Key Takeaways
Proof of address in Hong Kong is a document that confirms your residency by associating your name with a Hong Kong address.
The best proof of address in Hong Kong is your bills, such as phone, utility, and bank statements with your name and address. You can use family relation documents in case your name is not on the bills.
Whether you are a new resident moving to Hong Kong or a local opening a bank account or a company, you will need to provide proof of address at some point.
This guide will explain what qualifies as proof of address, how to get it, the criteria for a valid proof of address, examples, and what to do if you don’t have proof of address in your name.
What Is Proof of Address in Hong Kong?
Proof of address in Hong Kong is a document that verifies a person's residential address. It is a crucial document that connects your name to a real Hong Kong address, confirming your residency and ensuring the authenticity of the claimed living location.
Proof of address is not just a formality but a key component in various administrative and legal processes, serving multiple purposes across different sectors, including government entities, financial institutions and businesses.
In the next section, we will take a look at what is accepted as proof of address in Hong Kong.
What Are Accepted as Proof of Address in Hong Kong?
The types of documents accepted as proof of address in Hong Kong vary among institutions, but these documents are generally recognised. [1]
- Utility Bills: Bills or invoices issued by utility companies such as water, electricity, and towngas services.
- Phone Bills: Including landline telephone, mobile phone, Internet service and paid TV
- Financial Statements: Statements from banks, money lenders, insurance companies, or Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)
- Government Documents: Documents issued by government departments or the Judiciary, such as tax and government rent demand notes
- Tenancy Agreement: A rental or lease agreement that is stamped by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for stamp duty and issued within three months of the application date, covering the period of the application
- University Documents: Documents or bills issued by universities or degree-awarding institutions (e.g., a tuition fee notice or letter of admission).
- Public Organisation Documents: Bills, correspondences, or documents from public organisations, including but not limited to the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Hong Kong Housing Society and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.
It’s important to note that each bank and institution has specific criteria for determining valid proof of address, so it’s best to refer to their official websites for guidance.
Important: In most cases, a Post Office (PO) box address is not considered a valid address proof, as it is regarded as a correspondence address, not a physical residential address.
How Can I Get Proof of Address in Hong Kong?
The easiest way to obtain proof of address in Hong Kong is to use the bills with your name and address.
Let's explore all the possible ways to get proof of address in Hong Kong below.
Caution: Address fraud is a serious legal offence. Only pursue these documents if you currently live in Hong Kong.
Use A Hong Kong Phone Bill
Phone bills are one of the best options for proof of address. You can use a landline phone, a mobile phone, or an Internet service bill as long as it has your name and current address on it.
Regardless of whether you live on your own, with a friend, or with a relative, you can register for a mobile plan using your residency address.
Within a month, you should receive the bill or statement from the phone company, with your name and address on it. It should work as long as the address you provide is your actual place of residence.
You can also sign up for electronic delivery, where you can request that the documents be sent via email or text messages. This enables you to receive your bills faster compared to traditional postal mail delivery.
However, some government services and businesses still require a paper document or hard copy, so keep that in mind when opting for the electronic delivery option.
Use A Utility Bill
Utility bills, such as gas, water, or electricity bills, are commonly used as address documents. If you own or rent a place in Hong Kong, this should be your go-to for proof of address.
Typically, these bills remain valid as address proof for three months, ensuring that the address is actively being used.
In addition, bills should be in your name and show your correct address.
Use A Bank Statement
Using a bank statement as proof of address is very common worldwide because it comes from a highly credible source, which is the banks.
To get a bank statement, you must have an account with a local bank in Hong Kong and ensure that the address you provided to the bank is the same as your residential address or permanent address.
Another way to get bank statements is to sign up for credit or debit cards and use them to make purchases. Every month, the bank sends you the bank statements for your previous transactions.
Tip: Some institutions also accept credit card statements as proof of address. Discover the 5 best credit cards to use in Hong Kong in our guide.
