Hong Kong MPF for Newcomers: Who Must Join, What It Costs, What Happens When You Leave (2026)
Hong Kong's Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF, 強積金) is the city's retirement savings system — and it starts deducting from your pay almost immediately. Here's what every new arrival needs to know.
Who must join
If you're 18–64, employed in Hong Kong for 60+ continuous days, you must join an MPF scheme. Your employer enrols you (in the scheme they choose) — you don't pick at the start, though you can later transfer your own contributions to a scheme you prefer.
The overseas-worker exemption: if you enter Hong Kong for employment with permission to stay for 13 months or less, or you're covered by an overseas retirement scheme, you're exempt. But if your visa is extended past 13 months total, the exemption ends on day one after month 13, and your employer must enrol you within 60 days. Short-term assignees: watch this cliff.
The 5% + 5% rule and the caps (2026)
Both you and your employer contribute 5% of your "relevant income" (basically salary + bonuses, not severance pay):
| Monthly income | You pay | Employer pays |
|---|---|---|
| Below HK$7,100 | Nothing (employer still pays 5%) | 5% of income |
| HK$7,100 – HK$30,000 | 5% of income | 5% of income |
| Above HK$30,000 | HK$1,500 (capped) | HK$1,500 (capped) |
The maximum relevant income level is HK$30,000/month, so the most either side pays is HK$1,500/month (HK$3,000 combined) — unchanged for 2026. Earn HK$100,000/month and you still only put in HK$1,500. Voluntary extra contributions are allowed on top.
Where the money goes
Your contributions buy fund units in your MPF account — typically a choice of equity funds, bond funds, mixed-asset funds, and the low-fee Default Investment Strategy (DIS). The DIS (a mix that de-risks as you age) is the sensible default if you don't want to think about it. Check your annual statement; many people never look and sit in a default fund for years.
Leaving Hong Kong: getting your money out
MPF is locked until age 65, with a few early-withdrawal grounds. The one that matters to newcomers: permanent departure from Hong Kong. If you leave permanently, you can withdraw the full balance (lump sum or instalments) by declaring the departure and proving you're allowed to reside elsewhere.
Critical catch: you can only claim "permanent departure" once per lifetime per departure — if you withdraw on departure, return to Hong Kong, work again, and leave again, you can't use the same ground a second time with a later departure date. If you might return, consider leaving the money invested instead.
Tax treatment
- Your employee mandatory contributions are tax-deductible (up to HK$18,000/year for mandatory contributions).
- Employer contributions are not taxed as your income when made; withdrawals are generally not taxed either.
Frequently asked questions
I'm self-employed — do I join?
Yes, with yearly or monthly contributions of 5% of relevant income between HK$85,200 and HK$360,000/year (max HK$18,000/year). Below HK$85,200/year, no contribution required.
What if my employer doesn't enrol me?
That's an offence. The MPFA (mpfa.org.hk) takes complaints, and employers face fines and imprisonment for non-enrolment or defaulting on contributions.
Can I manage it all online?
Yes — the eMPF Platform now centralises administration: enrolment, transfers, and withdrawal claims can all be done there.
Sources
- MPFA, mandatory contributions for employees: https://www.mpfa.org.hk/en/mpf-system/mandatory-contributions/employees
- MPFA, exemption for overseas employees (13-month rule): https://www.mpfa.org.hk/en/info-centre/faq/employee/mpf-employee
- HKTE / HK Engage, essential pension guide for working in Hong Kong: https://www.hkengage.gov.hk/en/essentials/career-business/essential-pension-guide-for-working-in-hong-kong