Are Expats Coming Back to HK?
- aileen688
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 31
A Changing Expat Profile in HK
Before COVID, many expats in Hong Kong were hired into senior roles with high salaries, relocation packages, and even company-sponsored language training. Speaking Chinese was often optional.
Since the pandemic, the profile has shifted. Many companies now prefer candidates who can already communicate in Chinese. In fact, many of my new students arrive with basic to advanced Mandarin knowledge—before, most started at zero.
I’ve also noticed that some of my old students who had moved to Singapore for work have recently come back to Hong Kong. This reflects a new pattern: Hong Kong is still attracting expats, but their backgrounds and expectations are different from the pre-COVID era.
Impact of Talent Schemes
New immigration schemes, such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), have brought more professionals from mainland China into Hong Kong.
This means:
More expats already speak Mandarin, and
More newcomers from the mainland want to learn Cantonese to integrate into local life.
So yes, expats are still coming to Hong Kong—but the type of expat has changed.
So do you need to learn Chinese in Hong Kong?
If you are moving to or returning to Hong Kong, strong Chinese skills will definitely give you an advantage, especially at work.
If you are ready to adapt to these changes, joining a Mandarin class or a Cantonese class in Hong Kong will help you learn Chinese faster.
Benefits for learning Mandarin or Cantonese in Hong Kong
Access to more job opportunities
Confidence in meetings and presentations
Easier integration for families and children
Smoother daily life in Hong Kong
This guide was written by Aileen Ting, founder of Mandarin & Cantonese Tutor HK. With over a decade of experience teaching Chinese to expatriates, she has witnessed first-hand how language expectations and expat profiles in Hong Kong have changed from the pre-COVID era to today.
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