Use Legal Documents for Property Ownership
If you have recently moved into a property you purchased in Hong Kong and have not received any utility bills, you can provide legal documents demonstrating ownership of the property at your current address as proof.
Alternatively, you can also submit a certification issued by the relevant estate management agency, which verifies your residence at the specified address.
Use A Real Estate Document
If you are renting a property in Hong Kong or are staying with a friend in a rented or owned place, you may be able to provide a certificate from the estate management agency stating your residence at that address as proof of address.
Use University Documents
If you're an international student studying in Hong Kong, you can reach out to your university to request proof of address.
This document is essential for opening a local bank account and applying for other necessary services like phone plans. Your university is aware of this requirement and should be willing to provide the necessary documentation.
Criteria for a Valid Proof of Address in Hong Kong
A valid proof of address in Hong Kong must adhere to the following criteria:
- Include the applicant's name and address
- Specify the issuing organisation
- Display the date of issuance
- Be dated within 3 months or less prior to the application date.
Example of Valid Proof of Address in Hong Kong
Banks may accept originals, copies, photocopies, or fax copies, but there can be variations, and some may accept one form but not the others. Therefore, it's advisable to confirm with your selected banks.
Alternatively, consider bringing all available forms to prevent the need for revisiting.
Note: In Hong Kong, address proofs are accepted in English or Chinese. If your document is in another language, you must provide a certified translation from a third-party professional, such as a lawyer, notary, or CPA.
How Do I Get Proof of Address if I Don’t Have Bills in My Name?
In some cases, individuals may not have their names on any bills or documents that serve as proof of address. This situation is typical for minors, dependent partners, subtenants, shelter residents, or live-in employees.
If your name is not on the bill, you may be eligible to use alternative documents instead. These documents include a bank statement and proof of employment or family relationship. [2]
Use Your Family's Proof of Address Along With Proof of Your Relationship
If you live with your family in Hong Kong and your name isn't on the bills, you can provide a supporting document that proves your family relation in addition to the bills for your family member.
This could be a birth certificate or a marriage certificate.
As long as you can prove that you're a part of the family, you'll be considered a resident.
Use Your Employer's Proof of Address Along With Proof of Employment
If your employer provides your place of residence in Hong Kong, here's what you may be able to provide as proof of address
- A certification issued by your employer verifying that the residence is provided to you
- A proof of the residence address
- Proof of employment, which could include an employment contract or salary statement.
Note: An employee name card is not acceptable proof of employment.
While the above are commonly accepted documents, each institution's policies differ, and we can't provide absolute assurance. It's best to check with your bank or institution to confirm their specific requirements.
Why Is Proof of Address Important?
Address proof is essential for various official and financial processes in Hong Kong, including:
- Opening a bank account – Banks require proof of address as part of KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance to prevent fraud and ensure legal verification of applicants.
- Business registration – Entrepreneurs and business owners must provide a valid address when setting up a company, as it serves as the official business correspondence location.
- Government and financial services – Required for tax registration, applying for loans, securing social services, fulfilling legal residency requirements, and even for voting purposes.
- Daily life necessities – Used for enrolling in schools, applying for a driver’s licence, registering utilities like electricity and water, and setting up essential services such as internet and mobile plans. Schools often use it to determine catchment areas, while utility companies need it to verify service locations.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the most straightforward options for proof of address in Hong Kong are phone and utility bills. A bank statement is a viable second choice. Additionally, legal documents related to property ownership or real estate management could be used.
If you live with family, their proof of address, along with proof of your relation to them, should be acceptable.
If you're here for business and are looking to open a business bank account in Hong Kong, be aware that there are specific requirements and details to consider other than proof of address of your office as well. At Statrys, we have prepared a comprehensive guide for Hong Kong that you can use to get started.
FAQs
What is a proof of address in Hong Kong?
Proof of address in Hong Kong is a document that shows that your name is associated with a real Hong Kong address.
