Advertisement
HK Magazine Archive
Magazines

How to Leave Hong Kong

Maybe you’ve had enough and want to join the next mass migration wave. Here’s how to do it.

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
How to Leave Hong Kong
  1. Have a lot of money. One of the ways to move into other countries is via their immigrant investor programs, in which you state that you are willing to invest a large amount in a business in that country. You’ve got 33 years to save up. Here are a few picks:

    - Australia AUD1.5-5million ($10.1-$34 million). 
    - USA USD1,000,000 ($7.8 million) or USD500,000 ($3.9 million) in high unemployment or rural areas. Must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens, lawful permanent residents or other immigrants. 
    - Taiwan NT$6 million ($1.5 million). 
    - Malta EUR100,000 ($984,000) to buy citizenship outright 
     

  2. Marry into the country. Legal spouses face a much simpler immigration procedure. But love doesn’t conquer all, money speaks as well—your spouse needs to show that he/she can financially support you. Have “an extraordinary ability.” Well, that’s how the US Immigration Department puts it. Most countries welcome high-skilled professions. The USA also prefers the studious type—professors and researchers, as well as multinational executives and managers. Canada is very specific—there’s a list of 50 eligible professions, from geoscientists and homebuilding and renovation managers to petroleum engineers. 
     
  3. Enroll at a university. And then apply for a graduate visa or a work permit after completing your program. In Taiwan, for example, it’s easier for foreign students to apply for residency: you can do so after working there for five years post-graduation and fulfilling the salary and residence requirement.
     
  4. Get your MPF. If you’re leaving permanently, you can withdraw your MPF savings early. File a couple of forms and submit proof that you’ve been permitted to reside somewhere else permanently.
     
  5. Suck it up. If none of the above works for you, time to suck it up and stick up for Hong Kong.

 

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x