Questions re: Move to Hong Kong 2012

Hi Everyone,


My Husband is in the final stages of interview for a role based in Hong Kong with an international investment bank. The role would be permanent and we currently live near London, UK. Can someone please help me with the following questions:


1.If my husband has a permanent role, what sort of visa would we be on, would be considered permanent residents?

2.We are expecting our 1st child later in the year, can anyone advise on the healthcare in Hong Kong, do the children get the same injections? Also do you get any maternity allowance or assistance?

3.What are the most popular/recommend family areas in Hong Kong to reside?

4.For a luxury 2 bedroom apartment (with outside space) what would be pay in rent?

5.To buy a property what do Hong Kong banks allow you mortgage wise, i.e. 3 times your annual salary?

6.We have two small dogs, any advice/recommendations on how to relocate them to Hong Kong with us?

7.Is there a good social scene for Mummy and Babies i.e. baby groups etc?

Thank you x

You can get an idea of rental prices here http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/

Hi.

No you wouldn't be classed as permanent residents, your husband would have a 2 yr re-newable visa, and you would have a dependants visa, after 7 years you could apply for a permanent residency if you wanted to.

If you are expecting a baby later this year, you would have to book into a hospital straight away, as I hear they are getting 'booked up fast'. Health care is very good, your baby would receive the same Vaccinations as UK. and your husbands company would probably provide private health insurance.

Young mums tend to meet initially by seeing each other at the shops, or sometimes by posting an ad. on the website for others in a similar position in the same area.There are no nursery facilities in HK, but there are Kindergartens from when the child is about 3 yrs old.

When we moved to Hk, our removal company for the furniture also arranged the transport for our dog and cat. They flew direct from Heathrow to HK with BA, and arrived in good condition, delivered to our house at the other end.

We live In Discovery Bay, where there happens to be lots of babies and dogs. It is a lovely area, with lots of low rise and houses, shops schools, although we have no young children of our own.A lot of people commute from DB to Central Hk to work by ferry. I'm in Spain at the moment overseeing builders renovating our house.

I will send you some links via PM.

I forgot to mention, re your little dogs, have they had the microchip and course of rabies vaccinations,(pets passport) they will need that, check the Uk defra site, there is no quarantine providing all their Vaccs are up to date.

Discovery Bay.....DB........Dogs n Babies......can't stand the place. Where I live you can buy a three story village house with a small plunge pool for HK$8m, rent about 25-30k. But i ain't telling you where i live! No just kiddin! If your husband is working in Central then you would need a car or even two. DB is a good choice, but I couldn't live there.......enjoy HK, it's great!