{"id":4374,"date":"2020-08-01T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-01T07:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hongkongliving.com\/?p=4374"},"modified":"2020-08-01T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2020-08-01T07:30:00","slug":"moving-to-hong-kong-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hongkongliving.com\/moving-to-hong-kong-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Hong Kong: your essential checklist to settling in as an expat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re still considering moving to Hong Kong and in research mode, or you\u2019ve just arrived, in which case welcome, here\u2019s a check list of all the admin you need to get in place before you can begin to truly enjoy all this amazing city has to offer. Good luck settling in, you\u2019re going to love it here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Apply for a visa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There’s much to consider before making the move. Photo: HKIA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you get the right paper work in place when you\u2019re moving to Hong Kong. Although it depends on the passport you hold, most people are allowed to land and stay here as a visa-free visitor for seven to 180 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working visa: <\/strong>Unless you have a Hong Kong \u201cRight of Abode\u201d or \u201cRight to Land\u201d, you will need a visa to work in Hong Kong. Having your company sponsor and issue your visa (and any dependent visas for your family) before you arrive is the most efficient process. You are not legally entitled to work without a visa but you can land and then set about getting one. Expect the visa process to take about six to eight weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dependent visa and trailing spouses: <\/strong>Unless your spouse has a job in Hong Kong and a visa in his\/her own right, dependent visas are a must for your spouse and children under the age of 18 to be able to live full-time in Hong Kong. Holding a dependent visa allows your spouse to find a job and work without being tied to one sponsoring company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Get a Hong Kong ID card<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Immigration Tower in Wan Chai: Photo: Wiki Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Everyone in Hong Kong aged eleven or over must hold a valid Hong Kong ID card. If you\u2019re planning to stay for longer than six months, an application must be made within 30 days of landing. It is recommended that you make a booking online before going into the Immigration Office as things can get crazy and you aren\u2019t always guaranteed an appointment simply by showing up. Details of the process along with the five offices (Hong Kong, Kowloon, Kwun Tong, Fo Tan, Yuen Long) where applications are processed can be found on the Immigration Department\u2019s website<\/a>. Remember to take your passport, a valid visa and completed application form to your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After receiving your Hong Kong ID, you should keep it on you at all times, as Hong Kong police have the authority to stop and demand identity checks from anyone at any time. Cards are fitted with a smart chip and can be used as a library card. Once your fingerprint has been registered on the chip, you can use your Hong Kong ID for quick immigration access via the e-channel in and out of Hong Kong International Airport and Macau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Get yourself an Octopus card<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Octopus
Octopus, a Hong Kong essential<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This Hong Kong essential is a debit style card most commonly used for public transport, car parking and vending machines, but can also be used to buy things like groceries, coffees and settling bills. Cards can be applied for and topped up most commonly at MTR stations, branches of 7-Eleven and Starbucks. You can also apply for the auto top-up so you never run out of credit. In 2019, a monthly subsidy scheme was introduced for Octopus card holders. From the 16th of each month, scan your card at any of the subsidy collection points throughout Hong Kong and be automatically credited 25 percent of your monthly transport expenses, up to $300.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Set up a bank account<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Hong<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With more than 250 licensed banks across the territory, it is said that Hong Kong has more banks per square mile than any other city. There is no lack of choice, though this might make choosing the right bank harder. Most banks offer the same generic services such as current, savings, time deposit, and payroll accounts. Credit and debit cards (known as EPS) are widely used. Cheques are not often accepted in shops and supermarkets but can be used to pay for utilities and to settle bills with smaller companies or individuals. HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, Hang Seng and Bank of China are the most popular banks in Hong Kong and therefore the ones with the most branches and ATMs. There are also a growing number of virtual banks<\/a>, offering better interest rates on your savings, lightning-fast transactions and a raft of other treats. As a general rule, you\u2019ll need the following to open an account:<\/p>\n\n\n\n