Many expat families in Hong Kong rely on live-in foreign domestic helpers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, immigration, or professional advice. Requirements, fees, and government policies are subject to change. Always verify the latest requirements with the Labour Department and the Immigration Department before proceeding.
Why Expats in Hong Kong Hire a Foreign Domestic Helper
Hong Kong has one of the highest concentrations of Foreign Domestic Helpers (FDHs) in Asia. Roughly 400,000 FDHs are currently working in the city, and for expat families, hiring a live-in helper is a common and practical choice rather than an exclusive luxury. Long working hours, dual-income households, compact apartments with limited space for childcare equipment, and the comparatively high cost of professional childcare all contribute to making full-time, live-in household support a financially sensible arrangement for a wide range of families.
FDHs in Hong Kong are primarily from the Philippines and Indonesia, with smaller numbers from Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The system is tightly regulated by both the Labour Department and the Immigration Department, which means the rules are clear and the protections for both employers and helpers are legally enforceable.
This guide covers everything an expat employer needs to know, from checking eligibility and understanding the standard contract to working through the visa process and managing ongoing legal responsibilities.
Are You Eligible to Hire a Foreign Domestic Helper?
Not every household in Hong Kong automatically qualifies to hire an FDH. The Immigration Department applies two core eligibility criteria.
Income requirement: The employer household must have a monthly income of at least HKD 15,000, or liquid assets of at least HKD 350,000 assessed on a six-month aggregate basis. This threshold confirms that the employer can meet the statutory minimum wage, food allowance, insurance, and MPF contributions throughout the contract. You will need a Hong Kong bank account to pay your helper’s salary — see our guide to opening a bank account in Hong Kong if you have not set one up yet.
Accommodation requirement: You must be able to provide the helper with a private room in your home, separate from your own sleeping area. Many Hong Kong apartments are built with a dedicated helper’s room adjacent to the kitchen or bathroom. If yours does not have one, assess whether a suitable private space exists before proceeding.
Approved source countries: FDHs may only be hired from countries that have signed bilateral agreements with the Hong Kong government. These currently include the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
Agency Hire vs. Direct Hire
There are two main routes to finding a helper: using a licensed employment agency, or hiring directly.
Licensed agencies are the standard starting point for first-time employers. They handle candidate sourcing, initial screening, reference checks, and much of the administrative paperwork involved in the application. Agency fees typically range from HKD 2,500 to HKD 10,000 depending on the agency and the helper’s source country. By law, an agency may charge the helper a commission of no more than 10% of the helper’s first month wage (currently a maximum of HKD 510). Any charge beyond this limit is illegal. Before engaging an agency, confirm its licence is current through the Labour Department’s online registry.
Direct hire is more common when renewing a contract with an existing helper or when a candidate has been referred through a trusted personal network. It requires more direct handling of paperwork and coordination but avoids agency fees. Direct hires from overseas are subject to the same visa and contract requirements as agency placements.
The Standard Contract and Your Legal Obligations
Every FDH in Hong Kong must be employed under the Standard Employment Contract for Foreign Domestic Helpers (Form ID 407), prescribed by the Director of Immigration. No alternative contract format is permitted. Both the employer and the helper sign two copies; one is retained by each party, and a copy is submitted with the visa application.
Key statutory terms under the contract:
- Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW): HKD 5,100 per month, effective 30 September 2025. Employers may pay above this amount; they may not pay below it.
- Food provision: The employer must either provide three meals per day or pay a food allowance of HKD 1,236 per month. Most employers pay the cash allowance and leave meal arrangements to the helper.
- Rest days: A minimum of one rest day per seven-day period, comprising at least 24 consecutive hours. Rest days cannot be waived, though by mutual written agreement they can be rescheduled within the same month.
- Statutory holidays: 15 days in 2026, following amendments to the Employment Ordinance that increased the count from 14 days.
- Paid annual leave: Seven days per year for the first two years of continuous service, rising incrementally to a maximum of 14 days.
- Maternity leave: 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, subject to qualifying service.
- Contract duration: Two years, standard.
