Back to all countries
πŸ‡­πŸ‡°

Hong Kong Tax Guide

Asia
Updated January 2025
Sources + last updated

This page includes citations to the sources used for this entry. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.

Personal Tax Score
90/100
Extremely Tax Friendly
Business Tax Score
88/100
Very Tax Friendly

Personal Income Tax

Tax Residency

Day Threshold
180 days
Note
No strict day count; employment source determines liability

Income Tax Rates

Top Marginal Rate
17%
Structure
Progressive 2-17% or flat 15-16% standard rate

Foreign Income Treatment

System
Territorial
Details
Only Hong Kong-sourced employment income taxed; foreign income exempt even if remitted

Investment Income

Capital Gains
0%
Dividends
0%
Interest
0%

No capital gains tax for individuals


Wealth & Inheritance

Wealth Tax
No - No wealth tax
Inheritance Tax
No - No inheritance tax (estate duty abolished 2006)

Practical Notes

60-day rule for employment - income exempt if in HK ≀60 days/year. No tax on foreign pensions.

Business & Corporate Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Headline Rate
16.5%
Effective Rate Note
16.5% on assessable profits (8.25% first HKD 2M for unincorporated businesses)
Free Zone / Incentives
No specific free zones but various incentives available

Withholding Taxes

Dividends
0%
Interest
0%
Royalties
0-4.95%%

VAT / GST

Rate
0%
Note
No VAT or GST

Compliance & Substance

Substance Requirements
Moderate - anti-avoidance rules apply
Compliance Friction
Low - efficient tax system

Notable Regimes

  • Two-tiered profits tax
  • R&D tax incentives
  • IP regime

Data Sources

Last updated: January 2025. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.

FAQ

What is the personal income tax rate in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a top personal income tax rate of 17%. The tax structure is: Progressive 2-17% or flat 15-16% standard rate. See the detailed breakdown above and verify with official sources.

Do I need to pay tax on foreign income in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong uses a territorial system for foreign income. Only Hong Kong-sourced employment income taxed; foreign income exempt even if remitted

What are the residency requirements for Hong Kong?

Tax residency in Hong Kong generally requires 180 days of physical presence. No strict day count; employment source determines liability. Always verify current rules with official sources.

Is there a wealth tax in Hong Kong?

No, Hong Kong does not have a wealth tax. No wealth tax

What is the corporate tax rate in Hong Kong?

The corporate tax rate in Hong Kong is 16.5%. 16.5% on assessable profits (8.25% first HKD 2M for unincorporated businesses)