Hong Kong residents lead busy lives, and many families hire 'domestic helpers' to assist with household tasks. However, hiring a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong comes with requirements regarding household income, labor benefits, and domestic helper insurance, resulting in significant expenses. This guide outlines the costs associated with hiring a helper to help prospective employers budget better.
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Estimated Monthly and Total Expenses for Hiring a Foreign Domestic Helper (Over Two Years) |
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Monthly Expenses |
Total Expenses (HKD) |
Grand Total (HKD) |
|
Salary (per month) |
$4,990 x 24 |
$119,760 |
|
Domestic Helper Insurance |
$1,300 x 2 |
$2,600 |
|
Round-trip Airfare |
$2,000 x 2 |
$4,000 |
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Meal and Transport Allowance on First and Last Day |
$100 x 2 |
$200 |
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Total |
Total $126,560 |
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*This case assumes the helper dines at home, so meal allowances are not included.
The Immigration Department mandates that all applicants hiring domestic helpers must provide proof of household income, demonstrating a monthly income of no less than $15,000. This measure is to prevent families with insufficient or unstable income from hiring helpers they cannot afford.
According to the Labor Department's "Standard Employment Contract" (ID 407) for employing foreign domestic helpers, employers must grant helpers 14 days of statutory holidays per year and at least one day of rest per week. Employers must also provide free meals or a meal allowance of no less than $1,236, as well as free accommodation. For more details, refer to the Labor Department's "Practical Guide For Employment of Foreign Domestic Helpers."
As of September 28, 2024, the "Minimum Allowable Wage" for foreign domestic helpers is set at HKD $4,990 per month for contracts signed on or after this date, an increase of 2.5% from the previous rate of HKD $4,870. The meal allowance remains at no less than $1,236 per month.
Employers should discuss the monthly salary payment date with the helper and must pay at least once a month. By law, employers must not delay payment beyond 7 days after the salary period ends.
The Labor Department recommends that employers pay salaries via cheque or automatic transfer, but this requires the helper’s consent. If the helper does not agree, the employer must pay in cash. Employers should keep records of salary payments, such as bank statements, and ask the helper to sign a receipt to avoid future disputes.
If the employer fails to pay on time, they must pay interest on the unpaid wages. If prosecuted and convicted, they can face fines of up to HKD $350,000 and imprisonment for 3 years.
According to the Standard Employment Contract, the employer is responsible for providing free medical expenses for the helper during their employment in Hong Kong, covering consultation fees, hospitalization costs, and dental emergencies. If the helper voluntarily leaves Hong Kong for personal reasons (e.g., holidaying at home), the employer is not responsible for medical expenses during that period.
While the law requires employers to purchase labor insurance for helpers, the insurance only covers medical expenses incurred due to work-related injuries, permanent loss of work capability due to such injuries, and death compensation; Other illnesses, such as fever or cold, are not covered by labor insurance. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase additional comprehensive insurance for the helper to provide broader coverage.
The law requires employers to purchase domestic helper insurance and provide free medical care. Since employers bear all medical costs during the helper's employment, wise employers will purchase insurance that includes medical and outpatient coverage to mitigate risks.
Comprehensive helper insurance goes further, meeting basic legal requirements while providing personal liability coverage, third-party liability coverage, and protection against economic losses caused by the helper's fraud or theft.
If the helper has been with you for a long time, you might consider additional coverage for serious illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, or stroke.
Lastly, the premium for helper insurance is determined by factors such as the helper's country of origin, insurance duration, nature of work, and any additional purchased coverage. Depending on the coverage, comprehensive domestic helper insurance for a two-year period ranges from $550 to over $1,300. As with purchasing other types of insurance, pay attention to details like payout limits, exclusions, and deductibles when selecting helper insurance.
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Basic Labor Insurance |
Comprehensive Helper Insurance |
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|
Premium |
From HK$300 |
From HK$1,300 |
|
Coverage |
Due to work injuries: ● Medical expenses ● Consultation fees ● Paid leave ● Compensation for permanent loss of ability to work ● Death compensation ● Funeral expenses |
● Medical insurance ● Personal accident insurance ● Dental insurance ● Repatriation coverage ● New helper hiring costs ● Service interruption allowance ● Helper integrity protection ● Loan protection insurance |
|
Waiting Period |
Two weeks |
Some policies take effect immediately |
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Applicable to |
All helpers |
Mostly for foreign helpers |
Before arriving in Hong Kong, foreign helpers undergo a health check in their home country. Tests include lung and heart function, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, and pregnancy. Employment agencies are responsible for providing employers the health reports, and the health check costs are included in the service fee, so the employer does not need to pay extra.
