Hong Kong (HK)
Hong Kong is one of the world's most dynamic cities — a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China operating under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework that preserves its common law legal system, independent judiciary, free port status, and separate currency.
Capital: Hong Kong
Region: Asia
Language: Chinese (Cantonese)
Currency: HKD (HK$)
Cost of living: Very expensive (index 90)
Emergency: 999
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Professional Services
Finding lawyers, accountants, doctors and other professionals in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's professional services sector is world-class and competitive. Fees are high but service standards are generally excellent. Always verify the professional's registration with the relevant regulatory body before engaging. For basic immigration queries, the Immigration Department's 24-hour enquiry line (2824 6111) and their website provide extensive free guidance in English. The Labour Department Conciliation Section provides free employment dispute resolution services — use it before engaging lawyers for employment disputes.
Language options: English is widely used in professional services in Hong Kong. Most solicitors, accountants, and financial advisers in the major firms are fluent in English, Cantonese, and often Putonghua. For specialist areas (immigration, property), ask specifically for an English-speaking adviser. Legal documents for government submissions must be in English or Chinese (Traditional characters). Personal legal documents (wills, contracts) can be in either language.
Immigration Lawyer / Solicitor
Employment Visa consultation: HK$3,000–8,000. Full QMAS application assistance: HK$15,000–40,000. TTPS application: HK$5,000–15,000. Right of Abode application: HK$10,000–30,000. Many solicitors charge hourly (HK$3,000–8,000/hour for senior partner level). How to find: Law Society of Hong Kong (lawsoc.org.hk) — Find a Solicitor database searchable by specialisation. Look for firms with dedicated immigration practice groups. Major firms: Deacons, ONC Lawyers, Hampton, Winter & Glynn (specialist immigration boutique), Oldham Li & Nie. Many also offer employment visa services directly to employees.
Law Society of Hong Kong (HKLAWS)Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA)
💡 The Immigration Department publishes all official forms and guidance in English — many straightforward applications (Employment Visa renewal, TTPS) can be handled without a lawyer. Complex cases (refused applications, criminal history, concurrent proceedings) benefit strongly from legal representation. Beware of unlicensed "visa consultants" — only a qualified solicitor or barrister can give legal advice in HK.
Solicitor (Property / Corporate Law)
Residential property conveyancing: HK$10,000–30,000 per transaction. Company incorporation: HK$5,000–15,000. Will drafting: HK$3,000–10,000 (simple); HK$15,000+ (complex, cross-border). Commercial agreement: HK$5,000–50,000+ How to find: Law Society of Hong Kong (lawsoc.org.hk). All solicitors in HK must be enrolled with the Law Society. For property purchases, the buyer's and seller's solicitors handle conveyancing. For company formation or commercial contracts: any general practice solicitor firm. Large expat-friendly firms: Deacons, Howse Williams, Vivien Chan & Co, Carey Olsen.
Law Society of Hong Kong
💡 Solicitors in HK are all-purpose (unlike UK split between solicitors and barristers for most matters). Note: solicitors from England/Wales, Australia, and other common law jurisdictions can be admitted to HK practice by examination but cannot directly practice without going through the admission process.
Accountant / CPA (Tax & Business)
Personal salaries tax return preparation: HK$2,000–6,000/year. Corporate profits tax return: HK$5,000–30,000+. Tax advice consultation: HK$2,000–5,000/hour (senior level). Sole proprietor accounts + tax: HK$5,000–15,000/year. How to find: Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) member search at hkicpa.org.hk. For expat personal tax matters: smaller boutique tax advisory firms (e.g. eMPF Tax Services, Accord Tax Advisory). For corporate: Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) or mid-tier firms (BDO, RSM, Mazars).
HKICPA (Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants)
💡 Hong Kong's territorial tax system (income earned outside HK generally not taxable) means many expats with offshore income need specific advice on offshore source claims. IRD takes offshore claims seriously and may request detailed documentation. Get advice before filing, not after a query.
Registered Estate Agent (Property)
Agent commission for rental: typically half a month's rent from tenant and/or landlord (varies by negotiation). Agent commission for property purchase: typically 1% of purchase price (sometimes negotiable). Landlords often pay, but buyers may be asked to contribute. How to find: Estate Agents Authority (EAA) — eaa.org.hk — licensed agents directory. Largest agencies: Centaline Property (中原地產), Midland Realty (美聯物業), Hong Kong Property (香港置業), JLL (corporate relocation), Savills, Knight Frank (higher end). For rentals: Spacious.hk, Squarefoot.com.hk as platforms (both list properties from licensed agents and individual landlords).
Estate Agents Authority (EAA) — statutory regulatory body
💡 Always verify the agent's EAA licence number before proceeding. EAA-licensed agents are bound by a code of conduct. Unlicensed individuals acting as agents can be prosecuted. Expat-friendly agencies with English-speaking staff: Centaline, Spacious.hk (online platform), Savills, JLL.
Financial Adviser (SFC Licensed)
Commission-based advisers: no upfront fee but earn commission on products sold (potential conflict of interest). Fee-only advisers: HK$5,000–15,000 for a financial plan. Ongoing management fee: 0.5–1.5% per annum of assets managed. How to find: Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) Public Register at sfc.hk — verify any financial adviser's licence number and type. For expat financial planning: AIA, Prudential, Zurich International Life (licensed advisers), or independent fee-only advisers (Financial Planning Association of HK — fpahk.org). For investment management: licensed investment advisers.
Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)Insurance Authority (IA)Financial Planning Association of HK (FPAHK)
💡 Be extremely cautious of unsolicited approaches by "wealth management consultants" at airport or in shopping malls — these are typically tied agents selling high-commission products. Always verify SFC or IA licence before giving any money. Beware of offshore savings plans (e.g. RLAM, Friends Provident) sold to expats — many have poor terms and surrender penalties.
Employment Lawyer (Labour / HR)
Labour Tribunal claims: free to file; legal representation not needed for most cases. Solicitor advice: HK$2,000–5,000/consultation. Full representation: HK$15,000–80,000 (depends on complexity). How to find: Law Society of Hong Kong — search for employment law specialists. Popular for: wrongful dismissal claims, contract disputes, MPF complaints. Many employment disputes go to the Labour Tribunal (free, no lawyer required for most cases).
Law Society of Hong KongLabour Department Conciliation Section (free conciliation service)
💡 The Labour Tribunal handles claims up to HK$100,000 quickly and cheaply without legal representation. For claims above HK$100,000 or wrongful dismissal: consider legal advice. Free legal advice also available at the Bar Association's Free Legal Advice Service (Saturdays) and Duty Lawyer Service.
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