[keylogger]

Hi all,

I would like to ask about the salary condition in HK.

I have just graduated from German University (Master degree) in electrical engineering/wireless communication.

When I was a student, I worked as a student research assistant in a research institute (part time , 60 hours a month for 3 years).
After that, I also did an internship and wrote my master thesis as well, in a well known mobile phone company (full time for 1 year).

Now I am searching for a job in HK, but surprisingly every job advertisement asks for my salary expectation (in Germany they don't ask it).

How much can I ask with such skills and experiences in general? is it acceptable to ask for 25.000 HKD monthly (after tax)?
And how much tax do HK workers/expat pay?

Thank you very much in advance.

[PDLM]

The average new graduate starting salary (across all disciplines) is under HK$10K.

Do you have the right to work in Hong Kong? If not then your chances of getting an Employment Visa as a new graduate are quite slim unless you have some very specific skills from your Masters.

[geo-seb]

Originally Posted by keylogger

Hi all,

How much can I ask with such skills and experiences in general? is it acceptable to ask for 25.000 HKD monthly (after tax)?
And how much tax do HK workers/expat pay?

Hi, the tax system in Hong Kong is very different from Germany. Employers usually don't pay tax for you, but you have to take care of your tax payments yourself once per year. Tax rates are low compared to Germany and the IRD provides an online calculator for income tax: Salaries Tax Computation

As PDLM said, your expected salary is far above what companies pay local fresh graduates. Also, in order to get any offers at all and a work visa, you usually need some special skills that are not available locally. One good option is to approach companies and ask them for (paid) internship opportunities, because visas for internships (called training visas) are much easier to obtain then real work visas. Then, once you are physically in Hong Kong, you can build connections and look for other opportunities.

[geo-seb]

Originally Posted by keylogger

When I was a student, I worked as a student research assistant in a research institute (part time , 60 hours a month for 3 years).
After that, I also did an internship and wrote my master thesis as well, in a well known mobile phone company (full time for 1 year).

Unfortunately most companies in Hong Kong don't consider research experience as work experience and only count work experience after you received your degree.

[jaykay]

We can pick up experienced engineers (say 5 - 10 years experience) for HK$18,000 - HK$30,000 very easily. Only the top guys in the field would earn more than that and they are few and far between but up to HK$100,000 for a top notch Engineering Manager / Director.

But fresh off the farm, with or without masters, you would find it pretty much impossible to get a working visa and at this point of your life you have no special skills / talents that are not readily available locally in HK.

[keylogger]

@all
Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it

Originally Posted by geo-seb

Unfortunately most companies in Hong Kong don't consider research experience as work experience and only count work experience after you received your degree.

If I continue my study to pursue PhD degree, would it mean that PhD degree won't improve my position in HK and still be considered as fresh graduate? since PhD is considered as research based study.
Many Thanks

[dcyuen]

Try jobsdb.com or something. Also, I would work in China just to see how is like if I'm you, you might find some surprises well the salary might be higher but is better that you speak some Mandarin.
Apply at some Hong Kong universities, they love foreigner engineers. Good luck!

[keylogger]

Originally Posted by geo-seb

As PDLM said, your expected salary is far above what companies pay local fresh graduates. Also, in order to get any offers at all and a work visa, you usually need some special skills that are not available locally. One good option is to approach companies and ask them for (paid) internship opportunities, because visas for internships (called training visas) are much easier to obtain then real work visas. Then, once you are physically in Hong Kong, you can build connections and look for other opportunities.

Hi, Thanks a lot for the information

I read from the HK gov web :

An application for a visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR for a limited period (not more than 12 months) of training to acquire special skills and knowledge not available in the applicant's country/territory of domicile may be favourably considered if: .................

During this 12 months, I can try to find a "real" job. If I get one, is it possible to change the training visa to working visa?

After having training in HK, is it easier to obtain a working visa?

Thanks a lot

[keylogger]

Originally Posted by dcyuen

Try jobsdb.com or something. Also, I would work in China just to see how is like if I'm you, you might find some surprises well the salary might be higher but is better that you speak some Mandarin.
Apply at some Hong Kong universities, they love foreigner engineers. Good luck!

Thanks a lot for the information
I might also consider to do PhD in HK, but at the moment it has the lowest priority.

[geo-seb]

Originally Posted by keylogger

If I continue my study to pursue PhD degree, would it mean that PhD degree won't improve my position in HK and still be considered as fresh graduate? since PhD is considered as research based study.

I guess that depends on what kind of job you apply for. Universities might count it as relevant experience, but commercial companies are unlikely to do so.

Originally Posted by keylogger

After having training in HK, is it easier to obtain a working visa?

No, you still have to find an employer who is willing to make a convincing case why he wants to hire you instead of a local person. For entry level positions this involves a lot of work for the employer.

For example, the employer has to post job advertisements in Hong Kong, interview several local people, and then write a convincing essay to the immigration department why all those local applicants are unsuitable for the job and why you are the only suitable candidate.

I guess you can image how difficult it is for employers to make a case for someone without much working experience and special skills. But if you can find a company that really wants you, it is not impossible.