If the employer wants additional reassurance, they can request a local health check for the helper through the employment agency after arrival, but the cost must be borne by the employer.
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Physical examination in place of origin |
Hong Kong local physical examination |
|
|
Cost |
Employment agencies are responsible |
Starting from about HKD $600 |
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Check items |
Cardiopulmonary function, hepatitis B, AIDS test, syphilis, pregnancy test |
Physical examination, infectious diseases, lung diseases, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases (AIDS, syphilis, etc.), pregnancy test |
If you are hiring a helper through an employment agency, be aware that agencies typically charge between $7,500 and $14,000 for their services, including a one-way flight to Hong Kong. Employers should choose reputable agencies and be cautious of hidden fees, asking the agency to clarify charges before making a decision.
If your helper becomes pregnant and has been employed for at least 40 weeks, under Hong Kong labor law, they are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. The daily pay during maternity leave is equivalent to four-fifths of their usual daily wage.
If you hire a male helper whose spouse is pregnant and has been employed for at least 40 weeks, he is entitled to five days of paid paternity leave.
In addition to the basic salary and meal allowance, the employment contract stipulates that the employer must cover the helper's airfare (averaging about $3,000, depending on the home country), including a return ticket after contract completion, and transport costs for two days upon arrival and departure (totaling $200).
Kwiksure compares comprehensive domestic helper insurance across Hong Kong, providing compensation for medical, accident, hospitalization, and surgical expenses for foreign domestic helpers, workers, household assistants, and hourly workers.
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Filipino domestic helper |
Indonesian foreign domestic helper |
Thai foreign domestic helper |
Sri Lankan foreign domestic helper |
Bangladeshi foreign domestic helper |
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Overseas: starting from $12,980 Local: $14,980 |
Overseas: starting from $12,980 Local: $15,980 |
Overseas: $10,880 Local: $10,880 |
Overseas: $9,880 Local: $9,880 |
Overseas: $9,880 Local: $11,980 |
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|
Overseas: starting from $11,980 Local: $13,980 |
Overseas: starting from $11,980 Local: $13,980 |
- |
- |
- |
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Overseas: starting from $9,980 Local: Starting at $16,980 |
Overseas: starting from $9,980 Local: Starting at $16,980 |
- |
- |
- |
|
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Overseas: starting from $11,980 Local: Starting at $8,980 |
Overseas: starting from $12,980 Local: Starting at $12,980 |
Overseas: starting from $13,980 Local: Starting at $12,980 |
- |
Overseas: starting from $9,980 Local: Starting at $7,980 |
|
|
Overseas: $11,380 Local: $11,380 |
Overseas: $16,980 Local: $16,980 |
- |
- |
Overseas: $8,680 Local: $8,680 |
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|
Overseas: starting from $12,880 Local: Starting at $13,880 |
Overseas: starting from $13,880 Local: Starting at $14,880 |
- |
- |
- |
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Overseas: starting from $13,995 Local: Starting at $13,995 |
Overseas: starting from $13,995 Local: Starting at $13,995 |
- |
- |
- |
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Overseas: $15,880 Local: $15,380 |
Overseas: $17,880 Local: $15,380 |
- |
- |
- |
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Overseas: $11,800 Local: $9,800 |
Overseas: $13,800 Local: $11,800 |
Overseas: $13,800 Local: $11,800 |
- |
- |
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Termination Costs / Long Service Payment Calculation |
|
|
Unpaid Wages |
If less than one month, calculated based on the last month’s wage proportionally. |
|
Notice Pay |
If terminating the helper immediately, an extra month’s wage must be paid as notice pay. |
|
Annual Leave Salary |
Paid based on any unpaid annual leave and proportional salary for that leave. |
|
Long Service Payment |
If the helper has worked continuously for the employer for not less than 5 years and is terminated for certain reasons, the employer must pay long service payment. Calculation method: recent contract monthly salary x 2/3 x years of service. ● A certificate from a registered doctor or TCM practitioner confirming permanent unsuitability for the current job due to health reasons. ● The helper resigns due to age if over 65 years old. ● The helper dies during employment. |
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Severance Payment |
If the helper has continuously worked for the same employer for not less than 2 years and is dismissed due to redundancy, they are entitled to severance pay. The calculation is two-thirds of the last month’s wage for each year of service; less than a year is calculated proportionally. |
|
Return Airfare to Home Country |
