Visa approval typically takes 4–6 weeks after document submission, while the standard full tracked journey from hire confirmation to helper arrival takes 6–8 weeks. The ordinary Immigration visa fee is HK$330 from 8 September 2025. MWO, consular and deployment charges depend on nationality and route. 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 ordinary Hong Kong Immigration visa fee is HK$330 under the fee schedule effective 8 September 2025. Additional MWO, consular and deployment fees are case-specific; verify the current official requirements for the helper's nationality and route.
Source: HK Immigration Department — FDH Visa ApplicationWhat 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 parties sign four copies using the MAW in force when signing: at least HK$5,220/month from 3 October 2026.
- 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
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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
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Shortlisting early gives you time to compare profiles and interview suitable candidates before moving ahead.
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Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
- Salary offered below the MAW applicable on the contract-signing date
- 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
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After you choose a helper, SeekHelpers can coordinate the paperwork and review documents before submission.
Find a helper and explore visa support →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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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions employers ask most about this topic.
What is the domestic helper visa fee in Hong Kong 2026?
The ordinary Hong Kong Immigration visa fee is HK$330 under the fee schedule effective 8 September 2025. MWO, consular and deployment charges vary by nationality and route and should be checked against the current official procedure.
What is the two-week rule for domestic helpers in Hong Kong?
Under the Immigration Ordinance, a foreign domestic helper whose contract is terminated must leave Hong Kong within 2 weeks of the termination date, unless a new employment contract is signed and a new visa is processed. This applies even if the helper finds a new employer — they must leave HK and return on the new visa, or have their visa formally transferred within the 2-week window. Employers should note this timeline when planning any early contract termination.
How long does a domestic helper visa take in Hong Kong?
The standard tracked journey from hire confirmation to helper arrival takes 6–8 weeks. Visa approval typically takes 4–6 weeks after document submission. Finished-contract transfer helpers may follow a shorter route, while overseas cases can take longer when POLO, consulate, medical, or other origin-country requirements apply. SeekHelpers tracks the entire process.
Can I hire a domestic helper in Hong Kong 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. Self-processing requires submitting Form ID 988A, ID 988B, and ID 407 directly to ImmD and POLO/MWO.
What household income is required to hire a domestic helper in Hong Kong?
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 or partner for a joint household income figure. The Immigration Department assesses financial eligibility as part of the visa application review.
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