Moving to Hong Kong

Moving Guide

Your Practical Guide to Relocating to Hong Kong

1. Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Hong Kong depends significantly on your nationality. Individuals from certain countries, such as those within the European Union, may enjoy visa-free entry for tourism for a period, but this does not grant the right to work or reside long-term.

Typical routes for long-term stay include:

• Employment Visa: For those who have secured a job offer from a Hong Kong-based company.
• Dependent Visa: For spouses and unmarried dependent children under 18 of Hong Kong residents or those holding valid work/study visas.
• Student Visa: For individuals accepted into recognized educational institutions in Hong Kong.
• Capital Investment Entrant Scheme / Quality Migrant Admission Scheme: These are more specialized routes for high-net-worth individuals or highly skilled professionals, though eligibility criteria can change.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements and application procedures directly with the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website or your nearest Chinese Embassy/Consulate. Requirements, processing times, and necessary documentation can vary, so always consult the official sources.

2. Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Hong Kong can be competitive and fast-paced. Most people find accommodation through:

• Real Estate Agents: This is the most common method. Agents have access to a wide range of listings and can help navigate the local market. Be prepared for agent fees, typically half to one month's rent.
• Online Portals: Websites listing properties are available, though some may be outdated or require direct contact with landlords.
• Word of Mouth: Especially for serviced apartments or shared accommodation.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: Be prepared to make quick decisions as desirable properties are often snapped up fast.
• Offer & Negotiation: Once you find a suitable place, an offer is made, and terms may be negotiated.
• Letter of Intent (LOI) / Provisional Agreement: A preliminary agreement is often signed with a small earnest deposit to reserve the property.
• Formal Tenancy Agreement: A comprehensive legal document outlining all terms and conditions.
• Deposits: Typically, you'll pay two months' rent as a security deposit, plus one month's rent in advance. Some landlords may also request an additional utility deposit.

Consider temporary accommodation (serviced apartments, hotels) for your initial weeks while you search for a long-term rental. This allows you to explore different neighborhoods and avoid rushing into a decision.

3. What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Hong Kong will be influenced by several key factors:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This includes furniture, personal belongings, and vehicles.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Hong Kong directly impacts shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• Accessibility: Ease of access at both your origin and destination properties (e.g., stairs vs. elevator, parking availability) can affect labor costs.
• Mode of Transport: Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive than sea freight.
• Extra Services: Additional services like professional packing, unpacking, storage, insurance, and specialized handling for delicate or oversized items will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, requesting a free, no-obligation quote is always recommended.

4. Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-planned relocation typically spans 4-8 weeks. Here's a checklist-style guide:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to sell, donate, or discard. Moving less means paying less.
• Research: Begin extensive research on Hong Kong neighborhoods, schools (if applicable), and healthcare options.
• Quotes: Obtain quotes from reputable relocation companies for your move.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Visa Application: If not already done, submit your visa application with all required documents.
• Documents: Gather and organize all essential documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, medical records, and financial statements. Make multiple copies and digital backups.
• Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical appointments or vaccinations.
• Pet Relocation: If moving with pets, research Hong Kong's import requirements and begin the process.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Notify: Inform your landlord (if renting), utility providers, banks, and other relevant institutions of your move.
• Utilities: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities at your current residence and research setting up new ones in Hong Kong.
• Packing Supplies: If self-packing, acquire boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
• Forwarding Address: Set up mail forwarding.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Essentials Box: Pack a "first-day" box with essentials like toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, and a change of clothes.
• Valuables: Keep all important documents, jewelry, and other high-value items with you personally.
• Confirm Services: Reconfirm dates and times with your moving company.

Moving Day:

• Supervise: Be present to supervise the packing and loading process.
• Final Check: Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

For a precise cost estimate for your move to Hong Kong, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Your Essential Guide to Customs & Imports When Moving to Hong Kong

Relocating to Hong Kong involves navigating customs and import regulations. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth arrival for your personal belongings.

If you're relocating as a new resident

Bringing your household goods and personal effects to Hong Kong generally follows a clear process. It's important to provide accurate descriptions of your items to avoid complications.

What you'll need

• Passport copy
• Detailed packing list
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Authorized letter (obtained from your destination agent, authorizing them to manage your move)

Good to know

• Avoid generic descriptions like "electrical appliances" or "clothing" alone, as this might trigger a requirement for an import license. A general description such as "used household goods and personal effects" is preferred.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments generally follow similar procedures to standard household goods imports, with the same documentation requirements.

