Security Law: UK residents should be aware of the NSL and its broad scope. Political expression carries legal risk. For most financial professionals, this is not a day-to-day concern, but it represents a genuine change in the operating environment.
• Registering with the British Consulate is recommended.

How Global Investments Can Help

Hong Kong's territorial tax system creates excellent planning opportunities for those with international income and investment portfolios. Global Investments advises clients on structuring their affairs to maximise the benefit of Hong Kong's tax environment, managing UK retained assets and pensions during an HK posting, and planning for eventual departure (Hong Kong's lack of exit tax and capital gains tax make this simpler than most jurisdictions). Contact our team to discuss your specific situation.

This guide is for general information only. Tax rules, visa requirements, and the political and regulatory environment in Hong Kong are subject to change. Always seek professional legal and financial advice tailored to your circumstances before making relocation or investment decisions. Investments can fall as well as rise in value.