Moving to Hong Kong from Singapore
What You Need to Know Before Moving to Hong Kong
Make your move from Singapore to Hong Kong seamless with door-to-door international relocation services, from packing and shipping to customs clearance and delivery.
Thinking about making Hong Kong your new home?
Before your belongings make the journey from Singapore, it’s worth knowing what paperwork you’ll need and which items may require additional approval or documentation.
We’ve put together this practical overview to help you prepare your household shipment and make the next steps of your relocation easier.
Moving Services Across Hong Kong
CM Relocation can coordinate household moves from Singapore to destinations throughout Hong Kong, including:
- Hong Kong Island
- Kowloon
- Discovery Bay
- New Territories
- North Lantau
- South Lantau
How can I move my household goods to Hong Kong?
How do I move my personal effects to Hong Kong?
If you are planning to move to Hong Kong, CM Relocation can arrange for a full service door to door removals service with full professional packing for your valued belongings. You can trust CM to expertly move your precious belongings across the world with excellent execution.
How do I move my pet to Hong Kong?
We can arrange to send your pet through a registered pet relocation specialist who takes care of the formalities with all the relevant agencies in Hong Kong. For more information on pet moving it is best to speak to a CM Relocation Representative as every pet move is unique.
Can I pack my own items when moving to Hong Kong?
It is recommended that you do not ship items to Hong Kong which have been marked as “packed by owner” as the Customs officials may be more likely to inspect them on arrival, potentially causing a clearance delay. It is prudent to have CM pack your goods to ensure quality of packing, accurate labelling and numbering, and efficient use of the space in the cartons and containers. How much will it cost to ship my belongings to Hong Kong? The cost of your move will depend on certain variables such as Freight mode ie. if your container is dedicated or shared, the size of your shipment and if there are any special requirements such as specialised crating, packing, heavy lift or specialised transport required.
How do I move my car to Hong Kong?
Shipping automobiles to Hong Kong is allowed as long as Customs regulations are met. The few basic criteria to assess if you can ship your car to Hong Kong would be as follows:
- Left hand drive cars are not permitted
- The original paperwork must be presented along with a certificate of registration to customs to obtain a permit
Before Your Shipment Leaves Singapore
A little preparation can make a big difference when arranging your international shipment.
For standard removal goods, you should prepare:
- Passport copy
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Authorised letter
- Import declaration
Make Your Packing List Clear
Your shipment should be described as used household goods and personal effects rather than using overly broad descriptions such as only "electrical appliances" or only "clothing". The customs information notes that an import licence may be required if the description is limited to categories such as these.
What is the Authorised Letter?
The authorised letter gives the destination agent permission to handle the move on your behalf. This can be obtained from the destination agent.
Moving as a Diplomat?
Diplomatic removals have a similar documentation process.
You may need:
Passport copy
Packing list
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Authorised letter
Import declaration
The authorised letter allows the destination agent to handle the move on your behalf.
Bringing Alcohol to Hong Kong?
Alcohol requires additional attention and documentation.
A detailed list should be prepared showing:
- Quantity
- Bottle size
- Type of alcohol
- Alcoholic strength
- CIF value
What duties apply?
The applicable duty depends on the type and strength of the alcohol:
- Liquor over 30% alcohol by volume: 100%
- Liquor other than wine at 30% or below: 0%
- Wine at 30% or below: 0%
Wine can therefore be imported duty-free under the conditions stated. However, importing alcohol, even when duty-free, may result in a customs examination, which can lead to additional costs and delays.
Planning to ship alcohol? Speak with us before packing it so we can help you prepare the necessary information.
Bringing Your Car or Motorcycle?
Vehicle imports involve considerably more documentation and additional costs.
For cars, motorcycles, mopeds and power-driven boats with an inboard engine, the required documents can include:
- Original registration document
- Shipping document
- Original purchase invoice
- Original insurance certificate
- De-registration certificate, where applicable
For boats, a certificate of registration showing the boat’s dimensions must be submitted to the Marine Department for an import permit application within 24 hours of arrival.
What You Should Know About Vehicles
Vehicles are subject to strict regulatory inspections and first registration taxes. The requirements include:
- Vehicles must satisfy local noise and emission standards.
- Vehicles must be right-hand drive.
- Vehicles over 10 years old may have difficulty obtaining an insurance policy.
- An import permit, Form CED336, must be submitted within 30 days after the vehicle arrives.
