Question 1

What is the Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)?

Accepted Answer

The ID 407 is the Hong Kong Government's mandatory contract template for all foreign domestic helpers. It defines the 2-year term, minimum allowable wage, food/accommodation provisions, weekly rest day, statutory leave, and termination procedures. Both employer and helper must sign it before the visa application.

Question 2

New here? Start with these 5 questions

Accepted Answer

Whether you're an employer about to hire your first helper, or a helper preparing to come to Hong Kong, our most-read questions cover the essentials: contract basics, salary expectations, rest days, MPF, and what to do when things go wrong.

Question 3

What is the current Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)?

Accepted Answer

As of 30 September 2025, the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong is HKD 5,100 per month — a 2.2% increase from the previous HKD 4,990. The food allowance remains at HKD 1,236 per month (where food is not provided in kind). The MAW is reviewed annually by the HKSAR Government, so always check the latest figure before signing a new contract or renewal.

Question 4

Do I need to buy insurance for my domestic helper?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Employees' Compensation (EC) Insurance is COMPULSORY before your helper starts work, under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282).

Minimum coverage required: HKD 100 million per event. Failing to hold valid EC insurance is a criminal offence — penalties include a maximum HKD 100,000 fine and up to 2 years in prison.

EC insurance covers work-related injuries and illness only. Beyond EC, employers are legally required to provide free medical treatment to their helper for any illness or injury during the employment period (except when the helper is out of Hong Kong for personal reasons). Most employers also take out a comprehensive helper insurance plan to cover non-work medical bills, hospital stays, and dental — premiums typically run HKD 800–1,500 per year and are well worth it.

Question 5

How many rest days does my helper get?

Accepted Answer

At least one full 24-hour rest day per week, on a day mutually agreed. The rest day cannot be replaced by money or work — it must be taken.

In addition, helpers are entitled to 15 statutory holidays per year in 2026 (up from 14 in 2025 — Easter Monday was added as a new statutory holiday from 2026 onwards under the Employment Ordinance).

Paid annual leave starts at 7 days from the second year of service and increases with length of service, up to a maximum of 14 days from the ninth year onward.

Question 6

What are the statutory holidays for 2026?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to 15 statutory holidays — up from 14 in 2025. Easter Monday was added as a new statutory holiday from 2026 onwards under the Employment Ordinance.

The 2026 list:
• 1 January — New Year's Day
• Lunar New Year (3 days)
• Ching Ming Festival
• Easter Monday (NEW from 2026)
• 1 May — Labour Day
• Buddha's Birthday
• Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival
• 1 July — HKSAR Establishment Day
• The day after Mid-Autumn Festival
• 1 October — National Day
• Chung Yeung Festival
• Winter Solstice OR Christmas Day (employer's choice)
• The first weekday after Christmas

If a statutory holiday falls on the helper's rest day, the employer must grant the holiday on the next day that is not a rest day, statutory holiday, or alternative holiday. Statutory holidays cannot be bought out for cash — the helper must actually take the day off.

Question 7

What happens to my helper's visa after termination?

Accepted Answer

After a contract is terminated mid-term, the helper has 14 days to either find a new employer (and submit the visa transfer paperwork) or leave Hong Kong. This is commonly called the "two-week rule". Helpers on a finishing-contract path can often arrange a smooth transfer to a new employer if there is no fault.

Question 8

How long does the helper visa application take?

Accepted Answer

About 4 to 6 weeks on average — the Hong Kong Immigration Department processes 90% of FDH employment visa applications within 6 weeks of receiving a complete submission. Complex cases (document discrepancies, additional checks) can stretch to 8–12 weeks.

Forms used:
• ID 988A (employer's application) and ID 988B (helper's application) for new contracts
• ID 91 for contract renewal

Documents required: passport copies, HK ID, proof of household income, proof of accommodation, the signed Standard Employment Contract (ID 407), and the helper's overseas documents.

Submit online via the Immigration Department's e-Services portal — paper submissions take longer.

Question 9

Do helpers need to enrol in MPF?

Accepted Answer

Foreign domestic helpers are EXEMPTED from MPF. Employers do NOT need to make MPF contributions for their FDH. This is a frequent misconception — helpers from other visa categories may need MPF, but the FDH visa class is excluded from the scheme.

Question 10

How much annual leave is my helper entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Annual leave entitlement under the Employment Ordinance scales with length of service:

• Years 1–2: 7 days per year
• Year 3: 8 days
• Year 4: 9 days
• Year 5: 10 days
• Year 6: 11 days
• Year 7: 12 days
• Year 8: 13 days
• Year 9 onwards: 14 days (maximum)

The employer schedules the leave with at least 14 days' written notice unless the helper agrees to a shorter period. Annual leave must be taken within 12 months after it's earned and cannot be perpetually rolled over.

If employment ends before unused annual leave has been taken, the employer must pay it out in cash at the helper's daily-wage rate.

Everything you need to know before you hire

What is the Standard Employment Contract (ID 407)?

New here? Start with these 5 questions

What is the current Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)?

Do I need to buy insurance for my domestic helper?

How many rest days does my helper get?

What are the statutory holidays for 2026?

What happens to my helper's visa after termination?

How long does the helper visa application take?

Do helpers need to enrol in MPF?

How much annual leave is my helper entitled to?

When does my helper get paid home leave?

Who pays for the helper's flight home at the end of the contract?

What is a "finishing contract" helper?

Can my helper change employer in the middle of the contract?

What is a "transfer" helper?

How does sick leave work?

When can I terminate for cause without notice?

Are there limits on what agencies can charge?

What salary should I offer above the MAW?

How long does it take to find a helper?

How do I terminate the contract?

My helper is pregnant — what should I do?

How do I hire through HelperDoc?

What are my basic rights as a helper?