If terminating the contract early or upon completion, the employer must provide a ticket with a basic luggage allowance for the helper to return home. |
|
Meal and Transport Allowance |
$100 per day (including travel days). |
|
Termination Costs / Long Service Payment Calculation |
|
|
Unpaid Wages |
If less than one month, calculated based on the last month’s wage proportionally. |
|
Notice Pay |
If terminating the helper immediately, an extra month’s wage must be paid as notice pay. |
|
Annual Leave Salary |
Paid based on any unpaid annual leave and proportional salary for that leave. |
|
Long Service Payment |
If the helper has worked continuously for the employer for not less than 5 years and is terminated for certain reasons, the employer must pay long service payment. Calculation method: recent contract monthly salary x 2/3 x years of service. ● A certificate from a registered doctor or TCM practitioner confirming permanent unsuitability for the current job due to health reasons. ● The helper resigns due to age if over 65 years old. ● The helper dies during employment. |
|
Severance Payment |
If the helper has continuously worked for the same employer for not less than 2 years and is dismissed due to redundancy, they are entitled to severance pay. The calculation is two-thirds of the last month’s wage for each year of service; less than a year is calculated proportionally. |
|
Return Airfare to Home Country |
If terminating the contract early or upon completion, the employer must provide a ticket with a basic luggage allowance for the helper to return home. |
|
Meal and Transport Allowance |
$100 per day (including travel days). |
|
Termination Costs / Long Service Payment Calculation |
|
|
Unpaid Wages |
If less than one month, calculated based on the last month’s wage proportionally. |
|
Notice Pay |
If terminating the helper immediately, an extra month’s wage must be paid as notice pay. |
|
Annual Leave Salary |
Paid based on any unpaid annual leave and proportional salary for that leave. |
|
Long Service Payment |
If the helper has worked continuously for the employer for not less than 5 years and is terminated for certain reasons, the employer must pay long service payment. Calculation method: recent contract monthly salary x 2/3 x years of service. ● A certificate from a registered doctor or TCM practitioner confirming permanent unsuitability for the current job due to health reasons. ● The helper resigns due to age if over 65 years old. ● The helper dies during employment. |
|
Severance Payment |
If the helper has continuously worked for the same employer for not less than 2 years and is dismissed due to redundancy, they are entitled to severance pay. The calculation is two-thirds of the last month’s wage for each year of service; less than a year is calculated proportionally. |
|
Return Airfare to Home Country |
If terminating the contract early or upon completion, the employer must provide a ticket with a basic luggage allowance for the helper to return home. |
|
Meal and Transport Allowance |
$100 per day (including travel days). |
Thai helpers have become increasingly popular among Hong Kong employers. However, there is a significant price variation among agencies for Thai helpers, with some agencies charging more for Thai helpers than for Filipino and Indonesian helpers. For example, the Overseas Employment Center charges a fee of HKD $8,980 for local Filipino helpers, HKD $12,980 for local Thai helpers, and up to HKD $13,980 for overseas Thai helpers.
Conversely, Technic Employment Service Center offers lower fees for Thai helpers, charging HKD $10,880 for both local and overseas Thai helpers, lower than the fees for Filipino and Indonesian helpers, which range from HKD $12,980 to HKD $15,980. Therefore, it is advisable to compare different agencies when choosing helpers from different countries.
Source of Information
The most common expenses include statutory holidays and meals for the helper, minimum wage, employment insurance, agency service fees, maternity leave, and travel expenses to and from the home country.
The estimated total cost over two years is approximately HKD $129,200.
Kwiksure has over 20 years of experience in the domestic helper insurance industry, comparing quotes from over 60 insurers in Hong Kong. Use our online quotation tool now to get a free domestic helper insurance quote!
The above information is for reference only. Kwiksure takes no responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of the information. For the coverage, mode of compensation, benefit limit and premium levels of any specific insurance plan, please refer to the relevant policy terms.
Eric is a content creator for Kwiksure, responsible for writing articles on various topics such as cars, travel, domestic helpers, etc., striving to provide readers with detailed and practical information.
With over 20 years of experience in the media industry and driving, Eric has worked for several newspapers, magazines, and online media outlets. Apart from his passion for writing, he also enjoys the pleasure that driving brings. On average, he drives over 40,000 kilometers per year.
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