Moving To Hong Kong From The UK

Moving to Hong Kong

If you are moving to Hong Kong, whether to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, or one of the smaller islands, Britannia Movers International has the local knowledge and experience to tailor the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to Hong Kong Shipments of used household and personal effects may be imported duty free provided that the shipper has owned and used them prior to shipment. Your local Britannia Member will provide you with detailed customs regulations. We do not recommend importing alcohol as the duties are extremely high. All necessary documentation must be completed and submitted when requested before your shipment is dispatched. Please note that you must be in the country in order to successfully complete all customs clearance procedures. Our agents will assist you with the completion of customs formalities. To help us with this, we may need a copy of your passport (and visa if applicable). The required documentation will be supplied to you on arrival.
	Hong Kong Customs Prohibitions and Restrictions In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & tobacco
	Transit Times to Hong Kong Groupage or shared containers usually take an average of 8 – 12 weeks door to door from the UK to Hong Kong. However, this can vary depending on volumes being shipped, customs or immigration delays and prevailing weather conditions. Sole use container loads take on average 5 – 6 weeks door to door.
	Protecting Your Items for Transport to Hong Kong All groupage consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Moving to Hong Kong with Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Moving Motor Vehicles To Hong Kong The importation of motor vehicles to Hong Kong is relatively simple, and there is no import duty to be paid. However, if you want to use your car in Hong Kong, you’ll have to register and license the vehicle, which can be costly and time-consuming. Your local Britannia Member can give you more information if you wish to ship your vehicle.
	Hong Kong Currency Transfer When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers: International payments Regular overseas transfers Prepaid currency card Forward contracts More info on the IFX website.

Moving to Hong Kong with Britannia

Your Move to Hong Kong with Britannia – Britannia can offer you a door to door shipping service to Hong Kong and can either ship your effects by shared load or by full container load. In addition, we can offer a door to door airfreight service. Our agents in Hong Kong will arrange customs clearance, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on day of delivery.

Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a variety of additional removal services when moving to Hong Kong. We are authorised to provide comprehensive insurance, can arrange storage prior to delivery, and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to Hong Kong, you can request a quote, and read more about Britannia’s international removals and additional moving services, such as pet transport or money transfer.

Living in Hong Kong

If you are planning to move to Asia for professional reasons or to find more opportunities, Hong Kong could be your perfect destination, with its strong economy and modernised lifestyle. Even so, a modernised way of life and a skyline filled with skyscrapers doesn’t mean that traditional Chinese practices have vanished.

Located on China’s south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong has a different political system from mainland China and is one of the world’s leading financial and business centres. It has a capitalist service economy, with low levels of taxation, free trade, and many international corporations have their headquarters here. Business and investment opportunities thus definitely abound and the city-state that can also boast high levels of economic competitiveness, a high quality of life, low levels of corruption, and a developed transportation system and infrastructure.

While it could first be challenging to get used to living in one of the world’s most vertical and most densely populated regions, where high rises are already brimming with tenants, Hong Kong can offer a comfortable and modern lifestyle and an abundance of business opportunities. And if you want to experience something different, you can always immerse yourself in Chinese culture and get away from the buzz of this cosmopolitan city to explore one of the beautiful offshore islands. Despite its urban density, around 40% of Hong Kong’s land is protected countryside, which provide opportunities for hiking, and visiting beautiful beaches.

Hong Kong Visas

British citizens may visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 180 days. If you want to take up employment, establish a business, study, or settle down, you will need to obtain a visa before arrival.

The most common working visa in Hong Kong is the General Employment Policy (GEP). This is designed for professionals who have specialised skills or experience that might be able to fill shortages in the local workforce. To qualify for this visa, you’ll need a job offer from a Hong Kong employer, who will need to show that the role can’t be filled by a Hong Kong citizen. This visa will be valid for the duration of your employment contract, which will typically be two years. After this time, the visa can be renewed.

Another option is the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). This is a points-based system available for skilled professionals who want to live in Hong Kong but might not yet have a job offer. Your application will be assessed based on your age, education, workexperience, and other factors. You’ll need to show you will be able to contribute to the economy and culture in a positive way.

There is also the Start Up Visa, available for entrepreneurs. For this visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that your new business will contribute to the local economy in some way, such as creating new jobs or bringing in new technology.

UK citizens who have lived in Hong Kong for at least seven consecutive years will be able to apply for permanent residency. Once approved, you will be able to live and work in Hong Kong without restrictions.

Working in Hong Kong

UK expats in Hong Kong can often find jobs in sectors where English proficiency and international expertise are valued. This includes finance and banking, international law, marketing, IT, and tourism.

The working culture in Hong Kong is fast-paced and competitive, with a mix of Eastern and Western business practices. There is a focus on productivity and results, which reflect its status as a global financial and business hub. Overtime is common, with long working hours that often exceed the standard 40 hour work week. There is typically a hierarchal structure in the workplace, where there is a respect for seniority and authority. Networking is also highly valued, and building relationships through business lunches and events is vital for growing your career in Hong Kong.

Cost of Living in Hong Kong

The cost of living and housing can be very high in Hong Kong, which is regarded as one of the most expensive expatriate destinations. High prices are slightly offset by high salaries, and low levels of taxation.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Hong Kong is 24.8% higher than in the UK, not including rent costs. Rent alone is 80.5% higher than in the UK. The average monthly salary is 26% higher in Hong Kong compared to the UK, at £3,094.63 and £2,448.78 respectively.

You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Hong Kong below. Prices are shown in Hong Kong dollars and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.

Interesting Facts About Hong Kong

• The official languages of Hong Kong are Cantonese (a dialect of Chinese) and English.
• Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world, around 9000, almost twice as many as in New York.
• The name Hong Kong means ‘Fragrant Harbour’.
• 95% of the people of Hong Kong are of Chinese descent.
• Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with 7.5 million people in just 1,106 square kilometres.

Choose Britannia for Your Hong Kong Relocation

If you are thinking about moving to Hong Kong and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.