What is the minimum wage for a domestic helper in Hong Kong in 2026?

The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong is HK$5,100 per month, effective from 30 September 2025. Source: Hong Kong Labour Department, www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/maw.htm

What is the food allowance for domestic helpers in Hong Kong 2026?

Employers must either provide free food or pay a food allowance of HK$1,236 per month (as of 2026). This is mandatory under the Standard Employment Contract. Source: Hong Kong Labour Department.

How much does it cost to hire a domestic helper in Hong Kong total over 2 years?

Over a standard 2-year contract, the total cost is approximately HK$161,000–165,000 via SeekHelpers (zero placement fee). This includes salary, food allowance, Employees' Compensation Insurance, FDH levy (HK$400/mo × 24), and one-time government processing fees of HK$706–3,906. Traditional agencies add HK$12,000–23,000 on top.

What is the Foreign Domestic Helper levy in Hong Kong 2026?

The FDH Levy is HK$400 per month payable by the employer to the Immigration Department. For a 2-year contract, the total levy is HK$9,600. This is separate from the helper's salary and the POLO/MWOHK processing fee.

Is domestic helper insurance mandatory in Hong Kong?

Yes. Employers must purchase Employees' Compensation Insurance under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282). A typical policy costs HK$1,200–1,560 per year. Failure to maintain valid insurance is a criminal offence with fines up to HK$100,000.

Cost GuideLast Updated: April 2026

Complete Cost of Hiring a Domestic Helper Hong Kong 2026

A complete, table-based breakdown of every cost involved in hiring a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong — monthly salary, food allowance, insurance, levy, agency fees, and government processing. All figures sourced from the Hong Kong Labour Department and Immigration Department.

By SeekHelpers Editorial Team, Licensed EA 79040·10 min read·April 2026

Monthly Ongoing Costs

The following costs recur every month for the duration of the 2-year Standard Employment Contract. All figures are the legal minimums as of 2026. Source: Hong Kong Labour Department.

Cost Item	Monthly Amount	Notes
Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)	HK$5,100	Mandatory from 30 Sept 2025. Source: HK Labour Dept.
Food Allowance	HK$1,236	Cash allowance if free food is not provided. Source: HK Labour Dept.
Employees' Compensation Insurance	~HK$100–130	Mandatory under Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282).
Sick Leave (prorated provision)	~HK$70	4 sick days/year (paid at 80% MAW) accrued monthly.
Annual Leave (prorated provision)	~HK$200	7 days Year 1, increasing to 14 days. Accrued monthly.
Total Monthly Commitment	HK$6,706–6,736	Base calculation at MAW. Market salary is typically HK$5,300–5,700.

FDH Levy: Employers also pay a Foreign Domestic Helper Levy of HK$400/month (HK$4,800/year) to the Immigration Department, payable each year in advance at the start of the contract. This adds HK$9,600 over a 2-year contract.

One-Time Hiring Costs by Route

The one-time cost depends on whether you hire a helper already in Hong Kong (transfer hire) or a new helper from overseas. SeekHelpers charges zero placement fees on all routes.

Transfer Hire (helper in HK)

POLO / MWOHK Processing Fee	HK$476	Philippine Overseas Labour Office levy.
HK Immigration Visa Fee (ID 407B)	HK$230	Per application to Immigration Department.
Medical Examination	HK$0	Not required for transfer — helper already cleared.
SeekHelpers Placement Fee	HK$0	Free. Candidates are pre-verified on the platform.
Total One-Time Cost	HK$706

Overseas Hire (from Philippines/Indonesia)

POLO / MWOHK Documentation	HK$476	Mandatory government processing.
HK Immigration Visa Fee (ID 407B)	HK$230	Immigration application.
Pre-departure Medical Exam	HK$800–1,200	Required by POEA for overseas deployment.
Outward Airfare	~HK$1,500–2,000	Employer typically covers this under SFC.
SeekHelpers Placement Fee	HK$0	Free. Visa coordination included.
Total One-Time Cost	HK$3,006–3,906

Traditional Agency (overseas hire)

Agency Service Fee	HK$10,000–20,000	Standard industry range. Not government-regulated for employers.
POLO / MWOHK + Visa Fees	HK$706–2,000	Often bundled into agency fee at a premium.
Medical Exam	Included	Usually included in the agency package.
Airfare	Included/extra	Some agencies include, others charge separately.
Total One-Time Cost	HK$12,000–23,000

2-Year Total Cost Comparison

Total cost over a standard 2-year contract including one-time fees, monthly salary at MAW (HK$5,100), food allowance (HK$1,236), insurance, and FDH levy (HK$400/mo). Market salary assumed at HK$5,300 for "experienced" scenarios.

Hire Scenario	One-Time	Monthly	2-Year Total
✓SeekHelpers — Transfer Hire	HK$706	HK$6,706	~HK$161,650
✓SeekHelpers — Overseas Hire	HK$3,006–3,906	HK$6,706	~HK$164,000
Traditional Agency — Overseas	HK$12,000–23,000	HK$6,706	~HK$173,000–185,000
Above-MAW (HK$5,500 salary)	HK$706	HK$7,306	~HK$176,050

Estimates include MAW salary, food allowance, insurance, FDH levy. Does not include statutory severance or long service payment.

Salary by Experience Level (2026)

The MAW of HK$5,100 is the legal floor. The actual market salary depends on the helper's experience, specialisation, and origin country. Filipino helpers typically command HK$200–400 above MAW; Indonesian helpers are often closer to MAW.

Experience Tier	Monthly Salary	Typical Profile	Total Monthly Cost
Minimum (MAW)	HK$5,100/mo	New to HK, or first-time hire	HK$6,706
Mid-range	HK$5,300/mo	1–2 contracts completed	HK$6,906
Experienced	HK$5,500/mo	3+ years, specialist skills	HK$7,106
Senior / Specialist	HK$5,700–6,000/mo	Childcare, elderly care, chef skills	HK$7,306–7,606

Costs Often Overlooked

Statutory Holidays (13/year)

Paid days off — 13 days/year mandatory under Employment Ordinance.

Annual Leave (7–14 days)

7 days Year 1, scaling up to 14 days after 9 years of service.

Rest Day Overtime

If helper works on rest day, must compensate with another rest day.

Outward Journey to HK

Employer covers one-way airfare for overseas hires (~HK$1,500–2,000).

Return Journey Home

At contract end or termination (if not renewed), employer covers return airfare.

Medical Expenses

Employer covers all medical expenses related to work injury; general illness is employee-funded.

Frequently Asked Questions — Costs

Official Sources & References

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