In common Hong Kong agency usage, Direct Hire, Name Hire or Designated Hire usually means processing a contract and visa for a helper the employer has already identified. SeekHelpers Self Hire is an employer-led route that adds verified profile discovery and direct interviews before the paperwork stage. These are market service labels, not legal categories defined by the Hong Kong Government, so inclusions and fees must be compared provider by provider.
Both routes can leave the final hiring decision with the employer. The practical difference is where the candidate comes from and what support is included before and after selection. This guide was checked against Immigration Department, Labour Department and MWO information on 17 September 2026.
What does Direct Hire usually mean in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong agencies commonly use Direct Hire, Name Hire and Designated Hire for a processing service involving a pre-identified helper: for example, a returning helper, a personal referral or a candidate found independently. The exact label is not standardized by Immigration, so one provider may include document checking, consular coordination or arrival support that another charges separately.
Do not confuse this Hong Kong marketing usage with the Philippine regulatory term “direct hiring.” Philippine overseas-employment rules and MWO verification still apply where relevant; an agency label does not bypass them.
What does SeekHelpers Self Hire add?
SeekHelpers Self Hire is designed for employers who want to choose the helper themselves but do not yet have a named candidate. Employers can browse verified profiles, use matching and filtering tools, view available profile information and interview candidates before choosing. Processing support begins after a match is confirmed, subject to the selected plan and the helper’s nationality and status.
| Question | Typical Direct / Name Hire | SeekHelpers Self Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate at the start | Usually already identified by the employer | Employer discovers candidates on SeekHelpers |
| Who chooses | Employer | Employer |
| Pre-selection tools | Depend on the employer and provider | Verified profiles, matching tools and interviews |
| Paperwork | Depends on the processing package | Support depends on the current Self Hire plan |
| Fees | Provider and case specific | Shown on the current Self Hire page |
| Best fit | You already have a suitable named candidate | You want to choose but need a candidate pool |
Which route fits your situation?
- Choose a processing-only Direct or Name Hire service when you already know whom you want to employ and have independently assessed the match.
- Choose Self Hire when you want to browse and interview candidates yourself before paying for processing support.
- Choose a full-service agency when you want the agency to source or shortlist candidates and manage more of the selection process.
Compare written inclusions, exclusions, refund or replacement terms and third-party charges—not only the headline price. Immigration, MWO and consular requirements vary by route, nationality and contract status.
Official rules are the same whichever label you choose
The employer must still meet Immigration criteria, enter into the Standard Employment Contract and comply with the current wage, food, accommodation and live-in rules. Immigration’s published benchmark is household income of at least HK$15,000 per month per helper, or comparable assets. Accommodation must be suitable and provide reasonable privacy; a private bedroom is not stated as a universal requirement.
- Understand the four hiring terms
- What to do when you do not know a helper
- Direct Hire process for a named helper
- See how Self Hire works
Official sources
- Immigration Department FDH guidebook
- Immigration Department employer guide
- MWO Hong Kong contract verification
Verified 17 September 2026. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current fees, processing requirements and plan inclusions for the helper’s exact case before signing.
Want to choose your own helper but do not have a name yet? Explore the current SeekHelpers Self Hire process and compare its written inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions employers ask most about this topic.
What is the difference between Self Hire and Direct Hire in Hong Kong?
Direct Hire commonly means processing a helper the employer has already identified. SeekHelpers Self Hire adds employer-led profile discovery and interviews before processing support. These are market service labels, not official Immigration Department categories.
Do I need to know a helper before using Direct Hire?
Usually yes when a provider uses Direct Hire for a processing-only package. If you have no named candidate, use an employer-led discovery route such as Self Hire or ask a full-service agency to source candidates.
Does Self Hire mean handling every document alone?
Not necessarily. Self Hire describes who leads candidate discovery and selection. The processing support included after selection depends on the current written plan and the helper's nationality, location and contract status.
Are the legal requirements different for Self Hire?
No. The employer and helper must still meet Immigration criteria, sign ID407, follow applicable MWO or consular requirements, and comply with wage, food, accommodation, insurance and live-in rules.
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