How to Find a Domestic Helper in Hong Kong 2026: What Works (And What Doesn't)

The 4 Routes to Finding a Helper in Hong Kong

Route 1: Licensed Employment Agency (Traditional)

A traditional agency maintains an internal roster of candidates, assigns you a consultant, and handles all paperwork end-to-end. The trade-off is cost: placement fees typically run HK$10,000–20,000 on top of mandatory government fees.

• Cost: HK$10,000–20,000 placement fee + HK$706 government fees (transfer hire)
• Timeline: 8–15 weeks
• Best for: First-time employers who want full-service hand-holding and are comfortable with the cost
• Always verify the agency's EA licence at eaas.labour.gov.hk before paying anything

Route 2: Licensed Digital Platform

Licensed platforms combine a large verified candidate pool with AI matching and integrated visa processing — at a fraction of traditional agency cost. SeekHelpers is dual-licensed: EA 79040 (HK Labour Dept) and POEA MWOHK-2025-529-085 (Philippines). Posting is free for employers.

• Cost: Free to post and match. Visa processing from HK$1,500.
• Timeline: 7–14 days for a transfer hire (finished-contract helper already in HK)
• Candidate pool: 5,000+ verified profiles with video introductions and reference checks
• Best for: Employers who want AI-matched candidates, video profiles, and integrated visa support without agency-level fees

Route 3: Online Job Board (Self-Service)

General listing sites let you browse profiles independently at low cost — but verification is minimal or absent, and all paperwork falls entirely on you.

• Cost: Free to browse; some platforms charge HK$300–500+ for contact or direct-hire features
• Risk: Many profiles on unmoderated boards are unverified, out-of-date, or duplicated
• Best for: Experienced employers comfortable self-managing all ImmD and POLO/MWO documentation

Route 4: Personal Network / Direct Referral

Word-of-mouth referrals from trusted friends or family carry no placement fee and come pre-recommended — but there is no formal screening, no verification, and all immigration paperwork is entirely your responsibility.

• Cost: Government fees only — HK$706 for a transfer hire (ImmD HK$230 + POLO/MWO HK$476 for Filipino helpers)
• Best for: Employers who already know the specific person they want to hire from a trusted source
• Risk: No agency or platform support if something goes wrong during the 2-year contract

What to Look For in Any Platform or Agency

• EA licence (mandatory): Any agency placing FDH workers must hold a valid EA licence under Cap. 57A. Verify at eaas.labour.gov.hk. If no number is displayed, ask — and walk away if they can't provide one.
• Profile verification: Are profiles verified before going live, or self-reported? Verified employment history and identity documents reduce costly mismatches.
• POEA accreditation for Filipino helpers: Required for the legal POLO/POEA deployment channel. Verify at www.poea.gov.ph.
• AI matching: Does the platform match your specific household needs (children's ages, eldercare, language, schedule) — or are you browsing hundreds of results manually?
• Integrated visa processing: Does the platform handle ImmD, POLO/MWO forms, and contract registration, or is that left to you?
• Fee transparency: Cap. 57A Regulation 7 requires any licensed agency to provide an itemised fee breakdown in writing on request. Refusal is a regulatory violation.

Red Flags to Watch For

• No EA licence number — or refusal to confirm one. An unlicensed agency is operating illegally.
• Fees charged to the helper. Employment agencies cannot charge placement fees to FDH workers under HK law. Any fee disguised as 'training', 'documentation', or 'advance salary deduction' is illegal.
• Refuses itemised fees in writing. Cap. 57A Regulation 7 requires this. If they won't write it down, don't sign anything.
• Guarantees a hire without letting you interview the candidate. You should always meet — or video-call — before agreeing.
• Profiles with no work history, no references, and no photo. Nothing to verify means nothing to trust.
• Pressure to decide quickly or pay a deposit immediately. Legitimate agencies don't rush you.