A guide to moving to Hong Kong

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Important information you need to know when moving to Hong Kong

Want to move to Victoria? Considering moving to Kowloon? Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Hong Kong…
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What is Life in Hong Kong Like for Expats

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Hong Kong

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Hong Kong:

  • Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods) (identification pages only)
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Hong Kong for you.
  • Detailed moving inventory – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • Owner of the goods’ full contact details in Hong Kong (address, telephone, fax number, email address, etc.)

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Hong Kong. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Chinese Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.
 

Additional Removal Advice

  • All household goods and personal effects can be imported free of duty.
Boat and hong kong

Popular Destinations in Hong Kong

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Hong Kong:

Kowloon, Aberdeen, Tseun Wan, Sha Tin, Tung Chung, Tuen Mun, Tai Po, Tin Shui.

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Additional Services for your move to Hong Kong

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Hong Kong, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to Hong Kong

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Hong Kong:
  • Original vehicle documentation
  • Original purchase invoice
  • Certificate of registration (must show boat dimensions)
  • Import declaration
  • Insurance certificate
motorbike-crating for shipment

Additional Import Advice

Certificate of registration must be submitted to Marine Department for application of import permit within 24 hours from arrival of effects.

  • Left-hand drive cars cannot be imported.
  • All vehicles are subject to strict regulatory inspections and high first registration taxes.
  • Taxes are set to discourage the personal import of vehicles; it is highly recommended that an estimate of costs before shipping a vehicle, be obtained.
  • First registration fee is based on value, as follows:
  • Private Cars:
  • From value HK $0 to 150,000 : 40%
  • On the next HK $150,000 : 75%
  • On the next HK $200,000 : 100%
  • On the remainder : 115%
  • Motorbikes:
  • 35% of value
  • All vehicles must comply with the exhaust and noise emissions standard.
  • Approval / exemption from the Environmental Protection Department before shipping vehicles into Hong Kong are advised.
  • Vehicles must satisfy local standards.
  • It is difficult to obtain insurance for vehicles older than 10 years.

Relocating Your Pets to Hong Kong

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Hong Kong:

  • Health certificate from origin country
  • Import permit

Additional Import Advice

  • All animals imported to Australia must meet the requirements of the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and will be quarantined upon arrival.
  • Import Permits take approximately 10 business days from the date receipt by Department of Agriculture to be approved; however, incomplete or incorrect applications may take longer.
  • Shippers must select a quarantine station for the animal prior to import.
    Animals may be visited by only the person identified as the importer during the quarantine period.

Note: It is critical to contact Department of Agriculture and Water Resources prior to the import of pets as requirements and restrictions are dependent upon the country of origin and vary dramatically per type of animal.

Dogs traveling by airplane. Boxes with live animals at the airport

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Hong Kong. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Hong Kong:

  • Illegal drugs
  • Firearms, explosives and ammunition (permission required)
  • Controlled chemicals
  • Pets and animals (permission required)
  • Meat and poultry
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Pornographic material
  • Rough diamonds
  • Knives and deadly weapons

Prohibited / Banned Items

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Do not move any of these items to Hong Kong:

  • Dogs (dangerous breeds including Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario and advertisements referencing these breeds
  • Embryo clones and viable materials, and any related advertising matter advertising these items
  • Suicide devices
  • Rough diamonds (see provision under Restricted/Dutiable Items)

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

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