There comes a time in everyone’s career when they start to get itchy feet and set their sights on change. But this can be easier said than done. If you’re ready to roll the dice, these are the essentials you’ll want to bear in mind when job hunting in Hong Kong.
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Where to Look for Your Next Job
Beyond the obligatory LinkedIn scrolls, Hong Kong has a number of job seeker’s portals and websites updated regularly, including
JobsDB,
Indeed, and
CP Jobs.
Glass Door is a great resource to learn more about a prospective employer, such as average wages and salary packages, but bear in mind that some disgruntled former employees have been known to air their dirty laundry here.
Self-Employment
Ready to go it alone? Whether you’re a perpetual freelancer or you’ve stumbled on a great idea and you’re ready to hit the ground running, Hong Kong is a great place to
start up a business. With low set up costs and some of the region’s lowest tax rates, the main requirements are for candidates to be over 18 years old, have a Hong Kong resident sponsor, and a solid business plan.
Employment Law
Unfortunately, there are times when employees can be taken advantage of. If you’re worried this might be you, it’s best to brush up on your entitlements under Hong Kong’s employment law. Minimum requirements are that full-time employees receive seven days annual leave plus all statutory holidays and paid sick leave. Employees must also be enrolled in a pension scheme (
MPF) which the employee and employer contribute towards equally.
Contracts
Once you’ve landed that new job and you’re asked to sign on the dotted line, make sure that the terms are clear
before you put pen to paper. Contracts in Hong Kong can be of a fixed term or on a rolling basis. They must be inclusive of annual leave allowances, basic salary, maternity leave, and any additional remuneration where applicable.
Visas
If you’re not a Hong Kong resident or on a dependent visa, an employer typically sponsors your visa application and helps you through the process. Your right to work in Hong Kong is linked to your job, so your new employer will need to transfer your visa over. Select nationalities can also apply for a
working holiday visa that entitles them to stay for 12 months. Working holiday visas are only obtainable for people aged between 18 and 30, with conditions applying.
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