First Registration Tax
| Vehicle value | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| First HK$150,000 | 46% |
| Next HK$150,000 | 86% |
| Next HK$200,000 | 115% |
| Remaining amount | 132% |
For motorcycles and motor tricycles, the listed rate is 35%. The actual first registration fee is subject to evaluation by the Customs and Excise Department.
The import return must be filed within 30 days of importing the car or motorcycle using Form CED336, together with the relevant declaration form.
Failure to file within the required period is stated as an offence carrying a potential fine of HK$500,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months.
Because of the costs and requirements involved, it is recommended to estimate the costs before shipping your vehicle.
Thinking about bringing your vehicle? Speak with us before making shipping arrangements.
Plants & Vegetable Products
Plants and vegetable products require additional documentation.
You will need:
Phytosanitary certificate
Import licence
The import licence application requires approximately 7 working days according to the information provided.
Planning to bring plants? Make sure you discuss them with us before packing.
What About Food?
Some food items can be imported in limited circumstances.
Non-perishable food items packed in cans or other durable packaging may be imported in small quantities for personal use.
If you’re considering bringing food with your household belongings, speak with us before packing to confirm whether your items fall within the permitted category.
Moving to Hong Kong with Your Pet?
Pet relocation requires advance preparation.
For dogs, cats and birds, you will need:
Health certificate dated no more than 14 days before departure
Import licence
The health certificate requirements may vary depending on the country of origin.
Quarantine Requirements
Dogs and cats may be subject to quarantine in licensed and approved premises for 1 to 6 months, depending on their country of origin.
Quarantine may be waived under certain conditions, also depending largely on the country of origin.
Planning to relocate with your pet? Speak with us early so you can prepare the required documentation and arrangements.
Moving to Hong Kong with Your Pet?
Certain dangerous items are prohibited from import.
Prohibited items include:
- Explosives
- Fireworks
- Clasp knives
Firearms require a valid firearm certificate issued to the owner by the police authorities responsible for the area where the owner intends to reside.
Do not include dangerous goods or firearms in your household shipment without confirming the applicable requirements first.
Protected Animal Products
Certain animal-derived products are subject to additional controls under protected species regulations. These can include certain:
- Feathers
- Furs
- Skins
- Tusks
- Other products from protected species
The required documentation includes:
- Exporting country's licence
- Certificate of origin
- Import licence
These items are subject to inspection by Customs together with the Agriculture and Fisheries Department.
If you're unsure about an animal-derived item, speak with us before packing it.
Your Hong Kong Moving Checklist
Before your shipment leaves Singapore, make sure you've checked the following:
Household Goods
- Passport copy
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Authorised letter
- Import declaration
- Clear description of used household goods and personal effects
Special Items
- Alcohol details prepared, if applicable
- Plant import licence and phytosanitary certificate, if applicable
- Food checked against applicable requirements
- Pet health certificate and import licence, if applicable
- Protected-species documentation, if applicable
- Firearms and dangerous goods requirements checked
Vehicle
- Original registration document
- Purchase invoice
- Insurance certificate
- De-registration certificate, where applicable
- Import permit requirements confirmed
- Vehicle compliance requirements checked
Shipping Options for Your Move
The right shipping method depends on the size and requirements of your relocation.
Shipping Options for Your Move
The right shipping method depends on the size and requirements of your relocation.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Our team can assess your shipment and help you choose a suitable moving solution.
Get a Moving Quote →Why Choose CM Relocation?
Making your move from Singapore to Hong Kong simpler
Moving internationally involves plenty of details, from preparing your belongings to arranging transportation and coordinating the destination side of your relocation.
At CM Relocation, we help coordinate the key stages of your move, giving you one team to work with from Singapore through to your new home in Hong Kong.
Our services include
Professional Packing
Careful preparation of your belongings for international transportation.
International Shipping
Shipping solutions based on your household size and requirements.
Customs Coordination
Support with the documentation and clearance process.
Door-to-Door Delivery
Coordinated collection, transportation and delivery to your new home.
Personalised Relocation Support
Guidance throughout the different stages of your international move.
Frequently Asked Questions
For standard removal goods, you’ll need a passport copy, packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, authorised letter and import declaration.
Yes, but alcohol requires a detailed list showing the quantity, bottle size, type, alcohol strength and CIF value. Applicable duties depend on the type and strength of the alcohol.
Yes, but vehicles are subject to strict requirements, inspections and first registration taxes. Vehicles must be right-hand drive and meet local noise and emission standards.
Dogs, cats and birds require an import licence and a health certificate dated no more than 14 days before departure. Dogs and cats may also be subject to quarantine depending on their country of origin.