Standard domestic helper contracts in Hong Kong run for two years. When a Filipino helper's contract nears its end, employers who wish to continue the arrangement must complete a formal contract renewal (also called a contract extension). The process involves two government bodies — the Hong Kong Immigration Department and the Philippine Overseas Labour Office in Hong Kong (POLO-HK in Wan Chai) — and each step feeds directly into the next. Miss one deadline and the whole process resets. This guide, based on DuckDuckDay's real renewal cases, walks through every step from the first reminder to collecting the stamped new contract.

Filipino helper contract renewal 2026 Hong Kong — POLO-HK process and fees
Start the renewal process 3 months before the contract expires. All-in fee HK$2,388 — employer need not attend in person.

Renewal vs. fresh placement — what's the difference?

A contract renewal keeps the same helper on a new two-year contract. It avoids the recruitment, interview, and overseas mobilisation costs of a fresh placement and is significantly cheaper (DuckDuckDay's all-in renewal fee is HK$2,388). A fresh placement terminates the existing contract and hires a new helper — typically from HK$15,500 for a Filipino helper. If your helper is performing well, renewal is almost always the better financial decision.

2026 Filipino helper renewal: full cost breakdown

DuckDuckDay's all-in renewal fee covers every government and consulate charge. Employers pay one figure and receive a fully processed, POLO-stamped new contract:

Cost item Amount Notes
DuckDuckDay all-in renewal fee HK$2,388 The only amount the employer pays — no hidden charges
Immigration Dept. visa endorsement fee Included Immigration Department application handled by DuckDuckDay
POLO-HK processing fee Included (HK$80) Paid at POLO counter by the helper; reimbursed on the spot
OWWA overseas worker membership fee Included (HK$196) Mandatory Philippine government requirement
Document preparation Included ID407 contract, OWWA form, OEC application
Employees' Compensation Insurance Separate Legally mandatory, approx. HK$300–600/yr — DuckDuckDay can refer

💡 DuckDuckDay's all-in Filipino helper renewal fee is HK$2,388. Government fees (POLO HK$80 + OWWA HK$196 = HK$276 total) are paid at the POLO counter by the helper and immediately reimbursed by DuckDuckDay on site. All costs are absorbed within the all-in fee — the employer handles no cash at government offices.

The 11-step Filipino helper renewal process

From first contact to signing the new contract, the full process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Here is every step explained:

  • 1
    3 months before expiry — renewal trigger
    DuckDuckDay's CRM system auto-flags the case. An administrator contacts the employer via WhatsApp to confirm whether they wish to renew with the same helper. This is also a good moment to check the helper's passport expiry date — it must remain valid throughout the new two-year contract.
  • 2
    Confirm renewal intention
    Employer confirms they wish to keep the same helper → proceed. Wants a different helper → initiate a fresh placement (higher fee). Does not wish to renew → issue formal notice to the helper in accordance with the contract terms.
  • 3
    Immigration Department extension-of-stay application (online)
    An extension-of-stay application is submitted to the Immigration Department online — no in-person attendance required from either the employer or the helper. Documents needed: employer's HKID copy, helper's passport, existing contract. Processing time: approximately 10 working days.
  • 4
    E-approval received — book POLO-HK immediately
    Once the Immigration Department issues the electronic approval, POLO-HK submission must be completed within 60 days. DuckDuckDay books the POLO appointment as soon as the e-approval arrives. Do not delay — a missed deadline means restarting the Immigration Department application from scratch.
  • 5
    Document preparation (handled by DuckDuckDay)
    DuckDuckDay prepares: the new Standard Employment Contract (ID407), the OWWA Overseas Worker Information Sheet, the OEC application, and all supporting documents. The full document pack is typically ready within 5 working days.
  • 6
    Employer signs the contract
    DuckDuckDay sends the complete contract to the employer for signature via WhatsApp or courier. The employer does not need to visit POLO — simply sign and return the documents before the scheduled POLO appointment.
  • 7
    POLO-HK submission — administrator accompanies the helper
    DuckDuckDay's administrator accompanies the helper to POLO-HK in Wan Chai for the scheduled appointment. The helper pays at the counter (POLO HK$80 + OWWA HK$196 = HK$276 total); the administrator reimburses the helper on the spot in cash. Documents brought: signed contract, helper's passport, employer's HKID copy, printed e-approval, all prepared documents.
  • 8
    POLO processing period (approx. 5 working days)
    POLO processes and stamps the documents. Standard processing time is approximately 5 working days. DuckDuckDay tracks progress — the employer does not need to follow up.
  • 9
    Document collection — administrator attends alone
    DuckDuckDay's administrator returns to POLO to collect the stamped contract and the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Neither the helper nor the employer needs to attend.
  • 10
    Employer signs the final stamped contract & pays service fee
    DuckDuckDay arranges for the employer to sign the POLO-stamped contract. The all-in renewal fee of HK$2,388 is collected and an official receipt is issued. The employer is reminded of their legal obligation to maintain valid Employees' Compensation Insurance (ECI) — DuckDuckDay can arrange a referral.
  • 11
    Records updated — two-year renewal clock restarts
    DuckDuckDay records the new contract start date, expiry date, and fee collection date. The system automatically sets a reminder for the next renewal cycle in approximately 21 months.
Critical deadlines — these cannot be missed
  • POLO-HK submission must be completed within 60 days of the Immigration Department e-approval — missing this means the entire Immigration Department application must be resubmitted.
  • The OWWA membership fee must be paid and updated before POLO submission — POLO will reject the application otherwise.
  • The helper's passport must remain valid throughout the entire new two-year contract period — renew the passport before starting renewal if it is close to expiry.
  • Start at least 3 months before contract expiry to allow for delays.

