What are you preparing for?
Find a guide here
Find help with applications, renewals, schools, phone services, renting and work. Search by keyword or browse a section.
All guides
40 guides · Page 4, with practical steps, FAQs and verifiable sources.
Where to start with a QMAS renewal
If the checklists seem to conflict, start with your own permission and renewal stage. Understand first and further extensions and special categories before organising work, business and family evidence.
- Check the actual permitted stay in your e-Visa and immigration record, then confirm the assessment mechanism under which you were admitted.
- The evidence focus differs between a first General Points Test extension and further extensions. Do not simply copy the initial application file.
- Generally apply within the three months before expiry, at least six weeks beforehand. A pending application does not automatically extend existing permission.
Your first HKID: appointments, documents and collection
Check registration duties against age and permitted stay, organise identity and entry records, and manage the identity card separately from immigration validity.
- New arrivals generally aged 11 or above and permitted to stay more than 180 days must register within 30 days of arrival.
- Booking, submitting the application and collecting the card are separate stages; retain each notice.
- An HKID does not extend immigration permission or automatically establish permanent residence.
Your first Hong Kong tax return: year of assessment and provisional tax
Organise income and deduction evidence from your first job, separating employer reporting, your return and payment, and prepare for the first bill.
- The year of assessment runs from 1 April to 31 March, so file income records by that period.
- Employer reporting does not replace your duties; respond to a personal return when issued.
- The first bill may include completed-year tax and provisional tax: prepare cash in advance.
Your first month: identity, housing, accounts and family plans
The first month is easier when tasks have an order. Deal with legal deadlines, housing and contact first, then work through accounts, school, work and healthcare.
- Prioritise safe accommodation, working contact and time-limited identity tasks, then add everyday services.
- Record responsibility, documents, next action and confirmation for each task, not merely application submitted.
- Schools, banks and public services have separate eligibility and processing times; keep alternatives.