Did you know expats account for 4.6% of the total population in Hong Kong and Indonesia accounts for 26.3% of expats in Hong Kong? Check out our new infographic Hong Kong Expats in Numbers for the latest expat statistics and trends. The e-commerce market in Hong Kong is projected to reach USD 6.55 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.40%. Hong Kong ranks high in the business-to-consumer e-commerce sector in the Asia-Pacific region.

Expats in Hong Kong Infographics

Infographic by GO-Globe Web Design Hong Kong 2026

Hong Kong Expats Population & Distribution:

Estimated Hong Kong Population – 7.188 million

%age of Expats by Nationality

%age of ex-pats by their working roles

%age of Expats by Age and Occupation

By Gender

By Age

By Occupation

Key Statistics:

•  Approximately 690,000 expatriates reside in Hong Kong, representing about 10% of the total population.
• Expats come from various countries, including the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, India, and many European nations.
• Known for its bustling business district, vibrant nightlife, and upscale dining and shopping options.
• Preferred by many expats for its proximity to the Central business district and numerous international schools.
•  Popular among families due to spacious housing options and easy access to international schools.
• Offers a suburban lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities and a strong expat community, ideal for families.
• As a global financial hub, Hong Kong attracts finance professionals from around the world.
• Many international law firms have a presence in Hong Kong, providing opportunities for legal professionals.
• The tech industry is expanding, with numerous startups and established tech companies offering employment opportunities.
• There is a high demand for teachers, particularly in international schools.
• English is widely spoken, especially in business and government settings, easing the integration for expats.
• Expats can engage in various cultural festivals and events such as Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Numerous expat clubs and organizations facilitate networking and socializing among the expatriate community.
• Be prepared for high living costs, especially for housing. Consider sharing accommodation or living further from the city center to save on rent.
• Hong Kong has a high-quality healthcare system. Expats should consider private health insurance for faster access to services.
• The public transport system is efficient and affordable. Using the MTR, buses, and trams can help you navigate the city easily.
• Learning about local customs and etiquette ensures respectful interactions with locals.
  Impact of Hong Kong Expats on the World

Let's explore the impact of ex-pats in Hong Kong on eCommerce and various other sectors worldwide. 

• In 2013, over 301,000 expatriates were residing in Hong Kong which is about 0.6% of the world's population of expatriates.
• Hong Kong has one of the world's highest percentages of expatriates, at 4.2% of the total population of the region.
• Hong Kong is actually pretty low in number compared to the rest of the globe's expat hubs. The U.S. stands at a staggering 4.79 million, Saudi Arabia, at 8.9 million, and the UAE, at 5.4 million.
• In comparison, Hong Kong has one of the smallest areas in the world, ranking 66th smallest with just 7.1 million in population.
• Although Hong Kong is one of the world's tiniest territories, its proportion of expatriates is among the highest in the world, outranked in Europe only by Switzerland, which has 8% expats in its population.
• Despite its size, Hong Kong's expat proportion is among the highest on the planet only surpassed by Switzerland's 8% expat population in Europe. 
• Middle Eastern countries such as Bahrain (50%) Kuwait (35.8%) Oman (32%) and Qatar (71%) have higher percentages of expatriates, but these numbers are influenced by their populations.
• Hong Kong comes in seventh place globally for the proportion of its population being expats. 

Here's a breakdown of the expat population by category:

Hong Kong Immigration Statistics 2026

Since Hong Kong has become the home for expats, now let’s take a view on the immigration history of Hong Kong as well.