Hong Kong, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a city in south China, Southeast Asia. It has a long history of immigration, diversity, and great opportunity.
Relocating from Singapore to Hong Kong could be a big change, but also having a lot of familiar things. They both share a great economy, culture, language, a climate that’s not too far off, and a very high quality of living.
Are you thinking of relocating to Hong Kong from Singapore? Let us guide you on what you need to know, and we’ll also share some helpful tips along the way.
1. What Is Life Like In Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a go-to destination for a lot of people, thanks to having a lot of opportunities. Hong Kong, a financial centre and business destination, is very rich. It has a lot of modern amenities, services, high-end shopping malls, amazing restaurants, top-of-the-line condos and apartment buildings.
Thanks to national security reforms, the overall crime rates in Hong Kong are considerably low and trending down.
2. Differences Between The Cost Of Living In Singapore VS Hong Kong
Both cities rank close to each other in the global list regarding the cost of living.
For the past 5 years, the exchange rate between the Singapore Dollar and the Hong Kong Dollar has stayed between 5.35 HKD and 5.99 HKD.
Based on the numbers, you won’t need to adjust your lifestyle too much. If you stick within your budget and familiarise yourself with what to prioritise in your spending.
4. Diving Into The Hong Kong Job Market
The Government has been actively pursuing economic development in many different aspects. There are four key industries that have a particular focus on financial services, tourism, trading and logistics, and professional and producer services. These are recognised as those that truly drive the economy of Hong Kong. So, if you are looking for employment or a career to transition into, these may start as a guide on what you might consider pursuing.
5. Amazing Neighbourhoods To Stay Call Your New Home
Thanks to the many nationalities that live in Hong Kong, you can often find little pocket communities within communities. These are factors you ought to consider when choosing which neighbourhood to live in, other than whether it is a city centre or a quiet suburb.
Here are some places you might want to consider:
Mid-Levels is a very popular neighbourhood for both locals and expats.
Pok Fu Lam is an excellent choice to live in, thanks to its location. It is very close to both the downtown and the beaches of the south.
North Point is another excellent choice for expats, especially since the pricing in this neighbourhood is more affordable than in other parts of Hong Kong.
The Peak is one of the most affluent spots in Hong Kong and perhaps the highest in elevation, as its name suggests. The buildings in the area are excellent, offering several amenities you’d expect from a more pricey neighbourhood.
Sai Kung is the better choice if you are looking for a place that can offer you a bit of distance from the noise and rush of city living.
6. Entry Requirements To Hong Kong
A Singapore citizen with a Singapore passport may stay in Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days.
Applying for permanent residency requires someone to live in Hong Kong for at least seven years. So, if you plan on becoming a full-time resident, a working Visa will be the best choice.
Applying for a work visa in Hong Kong will fall under the General Employment Policy(GEP), which has several work visa categories that can be applied for. The most common of these include:
- Technology talent admission scheme
- Quality migrant admission scheme
There are different types of visas depending on the type of work you will be pursuing once in Hong Kong, and these are just a few under the GEP.
To be eligible for consideration, you should have the following:
- Graduate Degree
- Professional experience
- Confirmed offer of employment
- Proof from the employer of no local being able to fill the position
Finally, to apply for the Visa, you will need the following at the minimum:
- Completed Visa application form
- Singapore passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank visa pages
- Recent passport-size photo
- Bank statements from the last three months
- Original letter of invitation or proof of employment from your employer
7. Expat Communities Within Hong Kong You Can Connect With
It’s normal to need an adjustment period when moving to a new city. Despite their many similarities, moving from Singapore to Hong Kong, one can still feel culture shock and might need a little help finding your footing.
That’s why there are Expat communities within communities in Hong Kong. These groups will tend to host social events such as gatherings in restaurants, bars, galleries, and local holidays and festivals.
Thanks to the internet and social media availability, you can even find these groups online. With forums and message boards, you can communicate with other expats and see any future scheduled events. Online forums are also a great way to dip your toe in the water before joining in on any live events if you are not sure yet.
Who knows, in time, maybe you will be the one to host an event!
8. Engage With A Professional To Make Your Move So Much Easier
Moving to a new country will have all sorts of challenges. That’s why you should make the most of your trip and reduce the stress wherever possible. Partnering with a relocation service in Singapore like us (Sanelo) ensures you enjoy your flight fully.
This also frees you from the hassle of carrying your belongings around, thanks to our shipment protection services. So, if you plan on relocating, whether locally or internationally, partnering with Sanelo, which has years of experience in the business, is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Hong Kong
What Is A Good Salary Level In Hong Kong?
According to recent studies, a single person will need at least 8,200 HKD for the cost of living before housing costs. Based on market trends, the lowest average salary is 9,300 HKD and can go up to a high average of 163,000 HKD.
Is There A Large Expat Population In Hong Kong?
Expats make up almost 10% of the population of Hong Kong. However, thanks to the pandemic and travel restrictions, that number has fluctuated over the last few years.
Can Sanelo Help With My Relocation To Hong Kong?
Of course we can! We have been a moving company in Singapore for over 130 years, part of the Santa Fe relocation family. Once you have submitted an estimate online a representative will be glad to answer all your questions, guide you through the whole process as well as assist in any and all requirements.