Document checklist for Filipino helper renewal

The checklist below is split by who provides each document. Employers only need to supply three items — DuckDuckDay handles the rest.

Provided by the employer

  • Hong Kong Identity Card copy — both sides, clear photo (WhatsApp is fine)
  • Payslips or bank statements for the past 3 months (proof of income)
  • Utility bill or bank statement showing current address (proof of address)

Provided by the helper

  • Valid passport (must not expire during the new contract period)
  • Two 2-inch passport photos (white background)

Prepared by DuckDuckDay

  • New Standard Employment Contract ID407 — pre-filled, sent to employer for signature
  • OWWA Overseas Worker Information Sheet — completed by the helper
  • OEC application documents
  • Employer's undertaking letter

POLO-HK address and opening hours

DetailsInformation
Address 16/F, Workington Tower, 78 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
(Also commonly listed as: 16/F, MassMutual Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai)
Opening hours Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (closed Friday, Saturday, and Hong Kong public holidays)
Phone +852 2866 0900
Appointments Book online at polo.com.ph or by phone — walk-ins are not accepted

Filipino vs. Indonesian helper renewal — key differences

If you manage helpers of both nationalities, be aware the renewal processes differ significantly. Filipino helper renewal is the simpler route: no medical examination required, POLO processing takes around 5 working days, and the entire process runs 4–6 weeks. Indonesian helper renewal requires a mandatory medical examination (including HIV testing) at a KJRI-approved clinic before submission to the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Causeway Bay, adds several weeks to the timeline, and costs more (all-in HK$2,888). For a full comparison, see Indonesian vs. Filipino Helper: Which Is Right for Your Family?

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to renew a Filipino helper contract?
DuckDuckDay charges an all-in fee of HK$2,388. This covers the Immigration Department application, POLO-HK processing fee (HK$80), and OWWA membership fee (HK$196). No additional government or agency fees apply.
How long does the renewal process take?
Typically 4 to 6 weeks from first contact to the signed new contract. The Immigration Department online application takes about 10 working days; POLO document processing takes about 5 working days. Start 3 months before expiry to leave adequate buffer.
Does the employer need to go to POLO-HK?
No. The employer only needs to sign the contract documents. DuckDuckDay's administrator accompanies the helper to POLO for submission, and returns alone to collect the stamped documents. The employer never needs to visit any government office.
Is there a deadline after the Immigration Department approves the application?
Yes — POLO-HK submission must be completed within 60 days of the Immigration Department e-approval being issued. If this deadline passes, the entire Immigration Department application must be resubmitted and the processing period restarts. Book the POLO appointment as soon as the e-approval arrives to avoid this.
When should I start the renewal process?
At least 3 months before the contract expiry date. If the contract expires before renewal is complete, the helper's work visa becomes invalid. Continuing to employ her after that point risks prosecution for illegal employment — maximum HK$350,000 fine and 3 years' imprisonment under the Immigration Ordinance.
What documents does the employer need to provide?
Three items: a copy of your Hong Kong Identity Card (both sides), payslips or bank statements for the past 3 months, and a utility bill or bank statement showing your current address. All other documents are prepared by DuckDuckDay.

Employees' Compensation Insurance — a legal requirement you cannot skip

Under Hong Kong's Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282), every employer must maintain valid Employees' Compensation Insurance (ECI) throughout any domestic helper's contract. Operating without valid ECI is a serious criminal offence carrying a maximum fine of over HK$100,000. Each time a contract is renewed, confirm that existing coverage extends through the new contract period, or arrange a new policy. DuckDuckDay can refer you to major insurers (AXA, FWD, Zurich) starting from approximately HK$300 per year. See our 2026 Domestic Helper Insurance Guide for a full breakdown.