MAW and food
Contracts signed from 30 September 2025 use a HK$5,100 monthly MAW. Employers must also provide free food or at least HK$1,236 monthly.
Free planning tool
Domestic helper salary calculator Hong Kong
Check Minimum Allowable Wage compliance and estimate recurring pay, food, bonus and insurance without counting paid leave twice.
Rules and figures reviewed 21 September 2026.
Planning estimate, not legal advice. The applicable MAW and food allowance depend on the date the Standard Employment Contract was signed. Confirm current terms with the Labour Department.
Current wage rules and employer guidance
Leave is not a surcharge
Paid annual leave and eligible statutory holiday pay are already covered by continued monthly wages. Do not deduct them or add the same wage again.
Equal legal floor
The same contractual MAW applies regardless of nationality. Agree higher pay based on role, experience and household needs—not stereotypes.
Minimum Allowable Wage history
| Effective date | Monthly MAW | Minimum food allowance |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Sep 2025 | $5,100 | $1,236 |
| 28 Sep 2024 | $4,990 | $1,236 |
| 30 Sep 2023 | $4,870 | $1,236 |
| 1 Oct 2022 | $4,730 | $1,196 |
Source: Hong Kong Government announcements and Labour Department FDH guidance. Rates apply according to contract signing date.
Labour Department FDH FAQ2026 statutory holidaysMPFA exempt personsEmployees' compensation insurance
Underpayment warning: paying less than the contractual MAW is an offence. On conviction, an employer may face a fine of HK$350,000 and imprisonment for three years. Keep wage receipts and confirm the current rate before signing or renewing a contract.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong?
For Standard Employment Contracts signed on or after 30 September 2025, the Minimum Allowable Wage is HK$5,100 per month. The contract date determines the applicable rate.
Is the food allowance included in the minimum wage?
No. The employer must provide free food or pay at least HK$1,236 per month for contracts signed on or after 30 September 2025. The calculator adds the allowance only when meals are not provided.
Do annual leave, statutory holidays and rest days cost extra?
Monthly wages continue during paid annual leave and eligible paid statutory holidays, so this planner does not add those days again. A helper must receive at least one rest day in every seven-day period. Separate replacement staffing or special work arrangements are outside this estimate.
Do foreign domestic helpers receive MPF?
A foreign domestic helper admitted to Hong Kong for employment under the relevant visa is exempt from the MPF system. This calculator therefore shows HK$0 MPF. Different rules may apply to a locally hired domestic worker.
Is employees' compensation insurance compulsory?
Yes. Employers must hold employees' compensation insurance for work injuries. Premiums vary by insurer and cover, so the calculator uses an editable planning estimate rather than presenting one price as a statutory rate.
This tool estimates recurring employer costs only. It excludes accommodation, medical treatment, travel, visa, agency, replacement staffing and other case-specific expenses. For a broader hiring estimate, use the domestic helper cost calculator.