To renew a domestic helper contract in HK, submit Form ID 988A to ImmD at least 6 weeks before expiry, along with a new Standard Employment Contract (ID407) and MWO verification (HK$476 fee). Renewal processing takes 4–6 weeks. For early termination, either party must give 1 month's written notice or 1 month's wages in lieu. Severance Pay (2/3 month per year of service) applies if you terminate without cause after 24+ months of continuous service.
Whether your helper's 2-year contract is ending and you want to renew, or you need to terminate the contract early — knowing the rules protects both you and your helper. This guide covers every form, timeline, cost, and legal obligation you need to know in 2026.
Contract Renewal — Step by Step
Start the renewal process 4–8 weeks before the contract expiry date. Do not leave this until the last week — Immigration processing takes time and an expired visa creates serious complications.
- 1
Review and agree on new salary
Market data: experienced helpers with 2+ years tenure typically receive HK$5,300–5,800/month at renewal. Discuss openly — a fair renewal salary retains good helpers.
- 2
Sign new Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)
Sign four copies using the MAW in force on signing: HK$5,220 from 3 October 2026; honour any higher agreed wage.
- 3
POLO/MWO verification (Filipino helpers)
Submit the new signed contract to POLO/MWO Hong Kong for endorsement. Fee: HK$476. Processing: 3–10 working days.
- 4
Indonesian Consulate endorsement (Indonesian helpers)
Submit to the Indonesian Consulate General. Fees and timeline vary — allow 2–3 additional weeks.
- 5
Apply for new HK visa at Immigration Department
Submit ID 988A (helper) and ID 988B (employer) with all supporting documents. Fee: HK$230. Processing: 4–6 weeks.
- 6
Renew insurance
Purchase a new insurance policy aligned with the new contract period before the old policy expires.
- 7
Receive new e-Visa
Helper's employment continues uninterrupted. No need to leave Hong Kong for renewal.
- Documents needed: New ID 407 contract, employer's proof of income, helper's passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond contract end), POLO/Consulate verification letter
- Cost: Visa fee HK$230 + POLO/MWO HK$476 (Filipino) + insurance renewal
- What changes in the new contract: Updated MAW (if changed by government), updated food allowance, updated public holiday entitlements
Early Termination by Employer
Terminating a helper's contract early is a significant decision with legal and financial implications. Follow the process carefully to avoid legal exposure.
- Notice requirement: 1 month written notice OR payment of 1 month's wages in lieu of notice
- Severance payment: If helper has worked 2+ continuous years, you must pay severance at 2/3 × last month's wages × years of service
- Long service payment: If helper has worked 5+ years, long service payment applies (calculated differently from severance)
- MPF offsetting abolished May 2025: Under the new transition-period rules, employers can no longer offset severance/long service payments against MPF contributions. Budget accordingly.
- Release letter (Form ID 407E): You must issue a release letter confirming the contract termination and the reason. Helper requires this to change employers.
- Repatriation obligation: You must provide a one-way flight ticket back to the helper's home country (unless the helper finds a new employer before leaving).
- The two-week rule: After contract termination, the helper has maximum 14 days OR remaining visa validity (whichever is shorter) to leave HK or secure new employment.
Early Termination by Helper
A helper has the right to terminate the contract early with 1 month's notice. While this is commonly called 'job-hopping', it is a legal right under the Standard Employment Contract.
- Helper's right to terminate: 1 month written notice to employer
- The two-week rule: Once the contract ends (by either party), helper must leave HK within 14 days OR remaining visa validity, whichever is shorter
- Job-hopping concerns: Most job-hopping occurs due to mismatched salary expectations or poor working conditions — not random opportunism
- What to do if your helper wants to leave: Accept the notice professionally, issue the release letter promptly, and use SeekHelpers to find a replacement immediately
- Implications for immigration record: Frequent early terminations on an employer's record can affect future visa applications
Can My Helper Switch Employers?
- Transfer is allowed when: Contract is fully completed, employer and helper agree to mutual termination, employer is emigrating from HK, employer passes away
- Transfer is NOT allowed during active contract: A helper cannot break the current contract to start with a new employer — this is a visa violation
- The Immigration Department's stance: ImmD tracks employment history and frequent contract breaks are noted on record
- How to ensure smooth transition: Complete the contract, issue the release letter promptly, and allow the helper the full two-week window to secure new employment
How SeekHelpers Helps with Renewals
- Submit renewal documents through the app — no physical office visit required
- Real-time tracking of your renewal visa application status
- Contract template auto-filled with correct 2026 MAW and statutory terms
- Reminder notifications sent 8 weeks before contract expiry
- If you need a replacement helper after termination, SeekHelpers AI matching finds the best-fit candidates immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions employers ask most about this topic.
When should I start renewing a domestic helper contract?
Start at least 6 weeks before the current contract and visa expire. The guide recommends allowing 4–8 weeks because Immigration processing normally takes 4–6 weeks and origin-country endorsement can add time.
Which documents are required for a domestic helper contract renewal?
Prepare four signed copies of the new Standard Employment Contract (ID 407), Form ID 988A from the helper, Form ID 988B from the employer, the helper's passport, the employer's proof of income, and the applicable MWO or consulate verification letter.
How do I renew a domestic helper contract in Hong Kong?
Agree the new salary, sign four copies of ID 407, complete the applicable MWO or consulate verification, submit ID 988A and ID 988B with supporting documents to Immigration, renew insurance, and obtain the new e-Visa.
What notice is required to terminate a domestic helper contract in Hong Kong?
Either party must give 1 month's written notice OR pay 1 month's wages in lieu of notice. During the initial 4-week probationary period, the notice requirement is 7 days (or 7 days' wages in lieu). If the employer terminates without cause, they must also book and pay for the helper's return flight to her home country.
What is the two-week rule after a domestic helper contract ends?
After termination, the helper may remain only until the earlier of 14 days after the contract ends or the end of the permitted stay, unless Immigration approves a new employment arrangement.
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