Domestic Helper Visa Hong Kong: Complete Employer Application Guide (2026)

The FDH visa (officially called a 'Domestic Helper' employment visa) is a Category I visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. It is specific to the employment relationship between one employer and one helper — it cannot be transferred between employers without a new application. As the employer, you are the visa sponsor, meaning the visa is granted on the strength of your application and your undertaking to meet the employment conditions.

Who Needs an FDH Visa?

• Any non-Hong Kong permanent resident employed as a live-in domestic helper
• Applies to Filipino, Indonesian, and domestic helpers of any other nationality
• Local domestic workers (Hong Kong residents) do NOT require an FDH visa — different legal framework applies
• A helper who is already in HK on a valid FDH visa (working for a previous employer) is applying for a Change of Employment — this uses the same ID 407 form but is processed differently (Transfer application)

The Core Application Form: ID 407

All FDH visa applications are made on Form ID 407, available from the Immigration Department. The form constitutes both the visa application and the Standard Employment Contract. As the employer, you sign the contract — and by signing, you legally undertake to meet all the conditions within it, including MAW, food allowance, housing, insurance, and leave entitlements.

Key information you commit to in the ID 407

• Your address — the helper must live at this address (live-in requirement)
• Monthly salary (minimum: HK$5,100 as of 30 September 2025)
• Food allowance (HK$1,236/month or provision of three meals daily)
• Your household members — an updated list is required
• Your financial ability to employ the helper — Immigration assesses whether you can support the employment
• Details of the helper: nationality, passport, employment history

Document Checklist: New Overseas Hire

Document Checklist: Transfer (Change of Employment)

• Same ID 407 form signed by both new employer and helper
• Release letter from previous employer (written confirmation that previous employer has no objection)
• In some cases, ID 407E (Termination/Release of Contract) from the previous employer
• Helper must not have been unemployed for more than 14 days at the time of application (Two-Week Rule)
• No medical examination required for transfer applications — helper is already in HK

Application Submission: Where and How

• In person: Immigration Department offices (Wan Chai Tower, or district Immigration offices)
• By post: To the Visa and Policies Division, Immigration Department
• Through a licensed employment agency: The agency submits on your behalf
• Currently no online submission for FDH visas — all submissions must include original signed documents
• Processing time: Typically 4–6 weeks for new applications; 2–4 weeks for transfer applications

The Two-Week Rule: Critical for Both Employers and Helpers

The Two-Week Rule is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of FDH employment in Hong Kong. It applies when a helper's employment contract ends (for any reason: contract completion, early termination, resignation).

• After a contract ends, the helper has 14 days to either: (a) depart Hong Kong, or (b) have a new employment visa approved
• A new visa application must be submitted before the 14 days expire
• If the 14-day window passes without a new approved visa, the helper must leave Hong Kong and apply from abroad — significantly extending the process
• The rule applies regardless of who terminated the contract
• Transfer applications submitted within 14 days are usually processed as in-HK applications — faster than overseas applications
• Practical tip: If you're releasing a helper and she has another employer lined up, issue the termination documents promptly so she can apply immediately

Visa Conditions: What the Visa Restricts

• Live-in requirement: The helper must reside in your household — not elsewhere. She cannot live in a dormitory or her own flat.
• One employer only: The visa is tied to one employer. The helper cannot legally work for a second employer — even part-time, even on rest days.
• No change of employment without prior approval: If you wish to transfer the helper to a family member's employ, a new visa application is required.
• No change of address without notification: If you move, you must notify Immigration of the new address.
• No side work of any kind: Commercial cleaning jobs, side employment, freelance work — all prohibited under the visa conditions.

Visa Renewal: The 2-Year Contract End

• Start renewal 6–8 weeks before the contract end date — don't leave it to the last month
• Both employer and helper must agree to renew — neither party is obligated to continue
• The renewal uses the same ID 407 form as the original application
• Renewal processing time: Typically 3–5 weeks
• If the helper's contract expires while the renewal is pending, she can continue working under the original visa conditions until a decision is made — provided the renewal was submitted before expiry
• Salary at renewal: Must meet the current MAW at time of renewal (HK$5,100 as of Sept 2025)

What If the Visa Application Is Refused?

• Immigration rarely refuses first-time applications when documents are complete and the employer meets financial requirements
• Common refusal reasons: employer's financial ability not demonstrated, helper's history of contract breaches, incomplete documentation
• A refused application can be appealed to the Immigration Tribunal — seek legal advice if refused
• For a refused transfer: the helper may still be able to depart and apply from home country as a new overseas hire
• SeekHelpers' visa support service assists with document preparation to minimise the risk of refusal