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Hong Kong is a vibrant and dynamic city that serves as a Special Administrative Region of China. Here are five important facts about Hong Kong:

1. Economic Powerhouse: Hong Kong is a major global financial hub and one of the world's leading financial centers. It has a free-market economy characterized by low taxation, free trade, and minimal government intervention. The city is home to numerous multinational corporations, making it a key player in international finance, commerce, and logistics.

2. One Country, Two Systems: Hong Kong operates under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which grants it a high degree of autonomy within the framework of Chinese sovereignty. This unique system allows Hong Kong to maintain its legal, economic, and political systems separate from mainland China. The Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution, protects its freedoms, including freedom of speech, press, and assembly.

3. Cultural Fusion: Hong Kong is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Its cosmopolitan nature is reflected in its diverse population, which comprises Chinese, British, and various ethnic groups from around the world. This cultural blend is evident in Hong Kong's architecture, cuisine, festivals, and arts scene, creating a vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape.

4. Skyline and Victoria Harbour: Hong Kong is famous for its stunning skyline and iconic Victoria Harbour. The cityscape is dominated by towering skyscrapers, including the renowned Bank of China Tower and International Commerce Centre. The Symphony of Lights, a nightly multimedia show, illuminates the skyline and showcases the city's modernity and energy.

5. Food Paradise: Hong Kong is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide array of culinary delights. From dim sum and Cantonese cuisine to international flavors and street food, Hong Kong's dining scene is diverse and delicious. Michelin-starred restaurants and local dai pai dongs (street food stalls) coexist, providing a wide range of dining experiences to suit every palate and budget.

These important facts highlight Hong Kong's status as an economic powerhouse, its unique political system, cultural fusion, iconic skyline, and renowned food scene. The city's dynamic nature, blend of traditions, and global influence make it a captivating destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Immigration Details

To immigrate to Hong Kong, there are various visa options available for different purposes. Let's explore the different pathways and their requirements:

1. Employment Visa:
- Purpose: This visa allows you to work for a company or establish your own business in Hong Kong.
- Requirements: You will need a confirmed offer of employment from a Hong Kong-based company or plan to establish your own business. The company should demonstrate that your skills and experience are not readily available in the local job market.
- Duration: The initial employment visa is typically granted for one to two years, with the possibility of extension.

2. Investment Visa (Capital Investment Entrant Scheme):
- Purpose: This visa is for individuals who wish to invest a substantial amount of capital in Hong Kong.
- Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and possess a good education background. You will need to demonstrate that you have a significant amount of funds to invest in permissible assets in Hong Kong, such as real estate or financial assets.
- Duration: The investment visa is initially granted for one year and can be extended based on the success of the investment.

3. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS):
- Purpose: This scheme targets highly skilled individuals who wish to work and reside in Hong Kong.
- Requirements: You will be assessed based on factors such as your age, academic qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and family background. Points are awarded, and applicants with sufficient points are eligible to apply for the visa.
- Duration: The QMAS visa is initially granted for one year and can be extended based on employment and residency requirements.

4. Study Visa:
- Purpose: This visa is for individuals who wish to pursue full-time education in Hong Kong.
- Requirements: You must have an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Hong Kong, proof of financial means to cover tuition and living expenses, and a valid study plan.
- Duration: The study visa is typically granted for the duration of the course of study.

5. Dependent Visa:
- Purpose: This visa is for dependents of individuals who hold a valid visa or residency status in Hong Kong.
- Requirements: You must be a spouse or unmarried dependent child of a Hong Kong resident or visa holder. Proof of relationship and financial support will be required.
- Duration: The dependent visa duration depends on the status of the main visa holder.

6. Permanent Residency:
- Purpose: This status allows individuals to reside and work in Hong Kong without specific visa requirements.
- Requirements: You must have resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period, usually seven years or more, have a good character record, and demonstrate a commitment to Hong Kong.
- Duration: Permanent residency grants the right to reside in Hong Kong indefinitely.

7. Citizenship:
- Purpose: Hong Kong does not offer a separate citizenship program. Citizenship can be acquired through the Chinese Nationality Law if you are of Chinese descent or through naturalization after meeting specific criteria outlined by the Chinese government.

 

Location
Rank
  • VISA-FREE
    137
  • DUAL CITIZENSHIP
  • POPULATION
    7,276,588
  • Time To Citizenship
    13
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TAX

Individuals who ordinarily reside in Hong Kong or stay in the country for more than 180 days per year or more than 300 days in two consecutive years may be considered Hong Kong tax residents. However, tax residency rules may vary according to a tax treaty.

