Find a Domestic Helper Hong Kong 2026: Agency vs App vs Direct Hire

368,000 foreign domestic helpers work in Hong Kong. Thousands of new hires happen every month. Yet most employers go into the process confused about which method to use — traditional agency, online platform, app, or direct hire. Each has fundamentally different cost structures, timelines, and quality outcomes. This guide covers all 5 methods side by side so you can make an informed choice.

Method 1: Traditional Employment Agency

How it works: You contact an agency office. Agency staff present you with candidates from their internal database. You interview at their office or premises. The agency handles all paperwork end-to-end.

• Cost: HK$8,000–16,000 in placement fees (always verify the EA licence number before paying)
• Timeline: 10–15 weeks from first contact to helper's first day
• Pros: Full-service, handles everything, personal touch from staff
• Cons: Expensive, slow, limited to their own internal database, quality and licensing status varies significantly between agencies
• Best for: First-time employers who want someone to handle everything end-to-end and are willing to pay for full-service

Method 2: Online Platform (Subscription-Based)

How it works: Pay a monthly subscription to browse profiles independently, contact helpers directly, and arrange your own interviews. You manage all documentation yourself.

• Cost: Monthly subscription fee + separate visa processing (not included)
• Pros: Large searchable database, direct contact with helpers
• Cons: Subscription model means you pay before finding anyone, no AI matching, no integrated visa tracking, all documentation is the employer's responsibility
• Best for: Employers comfortable independently browsing many profiles and self-managing all POLO/MWOHK documentation

Method 3: Online Platform (Freemium / Self-Service)

How it works: Browse profiles for free; pay for direct hire or contact features. You handle all documentation and visa processing independently.

• Cost: Free basic tier; HK$300–500+ for contact or direct hire features
• Pros: Low upfront cost, large candidate pool to browse
• Cons: No agency-level support, no integrated visa processing, many unverified profiles, all paperwork falls on the employer
• Best for: Budget-conscious employers already experienced with HK visa documentation who want to self-screen candidates

Method 4: AI-Powered App — SeekHelpers

How it works: Download the free app, post a job in 60 seconds, AI instantly matches you with verified candidates, watch video profiles, conduct in-app video interviews, and use integrated visa processing — all in one place.

• Cost: Free to match and contact helpers. Visa processing from HK$1,500.
• Founded: 2025. Licensed by HK Labour Department (Licence No. 79040) and Philippine POEA (MWOHK-2025-529-085). 5,000+ downloads.
• Pros: AI matching (only platform in HK with this), video profiles for every candidate, in-app video calls, real-time visa tracking, dual-licensed, free for both employers and helpers
• Cons: Newer platform (launched 2025), still expanding Indonesian helper supply
• Best for: Employers who want the best match quality, fastest process, and full-service support without agency-level fees

Method 5: Direct Hire (No Agency or Platform)

How it works: Find a helper through personal network — friends, Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks, church communities. Handle all paperwork yourself.

• Cost: Just official government fees — visa (HK$230), POLO/MWO (HK$476 for Filipino helpers). No agency fee.
• Pros: Cheapest option. Personal recommendation from trusted contact.
• Cons: No screening or verification. No support if something goes wrong. All paperwork burden falls on employer. Legal risk if process not followed correctly.
• Best for: Employers who already know the specific helper they want to hire, or have a trusted personal referral

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Method Is Right for You?

Choose Traditional Agency if:

• You are a first-time employer who wants end-to-end hand-holding
• Budget is not a primary concern
• You prefer in-person service over apps and online platforms
• Always verify the EA licence number before paying any fee

Choose a Subscription Platform if:

• You are comfortable browsing profiles independently without AI assistance
• You don't mind paying upfront before finding a match
• You are experienced enough to self-manage all POLO/MWOHK documentation

Choose a Freemium Platform if:

• Budget is your primary concern and you're willing to self-screen candidates
• You don't need integrated visa processing or verified profiles
• You have prior experience with the HK domestic helper visa process

Choose SeekHelpers if:

• You want AI to shortlist the best-matched candidates instantly
• You value video profiles and in-app video interviews before committing
• You want integrated, tracked visa processing without agency-level fees
• You want a free, dual-licensed, transparent platform

Choose Direct Hire if:

• You already know the specific person you want to hire
• You have a trusted personal referral from someone you know
• You are experienced with the HK visa process and comfortable handling paperwork