Hong Kong has a unique history. Inhabited since the Stone Age, the region was incorporated into Imperial China around the 2nd century BC. In 1842, Hong Kong Island became a British colony. Colonisation then extended to Kowloon and the New Territories between 1860 and 1898.
Hong Kong remained part of the British Empire until 1997, when it returned to Chinese rule, becoming a Special Administrative Region (SAR). Today, it’s officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Despite formally being part of China, Hong Kong retains its own systems and processes, including currency, laws, trade, and freedom of speech.
Hong Kong sits in Southern China, in the South China Sea. Partially attached to the Chinese mainland through Kowloon and the New Territories, Hong Kong comprises 284 islands. The largest and most populous of these is Hong Kong Island, which is home to the central business district (CBD).
About three-quarters of Hong Kong is countryside, with over 44,000 hectares of dedicated parks and special conservation areas. This makes for excellent outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
To the south of Hong Kong Island (and to the east of the New Territories) are excellent beaches, which provide a relaxing contrast to the bustle of Kowloon and the CBD, which are on the north side of Hong Kong Island.
Our location in Hong Kong
NAIS Hong Kong has three campuses, two of which (Lam Tin and Kwun Tong) are located in the Kwun Tong District, and one (Sai Kung), which is situated in the Sai Kung District.
Hong Kong’s rich history has created a distinct culture, described as a ‘unique visual fingerprint’ and ‘the soul of the city’.
The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese (Cantonese) and English. Locals primarily speak Cantonese, but English is widely spoken throughout the region.
Hong Kong is home to many religions, creating a tolerant culture and an acceptance of different belief systems. In Hong Kong, you can expect to find people practising Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Confucianism, among others.
When it comes to cuisine, Hong Kong is influenced by Western and Eastern traditions. Many foods combine Chinese and European flavours, and the city is regarded as one of Asia’s culinary hubs.
To move your family to Hong Kong, you’ll need to obtain a visa. We’ve summarised the main options below.
Visas
General Employment Policy - Professional (GEP)
If you’re moving to Hong Kong for work, you can apply for a visa under the General Employment Policy (GEP). You’ll need a confirmed job offer in place, and the company or organisation will sponsor you.
Top Talent Pass (TTPS)
The TTPS visa is designed to attract experienced, highly qualified professionals, who want to explore career opportunities in Hong Kong. Unlike other work visas, TTPS visa applicants are not required to have a confirmed job offer at the time of application.
TechTAS
TechTAS is a fast-track arrangement, whereby eligible companies can bring in non-local tech talent to undertake research and development in Hong Kong.
Family Visa (Dependent)
If you’re married and plan to move your family to Hong Kong, you can apply for a Dependent visa. The Dependent visa is for the immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 18) of a foreign national who already has a valid Hong Kong visa in place (or who is a permanent resident in Hong Kong). Each family member must fill out a separate application, and all applications must be sponsored by the principal visa holder.
Residence Permit: Temporary and Permanent
Temporary Hong Kong ID
Having moved to Hong Kong on a valid visa, you’ll need to apply for a Temporary Resident Hong Kong ID (should you plan to stay for longer than 180 days). There are no specific requirements or fees to pay, you just need to register within 30 days of your arrival in Hong Kong. The card will be issued to you for free.
Permanent Hong Kong ID
You can also apply for a Permanent Resident Hong Kong ID, should you decide to stay in Hong Kong indefinitely. A Permanent Hong Kong ID will grant you the right to settle in and includes benefits such as the right to vote in an election and to remain in the country.
One of the biggest decision you'll make when preparing to move to Hong Kong is choosing where to live.
District guide
With 18 districts, families moving to Hong Kong have plenty of neighbourhoods to pick from.
In the CBD on Hong Kong Island, you’ll find companies, financial institutions and regional administrations. The CBD is also home to big luxury hotels and large residential complexes. It’s a popular area for expats due to its ease of access to essential services – but it’s also one of the priciest.
