Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong is HK$5,100 per month, effective from 30 September 2025. Employers must also provide free food or pay a food allowance of HK$1,236/month, bringing total minimum monthly obligations to HK$6,336.

Question 2

How long does it take to get a domestic helper visa in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

Transfer helpers already in Hong Kong: 4–6 weeks. Overseas hires from the Philippines: 8–12 weeks. Overseas hires from Indonesia: 10–14 weeks including consulate endorsement and medical examination.

Question 3

How much does it cost to hire a domestic helper in Hong Kong in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory government fees: ImmD visa fee HK$230 + MWO/POLO verification HK$476 = HK$706 total. SeekHelpers full visa package from HK$8,000. Monthly costs: salary HK$5,100 + food allowance HK$1,236 + FDH levy HK$400 + insurance ~HK$60 = approximately HK$6,796/month.

Question 4

What is SeekHelpers and is it a licensed agency?

Accepted Answer

SeekHelpers is a licensed Hong Kong domestic helper employment agency, Licence No. EA 79040, issued by the Hong Kong Labour Department. SeekHelpers is also registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA MWOHK-2025-529-085).

Question 5

What is the FDH levy in Hong Kong and who pays it?

Accepted Answer

The Foreign Domestic Helper Levy is HK$400 per month, payable by the employer to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Deducting it from the helper's wages is illegal under Section 32 of the Employment Ordinance.

Question 6

What is the difference between a Filipino and Indonesian domestic helper?

Accepted Answer

Both nationalities receive the same MAW of HK$5,100/month. Filipino helpers generally have stronger English skills and slightly higher market salaries (HK$200–400 above MAW). Indonesian helpers often acquire Cantonese faster and may suit Cantonese-speaking households. The POLO/MWO fee (HK$476) applies only to Filipino helpers.

Question 7

What is the two-week rule for domestic helpers in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

When a helper's contract is terminated, she must leave Hong Kong within 2 weeks of the termination date (or the remaining permitted stay period, whichever is shorter), unless a new employment contract and visa are arranged within that window.

Question 8

What is a transfer helper vs an overseas hire in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

A transfer helper is an FDH already in Hong Kong whose contract has ended — she can start in 2–4 weeks. An overseas hire is recruited from the Philippines or Indonesia, taking 8–14 weeks. Transfer helpers cost less and are available sooner; overseas hires have no HK reference history.

Question 9

Is domestic helper insurance mandatory in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Employees' Compensation (EC) insurance is mandatory under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282) and must be purchased before the helper's first day. Failure is a criminal offence with fines up to HK$100,000 and 2 years' imprisonment. EC insurance costs approximately HK$550–1,300 for a 2-year policy.

Question 10

Do I need to pay MPF for my domestic helper in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

No. Foreign domestic helpers are explicitly exempt from the MPF Scheme. Neither employer nor helper makes MPF contributions. However, employers have separate obligations under the Employment Ordinance for Severance Pay (after 2 years) and Long Service Payment (after 5 years), both calculated at 2/3 month salary per year of service.

Hiring a Domestic Helper — in Hong Kong — FAQ

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