In Hong Kong, income tax is levied on a territorial basis. This means that both residents and non-residents are subject to income tax on their income accrued in Hong Kong, foreign-source income being exempt from taxation.

Personal income tax on salaries is levied at a progressive rate from 2% to 17% on income exceeding HKD120,000. Income from business is taxed under profits tax (16.5%). Dividend and interest income are exempt from taxation. Capital gains are usually tax-exempt, although those derived from certain trading assets may be subject to profits tax.

Rental income is taxed under property tax, at a 15% on the net assessable value of land or buildings. Property tax does not apply on residential properties occupied by the owner for self-use. Note that while it is possible to buy condominium units, land is owned by the government and its tenure is on a renewable leasehold basis.

There is a stamp duty on contracts of sale and purchase of Hong Kong registered stocks (0.2%) and the transfer of immovable property, up to 8.5%. There is a special stamp duty on the resale of properties held less than 36 months from 10% to 20%.

There are no V.A.T., inheritance or net wealth taxes in Hong Kong.
Regarding corporate taxation, Hong Kong resident entities are taxed on their local-source income at a flat rate of 16.5%.

This should not be construed as tax advice. We have access to a global network of qualified attorneys and accountants who can give you the proper advice for your particular circumstances. Contact us for further information.

  • Property Tax Yes
  • Transfer Tax No
  • Inheritance Tax No
  • Net Worth Tax No
  • CFC Law No
  • Tax Residency Days 180
  • Personal Income Tax Rate 17%
  • Capital Gains Tax Rate 0%
  • Investment Income Tax Rate 0%
  • Territorial Taxation Yes
Visa-Free Explain

Where Can Hong Konger Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?

As of June 2023, Hong Konger passport holders can travel visa free to 137 countries and territories:

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Aruba
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bermuda
  • Caribbean Netherlands
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Cabo Verde
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Cook Islands
  • Croatia
  • Curaçao
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Estonia
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • French West Indies
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Grenada
  • Guam
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Lesotho
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Mayotte
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Namibia
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger
  • Niue
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Palestine
  • Panama
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Türkiye
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.

What Countries Issue eVisa to Hong Konger Citizens?

The following 13 countries issue eVisas for Hong Konger passport holders:

  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Guinea
  • India
  • Kenya
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Vietnam

The process of getting an eVisa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.

After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while traveling.

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to Hong Konger Passport Holders?

If you are a Hong Konger citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 33 countries listed below:

  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bolivia
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Comoros
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Lebanon
  • Madagascar
  • Maldives
  • Mauritania
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rwanda
  • Samoa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seychelles
  • Somalia
  • Saint Helena
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • United Arab Emirates

You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.

Countries With Visa Requirements for Hong Konger Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 43 countries with a Hong Konger passport:

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • American Samoa
  • Angola
  • Bangladesh
  • Bhutan
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Costa Rica
  • Ivory Coast
  • Cuba
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Iraq
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Mali
  • Marshall Islands
  • Nauru
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • Pakistan
  • Paraguay
  • Puerto Rico
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Gambia
  • Turkmenistan
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • United States
  • Eswatini

The application for a visa goes as follows:

  1. Make an appointment at the visa center in Hong Kong. You must contact a local visa application center in your home country and make an appointment to submit your application. It may take several months to schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate.
  2. Get your documents ready. To submit a successful application, you have to prepare the required documents for your visa, i.e., passport, application form, health insurance, etc. Some of your documents must be verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office.
  3. Submit your application. Finally, you can submit your application and attend the visa interview—you may also be required to submit your biometrics. Once you translate your documents as required by the embassy or consulate and verify them with an apostille stamp— if possible, then you can submit your application. From then it will take several weeks until a decision is made regarding your visa application.

Please note that if you have a valid visa that allows you to enter more than one country, you don’t have to apply for a new visa.

What Documents Do Hong Konger Citizens Need to Apply for a Visa?

Hong Konger citizens that want to visit countries that require them to apply for a visa beforehand need to submit a few documents. Depending on the country you want to visit, document requirements may vary. However, most countries will certainly require the following:

  • Your valid Hong Konger passport (plus a photocopy). Some countries require the passport to be valid for more than six months after the day you plan on departing their country.
  • A filled visa application form.
  • Passport pictures that are not older than six months.
  • Travel health insurance that covers your entire period of stay.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • Detailed travel itinerary that shows all the places you want to visit.
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Proof of booked return ticket for the flight home.
  • Proof of booked accommodation.
  • Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit
  • Civil status documents (marriage papers, certificates of birth, etc.)
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