By William Collins, writer and consultant – Eurasia Business News. June 22, 2025. Article no 1577.

Hong Kong, often dubbed “Asia’s World City,” is a dynamic fusion of East and West, offering a unique blend of modern infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and a bustling business environment. For Western digital nomads, Hong Kong presents both opportunities and challenges. This comprehensive guide explores the key aspects of living and working remotely in Hong Kong, including cost of living, accommodation, food, internet connectivity, safety, visa regulations, and tax considerations.

💰 Cost of Living: High but Manageable

Hong Kong is renowned for its high cost of living, consistently ranking among the most expensive cities globally. According to the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Hong Kong topped the list for the third consecutive year.

Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around HKD 20,000 ($2,580) per month, while outside the city center, it drops to approximately HKD 13,000 ($1,670) (GypsyWarrior).

Utilities: Monthly utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, typically range between HKD 700 to HKD 1,000 ($90 to $130).

Transportation: Public transportation is efficient and affordable, with monthly expenses ranging from HKD 500 to HKD 800 ($65 to $100).

Food: Dining out at local eateries costs around HKD 50 to HKD 100 ($6.50 to $13) per meal, while groceries for one person can range from HKD 2,000 to HKD 3,000 ($260 to $390) monthly.

🏠 Accommodation: Diverse Options Across the City

Hong Kong offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to various budgets:

Serviced Apartments: Options like The Ascott and The Estella provide fully furnished apartments with amenities suitable for longer stays.

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Airbnb: A variety of listings are available across the city, from studios in Central to apartments in Kowloon (Condé Nast Traveler).

Hostels and Co-living Spaces: Affordable options like Mojo Nomad Aberdeen and Rainbow Lodge HK offer communal living experiences ideal for networking.

Neighborhoods like Kowloon offer more affordable rents compared to Hong Kong Island, making them popular among digital nomads.

🍜 Food: A Culinary Paradise

Hong Kong’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Cantonese cuisine and international flavors:

Street Food: Areas like Mong Kok and Causeway Bay are famous for street foods such as egg waffles, fish balls, and stinky tofu (Wikipedia – HK Street Food).

Local Eateries: Dishes like dim sum, wonton noodles, and roast pork are staples (GypsyWarrior).

International Cuisine: The city boasts a plethora of international restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy cafes (Serious Eats).

🌐 Internet: Fast and Reliable Connectivity

Hong Kong boasts some of the fastest internet speeds globally, with median download speeds of 275.17 Mbps as of January 2024 (The Standard).

Availability: High-speed internet is widely available across the city, including in cafes, coworking spaces, and accommodations.

Read also : Tax Management strategies for Digital Nomads

Cost: Monthly internet plans typically cost around HKD 200 to HKD 300 ($26 to $39) (GypsyWarrior).

For enhanced online privacy, especially given the evolving political landscape, using a reliable VPN is advisable.

🛡️ Safety: Generally Secure with Considerations

Hong Kong is generally considered safe for travelers and residents:

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Low Crime Rates: The city has low rates of violent crime, and it’s common to feel safe walking around, even at night (The Standard).

Political Climate: While the city has experienced political unrest in recent years, staying informed and avoiding protest areas can mitigate risks (Time Magazine).

🛂 Visa Rules: Navigating Entry and Stay

Hong Kong does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, options are available:

  • Tourist Visa: Citizens from many Western countries can enter Hong Kong visa-free for stays ranging from 7 to 180 days.
  • Employment Visa: For those seeking longer stays, securing an employment visa through a local sponsor is an option.
  • Entrepreneur Visa: Entrepreneurs can apply for a visa under the General Employment Policy by establishing a business in Hong Kong.

Visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department for the most current regulations.

Read also : Why Digital Nomads love living in Da Nang, Vietnam ?

💼 Tax Regime: Favorable but Requires Attention

If you’re an expat considering life or business in Hong Kong, the city’s tax regime is one of its most attractive features. But don’t let its simplicity fool you—understanding the nuances is essential to remain compliant and optimize your tax position.

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📍 Territorial Taxation: A Key Advantage

Hong Kong operates a territorial tax system. This means only income earned within Hong Kong is subject to tax. Offshore income—including foreign employment income, dividends, and capital gains—is generally not taxable.

💸 Salaries Tax: For Employees

If you work in Hong Kong, you’ll be subject to Salaries Tax, but only on income arising in or derived from Hong Kong.

  • Rates are progressive, capped at 17%.
  • If part of your duties are performed outside of Hong Kong, you may be able to claim partial exemption—but this must be declared and justified in your tax return.

🏢 Profits Tax: For Entrepreneurs and Businesses

Running a business? Hong Kong’s Profits Tax is particularly expat-friendly:

  • 8.25% on the first HKD 2 million of profits.
  • 16.5% on profits above that threshold.
  • Only Hong Kong-sourced profits are taxable—making careful structuring potentially beneficial for those with regional or online businesses.

📄 Filing Obligations: Don’t Ignore Them

Even if you believe your income is exempt or sourced offshore, you must still file a tax return.

  • Filing allows you to formally claim exemptions or reliefs—for example, based on time spent working outside of Hong Kong.
  • The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) expects proper documentation and timelines to be met.
  • Professional advisors such as Yau & Wong emphasize that proactive tax planning can avoid unnecessary disputes or penalties.

✅ Takeaway for Expats

Hong Kong offers one of the most efficient tax environments in Asia—but as with all jurisdictions, compliance and record-keeping are key. Whether you’re an employee, entrepreneur, or digital nomad, get tailored advice early and ensure your filing reflects your actual residency and work pattern.

Read also : Tax Management strategies for Digital Nomads

Smart tax planning starts with understanding the rules—then working with them.

🌏 Final Thoughts: Is Hong Kong Right for You?

Hong Kong offers a unique blend of modern amenities, cultural richness, and business opportunities, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. However, the high cost of living and lack of a dedicated digital nomad visa are considerations to keep in mind. For those who can navigate these challenges, Hong Kong provides a vibrant and dynamic environment to live and work remotely.

Read also : Gold : Build Your Wealth and Freedom

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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1577.