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Leaving Hong Kong Permanently: Withdrawing Your MPF — Eligibility, Documents, Process

2026-09-30
Eddie Choy

Emigrating or relocating abroad long-term is a statutory ground for early MPF withdrawal. But note: you can only use this ground once in your lifetime — be sure before you apply.

Who qualifies?

If you are departing Hong Kong permanently and make a statutory declaration to that effect, you may apply to your trustee to withdraw all your MPF. There is no age requirement.

Key conditions:

  • Make a statutory declaration of permanent departure;
  • Provide proof of departure, e.g. a settlement visa, one-way ticket or overseas address proof (each trustee's document list differs — check with yours first);
  • One lifetime claim only. MPF accumulated after you return to Hong Kong cannot be withdrawn on this ground again.

How to apply

  1. Contact your trustee for the permanent-departure claim form and document checklist.
  2. Prepare documents: ID, statutory declaration, proof of departure.
  3. Submit: in person, by post or online, depending on the trustee.
  4. Wait for payment: after verification, funds are paid into your nominated bank account, usually within weeks.

Tax

MPF withdrawals are not taxed in Hong Kong. But your destination country may tax the lump sum as overseas income — check the local tax rules or consult a tax adviser before you leave.

FAQs

Can I return to Hong Kong to work after declaring permanent departure? The law does not forbid returning, but the once-in-a-lifetime limit still applies: MPF built up after your return cannot be withdrawn on this ground again — you must wait until 65 or meet another early-withdrawal ground.

No one-way ticket yet — can I still apply? Yes. What matters is the statutory declaration plus proof sufficient to satisfy the trustee; accepted documents vary by trustee, so ask first.

Do I get the employer's contributions too? Yes. Once approved, the entire accrued benefit (employee + employer contributions plus returns) is paid out.

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