Leaving Hong Kong

What you need to know

Arranging Your Visa / Work Permit

Unless you are a resident in the country you are moving to, you will most likely require a visa or work permit. If you are going over on a work contract, contact the appropriate administration department of your company to see whether they will arrange the necessary documents for you. Otherwise, you may need to contact the visa department at the embassy of the country you are moving to and find out how to obtain the appropriate documents.

Visa and work permit applications can take some time to prepare, so you should start looking into it about a year before your departure. You should also make sure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months at the time of your move.

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Driving Overseas

Unless your driving licence was issued in the country you are moving to, you will probably need an international licence to allow you to drive as soon as you arrive. Hong Kong's Transport Department issues international licences, but only to holders of Hong Kong driving licences.

Don't forget: When using your international licence abroad, it needs to be accompanied by your Hong Kong licence at all times.

Once you arrive at your new destination, you should check with the local transportation authority to find out how to apply for a local licence

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Finding the Right Place to Live

Finding the right place to live can be quite difficult, especially if you are moving with your family and children. Contact relocation companies with expertise in your new destination and get a headstart in your search. If you decide to buy property abroad, we have special packages for overseas mortgages in selective locations. Contact our International Banking Centre to find out more. Alternatively, renting a place can be an option in the short term until you are more familiar with the property market in your new destination.

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Children's Education

Finding the right school for your children will no doubt be an utmost priority if you are moving your family overseas. Depending on where you move to, you will have a few options to ensure your children's education does not suffer:

International schools
If your children attend an international school here in Hong Kong, you may want to find a similar school in the city to which you are moving. Find out if there is a suitable school where you will be relocating by searching the directory of international schools on the Internet.

Local schools
If you are going to stay a while in the country you are moving to, you may want to consider enrolling your children in a local school. Contact the embassy of the country you are moving to for a list of schools and the application procedures.

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Family Healthcare

Hospital services, doctors' consultations, emergency services and other forms of healthcare may be wholly or partly paid for by the recipient in the country you move to. This is an expense that you need to factor into your finances or make sure that you have the appropriate health cover.

A doctor's check up for each member of your family is also a good idea. It should be done no later than six months before departure.

At HSBC, we offer worldwide medical protection so you can rest assured that you will be well looked after, wherever you are in the world.

To find out more about the private medical insurance that we provide especially for Hong Kong nationals living abroad, please click here.

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Insurance Coverage

You should consider getting travel insurance coverage in case of emergency whilst travelling. Other coverage to consider is a policy to protect the contents of your home while it is being relocated.

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Other Considerations

Hong Kong's tax office needs to be advised of your departure, as will your utilities companies and bank.

If you have pets, you should contact a pet relocation agency to check quarantine requirements of your destination.

In your spare time, learn more about the language and local customs of your new country so you can settle in as soon as possible.

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Packing Up and Moving

Once you decide on the date of your move, notify the moving company at least 3 months before your departure. Book the time for your move to ensure all your belongings arrive before you do. In addition, obtain a complete listing of your belongings from your mover and check out what customs and excise documentation you will need to clear customs in your new country.

Just to be safe, leave a photocopy of your passport, visas and other important documents in a safe place before you move.

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Opening an Overseas Bank Account

Having a bank account set up in the country you are moving to before you arrive will give you time to concentrate on settling in and finding your feet. The International Banking Centre can help you open an account for your day-to-day transactions in the local currency, as well as arrange other financial services to help you get started.

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Learn More about the HSBC International Network

The HSBC global network allows you to withdraw cash from our extensive world-wide network of ATMs. Our credit and debit cards will also allow you to make purchases at thousands of merchants all over the globe.

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Disclaimer:

• This section is intended as a general guide for reference only. Benefits and features may be subject to local country regulatory restrictions. Please refer to the Premier Service Guide for detailed information.
• The information contained in this section should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice in individual cases. Future changes in legislation, tax level, and practice could affect the information in this site.
• The information shown is based on date or information obtained from sources believed to be reliable but HSBC makes no representation and accepts no responsibility as to its accuracy or completeness and will not be held liable for damages arising out of any person's reliance upon this information
• Information sourced from Transport Department of Hong Kong SAR