Digital nomad guide to Hong Kong

How to enter Hong Kong as a digital nomad

The standard pathway for nomads moving to Hong Kong. Specific income tests, processing times, and document requirements live in the visa story above and per-city cards — these are the steps you take in order.

1. 1

   Check 90-day visa-free eligibility

   Hong Kong grants 90 days visa-free on arrival to most US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ passports. The 90 days run from entry date — leaving and re-entering generally restarts the clock, but border officers track repeat entries.

2. 2

   Enter and use the 90-day stretch

   No pre-application required for visa-free passports. Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation; checks at Hong Kong International (HKG) are routine for nomads with frequent regional travel.

3. 3

   For longer stays: QMAS or TTPS

   QMAS (Quality Migrant Admission Scheme) is points-based — admits skilled professionals across age, education, work experience, language, and family categories. TTPS (Top Talent Pass Scheme) is for high-earning professionals (HKD 2.5M+/year salary or top-100 university degree).

4. 4

   Or 1828-D for high-end remote work

   The 1828-D visa category covers professionals working remotely for foreign employers with HKD 1.5M+/year income. Less well-known than TTPS but more nomad-friendly since it doesn't require a Hong Kong sponsoring employer.

5. 5

   Apply at the Hong Kong Immigration Department

   All long-stay visas go through the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID). Online portal with biometrics required in-person at the Immigration Tower in Wan Chai. Processing 4–8 weeks for QMAS, 2–4 weeks for TTPS.

6. 6

   Get a HKID and plan for unique tax rules

   Once your visa is approved and you've moved, register for a Hong Kong ID card — required for banking, mobile contracts, and most services. Hong Kong's territorial tax system means foreign-source income is generally not taxed; Hong Kong-source income is taxed at progressive rates (2–17%).

Process subject to change — confirm current rules with the Hong Kong consulate before booking flights.

• Hong Kong

  Asia-finance-and-food nomads who can absorb mid-tier rents in one of the densest cities anywhere.

  $3,580per month

  CostClimateFIREOpen guide →

Other Asia bases

• 🇹🇭Thailand7 cities
• 🇻🇳Vietnam4 cities
• 🇮🇩Indonesia3 cities
• 🇲🇾Malaysia3 cities
• 🇵🇭Philippines3 cities
• 🇯🇵Japan5 cities

Other Visa-free Entry countries

The 15 countries below share Hong Kong’s visa structure — useful when Hong Kongdoesn’t fit and you want a similar pathway elsewhere.

• 🇮🇪IrelandEurope
• 🇬🇧United KingdomEurope
• 🇵🇱PolandEurope
• 🇧🇬BulgariaEurope
• 🇩🇰DenmarkEurope
• 🇦🇱AlbaniaEurope
• 🇷🇸SerbiaEurope
• 🇬🇪GeorgiaEurope
• 🇲🇰North MacedoniaEurope
• 🇧🇦Bosnia and HerzegovinaEurope
• 🇹🇼TaiwanAsia
• 🇺🇸United StatesAmericas
• 🇨🇦CanadaAmericas
• 🇲🇦MoroccoAfrica
• 🇦🇺AustraliaOceania

Frequently asked questions

• Does Hong Kong have a digital nomad visa?+

  Visa-free 90 days for many passports; QMAS / TTPS for skilled long-stay. Confirm the current pathway with the consulate before booking flights.

• How long can digital nomads stay in Hong Kong?+

  Stays of up to 3 months at a stretch on the most nomad-relevant pathway. The most common track is "Extendable tourist". Visa-free 90 days for many passports; QMAS / TTPS for skilled long-stay.

• What's the cost of living for digital nomads in Hong Kong?+

  Mid-tier monthly costs across 1 Hong Kong city on Nomada range $3,580–$3,580, with a median of $3,580. Numbers cover rent, groceries, dining, transport, utilities, and a coworking pass.

• What are the best cities in Hong Kong for digital nomads?+

  Nomada tracks 1 Hong Kong city. The most cost-efficient bases right now: Hong Kong ($3,580/mo) for asia-finance-and-food nomads who can absorb mid-tier rents in one of the densest cities anywhere..

• When is the best time to visit Hong Kong as a digital nomad?+

  Climate averages cluster within nomad-comfortable temp, humidity, and rainfall ranges around September–April. Mountain and coastal cities can flip that picture — check the per-city climate page for each base.

• Is Hong Kong nomad-friendly?+

  Across the cities Nomada tracks, Hong Kong reads as friction-heavy — visas exist but durations are short or income tests are steep. Best for: short stays — the costs and political situation push it out of base territory.

Build your stack for Hong Kong

• Travel insuranceLong-term, nomad-friendly cover that follows you across Hong Kong
• Multi-currency bankingAvoid the 4% conversion fees foreign cards rack up across Hong Kong
• eSIM data planDay-one connectivity in Hong Kong without local-SIM friction
• Coworking & colivingDay passes, monthly memberships, and verified workspaces in Hong Kong
• Visa conciergesFiling help and concierge services for Hong Kong residency paths
• Flight dealsCheapest routes in and out of Hong Kong