Working in Hong Kong

A demanding work ethic is the norm in Hong Kong and long and unofficial office hours, often more than 50 hours a week, are part of the work culture. If working for a Hong Kong based company, an understanding of Cantonese or Mandarin is beneficial, although most transnational companies will use primarily English.

The majority of expats in Hong Kong work in the financial sector, although increasingly expats are now integrated in all aspects of business. Some of the larger expat industries are banking, managerial postings, IT and English Schools. Expats hired from within Hong Kong typically earn less money than employees relocated to the city from overseas. Often a housing allowance is afforded only to expats relocating to Hong Kong and can be a huge portion of a salary.

 

An employment visa is needed to work in Hong Kong. Although it is not impossible to apply for this once in the country, it is recommended to have one beforehand and it is illegal to work without the employment visa. A company needs to sponsor an individual for the visa and they must possess skills deemed to be lacking in Hong Kong's work force.