What you'll need

• Passport copy
• Detailed packing list
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Authorized letter (obtained from your destination agent, authorizing them to manage your move)

Good to know

• The authorized letter is essential for your destination agent to handle the customs clearance process on your behalf.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, mopeds, and power-driven boats, is possible but comes with strict regulations, high costs, and a time-consuming registration process. It is strongly recommended to get an estimate of all costs before shipping a vehicle.

What you'll need

• Original purchase invoice
• Original insurance certificate
• De-registration certificate (if applicable)
• Original registration document
• Shipping document
• Certificate of registration (for boats, showing dimensions, to be submitted to the Marine Department for an import permit within 24 hours of arrival)
• Import permit (Form CED336) to be submitted within 30 days of vehicle arrival.
• Declaration Form (Form CED336A) for the Customs and Excise Department.

Good to know

• Vehicles are subject to a First Registration Fee, which is calculated based on the vehicle's depreciated value. Depreciation is typically 25% per year from manufacture.
• The fee structure for private cars is scaled: 46% on the first HK$150,000, 86% on the next HK$150,000, 115% on the next HK$200,000, and 132% on the remainder.
• Motorcycles and motor tricycles are taxed at 35%.
• All vehicles must satisfy local noise and emission standards and must be right-hand drive.
• Vehicles over 10 years old may be difficult to insure.
• You should seek approval or exemption from the Environmental Protection Department before shipping a vehicle.
• Failure to file the import return (Form CED336) within 30 days of importation is an offense, liable to a fine of HK$500,000 and 12 months imprisonment.

Pets

Importing dogs, cats, and birds is permitted but requires an import license and often involves quarantine.

What you'll need

• Health Certificate (dated not more than 14 days before departure; specific requirements may vary by country of origin).
• Import license.

Good to know

• Quarantine in licensed and approved premises typically ranges from 1 to 6 months, depending on the country of origin.
• Quarantine may be waived under certain conditions, primarily based on the origin country.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are either restricted, requiring special permits, or completely prohibited from import.

What you'll need

• Firearms: Valid firearm certificate issued by local police authorities.
• Plants, Vegetable products: Phytosanitary certificate and an import license (allow 7 working days for license application).
• Certain feathers, furs, skins, tusks, etc. of protected species: Exporting Country's license, Certificate of Origin, and an import license. These items will be inspected by Customs and the Agriculture & Fisheries Department.

Good to know

• Prohibited items include: Explosives, fireworks, and clasp knives.
• Food Items: Non-perishable food items, packed in cans or durable packaging, may be imported in small amounts for personal use.

Alcohol & tobacco

Importing alcohol is subject to specific duties, though wine and lower-strength liquor may be duty-free. Even duty-free alcohol can cause customs examinations.

What you'll need

• Detailed list showing quantity, bottle size, type of alcohol, alcoholic strength percentage, and CIF value.

Good to know

• Duty rates for liquor:
  • Liquor with more than 30% alcoholic strength by volume: 100% of value.
  • Liquor (other than wine) with not more than 30% alcoholic strength by volume: 0% duty.
  • Wine with not more than 30% alcoholic strength by volume: 0% duty.
• If there's insufficient information to determine the value of less than 12 litres of liquor in one consignment, duty may be assessed at HK$160 per litre.
• Even duty-free alcohol imports can trigger Customs examinations, potentially leading to additional costs and delays.
• These rules apply to all individuals, including diplomats.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an import license for all my household goods?
Generally, no, if your packing list uses broad descriptions like "used household goods and personal effects." However, if you list items too specifically (e.g., "electrical appliances" only), an import license might be required.

What is an "authorized letter"?
This is a letter you provide to your destination agent, giving them permission to act on your behalf for customs clearance. Your agent can provide this letter for you to sign.

Are there any time limits for importing my belongings?
For vehicles, you must file the import return within 30 days of arrival to avoid significant penalties.

Can I import any type of vehicle?
Vehicles must meet Hong Kong's noise and emission standards and be right-hand drive. Importing older vehicles (over 10 years) can also be challenging for insurance purposes.

Is all alcohol subject to import duties?
No, wine and liquor with an alcoholic strength of 30% or less by volume are duty-free. However, liquor over 30% strength is subject to 100% duty on its value.

What happens if I don't provide a detailed list for alcohol?
If there's not enough information for Customs to value a consignment of less than 12 litres of liquor, they may assess duty at a flat rate of HK$160 per litre.

Planning your move to Hong Kong can be complex, but with the right information, customs and import procedures can be managed effectively. For personalized assistance and to ensure a seamless relocation, please contact relocation123.com.

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