How Much Does It Cost?
How much does it really cost to hire a domestic helper in Hong Kong in 2026? Here is a complete item-by-item breakdown with no hidden fees.
One-time costs (paid when hiring)
These are the one-time costs when hiring an overseas domestic helper. Actual amounts may vary slightly depending on the agency and the helper's nationality:
| Item | Cost (HK$) |
|---|---|
| Agency service fee (employer portion) | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Immigration visa fee | $230 |
| Contract verification fee (Indonesian helpers) | $400 - $800 |
| Helper medical examination | $600 - $1,000 |
| Employee compensation insurance (annual) | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Helper flight to Hong Kong | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Total one-time costs (approx.) | $12,230 - $23,530 |
💡 The above figures are approximate ranges for overseas hiring. Local transfers generally cost less as flights and some processing fees are not required. For a precise calculation, try our helper expense calculator.
Monthly recurring costs
In addition to one-time fees, employers must pay these monthly costs:
| Item | Cost (HK$/month) |
|---|---|
| Helper minimum wage (2026 standard) | $4,990 |
| Food allowance (if meals not provided) | $1,236 |
| Monthly recurring costs (approx.) | $4,990 - $6,226 |
Note: If the employer provides meals, the $1,236 food allowance is not required, bringing the monthly cost to just the $4,990 minimum wage. Most employers choose to provide meals.
Each cost explained
Overseas hiring vs local transfer costs
Pros: Wider selection, choose new helpers
Cons: Longer wait (8-14 weeks), higher cost
Learn about overseas hiring →
Pros: Meet in person, start immediately, lower cost
Cons: Relatively smaller selection
Learn about local transfers →
Other potential costs
Return flight at contract end: When the contract finishes or is terminated early, the employer must cover the helper's return flight.
Paid leave: Helpers are entitled to 7 days of paid annual leave (increasing with years of service), plus statutory holidays. This is part of normal salary and does not require additional payment.
Long service payment / severance: Depending on the circumstances, employers may need to pay long service payment or severance after the contract ends, generally 2/3 of a month's wages per year of service.
Medical expenses: Employers are responsible for providing free medical treatment. Regular clinic visits are inexpensive, and hospitalisation costs can be covered by insurance.
💡 Want to calculate your exact monthly helper expenses? Use our helper expense calculator for instant results based on your situation.
DuckDuckDay's transparent pricing
1. Explained during consultation: Every fee is clearly discussed before you commit. You know exactly what you are paying for.
2. No hidden charges: The quoted price is the final price. No surprise extras added midway through the process.
3. Itemised breakdown: We list every fee separately so you can see exactly where each dollar goes.
4. Free consultation: Our consultation is completely free. Understand all costs before making any decisions.
Related information
Frequently asked questions
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