Hiring a full-time domestic helper in Hong Kong in 2025 can be a game-changer for busy households. Whether you need help with childcare, cooking, or household chores, this guide will walk you through the process with clear steps, reliable resources, and essential forms. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the process smooth and compliant with Hong Kong regulations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Domestic Helper in Hong Kong

1. Determine Your Eligibility
   To hire a full-time foreign domestic helper (FDH), you must be a Hong Kong resident with a monthly household income of at least HK$15,000 or equivalent assets. This ensures you can support the helper’s salary and expenses for the 2-year contract period.
2. Find a Suitable Helper
   You can recruit directly via referrals or use a licensed employment agency. Platforms like HelperChoice offer ethical hiring options, allowing you to browse profiles and interview candidates online.
3. Prepare and Sign the Employment Contract
   Use the Standard Employment Contract (ID 407) provided by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. It must specify wages (minimum HK$4,990/month as of September 28, 2024), food allowance (HK$1,236/month if not providing free food), and other terms.
4. Gather Required Documents
   Compile your financial proof (e.g., tax returns, bank statements), the helper’s passport copy, and the signed contract. If replacing a helper, include a release letter (ID 407E) from the previous employer.
5. Apply for a Work Visa
   Submit the visa application to the Immigration Department using forms ID 988A (helper) and ID 988B (employer). Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks for helpers already in Hong Kong or 8-10 weeks for overseas hires.
6. Arrange Travel and Arrival
   Cover the helper’s travel costs from their home country to Hong Kong, including flights and a daily allowance of HK$100 during transit. Set a salary payment date and ensure accommodation is ready.
7. Purchase Insurance
   Obtain Employees’ Compensation Insurance, mandatory under Hong Kong law, to cover work-related injuries. Additional medical or comprehensive insurance is recommended for broader protection.
8. Notify Authorities and Start Employment
   Once the visa is approved, your helper can begin work. Notify the Immigration Department within 7 days if the contract ends prematurely.

Essential Resources for Hiring a Domestic Helper

Here are reliable, up-to-date resources to guide you through the process:

• Hong Kong Immigration Department – Foreign Domestic Helpers – Official visa and eligibility details.
• GovHK – Hiring Foreign Domestic Helpers – Government overview of requirements.
• Labour Department – Foreign Domestic Helpers’ Corner – Rights, obligations, and support information.
• HelperChoice – Ethical platform for finding and hiring helpers.
• Government Announcement on Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) – Latest wage update effective September 28, 2024.

Necessary Forms and Where to Get Them

These forms are critical for hiring a full-time domestic helper in Hong Kong:

• Public forms related to Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad – Standard contract template.
• ID 407 – Employment Contract for a Domestic Helper Recruited from Outside Hong Kong – Standard contract template.
• ID 988A – Visa/Extension of Stay Application Form for Domestic Helper from Abroad – Helper’s visa application.
• ID 988B – Application for Employment of Domestic Helper from Abroad – Employer’s application form.
• ID 407E – Letter of Release – Required if replacing a previous helper.

Download these forms directly from the Immigration Department’s website and ensure all copies are duly completed and signed.