Question 1

How much does it cost per month to hire a domestic helper in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

The minimum monthly cost for employing a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is approximately HK$6,706, comprising: salary at MAW HK$5,100, food allowance HK$1,236, FDH government levy HK$400, and Employees' Compensation Insurance ~HK$100. If you pay above MAW (common for experienced helpers), the total rises accordingly. Source: Hong Kong Labour Department (labour.gov.hk) and Immigration Department (immd.gov.hk).

Question 2

What are the one-time fees for hiring a domestic helper in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

For a transfer hire via SeekHelpers: HK$706 total (POLO/MWOHK HK$476 + ImmD visa HK$230). For an overseas hire: HK$3,006–3,906 (adding pre-departure medical exam HK$800–1,200 and outward airfare ~HK$1,500–2,000). Traditional agencies charge an additional HK$10,000–20,000 in placement fees on top of government fees.

Question 3

How does the domestic helper cost calculator work?

Accepted Answer

The SeekHelpers Cost Calculator lets you select your hiring route (SeekHelpers, traditional agency, or direct), nationality (Filipino or Indonesian), hire type (transfer or overseas), and adjust salary and contract length using sliders. It then calculates all one-time government fees, monthly ongoing costs, and your total contract commitment in real-time, based on official Labour Department and Immigration Department figures.

Question 4

What is the FDH levy and how much is it?

Accepted Answer

The Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Levy is HK$400 per month paid by employers to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. It is mandatory under the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115E) and applies for the full duration of the employment contract. The levy is separate from the helper's salary and from the one-time POLO/MWOHK processing fee.

Domestic Helper Cost Calculator 2026

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