If you’re considering hiring a domestic helper, this article will provide you with a detailed guide on the associated costs, procedures, required documents, and important considerations. The information below has been updated based on the latest policies and market conditions.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Domestic Helper?
The cost of hiring a domestic helper goes beyond just wages and includes domestic helper insurance, agency fees (if applicable), air tickets, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine hotel expenses. Below are the main costs involved:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wages | Minimum HK$4,990 (latest 2024 minimum wage) |
| Domestic Helper Insurance | Approximately HK$1,000-$3,200 per year (depending on coverage) |
| Agency Fees (if applicable) | Approximately HK$8,000 – HK$15,000 |
| Air Tickets | Around HK$3,000 or less |
Insurance Requirements for Hiring a Domestic Helper
According to Hong Kong law, employers are required to provide free medical coverage for their domestic helpers, including hospitalization, surgery, outpatient, and dental expenses. Additionally, domestic helper insurance typically includes third-party liability coverage to address any accidental damages caused by the helper during work.
Compare Domestic Helper Insurance Now to find the most suitable coverage for your helper!
Hiring Through an Agency or Independently?
Employers can choose to hire a domestic helper through an agency or independently. Here’s a comparison:
| Item | Independent Hiring | Hiring Through an Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Saves agency fees | Provides one-stop services, including document processing, medical check-ups, and air ticket bookings |
| Flexible interview scheduling | Experienced in screening suitable candidates | |
| Freedom to choose domestic helper insurance | Assists in dispute resolution | |
| Cons | Need to handle documents independently | Higher agency fees |
| Need to resolve disputes independently | Limited choice of domestic helper insurance | |
| Restricted interview scheduling | ||
| Cost | Approximately HK$700-$1,500 (including overseas worker welfare management fees, verification fees, contract notarization fees, and visa fees) | Packages: Approximately HK$8,000-$15,000 |
Insurance Requirements for Hiring a Domestic Helper
According to Hong Kong law, employers are required to provide free medical coverage for domestic helpers, including hospitalization, surgery, outpatient, and dental expenses. Additionally, domestic helper insurance typically covers third-party liability to address any accidental damages caused by the helper during work.
Compare domestic helper insurance now to find the most suitable coverage for your helper!
How to Hire a Domestic Helper Through an Agency?
Understand Your Needs
The agency will arrange an initial meeting with potential employers to understand their requirements, such as the number of family members, whether there are newborns, children, or elderly family members. The agency will also explain the legal and procedural aspects of hiring a domestic helper.Handle All Documents
If the employer and the helper are ready to sign a contract, the agency will process all documents, arrange medical check-ups, and book flights.Prepare for the Helper’s Arrival
The agency is responsible for ensuring the helper’s smooth onboarding, such as arranging airport pickups, handling domestic helper insurance, and processing Hong Kong ID cards, as well as reporting to the relevant embassy.Follow-up Services
The agency also provides follow-up services to ensure the helper integrates smoothly and assists in mediating disputes.
Required Documents for Hiring a Domestic Helper
The documents required for hiring Filipino and Indonesian domestic helpers differ. Below is a list of required documents:
Documents Required by the Immigration Department (For Filipino and Indonesian Helpers)
- Application for Employment Visa/Extension of Stay for Foreign Domestic Helper (ID 988A)
- Application for Employment of Foreign Domestic Helper (ID 988B)
- Original Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)
- Helper’s travel document (original or copy)
- Helper’s Hong Kong ID card (copy)
- Employer’s financial proof (copy)
- Employer’s reference letter
- Employer’s proof of address (copy)
- Employer’s commitment letter (new requirement for helper visa applications during the pandemic)
Documents Required for Contract Notarization at the Philippine Consulate (For Filipino Helpers)
- 2 original copies of the Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)
- Helper’s travel document (original and copy)
- Helper’s new visa (copy)
- Employer’s Hong Kong ID card (copy) and contact number
- Helper’s Hong Kong ID card (copy) and contact number
Documents Required for Contract Notarization at the Indonesian Embassy (For Indonesian Helpers)
- 2 original copies of the Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)
- Helper’s travel document (original and copy)
- Helper’s new visa (copy)
- Employer’s Hong Kong ID card (copy) and contact number
- Helper’s Hong Kong ID card (copy) and contact number
- Medical examination report
Things to Consider Before Hiring a Domestic Helper
Household Income Requirement
The Immigration Department will only issue a helper visa if the employer’s annual income reaches HK$180,000 (i.e., HK$15,000 per month). If you want to hire more than one helper, the threshold will increase accordingly.Leave Entitlements
Helpers are entitled to 7 days of paid annual leave after working for the same employer for 12 months. This should be clearly stated in the contract to avoid disputes later.Minimum Wage
The current minimum wage for domestic helpers is HK$4,990 per month (latest 2024 adjustment). Employers should pay wages through bank transfers for record-keeping purposes.Free Food, Accommodation, and Medical Coverage
According to the law, employers must provide free food, accommodation, and medical coverage. Purchasing domestic helper insurance can help cover medical expenses.Medical Check-ups
Helpers undergo two medical check-ups before departure to ensure they are not pregnant or carrying infectious diseases. You may also request the helper to undergo another medical check-up upon arrival to ensure they are fit for work.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to hire a domestic helper per month?
The minimum wage for domestic helpers is HK$4,990 per month, but due to a shortage of supply, some helpers may request higher salaries.
2. Should I hire a domestic helper through an agency?
It depends on your situation. Hiring through an agency can save time if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re on a tight budget, independent hiring might be more suitable.
3. Can public housing residents hire a domestic helper?
Yes, as long as you meet the minimum monthly income requirement (HK$15,000) and can provide free accommodation, food, and paid leave.
4. Is proof of address required?
No.
5. Can individuals receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) hire a domestic helper?
Generally, individuals receiving CSSA do not meet the minimum income requirement and therefore cannot hire a domestic helper.