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF): Employers must enrol the helper in the MPF scheme and contribute 5% of the helper’s monthly wage, with a minimum contribution of HKD 255 per month. For a full overview of how MPF works and what employers are responsible for, see the HKEC MPF Guide for Expats.
The Full Cost of Hiring a Helper
The table below outlines typical ongoing monthly costs at the Minimum Allowable Wage. Most expat employers pay above the MAW, particularly in families where the helper takes on childcare or eldercare responsibilities in addition to housework.
| Cost Item | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Salary (at MAW) | HKD 5,100 |
| Food allowance (cash, if not providing meals) | HKD 1,236 |
| MPF contribution (employer, 5% minimum) | HKD 255 |
| Employee’s compensation insurance (annualised) | ~HKD 65-125 |
| Estimated monthly total | ~HKD 6,600-6,700 |
One-time costs to budget for in the first contract year include: agency fee (HKD 2,500-10,000 depending on agency), the helper’s pre-employment medical examination (~HKD 800-1,500, typically borne by the helper but sometimes supported by the employer), and a return airfare to the helper’s home country at contract end (typically HKD 1,000-5,000, paid by the employer).
At MAW, the total all-in cost for the first contract year including one-time setup costs typically falls in the range of HKD 85,000 to HKD 95,000. For context on how this fits into broader household budgeting in Hong Kong, the HKEC Cost of Living Guide covers typical family expenses across different districts and lifestyles.
The Hiring Process, Step by Step
Step 1: Find Your Candidate
Work through a licensed agency or source a referral directly. Review references carefully and confirm the helper’s current visa status: whether they are currently in Hong Kong finishing an existing contract, or based overseas and applying for a new visa.
Step 2: Sign the Standard Employment Contract (Form ID 407)
Both parties sign two copies of the contract. Review all terms carefully before signing. The salary and food arrangement sections require specific entries; confirm these match what has been agreed.
Step 3: Medical Examination
The helper must pass a medical examination before the visa can be approved. Note that both you and your helper will need a valid Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) — helpers are required to register within 30 days of arrival. For overseas hires, this is completed in the helper’s home country. For helpers already in Hong Kong, it can be completed locally. The examination covers general health and specific communicable disease checks required by the Immigration Department.
Step 4: Submit the Visa Application
For helpers currently overseas, the employer files a visa application with the Immigration Department, either directly or through the agency. For helpers already in Hong Kong completing an existing contract, a new employment visa application is submitted directly. Supporting documents typically include the signed ID 407 contract, proof of the employer’s income or assets, the helper’s passport and current visa, and the medical examination results.
Step 5: Processing and Approval
Processing takes approximately four to six weeks when the helper is already in Hong Kong, and eight to ten weeks for overseas applications. Do not arrange an early start date before the visa is formally approved.
Step 6: Start of Employment
On the agreed start date, confirm MPF enrolment is complete and that the helper has received their signed copy of the contract. Walk through the household arrangement, rest day schedule, and any house rules at the outset. A clear initial discussion avoids the majority of common disputes down the line.
Your Responsibilities as an Employer
Beyond wages and paperwork, Hong Kong law sets out firm ongoing obligations for FDH employers. Understanding how healthcare works in Hong Kong is important, as you are responsible for your helper’s medical needs during the contract period.
Live-in requirement: Every FDH must reside in the employer’s home as a condition of their employment visa. This applies without exception, even where the helper and employer reach a mutual agreement to the contrary.
Passport holding is illegal. The helper’s travel document belongs to the helper at all times. Retaining it is a criminal offence under Hong Kong law, regardless of intention.
Wage deductions are strictly capped. Deductions are only permitted for damage to employer property, capped at HKD 300 per incident and a maximum of one quarter of the monthly wage in total. No deductions may be made for food, accommodation, or training costs.
The two-week rule: When a contract ends, whether by completion, mutual termination, or dismissal, the helper must depart Hong Kong within two weeks. They cannot transfer to a new employer without first leaving the city and re-entering. This rule is actively enforced by the Immigration Department.
