Is ID Card a Must to Open a Bank Account in Hong Kong?

Is an ID card really indispensable for opening a bank account in Hong Kong?

In recent years, as cross-border exchanges have become increasingly frequent, more and more residents from mainland China have chosen to travel, work or settle in Hong Kong. In these activities, opening a Hong Kong bank account has become one of the important needs for many people. However, for non-residents of Hong Kong, opening an account in Hong Kong is not easy, especially after the pandemic, when banks have become stricter in their customer identity verification requirements. Then, is an ID card really indispensable for opening a bank account in Hong Kong? This article will explore this issue in light of recent relevant news reports.

First, let's make it clear opening a bank account in Hong Kong does indeed require providing valid proof of identity. According to regulations by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority HKMA, all applicants must present authentic identity information to enable banks to fulfill their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations. Typically, this includes a valid Hong Kong ID card or passport. This is done to ensure the legality of the account holder’s identity and prevent illegal fund flows.

Recently, major banks in Hong Kong have been particularly cautious when reviewing account opening applications. For instance, large financial institutions such as HSBC and Standard Chartered have strengthened their efforts to verify customer backgrounds. According to the South China Morning Post, since early 2025, many banks have begun requiring mainland customers to submit additional supporting documents, such as proof of residence, proof of employment, and transaction records from the past few months. This approach aims to better assess the applicant's financial status and their level of connection with Hong Kong.

Despite this, not all non-residents are unable to open accounts in Hong Kong. In fact, as long as specific conditions are met and sufficient documents are prepared, mainland residents also have opportunities to successfully apply for a Hong Kong bank account. For example, individuals with long-term visas or valid work permits can complete the account opening process by using their travel documents and additional supportive documents. If an applicant has purchased property in Hong Kong and plans to reside there for some time, they can also increase their chances of approval by presenting relevant purchase contracts and tax documents.

It should be noted that in recent years, new products and services specifically designed for mainland tourists have emerged. For instance, some small community banks have introduced simplified savings account schemes aimed at short-term visitors, allowing users to quickly register with just a passport. Although these accounts have limited functions, they provide another possibility for individuals who wish to experience Hong Kong financial services but lack the necessary documentation.

On the other hand, it is worth noting that with the development of financial technology, online banking services are gradually becoming mainstream trends. Many local Hong Kong banks have launched mobile applications, making it easy to manage assets even when overseas. Even if face-to-face signing in Hong Kong is not possible, completing preliminary reviews through remote video conferencing is becoming increasingly common.

In summary, while an effective proof of identity document is indeed indispensable for opening a bank account in Hong Kong, this does not mean that there are no other options available. For mainland residents, understanding the latest policy developments, preparing sufficient evidence, and making full use of existing resources are key to increasing success rates. At the same time, with the convenience brought by technological advancements, more flexible and convenient ways to meet the needs of different groups may emerge in the future.

In conclusion, although an ID card is indeed an essential part of opening a bank account in Hong Kong, it is not the only way. As long as preparations are made and relevant regulations are understood, non-residents also have the opportunity to smoothly embark on their own journey of opening a Hong Kong bank account.