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Moving to Hong Kong on a Working Holiday Visa

Dated: October 21, 2019

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View of city harbour
Hong Kong harbour from the Star Ferry

My discovery of the Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa (WHV) came at just the right time for me.

Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart; my dad moved there in 2006 and I have visited him more times than I can remember since then.

It’s become my second home.

When my dad decided to open a restaurant on Lantau Island, I was about to leave Australia and I offered to come to Hong Kong to help him out for his first year.

I couldn’t get an employment visa as I didn’t have a degree or 10 years’ professional experience.

So, we did some digging and found out that a Working Holiday Visa was an option for me! (My only option, really).

Here’s how to apply for your own Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa.

Note: this article is based on my experience, but PLEASE ensure that you also carefully read all of the criteria on the official immigration website.

Requirements

Reservoir with building and mountains behind
Shek Pik Reservoir, Lantau Island

The important first step, as I mentioned above, is to head to the Hong Kong Immigration Department website and check their eligibility criteria.

The Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa scheme is available for nationals of 14 participating countries, and the full list is available on the website.

Each of those nationalities have different rules and restrictions regarding how long they can work/study and for how many employers.

There is also an annual quota which varies between nationalities.

There are, however, some requirements that apply to everyone. You must:

  • Be between 18 and 30 years old.
  • Have a valid passport for one of the 14 participating countries.
  • Be able to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself, as well as enough for an outward ticket if you don’t already have one booked.
  • Be covered by insurance for the entirety of your stay.

The WHV is 12 months long, no matter your nationality, and costs 230 HKD (around 23 GBP / 27 EUR).

Application

Buffalo on the beach by a tree
Water buffalo on Pui O beach, Lantau Island

Once you’re sure that you are eligible for the visa, it’s time to apply!

Unfortunately, there is not yet a simple online application process.

You can download and print the appropriate form from the website here, and then you need to fill it out by hand and either post it or hand-deliver it to the Immigration Department in Hong Kong or the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission in your country.

Payment of the 230 HKD must be included with your application as either a cashier order or bank draft and must be in Hong Kong Dollars. Do not send cash!

These details do make the process a bit harder, but it’s definitely worth persevering.

I was lucky in that I was already in the country on a tourist visa when I submitted my application, which made the process easier for me.

When I received my visa label, I took a quick day trip to Macau. I returned to Hong Kong with the label in my passport and that was it!

My Working Holiday Visa was up and running!

Life in Hong Kong

View of city from mountain summit
View from Victoria Peak

Once you’re in Hong Kong, you will need to set up a bank account as a priority before you start working.

Just walk into one of the many banks in the city (I used HSBC) and they will help you to open an account.

There are plenty of guesthouses located in the city, but you’ll likely want to find an apartment once you’ve decided where to settle for a while.

Websites such as Geoexpat are good for finding apartments in the city.

I recommend getting a place with a rooftop if you can as most apartments are pretty small and the outdoor space is very valuable.

When it’s time for you to find work, sites like JobsDB and Monster are popular, and Google is your friend!

It’s worth noting that if you have a degree, it will be much easier for you to find well-paying jobs and you may even get sponsored to stay!

The first year of work is tax-free, meaning you won’t have to pay any tax on your WHV.

Make sure you take some time to explore outside of the city as well; Hong Kong’s islands and beaches are not to be missed!

Ready to go?

Yellow tram in front of tall city buildings
Tram passing the Lippo Centre buildings, Central

I hope that you love Hong Kong’s unique charm and beauty as much as I do.

There is a huge expat community, meaning that you’re bound to meet other travellers as well as locals.

Take a wander down some back streets and there’s no telling what secluded little stores and cafes you could find!

Most importantly, take in as much of the amazing mixture of cultures as you can, do plenty of exploring and have the time of your life!

Is there anything else you’d like to know? Are you planning your own trip to Hong Kong? Let me know in the comments! ๐Ÿ™‚

Want more like this? Check out these articles:

  • Hong Kong: escaping the chaos
  • How a Working Holiday Visa could change your life
  • Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa
  • Moving to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa

All images in this post are the property of lastminutewanders.com

Tall geometric shaped buildings and yellow tram with text overlay - Moving to Hong Kong on a Working Holiday Visa
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Posted Under: Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel Advice, Travel Planning, Working Abroad

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. nicola says

    14/09/2022 at 8:52 am

    Hi, on a working holiday visa can I still go home for Christmas and then return to Hong Kong? I’m confused because it says only valid for one entry.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      14/09/2022 at 1:35 pm

      Hi Nicola,
      As far as I’m aware you are still able to make multiple entries, which was the case when I was on my Working Holiday Visa in Hong Kong. (I also went home for Christmas).

      I haven’t been able to find any information to say that this has changed; however, it might be worth contacting HK immigration just to be sure.

      Hope this helps โ˜บ๏ธ

      Reply
  2. Alice Peace says

    27/01/2021 at 7:01 pm

    Ahh I miss Hong Kong. I would love to move there one day.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      28/01/2021 at 11:34 am

      I miss it too! Yes, it is a wonderful place to live ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  3. Havi says

    08/12/2020 at 5:32 am

    Hi there! Was wondering was it difficult for you to open a bank account with your WHV and not having employment proof when you first came over? About to come to HK on a WHV and a tad overwhelm with the banking system if it’ll be any different than what I’m use to.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      08/12/2020 at 7:20 pm

      Hi Havi! I didn’t have that issue as I did already have proof of employment when I needed to open my bank account. If it helps, I found the banking system quite simple to use once my account was open. I used HSBC, which I was already familiar with as I also use them at home in the UK.
      All the best with your WHV, I hope you love it as much as I did! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. Elle says

    18/05/2020 at 9:08 pm

    Ah I can’t believe I have never thought of doing a year in Hong Kong. My boyfriend and I loved it when we were there and I always though I could live there. Thank you for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      19/05/2020 at 10:45 am

      It is a very live-able city isn’t it?! And so much fun! I definitely recommend it if you get the chance ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

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๐Ÿ“ England ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
๐ŸŒ 28 countries visited

Sarah Meyer | LMW
Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
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Don't forget to:
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Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more ๐ŸŒ
Don't forget to:
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Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Check the entry requirements well in advance of yo Check the entry requirements well in advance of your departure so you know exactly what to expect, how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Follow me for more long term travel planning tips! ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practic IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel planning ๐Ÿ˜ŽโœŒ๐Ÿป
Don't forget to:
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๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
When I was planning my first long-term travel adve When I was planning my first long-term travel adventure, my family (understandably) wanted to know all about where I would be going and what I would be doing. And I had only the vaguest of ideas!
Are you a planner or do you prefer to be spontaneous? ๐Ÿค“
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Hostels are such a great accommodation option for Hostels are such a great accommodation option for long-term travellers on a budget!
Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything you need to remember in the lead up to your adventure!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
It's time to start booking, buying and applying fo It's time to start booking, buying and applying for those important things that will make your travel plans more concrete!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
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