Your Guide on Jobs and Finding Work in Hong Kong

Jump right in:

• How to get a job in Hong Kong as a foreigner
• Minimum wage & average salary
• Self-employment
• Business culture
• Social security & benefits
• Maternity & paternity Leave

How to get a job in Hong Kong as a foreigner

As a foreigner not speaking Mandarin or Cantonese, might bring up some challenges when trying to get a job in Hong Kong. Local companies usually require their employees to speak the local languages. However, targeting international companies can boost your chances of getting hired.

Requirements for working in Hong Kong

As mentioned in the visa and work permits guide of our guide, meeting the qualifications for Hong Kong’s working visa might be tricky. One has to have excellent qualifications as well as exceptional background and experience in order to be granted a visa to Hong Kong. Your potential employer also has to offer working and salary conditions that are standard in Hong Kong and be able to prove that no local was suitable for the position in question.

To legally start working in Hong Kong as a foreigner, you will need to apply for a work permit under the General Employment Policy. If you’re going for a work visa under the GEP, you’ll need to land a job before you arrive. Some of the most popular fields for expats working in Hong Kong include:

Financial services and banking IT and technology Marketing and advertising Education Trade and logistics Engineering Human Resources Tourism

Here are some popular websites to apply for jobs in Hong Kong:

JobsDB Indeed Foundit Linkedin Glassdoor Randstad Job Market CTgoodjobs

Here are some well-known recruitment agencies in Hong Kong:

Hays Nesta Adecco Manpower Micheal Page Robert Walters

Getting a job through Hong Kong's talent list program

Hong Kong government runs a program called Talent List that encourages people of certain professions to move to Hong Kong under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. This might be the best way to get a job in Hong Kong as a foreigner as the applicants of those professions do not need to have an existing job offer to get a visa. The qualifying professions are:

• Actuaries
• Asset management professionals (investment analysts and consultants and fund managers)
• Data scientists and cyber security specialists
• Dispute resolution professionals and transactional lawyers
• Fintech professionals
• IT experts
• Marine engineers and superintendents of ships
• Marine insurance professionals
• Naval architects
• Waste treatment specialists

The list also includes Creative industries professionals such as

• recording and mastering engineers (music)
• cutting and pressing engineers (vinyl)
• game developers
• producers
• film industry professionals

The applicants need to meet certain education and experience requirements in order to qualify. This admission scheme has no annually quote on the number of applicants.

Application tips

Applying for jobs in Hong Kong can be competitive, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. If you want to boost your chances of getting hired, follow these application tips to make sure you’re fully prepared.

You can write your resume in English or Cantonese depending on what works better for you. In most cases, neither will directly influence your chances of finding a job in Hong Kong.

A Hong Kong CV

A Hong Kong-style CV should follow the same rules that are recommended for European-style job applications. Your personal information should be on top of your resume. This includes:

• your name
• address
• email address
• phone number

In most cases, it is best to include your age and avoid attaching your photo.

List the details of your education with your latest achievements coming first. You can add a section for extracurricular activities and special training, but do not elaborate too much.

When adding information about your professional experience, list the positions you have held in reverse time order (with the latest job first), highlighting those which relate to the job you are applying for. Do not forget to add supporting data or illustrative evidence when citing your achievements, and remember to include special skills such as languages or IT. Cover letters are common in Hong Kong, so attaching one to your resume can improve your chances of getting a job.

Try to keep your CV concise and fit everything on to one or two pages if possible. You do not have to attach proof of qualifications or references to your application, but you should bring them to the interview.

Interview tips

• Take some time to research the company so you can show you’re genuinely interested
• Prepare thoughtful questions about the company and position, avoiding questions with obvious answers
• Practice any special skills you’ve listed, like Mandarin or Cantonese, since you might be asked to prove them
• Think about your answers to common interview questions (like your strengths and weaknesses) so you’re not caught off guard.
• Dress modestly and neatly
• Be patient, polite, and answer questions with enthusiasm without interrupting
• Consider your willingness to travel and work in Mainland China before the interview, as this may be asked

Networking tips

Start off by searching social media for networking events near you; you can attend seminars related to your field, join meetup groups, or connect with the InterNations community in Hong Kong. Bring some business cards with you as those are very important in Hong Kong and be prepared to sell yourself. Communicate, mingle, engage in small talk, and keep your ears out for a possible mention of an opportunity.

Minimum wage & average salary

In Hong Kong, an expat can expect the average salary to be about 435,000 HKD (approx. 55,890 USD) annually. However, it does depend on the sector one is working in. Hourly wages for people working in real estate and professional and business services go up to around 200 HKD (25.70 USD), while language tutors can expect an hourly rate of 100 HKD (pprox.12.90 USD). The minimum hourly wage in Hong Kong is 42 HKD (approx. 5.40 USD).

