Information Centre

Many young people participate in Working Holiday programmes to broaden their horizons and experience life and work abroad. However, can scheme members apply for early withdrawal of their MPF on the grounds of Working Holiday? 

First and foremost, it is important to understand that under the MPF legislation, scheme members may withdraw their MPF derived from their mandatory contributions and tax deductible voluntary contributions only upon reaching the age of 65, unless they meet one of the following conditions: 

• Early retirement
• Permanent departure from Hong Kong
• Total incapacity 
• Terminal illness
• Small balance
• Death

If scheme members wish to withdraw their MPF on the grounds of permanent departure from Hong Kong, they must submit a claim form, relevant documents, evidence and a statutory declaration to their MPF trustee stating that they have departed or will depart from Hong Kong to reside elsewhere and have no intention of returning to work or live in Hong Kong. Applicants are obliged to provide documents and evidence that satisfy the trustee that they are permitted to reside in a place outside Hong Kong. This could be a residence permit issued by the relevant department, information on overseas settlement, public utility account information (such as water or electricity bills), or a copy of a letter of release issued by the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department to facilitate the assessment.

In general, a Working Holiday Visa allows the visa holder to stay lawfully in the host country or region to travel and take up short-term employment. It cannot be considered as proof of “permanent departure from Hong Kong”. 

Furthermore, under the law, scheme members who previously withdrew their MPF on the grounds of permanent departure from Hong Kong cannot apply for early withdrawal of the MPF on the same ground again.