The Mid-Levels is one of the most expat-friendly areas in Central. Accommodation in The Mid-Levels, located close to SoHo, comes with upper-end pricing.
The most expensive residential area in the Central district is The Peak, boasting stunning views from large villas and standalone houses. Repulse Bay and Stanley are pricey but popular with expats thanks to their proximity to beaches. You can find cheaper accommodation in North Point, and if you want to live right in the centre, check out apartments in the high-rise buildings of Wan Chai.
West Kowloon is an up-and-coming residential area, only a 10-minute ride from Central Hong Kong, while Kowloon Tong, a quieter area, is just 20 minutes from Central.
Further afield, the New Territories has picturesque views and a laidback lifestyle, making it a great alternative to the fast-paced city centre. Consider the small fishing village of Sai Kung (which is home to our Early Years Campus), the beautiful beach of Clearwater Bay, or the exquisite tranquillity of Lantau Island.
Types of accommodation in Hong Kong
You’ll find lots of different accommodation types in Hong Kong, from furnished and unfurnished apartments to multi-storey houses and villas.
A lot of expats in Hong Kong choose to live in high-rise residential complexes. These are typically very modern and come equipped with a wide range of amenities, including concierge services, pools, gyms, coffee shops and restaurants.
If you’re looking for more space for your family, consider a townhouse or a village house. Townhouses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and often offer a private outdoor space – which is rare in Hong Kong. You’ll typically find townhouses in Hong Kong's suburbs.
If you’re looking to get away from Hong Kong's signature hustle and bustle, consider a village house. These are located in small villages, often along the coast or close to parks and hiking trails. Village houses are a particularly good choice for families with children, particularly those who love the outdoors and don't mind living farther away from the city.
Public transport in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s public transport system is reliable, affordable, and well-connected, making it the preferred mode of transport for most residents, including expats.
The MTR is the backbone of public transport in Hong Kong, connecting key areas across the city through more than 90 stations. It’s fast, clean and safe, making it a top choice for commuting or exploring the city with your family.
Hong Kong also has an extensive network of buses and minibuses, which cover areas not serviced by the MTR, including rural parts of the New Territories and outer islands. Double-decker buses are great for sightseeing with children!
The Hong Kong tram, also known as the ‘Ding Ding’, is an affordable and iconic mode of transport that runs along the northern coast of Hong Kong Island. It offers a fun, child-friendly, and scenic way to get around the city.
Hong Kong’s ferry services are a vital link between the main city, outlying islands and Kowloon. Ferries are a scenic way to travel, and popular routes like the Star Ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui are both iconic and family-friendly.
Owning or renting a car in Hong Kong
While public transport in Hong Kong is excellent, some families prefer the convenience and flexibility of owning a car, especially when choosing to live in more suburban or rural areas.
The cost of living in Hong Kong when it comes to owning, renting, and running a car, however, is high, and the traffic during peak hours can be extremely heavy.
Further information
Looking for more information about transport in the region? Our guide to arriving in Hong Kong contains all the detail you need.
Settling into life in Hong Kong is easy, thanks to the city's friendly locals and expat families, excellent career opportunities, and a real sense of community.
Moving to Hong Kong with children involves several practical, cultural, legal, and emotional considerations. Below, we've listed some of the key things you'll need to think about:
Yes, Hong Kong is an extremely safe place to live with children. It has low crime rates, excellent public and private healthcare, and a strong welfare system, making it one of the safest major cities in the world.
Living in Hong Kong, you'll benefit from a clean, well-run public environment, and locals are friendly and welcoming towards children. Most expat parents report feeling safer raising children in Hong Kong than in many Western cities. English is widely spoken, too, and there are plenty of child-friendly activities to do and outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Meeting other families and building a community in Hong Kong is easier than you might imagine, thanks in large part to the city's well-established expat network.
In addition to our thriving school community, there are lots of other ways to forge new friendships.
Want to find out more about moving to Hong Kong with your family – and the unique education we can offer your child? Our Admissions Team is here to help.
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