Most in-demand jobs and how much they pay

The most in-demand jobs are in the fields of finance and IT. The median annual wages for the most sought-after professionals are as follows:

Self-employment

No matter what your self-employed venture might be, you will need to register yourself as a sole-proprietor of a business even if you just want to freelance.

The good news is that after taking in consideration for taxation, cost of living, and the ease of starting a business, Hong Kong is a great place for self-employment. The following steps will serve as a good starting point for anyone who wishes to know how to be self-employed in Hong Kong.

Note that these are just the first guidelines that, unfortunately, cannot replace the real expert advice. Make sure to hire a local lawyer, accountant, or consultant to help you.

Step 1: Choose what you want to do

While you may already know your strengths and preferred services you want to offer but, it is important to understand the market you are entering as well.

The finance sector is flourishing in Hong Kong, which is why considering job roles like financial advisor, manager, insurer, or stock trader are Real estate and retail are also on the growing industries in Hong Kong, so consider opportunities in those fields there as well.

Some popular self-employment jobs include:

• web development
• software development
• business consultant
• digital/creative specialist
• graphic design
• writing
• online tutoring

Step 2: Choose your business entity

The next thing to figure out is the kind of legal entity you would like to select for your business in Hong Kong. You have the following options:

1. Limited company

Most Hong Kong businesses are set up as private limited liability companies (LLCs), especially SMEs. Requirements include:

• a company name
• director(s)
• one to 50 shareholders
• a company secretary
• a local address

Lastly, capital of at least 10,000 HKD (approx. 1,300 USD) is recommended, though there's no legal minimum.

1. Branch, subsidiary, representative office

Foreign firms can open a branch in Hong Kong however the parent company is liable for all debts and liabilities. To avoid this, you can opt for a subsidiary office or a representative office which exists only for market research and cannot make legal binding deals or any other business activities.

1. Sole proprietorship

This is best suited for low-risk, small businesses or freelancers with one owner. It is low risk, and the owner is personally liable for all business debts.

1. Partnership

This business type is owned by at least two people. General partners are fully liable for the business and each other's actions.

Step 3: Choose the name of your business

Choosing the name of your business in Hong Kong can be nearly as important as deciding on a legal entity. Even if you are setting up sole proprietorship in order to freelance, you will still need a business name. Using your full name as the name of the company is probably the best option in this case.

You are free to name your company in English, Standard (not simplified) Chinese, or have two names in both, however, a combination of the two languages in one name is not allowed. You also cannot give your company an offensive name. The addition of “Limited” or “有限公司” at the end of the name, depending on the language, is mandatory.

Once you decide on the name, search the Hong Kong Companies Registry to find out whether the name of your choice is already taken. If it is, your name will not be approved. The name might also be declined if it sounds too similar to an already established company.

Once you have made your choice, you need to get the name approved. Mentioning words like “trust”, “insurance” and “savings” in the name of the company will require specific approval.

Step 4: Make your business official

Once you have figured it all out, you will need to incorporate your company and register the business. You can do so online or by going to the local Companies Registry office. You must do it within the first month of starting the business and you have to display your certificate at your place of work.

The fee for incorporation is about 1,720 HKD (approx. 220 USD) and a business license for a year will cost you 2,200 HKD (approx. 283 USD). The online processing of the documents can take up to two weeks or can be done in about an hour at the local office.

Business culture

The general business culture in Hong Kong is a mix of Chinese traditions and western influences and although business in Hong Kong can be frantic and many people are hard-working and career-oriented, business culture in Hong Kong takes some patience. Impatience and hostility are often perceived as negative character traits and decisions aren't rushed, it is also important to remain calm and polite, but also committed to doing business.

Greetings and general etiquette

Here are some key etiquette tips to keep in mind when conducting business in Hong Kong:

• Greet business contacts with a handshake and a slight bow.
• Respect hierarchy, always greet the most senior member of a group first.
• Address people by their title and surname (e.g., Doctor Yeoh).
• Many business people use a western name for easier communication with Western contacts.
• Physical contact is rare and interactions are formal; avoid contact beyond a handshake.
• Courtesy is essential for successful business relationships.
• Impatience and hostility are often perceived as negative character traits.

Dress code

In Hong Kong, business people dress fairly conservatively: black suits, shirts, and ties. Try to stick to your formal attire even during business dinners. Dark, muted colors are usually the best choice for your clothing.