Contract renewal: Begin the renewal process at least eight weeks before the current two-year contract expires. At the end of each contract, the employer is responsible for the helper’s return airfare to their home country. If both parties wish to continue, a brief home visit satisfies the home leave requirement; the new contract commences on re-entry.
For expat families with children, the International Schools in Hong Kong Guide covers school options, fee structures, and debenture requirements across the city.
Insurance Requirements for Employers
Employee’s Compensation Insurance is mandatory. Under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282), every employer must maintain a valid insurance policy covering workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and death arising from employment. Policies specifically designed for FDH employers are widely available from Hong Kong insurers and typically cost between HKD 800 and HKD 1,500 per year. Many agencies include the first year’s premium in their placement package.
Beyond the statutory minimum, some employers opt for supplementary medical insurance that covers outpatient GP visits and hospitalisation for the helper. While not legally required, this can avoid out-of-pocket expenses when the helper falls ill. A basic outpatient plan typically costs HKD 2,000 to HKD 4,000 per year. For a detailed breakdown of medical costs in Hong Kong, refer to our guide on private GP visit costs.
Practical Tips for a Successful Working Relationship
The employer-helper relationship works best when expectations are clear from day one. Experienced expat employers in Hong Kong consistently highlight several practices that reduce misunderstandings and build mutual respect.
Set up communication early. Most helpers will need a local SIM card or mobile plan to stay in contact with you and their family back home. Our Hong Kong SIM card and mobile plan guide covers affordable prepaid options that work well for helpers, including plans with data for video calling.
Write a household manual. A simple document covering daily routines, appliance instructions, emergency contacts, dietary requirements, and house rules prevents most first-month friction. Include your preferred communication style — some families use WhatsApp groups, others prefer a shared calendar for scheduling.
Respect rest days. Rest days are non-negotiable under Hong Kong law. Many helpers spend their day off at Victoria Park, Central, or Causeway Bay, where large communities gather. Supporting your helper’s social life outside working hours contributes to a healthier and more sustainable working arrangement.
Discuss performance openly. Schedule brief catch-ups monthly during the first three months. Address concerns early rather than letting small issues compound. Most employment disputes in Hong Kong arise from accumulated, unspoken frustrations rather than single incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my helper work part-time for another household?
No. Under the Standard Employment Contract and the terms of the FDH visa, the helper may only work for the employer named on the contract. Any additional employment, even with the employer’s consent, is a breach of visa conditions and can result in deportation and a ban on future entry.
What happens if my helper wants to change employer?
The helper must first complete or terminate the current contract. After contract termination, the helper has two weeks to leave Hong Kong. To work for a new employer, the helper must exit Hong Kong and re-apply for a new visa from outside the territory. There are limited exceptions, primarily involving abuse or contract violations by the employer, which the Immigration Department assesses case by case.
How much notice is required to terminate a contract early?
Either party may terminate the contract by giving one month’s written notice, or by paying one month’s wages in lieu of notice. The employer must also pay any outstanding wages, unused annual leave, and the return airfare to the helper’s home country.
Can I hire a helper if I live in a serviced apartment or shared flat?
The Immigration Department requires that the employer provide suitable accommodation with reasonable privacy for the helper. Serviced apartments may qualify if there is a separate sleeping area. Shared flats are unlikely to meet the accommodation requirement. Each case is assessed individually during the visa application.
Is it legal to install CCTV in my home?
Installing cameras in common areas such as the living room or kitchen is not explicitly prohibited, but you must inform the helper. Cameras in the helper’s room or bathroom are a clear violation of privacy laws. Covert surveillance without consent can also constitute an offence under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
Read More
- MPF in Hong Kong: A Guide for Expat Employers
- Cost of Living in Hong Kong: An Expat Budget Guide
- International Schools in Hong Kong: A Complete Guide for Expat Families
- Moving Into Your Hong Kong Home: Utilities, Setup, and First Month
- Opening a Bank Account in Hong Kong: An Expat Guide
- Healthcare in Hong Kong: A Complete Expat Guide
