Living in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s public healthcare system includes hospitals, specialist and general outpatient clinics, Chinese medicine centres and community outreach services. While residents are entitled to subsidies, non-residents have to pay fees similar to those charged by private hospitals. Private hospitals often charge more than public facilities, but they provide a better service and shorter waiting times. There are a number of UK-accredited hospitals in Hong Kong, as well as various private practices and outpatient clinics.

Pharmacies are widespread and open seven days a week. Most hospitals also offer 24-hour pharmacy services. Prescriptions from other countries aren’t accepted, so you’ll need to get one from a local doctor before your supply runs out.

Individuals earning income that arises in or is derived from a Hong Kong office or Hong Kong employment, or from services rendered in Hong Kong during visits of more than 60 days in any tax year, are subject to salaries tax. The tax year runs from 1 April to 31 March.

Hong Kong observes a territorial basis of taxation, which means the concept of tax residency has no significance in determining tax liability, except in limited circumstances.

Employment income derived from services rendered outside Hong Kong is exempt from salaries tax if the person is chargeable to and has paid tax of substantially the same nature as salaries tax with respect to that income.

Hong Kong has entered into double tax agreements with more than 40 countries. From the 2018/19 tax year, any relief from double tax is by way of a tax credit rather than an income exemption. for employment income derived outside Hong Kong in a territory that has entered into a double tax agreement with Hong Kong.

Except where you're opening an account for your child, family members must apply for the account themselves. You can open a joint account with someone if they are at least 18 years old. You can also link qualifying accounts to yours and share your HSBC Premier status with up to 4 family members. If you're an HSBC Premier, HSBC Premier Elite or HSBC Global Private Banking customer you can contact your Relationship Manager to begin this process.

If you’re an HSBC Premier customer, simply log on to Personal Internet Banking or mobile banking to transfer money free of charge from your self-named overseas HSBC account to your local HSBC account instantly via the Global Transfers service.

You can move money from other overseas bank accounts via our telegraphic transfer service using the HSBC Hong Kong SWIFT code (HSBCHKHHHKH).

For details about our service charges, please refer to the General Bank Tariffs.