Difficult to open a personnal account in HK ?

[Johan]

Hello,

I need to open a personnal bank account HK. Is that difficult ? A friend of mine who is there right now told me you need to rent an appartment and don't stay more than 6 months per year in HK ?

Thanks.

[chopsticks]

Some years ago for HSBC needed an address, HK id card and letter of introduction.

[PeteC]

Look at these two sites:

http://hongkong.angloinfo.com/countries ... anking.asp

http://gohongkong.about.com/od/business ... g_kong.htm

It's pretty straightforward and you don't need a Hong Kong ID card or have Hong Kong residence anymore, foreigners can open accounts.

You have to do it in person though and as you're not a resident of HK, provide the proof mentioned above from your home country. That means the country of your passport, not Thailand.

The first link has links to the major retail banks. Best to look at their account applications for any special individual requirements concerning foreigners. Pete

[Johan]

How i'm going to have a "home country" proof of address ?!

[PeteC]

How i'm going to have a "home country" proof of address ?!

No clue Johan except to say many expats retain a home country address with a relative or friend for a variety of purposes. It's a useful thing to have. Do you have a French drivers license and if so, what address is on it? You could possibly use that.

As mentioned, best to check each bank's application form to see exactly what's needed. Some may require the drivers license only. Some perhaps more, like a bank statement or an apartment lease etc. Don't forget, if you had an apartment lease in France even though you're not there or in it any longer, I doubt it has an expiration or cancellation date on it. Look at exactly what the banks require then think creatively. Good luck. Pete

PS: There is a different route to go but it costs and there are risks involved. Refer to below link.

http://www.offshore-manual.com/hongkong_acc.shtml

[Johan]

It's expensive, at that price i can open a company in HK and set up a business account AND a personnal account. Yes i do have my french driver licence with my grand parents address on it and i still have a french bank account to that address.