How inheritance tax works in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Revenue (Abolition of Estate Duty) Ordinance 2005 took effect on 11 February 2006. For deaths on or after that date, no estate duty affidavits or accounts need to be filed and no estate duty clearance papers are needed for probate applications.
Succession planning still matters even without inheritance tax. Families still need wills, bank release procedures, title transfer documents and a clear view of whether the asset sits in Hong Kong or in another jurisdiction.
Tax rates at a glance
- Inheritance tax
- 0%Zero
- Estate tax
- 0%
- Gift tax
- 0%
- Probate tax
- 0%
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
InvestorsFamily officesHigh earnersExpatsRemote founders
Watch out for
- No inheritance tax does not remove the need for a will, especially for expats with Hong Kong bank accounts, property or company shares.
- Hong Kong assets can still require probate, bank approvals and transfer paperwork before heirs can access them.
- Foreign heirs may still have tax or reporting obligations in their own country even if Hong Kong charges no inheritance tax.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hong Kong have inheritance tax?
No. Hong Kong abolished estate duty in 2006 and does not impose a standalone inheritance tax on assets passing to heirs.
Does Hong Kong tax estates?
No estate duty applies to deaths on or after 11 February 2006, but the estate still needs normal legal and banking administration.
Do expats need succession planning in Hong Kong?
Yes. A will and a clear asset register still matter for bank accounts, real estate and company interests even when there is no Hong Kong inheritance tax.