How to Hire a Domestic Helper in Hong Kong (2026 Guide)
Step-by-step guide to hiring a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong: choosing candidates, contract, visa application and arrival.
1. Define your household needs
List the main duties (housework, cooking, childcare, elderly care), your home size and any language or dietary preferences. Clear needs make matching faster.
2. Choose a licensed employment agency
Every employment agency in Hong Kong must hold a Labour Department licence. Check the licence number on the agency's website or the Labour Department's search tool before paying any fee. Makarios holds EA Licence No. 83180.
3. Interview candidates
Review profiles and arrange video interviews. Ask about past work experience, cooking skills and how they handle children or elderly family members.
4. Sign the Standard Employment Contract
Employer and helper sign the government's Standard Employment Contract (ID 407). Wages must not be lower than the Minimum Allowable Wage announced by the government.
5. Apply for the employment visa
The agency submits the visa application to the Immigration Department. Processing time depends on the Immigration Department and the helper's home country procedures, and usually takes several weeks.
6. Arrival and settling in
Prepare her room, explain house rules on the first day and arrange employee compensation insurance, which is required by law.
FAQ
How long does it take to hire a domestic helper?+
It depends on candidate availability and Immigration Department processing. Visa processing usually takes several weeks after the contract is signed.
Do I need an agency to hire a helper?+
It is not compulsory, but a licensed agency handles matching, paperwork and visa submission, which saves employers time.
How do I check if an agency is licensed?+
Search the licence number on the Labour Department's employment agency portal. Makarios holds EA Licence No. 83180.
For general reference only, not legal advice. Please refer to the Labour Department and Immigration Department for the latest rules.