Cost of Hiring a Domestic Helper HK 2026: Full Table

Most employer guides only show you the monthly salary. The real picture is more complex — and knowing it upfront prevents budget shock in Month 3. This guide gives you a completely transparent breakdown of every cost associated with hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong in 2026, from the day you start looking to the end of a 2-year contract.

One-Time Costs (Upfront)

These are the costs you pay before or at the start of employment. They vary significantly depending on which hiring method you use.

• Agency fee: HK$8,000–16,000 (traditional agency) vs HK$0 matching + HK$1,500–8,000 visa processing (SeekHelpers)
• Visa processing: Included in agency fee (traditional) vs separate transparent charge (SeekHelpers)
• Insurance (1-year comprehensive): HK$800–3,000/year depending on coverage level
• Medical examination (overseas hire): HK$500–800 (in country of origin)
• Flight ticket (employer pays one-way): HK$2,000–5,000 from Philippines or Indonesia
• Settling-in costs: HK$1,000–2,000 (bedding, personal supplies, initial grocery run)

Monthly Recurring Costs

These are the costs you pay every single month for the duration of the contract. Budget for HK$6,500–7,500/month to cover all mandatory components.

• Salary: HK$5,100 minimum (HK$5,430 average market in 2026)
• Food allowance: HK$1,236/month if not providing meals
• Accommodation: HK$0 (live-in requirement — helper lives with you)
• Medical costs: HK$0–500/month (covered by insurance if you have a comprehensive plan)
• Toiletries and personal items: HK$200–400/month (employer convention, not legally required but standard practice)
• Transportation for errands: HK$200–300/month (Octopus card top-ups, etc.)

Year 1 Total Cost: Traditional Agency vs SeekHelpers

Hidden Costs Most Guides Don't Mention

These costs are real but rarely appear in employer guides. Budget for them from the start.

• Contract renewal costs (every 2 years): Visa fee HK$230 + POLO/MWO re-verification HK$476 + new insurance policy
• Holiday flights home (every 2-year contract): Employer must provide a return airfare to the helper's home country at contract end — typically HK$2,000–5,000
• Severance payment: If you terminate a helper who has worked 2+ continuous years, severance is calculated at 2/3 of last month's wages × years of service
• Long service payment: If helper worked 5+ years, long service payment applies — separate from severance
• Helper's belongings shipping: If the helper returns overseas, some employers cover or contribute to shipping personal belongings
• Temporary replacement during leave: If you need cover during the helper's annual leave or sick leave, you may need temporary domestic help

How to Reduce Costs Without Cutting Corners

There are legitimate ways to reduce the cost of hiring a domestic helper without compromising quality or legality.

• Use SeekHelpers for free matching — eliminate or significantly reduce agency fees
• Hire a finished-contract helper already in HK — no flight costs, faster timeline (4–6 weeks vs 10–15 weeks)
• Compare insurance plans online — spending 30 minutes comparing AXA, FWD, QBE, and Blue Cross can save HK$500–1,000
• Buy flights early for overseas hires — booking 6–8 weeks ahead can save HK$1,000–2,000
• Provide meals rather than food allowance — cooking together can save HK$1,236/month if your household structure allows it

2-Year Total Cost Summary

For planning purposes, here is the realistic 2-year total commitment for a standard HK domestic helper employment:

• Monthly costs (salary + food): ~HK$6,336 × 24 months = HK$152,064
• One-time upfront costs (SeekHelpers route): ~HK$10,000–13,000
• End-of-contract costs (airfare, renewal fees): ~HK$3,000–5,000
• Total 2-year commitment: approximately HK$165,000–170,000
• Per month amortised: approximately HK$6,875–7,083/month over 24 months