[cheesecake]

Hi -

I am moving to HK from the US on a contract with an investment bank. My partner is making the move with me. I was wondering if it is customary for a partner to be included in a contract? In example, I get airfare - should I expect them to provide my partner airfare as well? And should I expect a bigger housing allowance than if I were single? Anything else I should inquire about/ know?

Thanks!

[PDLM]

You say "partner". On what basis do you think he or she is going to be able to reside here? If you're not married then s/he isn't going to get a Dependant Visa so they'll need to get sponsored for an Employment Visa in their own right or they will only be on 90-day (assuming US passport) tourist visas, which can't be done indefinitely.

[HKChigger]

PDLM, they are asking about airfare and housing, not visas.

As for your question I think you can ask for airfare for two and bigger housing allowance. But, be prepared for a turndown if you are not legally married as in all fairness most companies are going to invest in couples that are married.

[PDLM]

Well I reckon my answer qualifies under "Anything else I should inquire about/know?" since if they don't have a clear answer on this point then the rest is moot anyway since I can't imagine any company paying for a partner who has no grounds for residing legally in Hong Kong.

[hullexile]

If they do include your wife in the terms of the contract have it stated just as "wife" because then you can transfer it to the next one without renegotiating

[hello_there]

Only expect benefits for your "partner" if the "partner" is a legal spouse. If so, then airfare for your spouse is negotiable. However, you may or may not get additional housing allowance, depending on your seniority and how bad they want/need you. Additional housing allowances are more common for families with children. I was able to get a bit more for a big dog, so it is worth asking for more I suppose.

[cheesecake]

Thanks guys for all your responses so far.

The reason I ask is because my relocation is being handled through a relocation agency. And so far the agency has told me that they actually do process a lot of unmarried couples together and to ask my employer to do so as well. I just don't know how much to ask for! But if they will give you a larger allowance for a dog - it shouldn't hurt if I try as well I guess. I just didn't want to be completely stepping over lines.

[PDLM]

So I ask again: what visa do they think your partner will have that will allow him or her to reside legally in Hong Kong?

Many people here would love to know because no-one has EVER reported here being able to get a visa for an unmarried partner (and many have wished to).

[Alby]

Cheesecake, please let me know the visa type that you will get for your partner? I am keen on knowing - are they thinking that your partner can come and go in and out of HK during your time on a tourist visa as US passport holders get 3 months (90 days) stay.

As for airfare being from Boston I typically fly between HKG and BOS economy for HK8,000 but if high season for HK12,000+ on as US carrier such as, United, Northwest or Continental. Asian carriers such as Cathay and Singapore have much better service but also a slightly more expensive.

I suggest if you want to know how much to ask for then check out: www.nwa.com/asia or www.unitedairlines.com.hk

As for your contract I suggest two rt airfare tickets home for yourself and the person of your choosing then if they refuse this it will leave neg. space for you to attempt to get at least one covered.

Seriously, please do keep me know about the visa.

[cheesecake]

They have him applying for a prolonged visitor visa that supposedly can be extended as long as I am there. Does this visa usually get denied? I am a bit worried now because no one on this forums seems to know about it!