Complete Employer Document Checklist

What documents do you need to hire a domestic helper? This comprehensive checklist covers every item so you can be fully prepared.

Essential employer documents

The following documents are required when applying for a domestic helper work visa through the Immigration Department. DuckDuckDay checks each item for you to ensure nothing is missing.

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Hong Kong ID Card (HKID) copy
Front and back copy of the employer's Hong Kong Permanent Resident ID card. If both spouses are listed as employers, both IDs are required.
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Address proof
Dated within the last 3 months. Acceptable documents include bank statements, utility bills, rates demand notes, or property tax notices.
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Employment contract (ID 407)
The Standard Employment Contract for Foreign Domestic Helpers, prepared and filled out by the agency. Both employer and helper must sign.
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Financial guarantee letter / income proof
Proves you have the financial capacity to employ a helper. Options include a bank guarantee letter, bank statements showing sufficient savings, or recent tax assessment.
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Floor plan of residence
A simple floor plan showing where the helper will sleep. Immigration requires employers to provide reasonable living space.
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Visa application form (ID 988A)
The Immigration Department visa application form. DuckDuckDay fills this out for you -- you just need to sign and confirm.

Additional documents you may need

Depending on your situation, Immigration may require these additional documents:

If you are a tenant

You need to provide a copy of your tenancy agreement and a landlord consent letter confirming the landlord agrees to you employing a helper at the premises.

If you live in public housing

You need to apply for approval from the Housing Authority. Public housing units must meet floor area requirements before you can employ a helper, generally requiring no less than 7 square metres of per capita living space.

If you are a first-time employer

Immigration may request more detailed income documentation, such as your last 6 months of payslips or an employer confirmation letter.

If your previous helper left early

You may need to provide a letter explaining why the previous helper left, along with supporting documents such as the contract termination notice.

πŸ’‘ Not sure which documents you need? WhatsApp us and our consultant will give you a personalised checklist based on your situation.

Documents from the helper

The following documents are provided by the helper. DuckDuckDay assists helpers with preparation:

  • Passport copy -- must be valid for at least 6 months
  • Recent photo -- passport-specification photograph
  • Medical examination report -- completed within 3 months of arrival (some cases require pre-departure examination)
  • Work experience references -- recommendation or release letters from previous employers (if available)
  • Educational certificates -- required by some countries

Filipino helpers also need POEA/OWWA documentation. Indonesian helpers need their contract verified by the Indonesian Consulate. We handle all of this for you.

Financial guarantee letter explained

The financial guarantee letter is one of the key documents Immigration reviews when processing your visa application. Its purpose is to prove you have sufficient financial resources to cover the helper's salary and related expenses.

How to apply

Visit your bank and request a Financial Guarantee Letter for the purpose of employing a domestic helper. It typically takes 3-5 business days to issue.

What income does Immigration require?

Immigration does not publish a hard minimum income threshold, but generally speaking, employers should earn at least HK$15,000 per month for a comfortable approval. If your monthly income is lower, you can use savings proof instead -- generally at least 6 months' worth of helper salary in savings is recommended.

Alternatives to the guarantee letter

If you prefer not to apply for a formal guarantee letter, you can also use:

  • Last 6 months of bank statements (showing stable income and sufficient savings)
  • Most recent salaries tax assessment notice
  • Employer confirmation letter (stating monthly salary)

For more details about the financial guarantee letter, see our complete guide to the financial guarantee letter.

How DuckDuckDay handles your documents

1

You provide the basics

HKID copy, address proof, financial guarantee letter -- just these few items from your side.

2

We fill out and organise everything

Employment contract, visa application form, floor plan -- all prepared by our team, ensuring correct formatting.

3

Final review with you

Before submission, we review every document with you to confirm everything is complete and correct, preventing any rejections from Immigration.

4

We submit to Immigration

We submit all documents to Immigration on your behalf. No need for you to queue up in person.

Related information

Frequently asked questions

Employers need: HKID copy, address proof (within 3 months), employment contract (ID 407), financial guarantee letter or bank statement, and a floor plan of the residence. If you are not the property owner, you also need a landlord consent letter. DuckDuckDay helps you prepare and verify all documents.
You can apply for a financial guarantee letter at your bank. It typically takes 3-5 business days. The letter should state your account balance or monthly income to prove you can afford to employ a helper. If your income is high enough, you can also use your tax assessment instead.
Immigration accepts bank statements, utility bills (water, electricity, gas), rates demand notes, or property tax notices dated within the last 3 months. If you are a tenant, you need to provide a copy of your tenancy agreement.
Yes! DuckDuckDay prepares and verifies all documents for you, including filling out contracts, organising the document checklist, and handling submission. You just need to provide basic information and sign -- we take care of everything else.

Not sure what documents you need?

WhatsApp us for a free consultation. Our team will create a personalised checklist for you.