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As one of Asia’s most important financial hubs, many British expats move to Hong Kong for the promising career opportunities, dynamic lifestyle, and high living standards. If you’re thinking of moving there, this guide is for you. Learn about the costs of moving to Hong Kong, the best removal companies, visa options, and the pros and cons of living in Hong Kong.
Below are the estimated costs of moving to Hong Kong, based on sea freight:
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom | £3,000 – £4,500 |
| Three-bedroom house | £5,000 – £8,000 |
Disclaimer: The costs above are estimates. To get an accurate price, we recommend that you request quotes.
If you’re using sea versus air freight, your pricing will be on the lower end of the range. Sharing a container is also a common way to save money on moving to Hong Kong. Your final costs depend on the exact distance, volume, and other services you might include (like packing).
Want an exact quote on what moving to Hong Kong costs for you? Estimate your price:
Estimate My Costs to Move to MalaysiaWhile there are many international moving companies shipping to Hong Kong from the UK, the right one depends on your needs. Browse reviews, compare various companies, and read their quotes carefully to see which services are included. Most moving companies to Hong Kong include door-to-door delivery and customs clearance.
Top 5 international removal companies shipping to Hong Kong from the UK:
As a British citizen, you can stay in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 180 days for tourism or business purposes. You can conduct business activities, but you cannot take up employment. If you want to work in Hong Kong, you’ll need to apply for a Hong Kong visa in the UK.
A few different visa options are available for British workers wanting to move to Hong Kong.
General Employment Policy (GEP)
This is the most common visa for those with a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer. You need to meet educational and professional qualifications, and the employer has to prove that the position cannot be filled by a local employee.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
This visa attracts highly skilled and talented individuals in mostly IT, finance, and legal services. A prior job offer is not required, and there are limited spots each year. It works with a point-based system that factors in age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and family background.
Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
This visa lets tech companies fast-track the admission of non-local tech employees doing research and development work. Eligible companies first have to apply for a quota.
This visa is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start or join a business. It’s part of Hong Kong’s GEP, and you’ll have to demonstrate that your business will significantly contribute to the local economy.
Follow these steps to apply for a Hong Kong visa as a UK citizen.
Yes, British citizens can move to Hong Kong to join a partner but only when married, Hong Kong doesn’t offer dependent visas for unmarried partners.
Married partners can apply for the dependent visa if the sponsoring partner has a valid Hong Kong visa. You’ll need proof of marriage, financial support, and suitable housing.
Hong Kong has specific pet import requirements, so make sure to follow this process when moving a dog from the UK to Hong Kong.
You can enjoy the same standard of living in Hong Kong with £6,000, compared to the £6,900 you would need in London (rent included), although you’ll find that groceries are slightly more expensive. Let’s look in more detail at the cost of living in Hong Kong vs. the UK below.
| Item | Hong Kong, China | London, UK |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £6.00 | £20.00 |
| Pint of Beer | £6.00 | £6.50 |
| Regular Cappuccino | £4.14 | £3.72 |
| Single Transport Ticket | £1.20 | £2.75 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Centre) | £1,693.12 | £2,145.00 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | £2,979.91 | £3,493.22 |
Source: Numbeo
Many British expats are excited about working in Hong Kong because of the career opportunities and competitive salaries. English is widely spoken on the work floor, and there’s a progressive tax rate system with a maximum of 17%. Employee benefits typically include health insurance, housing allowances, and bonuses.
The drawback is that work-life balance is still foreign to many Chinese employers. Especially in finance and tech, overtime is not uncommon and productivity is highly valued. Networking is essential, due to the competitive job market.
There are many suitable areas to live in Hong Kong, each has its charm.
When living as an expat in Hong Kong, expect a mix of culture, high-paced urban life, and quieter nature spots. You’ll find restaurants with neon lights, as well as relaxing hiking paths. With Eastern and Western influences, Hong Kong is great for socialising, shopping, and nightlife.
Before you decide to move permanently, you might wonder how many British citizens live in Hong Kong. You’re in good company! Roughly 30,000 British citizens currently live there. While it’s attractive for modern expats, many Brits are in Hong Kong because of the colonial past.
As a gateway to China, Hong Kong is a hub for professionals looking for high-earning potential and career opportunities. The blend of urban excitement with natural beauty makes it attractive for individuals and families. But like any other city, it’s not all great. These are the pros and cons of living in Hong Kong.
Be well-prepared to move to Hong Kong with this checklist, which includes all the steps to permanently live in Hong Kong as a British citizen.
