Hong Kong has announced 11 new measures to encourage people to have more children. These were announced by Chief Executive John Lee on 16th September 2026, to the public as part of Hong Kong's annual Policy Address.
The government is also giving families more financial assistance and housing benefits as well as tax support as Hong Kong continues to have a low birth rate.
HK$30,000 Bonus for Second Children
One of the big announcements in this announcement is a higher cash bonus for families having their second or later child.
Eligible families will receive HK$30,000 for a second or subsequent child born September 16, 2026. The existing HK$20,000 newborn bonus will also continue for another three years.
The government hopes the extra financial support will reduce some of the costs associated with having children.
Housing Benefits for New Parents
Housing is also a large part of the new package.
Eligible parents who buy a home around the time of their child's birth could receive up to HK$20,000 in stamp duty relief.
But the government is also introducing mortgage-related support that might help some eligible families with newborn children to borrow more when purchasing a home.
More Tax Benefits for Families
Parents will also receive some extra tax support.
The tax allowance for second and subsequent children will increase from HK$140,000 to HK$160,000.
An additional child allowance available in the first two years after a child's birth will also be increased to HK$160,000.
These changes are designed to provide families with more financial support after having a child.
Childcare and IVF Support
And the new measures will not only be cash-based.
Hong Kong will also increase support for childcare services and increase quotas for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.
These are intended to help couples who want children but have difficulty with childcare or starting a family.
Why is Hong Kong promoting more births?
Hong Kong has been seeing very low birth rates for several years.
Only 19,255 babies were reported to have been born in the first 8 months of 2026. The number of births in 2025 is also reported to be around 31,700, one of the lowest levels.
So the government is trying different approaches to making raising children more affordable and manageable for families.
