How to Get a Proof of Address in Hong Kong in 2024

Once you have relocated to Hong Kong, whether to set up a company, study, or live here, you will need to provide documentation to prove your residential address to access certain government services or open a bank account for both personal use and business. 

But what is acceptable proof of address in Hong Kong, and where can you get it? This article will explain everything you need to know about proof of address.

Proof of address in Hong Kong is a document that verifies a person's residential address. It is a crucial document that connects an individual's name to a real Hong Kong address, confirming their residency and ensuring the authenticity of their 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.

In the next section, we will take a look at what is accepted as proof of address in Hong Kong. 

The types of documents accepted as proof of address in Hong Kong vary among banks and institutions, but these documents are generally recognised.

• Utility Bills: Bills or invoices issued by utility companies such as water, electricity, and gas
• Phone Bills: Including landline telephone, mobile phone, Internet service and paid TV
• Financial Statements: Statements from banks, money lenders, insurance companies, or 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 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
• Public Organization Documents: Bills, correspondences, or documents from public organisations, such as the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society. 

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.

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 three months or less prior to the application date
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Now that we’ve covered how to obtain address proof, let’s look at why it is necessary in Hong Kong and everywhere else. 

Banks in Hong Kong, as in many other places, require proof of address as part of their application process. This requirement is in place to comply with anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Having a verified address allows banks to maintain accurate records, ensuring they can reach their customers when necessary and provide secure financial services.

The government and various businesses also need proof of address to verify an individual's eligibility for specific services and benefits. This includes registering for healthcare services, social welfare programs, business registration certificates, and even for voting purposes.

In everyday life, proof of address is essential for tasks such as setting up utilities (like electricity and water), enrolling children in schools, and applying for or renewing a driver's licence. Schools often use proof of address to determine catchment areas, while utility companies need it to ensure services are provided to the correct location.

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.