Remember that, in Hong Kong business culture, colors can have different meanings. Red is considered a lucky color while white is a traditional symbol of mourning. Choose red clothing for a positive impression and accessorize simply to look polished.

Meetings and negotiations

If you want to arrange a meeting with business contacts in Hong Kong, try to avoid scheduling meetings on major holidays like Christmas, Easter, or around the Chinese New Year, which are all popular times for vacation in Hong Kong business culture. During the meeting, greet the most senior business partner first. Then work your way down the hierarchy.

During negotiations, remain calm, patient, and modest. In Hong Kong working culture, negotiations take a while as everything is discussed in detail and considered thoroughly. Do not pressure your business partners. Give them time to think things through. Make sure your business card is printed in English and Chinese on both sides.

Speaking

In Hong Kong business culture, it is important to be diplomatic in your choice of words. “Yes” may not necessarily mean “yes,” just “I hear you” or “I understand what you are saying.” Avoid using a blunt “no” as a refusal or disagreement. Instead, find a more gracious phrasing.

Although English is commonly used in Hong Kong business culture, you should try to be respectful of your Chinese business partners. Speak slowly and clearly, and practice (or try to learn) Cantonese. If your Cantonese is not quite there when it comes to professional discussions, you may at least try a bit of small talk or a few polite phrases to show your effort.

Hong Kong working hours

While most work contracts state normal working hours to be from 09:00 to 18:00, most employees tend to work overtime very frequently. In addition to that, Saturday is a work day in many offices as well. On average people work about 50 hours per week, however, working for 60 hours or more is not uncommon. Most employees rarely take vacation days and do not have many public holidays either (only 17 in total).

Social security & benefits

Social security contributions in Hong Kong constitute 5% of an employee’s or self-employed worker’s salary. The rate of minimum monthly earnings to make social security payments fluctuates; at the moment it is around 7,000 HKD (approx. 900 USD). Workers earning below this minimum threshold are not required to make contributions.

How to get social security number in Hong Kong?

Social security numbers do not exist in Hong Kong. You do not need to apply for one or obtain any specific document or card that would guarantee you government’s allowances and benefits. That is because the eligibility for most social securities in Hong Kong depends on the length of your stay. For example, to qualify for old age or disability allowances you have to live in Hong Kong for at least seven years. That means that foreigners can get social security benefits as long as they meet the requirements.

Hong Kong’s social security benefits

The local government offers residents a variety of welfare programs designed to ensure a minimum standard of living. These schemes provide a safety net for people who are not able to take care of themselves anymore. While some benefits are provided by the state, you can get other funds as company benefits as well.

Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) is one of the schemes and is a compulsory pension fund for workers. One can start withdrawing money from their fund once they reach their retirement age (60 for early retirement and 65 for standard).

Hong Kong Social Welfare Department runs many more different kinds of social security programs in the city. They are supposed to take care of those suffering financially due to poverty, age, unemployment, disability, death of a family member, or natural disasters.

Other social security benefits

Aside from the public services for social security in Hong Kong, the Welfare Department provides further schemes to support residents. Its Family and Child Welfare branch, for example, aids impoverished families by means of charitable and trust funds. Such funds offer financial help in emergency situations if other forms of support are not available.

If you need more information on a specific welfare service and whether you qualify, please contact the Social Welfare Department.

Applying for social security in Hong Kong

The selection criteria and application process differ for each of the social security schemes. It often depends on your income and assets, your residence status or how long you have worked for one employer.

The types of social security schemes include:

• CSSA: Provides a safety net for those who cannot support themselves financially (requires 1-year HK residency).
• SSA Scheme: Includes Old Age Allowance, Old Age Living Allowance, and Disability Allowance (requires 7-year HK residency for some, or 1 year for others).

Maternity & paternity leave

Maternity leave usually begins between 1 to 4 weeks before the baby’s due date. In most cases, job security during parental leave is guaranteed.

How long is maternity leave in Hong Kong?

Working mothers in Hong Kong are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. However, the maternity benefits are only available if they have been employed under a continuous contract for 40 weeks or more and have given prior notice. If either of those criteria is not met, they are eligible for 14-week-long maternity leave without pay.

Paternity leave and benefits

Paternity leave for fathers is also available, however, it can only last five days. In order to get those few days off the parent must be employed under a continuous contract and inform his employer about the pregnancy and the leave three months before the birth.

The eligibility for paid leave benefits is the same as it is for mothers-to-be. The employer might also require the father to present additional documents about the mother of the child as well as the child’s birth certificate.

Visit the website of the Hong Kong Labor Department for more information on maternity and paternity leave.