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Process

From eligibility to arrival — step by step

This guide follows the latest Immigration Department and Labour Department requirements, for employers hiring a foreign domestic helper from overseas for the first time.

About 3-4 months in total Depending on document completeness and procedures in the home country

Part 1

Pre-application eligibility

The Immigration Department checks all five conditions below. Confirm you meet them before you start looking for a helper.

Condition Details
Residence status Must be a Hong Kong permanent resident, have the right of entry, or be allowed to stay unconditionally
Financial capacity Household income of at least HK$15,000 a month, or equivalent assets (e.g. fixed deposits of HK$350,000 or above)
Accommodation Suitable accommodation with reasonable privacy (not a corridor, and not sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex)
Genuine need Evidence of a real need to employ a helper (childcare, elderly care or household work)
Age The employer must be at least 18 years old

Part 2

The five-step application

From signing the contract to the airport pick-up — the timing, documents and responsible party for each step.

  1. 1

    Select a helper and sign the standard employment contract

    About 1-2 weeks
    • Select a suitable helper
    • Sign the standard employment contract (ID 407) — four copies, signed by both the employer and the helper
    • Wages must not be below the minimum allowable wage of $5,100 a month (effective 30 September 2025)

    Distribution of the four copies

    • Employer keeps one
    • Helper keeps one
    • The relevant consulate keeps one
    • One for the Immigration Department visa application

    Documents required

    • Copy of the employer's Hong Kong identity card
    • Copy of the helper's passport (valid for 6 months or more)
    • Signature samples from both parties
  2. 2

    Consulate contract authentication

    About 1-2 weeks

    Where to go, by nationality

    Filipino helpers

    1. · Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong

    Indonesian helpers

    1. · Consulate General of Indonesia in Hong Kong
    • Submit the original signed employment contract (ID 407)
    • Provide proof of the employer's finances (tax demand note or bank statement)
    • Submit the helper's passport, original and copy
    • Pay the notarisation fee (about $400-$800, depending on nationality)

    On completion

    • You receive the contract stamped and authenticated by the consulate — only then can it be submitted to Immigration.
  3. 3

    Submit the visa application to the Immigration Department

    About 4-6 weeks for processing
    FormCompleted byPurpose
    ID 988A Helper Visa application for a domestic helper employed from overseas
    ID 988B Employer Employer application to hire a domestic helper from overseas

    Documents to submit

    Employer documents

    1. 1. Copy of Hong Kong identity card or passport
    2. 2. Proof of financial standing (tax demand note, bank statement or proof of assets)
    3. 3. Proof of address (utility or rates bill within the last 3 months)

    Helper documents

    1. 1. Copy of travel document
    2. 2. Copy of Hong Kong identity card
    3. 3. Reference letters for work experience
    4. 4. Original employment contract (ID 407) authenticated by the consulate

    How to submit

    • Online: through GovHK, the government one-stop portal
    • By post or in person: G/F, Administration Building, Immigration Department Headquarters, 61 Po Yip Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
  4. 4

    Departure procedures in the home country

    About 4-8 weeks

    Handled by the helper in their home country

    • The employer needs to cooperate by supplying documents.

    Filipino process

    1. 1. Register the contract with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
    2. 2. Complete a medical examination at a designated clinic
    3. 3. Attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
    4. 4. Apply for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
    5. 5. Departure clearance at Manila airport

    Indonesian process

    1. 1. Register the contract with the overseas workers protection agency (BNP2TKI)
    2. 2. Complete the required medical examination
    3. 3. Attend domestic service skills training
    4. 4. Apply for the exit permit
    5. 5. Verification at Jakarta airport

    Common risks

    • Failing the medical examination (e.g. pregnancy, infectious disease) — a replacement is needed
    • Changes in local policy — processing may take longer
  5. 5

    Arrange the flight and airport pick-up

    About 1 week

    Flight arrangements

    • The cost is borne by the employer (clause 10 of the standard employment contract)
    • A changeable ticket is recommended in case procedures are delayed

    First day in Hong Kong

    • Airport pick-up (bring a copy of the contract in case it is checked)
    • Help the helper apply for a Hong Kong identity card, if applicable
    • Explain the work arrangements and emergency contacts
    • Arrange the post-arrival medical examination

Part 3

After the application

Approval is not the end of it — employers carry statutory duties throughout the contract, and changes must be reported to Immigration.

Once the visa is approved

  • The Immigration Department issues the result notification by email or post
  • Pay the fee and collect the visa
  • The helper must arrive in Hong Kong within the visa validity period

The employer’s duties during the contract

Wages
At least $5,100 a month, paid on time in Hong Kong dollars
Food
Free food, or a food allowance of $1,236 a month
Accommodation
Suitable accommodation with privacy
Medical
Cover the helper's medical expenses while in Hong Kong
Insurance
Take out employees’ compensation insurance (a legal requirement)
Leave
At least one rest day a week; home leave must be arranged when the contract ends, at the employer’s cost

Reporting changes

Change of address
Complete form ID 407G to notify the Immigration Department
Termination of contract
Both parties must submit form ID 407E within 7 days of termination

FAQ

Four questions employers ask most

What if the application is returned?

The Immigration Department states the reason. Once the correct documents are supplied, it can be resubmitted. Allow about a month of buffer.

Can processing be sped up?

There is no fast track, but a complete set of documents avoids delays caused by supplementary submissions.

How soon can the helper start work after arriving?

As soon as the visa and Hong Kong identity card (if applicable) are obtained. A settling-in and training week is recommended.

Can a helper change employer before the contract ends?

Yes, but the new employer must submit a fresh application and obtain approval from the Immigration Department.

More on visas, wages, holidays and termination? See the full FAQ →

Official resources

Disclaimer

This page is for reference only and requirements may change at any time. Before submitting an application, please check the Immigration Department website for the latest information, or consult a licensed employment agency or professional adviser.

Rather not handle it yourself?

Contract authentication, the Immigration submission, home-country procedures, flights and the airport pick-up — Asia-One has handled all of it for employers for 29 years. Call us if you have questions.

Call 2523 8888 See our fees