What documents do Hong Kong expats need for a UK mortgage?
UK lenders usually ask Hong Kong-based applicants for a certified passport and proof of address, recent payslips and an employment contract, IRD tax records (salaries tax assessments), three to six months of bank statements, and clear evidence of where the deposit came from. Requirements vary by lender.
- Statements must be full documents, not app screenshots.
- Self-employed applicants usually need two years of tax returns or accounts.
- Some lenders ask for a TransUnion Hong Kong credit report.
- Certification rules differ — check before posting originals.
Key takeaways
- Identity: passport, your HKID card, and recent proof of your Hong Kong address.
- Income: recent payslips, your employment contract and IRD tax records (salaries tax assessments) — two years of returns if you are self-employed.
- Banking: three to six months of full statements for the account your salary is paid into.
- Deposit: a traceable source of funds, whether savings, a property sale, MPF withdrawals or a gift.
- Copies usually need certifying by a qualified professional such as a solicitor, notary or accountant.
The checklist
Identity and address
- Valid passport (and BN(O) or HKSAR passport details if you hold more than one).
- Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID).
- Two proofs of Hong Kong address dated within three months (utility bill, bank or council letter).
Income — employed
- Last three months of payslips.
- Employment contract or employer letter confirming role, salary and start date.
- Most recent IRD salaries tax assessment or employer's return (IR56B), plus MPF statement.
Income — self-employed or company director
- Two years of IRD tax returns and assessments.
- Two years of business accounts, ideally prepared by an accountant.
- Business Registration Certificate and recent business bank statements.
Banking and credit
- Three to six months of full personal bank statements.
- Details of existing loans, credit cards and any property you own in Hong Kong or the UK.
- A TransUnion Hong Kong credit report if the lender asks for one.
Deposit and source of funds
- Savings: statements showing the money building up over time.
- Property sale: the settlement statement and the credit into your account.
- Gift: a signed gift letter plus the donor's ID and bank statements.
- Moving money from HKD to GBP: records of the transfer.
Buy-to-let or limited company
- Expected rent (letting agent's estimate) and details of any existing let properties.
- Company documents if buying through a UK limited company.
Certifying documents from Hong Kong
Because you won't be showing originals in person, lenders usually want certified copies. Most accept certification by a qualified professional — for example a solicitor, notary public or accountant — who signs, dates and stamps each copy with their name, position and contact details. Some lenders or solicitors may ask for notarisation or an apostille, so confirm what's needed before you start.
Timing and next steps
Payslips, statements and proofs of address can go out of date if a case drifts, so gather them close to applying and keep them current. With a complete pack, many overseas cases reach offer in around six to ten weeks.
See our UK mortgages for Hong Kong expats page, the wider expat mortgages hub, and our guide to the non-resident stamp duty surcharge. If you're moving money from HKD to GBP, our currency hub explains how transfers work.
Frequently asked
Questions from readers
What documents do Hong Kong expats need for a UK mortgage?
Usually a certified passport and HKID, proof of Hong Kong address, recent payslips and an employment contract, IRD tax records, three to six months of bank statements, and evidence of the deposit's source. Exact requirements vary by lender.
Do I need IRD tax records?
Employed applicants are often asked for a recent salaries tax assessment or employer's return (IR56B). Self-employed applicants should expect two years of tax returns and accounts.
Who can certify my documents in Hong Kong?
Most lenders accept a qualified professional such as a solicitor, notary public or certified public accountant. Some ask for notarisation or an apostille, so check first.
How far back should bank statements go?
Three months as a minimum; six months is common where the deposit comes from savings or income varies.
Can I use MPF funds towards a UK deposit?
Only if the funds have been lawfully withdrawn and can be traced into your bank account. Lenders will want the withdrawal records as part of your source-of-funds evidence.