Hong Kong

Employment taxes

• Progressive Income Tax: 0% up to certain income, rising to 17% on higher brackets.
• Both employee & employer must contribute to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) - typically around 5% of your relevant income each, with a cap.
• Employers also have small payroll costs like workers’ compensation insurance.

Leave policy

• Vacation – 7 days after your first year, increasing with seniority (up to 14 days).
• Public holidays – 16 per year.
• Sick leave – The first 4 days are not covered. From day 5 onwards the employer will be responsible for the pay at 80% of base salary.
• Maternity leave – 14 weeks paid at 80% of their average monthly salary from the last 12 months, covered by the employer.
• Paternity leave – 5 days paid at 80% of their average monthly salary from the last 12 months, covered by the employer.

Employment termination

• Standard notice is 1 month after probation.
• If you’ve worked 24+ months, you may qualify for severance pay (calculated by wage and years of service, with a cap).
• Contracts must clearly state probation, notice, and severance terms.

Hiring and contracts

• Written contracts are the norm. They must be in English and can be bilingual.
• Probation periods usually last 1–3 months.
• Contracts should cover job scope, salary, working hours, and benefits.

Payroll and salary payment

• Paid monthly.
• Minimum wage – HKD 6,300 (EUR 687/ USD 810).
• Deductions include MPF and taxes.

Benefits

Mandatory:

• MPF contributions.
• Public holidays + annual leave.
• Paid sick, maternity, and paternity leave.
• Workers’ compensation insurance.

Optional:

• Private health insurance.
• Housing or transport allowance.
• Flexible working perks.

Monthly living cost (Hong Kong city)

• Rent (1-bedroom in city centre): HKD 15,000–25,000+ | €1,800–€3,000+ | $1,950–$3,250+ depending how fancy and where.
• Utilities & internet: HKD 1,500–3,000 | €180–€360 | $195–$390
• Transport (public transport is excellent): HKD 500–800 | €60–€96 | $65–$104
• Food: Local eats are affordable; upscale dining can be pricey.
• Entertainment & leisure: Depends on your lifestyle.

How to get a local ID number

• If you become a permanent resident or work under a visa that allows more permanent stay, you’ll apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) via the Immigration Department.
• As a worker (foreign), once your visa is approved, often you’ll get arrangements to register and obtain the necessary permit/ID. Remote workers still may need to satisfy local regulations depending on status.

Social security registration

• The MPF system acts as retirement / provident fund. You (employee) + employer both contribute.
• There’s also mandatory workers’ compensation insurance in case of injury.

Banking

• You'll want a local bank account to get salary payments, pay rent, etc.
• Popular banks include HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Hang Seng, etc.
• Requirements usually include: proof of identity (passport, HKID if you have it), proof of address, perhaps employment contract.

Housing and rental process

• Rentals: often by flat/apartment. Agents are common. Monthly rent plus usually a “two months’ deposit + one month’s rent in advance” or similar.
• Lease agreements typically one year but sometimes shorter.
• Tenant rights: landlords must comply with safety, basic living standards, eviction must follow legal process.
• Utilities & maintenance: check what’s included (water, electricity, building management) before signing.

Healthcare system

• Public healthcare in Hong Kong is high quality and relatively affordable for residents under the system. Emergency care is good.
• Many expats also use private healthcare for faster access, more comfort, choice of doctors.
• Health insurance is optional but often offered by employers as a benefit.

Driving and public transport

• Public transport is excellent. The MTR (mass transit railway), buses, trams, ferries are frequent, clean, and well-used.
• If you drive: need to know driving is on the left; you’ll need a driver’s license recognized locally (sometimes convert foreign license, or apply for local license). Traffic & parking can be expensive.
• Many people live without a car and rely on public transport, walking, or ride-sharing.

Emergency and important contacts

• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999

Work permit and visa requirements

• Foreign nationals need an Employment Visa sponsored by a Hong Kong employer.
• Requirements include: proof of qualifications, job offer, financial means, and supporting documents from your employer. The employer usually applies on your behalf, and the visa is tied to that employment.
• Processing time varies but usually takes a few weeks.

Business culture and work norms

• Very professional: clear hierarchies in many traditional companies, respect for seniority.
• Punctuality matters. Meetings often start on time.
• English & Cantonese (and increasingly Mandarin) are used, many business contracts and meetings are in English, especially in international firms.
• Networking is big: relationships, trust, and reputation matter.
• Work hours can be long, productivity is expected. But many firms are adapting with more flexible or hybrid work options.