Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I live abroad. How do I begin my job search?
2. I am French. Is an employment visa needed to work in Hong Kong?
3. What are the salary expectations in Hong Kong?
4. Shall I draft an English version of my resume?
5. What type of jobs will I be able to find in Hong Kong?
6. I am French and I am looking for a VIE in Hong Kong. What should I do?
7. I am looking for an internship in Hong Kong. Where should I get information?
8. Where can I find a list of French companies in Hong Kong

  Questions and Answers:

1. I live abroad. How do I begin my job search?

   You can get general information from the French Trade Commission (www.dree.org/hongkong) , the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (www.tdctrade.com) ) , la Maison des français à l´Etranger (www.expatries.org), or from Espace Emploi International (www.emploi-international.fr) ). You also can seek employment information from websites such as www.classifiedpost.com) , www.jobsdb.com) , www.careertimes.com.hk) , www.jobasia.com) or www.monster.com).

2. I am French. Is an employment visa needed to work in Hong Kong?

   For a first contact with Hong Kong or for a short job search, the Tourist Visa, automatically delivered for three months to French tourists when entering the Hong Kong SAR, is sufficient.
   Once you sign an employment contract for a position in Hong Kong, you must apply for an Employment Visa before your arrival. It is also possible to apply for the conversion of your Tourist Visa into an Employment Visa, but the Immigration Department can decide to ask you to leave Hong Kong and then apply for your Visa through the regular application process.
   A dependant Visa is delivered to members of the family (i.e. spouse or child) of any person residing in Hong Kong under a valid Employment Visa. People under Dependant Visa are allowed to study, work and even set up a business. Pay attention to the fact that the situation is different for non-married couples.

   Full information is available on the Immigration Department website (www.immd.gov.hk/index.html).

   Do not hesitate to contact our Personnel Consultant for a first information on this subject.

3. What are the salary expectations in Hong Kong?

   There is no minimum salary in Hong Kong and salaries adapt to the economical situation. Conjuncture
   Fresh university graduate executive may expect a monthly salary of HK$12,000/18,000. Most companies based in Hong Kong serve 13 months. Some also offer bonus and medical insurance.
   The minimum annual leave is 7 days.
   All these aspects must be discussed and mentioned in the employment contract.
   Updated salary surveys are available on main websites mentioned in Q1.

4. Shall I draft an English version of my resume?

   Yes, as human resources managers of French companies are not necessarily French speakers. In addition, it is a first step to assess your English level.

   Your resume shall be presented on French standards and not exceeding two pages. Don´t forget to mention any foreign language (other than French and English, which are a MUST), which you speak fluently.

   Attached a cover letter, which demonstrates the reasons why you apply for the position. Do not repeat the content of your resume.

5. What type of jobs will I be able to find in Hong Kong?

   The structure of Hong Kongˇ¦s economy is much less complex than Franceˇ¦s, with a major predominance of trading, import-export and business services.
   Therefore, the profiles needed are buyers, sales executives or merchandisers. French people are needed because of their knowledge of the European market, products and languages.
   Additionally, due to the close economical relationship between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, technical and engineer profiles are also needed in this industrial region. Hong Kong based companies tend to hire more cross-cultural staff who speak French, English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

   Please contact our Personnel Consultant for more information.

6. I am French and I am looking for a VIE in Hong Kong. What should I do?

   The French Trade Commission in Hong Kong is in charge of collecting offers and applications related to VIE. Please visit the French Trade Commission website on www.dree.org/hongkong for more information.

7. I am looking for an internship in Hong Kong. Where should I get information?

   You can send your resume in English to frencham@fccihk.com. You can also visit our website (www.fccihk.com) in order to find contacts of French companies based in Hong Kong and send them your resume.

8. Where can I find a list of French companies in Hong Kong

   You can purchase the French Business in Hong Kong and Macau directory published by the French Chamber, which compiles over 440 French companies details. You may also access the members search section of our website.