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What is the dividend withholding rate between Australia and Hong Kong?

Under the Australia-Hong Kong tax treaty, the withholding rate on dividends is 15% for portfolio investors (general rate). A reduced rate of 5% applies when the beneficial owner is a company holding a qualifying ownership stake (typically 10% or more of voting stock). Note that the reduced rate requires the recipient to file the appropriate treaty benefit claim form before payment. This 15% rate compares to a median of 15% across Australia's 48 active treaty partners, and 10% across Hong Kong's 23 active partners.

Network Comparison

Australia

Rank 20 of 48 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)

Lower rates with: France (15%), United Kingdom (15%), Greece (15%)

Higher rates with: Hungary (15%), Indonesia (15%), Ireland (15%)

Hong Kong

Rank 19 of 23 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)

Lower rates with: Singapore (10%), Thailand (10%), Vietnam (10%)

Higher rates with: Canada (15%), United Kingdom (15%), South Korea (15%)

Sources

Data last reviewed: 2026-04-07

Important: Treaty rates require proper claim forms (e.g., IRS Form W-8BEN for U.S. treaties, HMRC DT-Individual for U.K. treaties, CRA Form NR301 for Canadian treaties) filed before payment. Limitation on Benefits (LOB) provisions may restrict eligibility. A 0% withholding rate does not mean no tax — the residence country may still tax the income. This is not tax advice.

Related Questions: Australia - Hong Kong