A domestic helper visa (FDH visa) for Hong Kong takes 4–8 weeks to process. Total government fees: HK$706 (MWO verification HK$476 + ImmD HK$230). Overseas helpers must apply through POLO/MWO in their home country. Local transfer helpers apply directly to ImmD. Processing requires Form ID 988A, ID 988B, and the standard employment contract Form ID407.
The domestic helper visa (officially called the Foreign Domestic Helper visa) is the work permit that allows your helper to legally live and work in your household in Hong Kong. Without it, your helper cannot legally work for you — and employing an undocumented helper carries serious criminal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the domestic helper visa take in Hong Kong?
For helpers already in Hong Kong (finished contract): 4–6 weeks. For overseas hires: 8–12 weeks including consulate endorsement. For renewals with the same employer: as little as 2–4 weeks.
Can I hire a domestic helper without an agency?
Yes — if your helper is Filipino and in a finished-contract situation, you can self-process the entire application without an agency. Indonesian helpers and overseas hires require a licensed employment agency for the consulate stages. SeekHelpers handles all of this for employers who want professional coordination.
What income do I need to hire a domestic helper in HK?
You must earn at least HK$15,000 per month in household income, OR hold assets of comparable equivalent value. You can combine income with your spouse/partner for a joint household income figure.
How much is the domestic helper visa fee in Hong Kong?
The official HK Immigration visa fee is HK$230, payable upon visa approval. Additional fees include POLO/MWO contract verification (HK$476 for Filipino helpers) and Indonesian Consulate endorsement fees where applicable.
What is the two-week rule for domestic helpers?
When a helper's contract ends or is terminated early, she has a maximum of two weeks from the contract termination date OR the remaining permitted period of stay, whichever is shorter, before she must leave Hong Kong. Employers considering mid-contract termination must factor this into their planning.
How to Apply for a Domestic Helper Visa in Hong Kong
Step-by-step guide to applying for a foreign domestic helper (FDH) visa in Hong Kong for overseas hires.
- 1
Sign the Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)
Both employer and helper sign 4 identical copies with salary at least HK$5,100/month.
- 2
POLO/MWO or Indonesian Consulate verification
Filipino helpers: Submit to POLO/MWO HK for verification. Indonesian helpers: Submit to Indonesian Consulate with mandatory medical examination.
- 3
Complete Immigration forms
Helper completes ID 988A, employer completes ID 988B. Attach recent passport-sized photo to ID 988A.
- 4
Assemble supporting documents
Proof of income, residential address, passport copies, and reference letters.
- 5
Submit to HK Immigration Department
Submit online at gov.hk, by post, or via drop-in box at Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O.
- 6
Wait for processing
4–6 weeks for helpers in HK, 8–12 weeks for overseas hires.
- 7
Pay visa fee and download e-Visa
Pay HK$230 via GovHK website or ImmD app and download the e-Visa PDF.
- 8
Helper arrives and registers
Helper travels to Hong Kong with printed e-Visa, clears immigration, and applies for HKID within 30 days.
The Three Visa Situations Explained
Situation 1: New Hire from Overseas (Philippines or Indonesia)
- Timeline: 8–12 weeks total
- Requires: Country-of-origin agency coordination
- POLO (Philippines) or Indonesian Consulate endorsement required
- Employer pays outward airfare (~HK$1,500–3,000)
- Medical examination in country of origin required
Situation 2: Finished-Contract Helper Already in HK
- Timeline: 4–6 weeks
- Helper applies to change employer
- No outward airfare required
- POLO verification still required for Filipino helpers (HK$476)
- Most popular route — fastest and most cost-effective
Situation 3: Contract Renewal with Same Employer
- Timeline: 2–4 weeks
- Simplest process — both parties well known to Immigration
- New contract signed, submitted to POLO/Indonesian Consulate
- New HK visa applied for before old one expires
- Helper does not need to leave Hong Kong
Let us manage all 15+ visa documents for you. Our visa package includes end-to-end processing with real-time tracking.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
- Salary offered below HK$5,100 MAW
- Insufficient household income (below HK$15,000/month combined)
- Accommodation deemed unsuitable or lacking reasonable privacy
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Employer has a history of contract early terminations
- Helper overstayed previous visa in Hong Kong
Documents Required for a Domestic Helper Visa Application
- Completed ID 988A (helper's part) and ID 988B (employer's part)
- 4 signed copies of Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)
- Employer's HKID copy
- Proof of household income (payslips, bank statements, or tax return)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or tenancy agreement)
- Helper's passport copy (all pages)
- Helper's recent passport-sized photo
- POLO/MWO verification letter (Filipino) or Consulate endorsement (Indonesian)
- Previous contracts and references (if experienced helper)
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