If you are planning to relocate to Hong Kong or have recently arrived, finding a new place to live is likely a top priority. Aside from searching for properties online or asking friends for advice, completing the following four tasks can help you secure a home smoothly.

 

1. Keep Your Employment Contract Easily Accessible

 

If you only have a digital copy of your employment contract, consider printing it out. Landlords will typically require this as proof of employment and income, and some may ask to see the original document.

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2. Apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)

 

While you can use either your passport or HKID to sign a tenancy agreement, having an HKID makes setting up utilities much simpler. Even the temporary paper version of the HKID is accepted. For full details, please visit https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/hkid/reg_replace.html.

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3. Get a Local Mobile Number from a Telecom Service Provider

 

A local mobile number is also required to open utility accounts. Information about telecom service providers is available from the Office of the Communications Authority, with stores located in most urban areas and major shopping centres.

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4. Open a Local Bank Account

 

If you don't have a residential address in Hong Kong, you may need to provide a reference letter from your employer when opening a bank account. 

 

It's important to have the required funds ready. Upon signing a provisional tenancy agreement, you will be required to pay an initial deposit to the landlord in cash or by cheque. The deposit is usually equivalent to one month's rent. A further two months' rent (the balance of the two-month deposit and the first month's rent in advance) is required upon signing the formal contract and receiving the keys.

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Note: It usually takes a couple of days for the bank to process the application. For citizens of certain countries, such as the USA, the process may take several weeks.