Hire a Helper Directly Overseas

Recruit a domestic helper directly from the Philippines or Indonesia. DuckDuckDay manages the entire process — from candidate selection to arrival — so you only need to choose your preferred helper.

Why Choose Overseas Hiring?

Overseas hiring is one of the most popular options among Hong Kong families. Compared to local transfers, it offers several key advantages:

  • Wider selection: A much larger pool of trained candidates to choose from, allowing you to find someone who precisely matches your requirements.
  • Fresh start: An overseas helper comes to Hong Kong with a clean slate, without habits or issues carried over from a previous employer.
  • Professional training: Many overseas candidates complete formal training in housekeeping, cooking, and caregiving before departure.
  • Full contract period: Overseas hires typically begin a brand-new 2-year contract, giving you the full benefit of the contract term.

The trade-off is a longer wait time (approximately 12-17 weeks). If you're not in a rush, overseas hiring is usually the ideal choice for finding the best possible match.

The Overseas Hiring Process

Every step is managed by DuckDuckDay — you won't need to handle any of the complex paperwork yourself:

1️⃣
Consultation & Selection (Weeks 1-3)
Discuss your needs with our consultant. We'll screen suitable candidates from our overseas database. Review CVs and candidate introduction videos.
2️⃣
Video Interview (Weeks 2-4)
Conduct video interviews with shortlisted candidates. We provide interview guidelines to help you ask the right questions.
3️⃣
Document Preparation (Weeks 4-6)
After confirming your selection, we prepare all necessary documents: employment contract, medical examination report, ID documents, and more.
4️⃣
Visa Application (Weeks 6-14)
We submit the visa application to the Immigration Department. This stage typically takes 8-10 weeks, and we closely monitor progress throughout.
5️⃣
Pre-Departure Prep (Weeks 14-16)
Once the visa is approved, your helper completes pre-departure training, local exit procedures, and flight arrangements.
6️⃣
Arrival & Start (Weeks 15-17)
After your helper arrives in Hong Kong, we assist with the initial settling-in period to ensure a smooth transition for both parties.

💡 The timeline above is an estimate. Actual timing may vary depending on individual circumstances (e.g., visa processing speed). We'll keep you updated on the latest progress at every stage.

Philippines vs Indonesia: Which to Choose?

Both countries are Hong Kong's primary sources of domestic helpers, each with distinct characteristics:

Factor Philippines Indonesia
Language Fluent English; some basic Cantonese Basic English; picks up Cantonese faster
Training Formal pre-departure training courses Training centres offer weeks to months of preparation
Cooking Skilled in Western and Filipino cuisine Cuisine more similar to HK; adapts to Chinese cooking faster
Visa Timeline Approximately 10-14 weeks Approximately 12-17 weeks
Personality Generally more outgoing and proactive Generally more gentle and compliant

Remember, these are generalisations — every helper is an individual. The most important thing is to choose based on your actual needs rather than nationality alone. Our consultants will help you analyse which option suits you best.

What's Included in Our Service?

DuckDuckDay's overseas hiring is a truly end-to-end service, covering:

  • Dedicated 1-on-1 consultant throughout the process
  • Candidate screening and recommendation based on your needs
  • Video interview arrangement
  • Employment contract and all necessary document preparation
  • Immigration Department visa application processing
  • Coordination of medical examinations and pre-departure preparation
  • Post-arrival support during the settling-in period

Regarding fees, our principle is transparency — before you begin, we clearly outline all costs with no hidden charges. WhatsApp us for specific pricing details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Immigration Department's visa processing typically takes 8-10 weeks. Including the initial selection, interviews, document preparation, and post-visa departure arrangements, the entire process takes approximately 12-17 weeks. We'll update you on progress at every stage.
Costs include agency fees, visa fees, medical examination fees, airfare, and other components. The exact amount varies by nationality and individual circumstances. We provide a detailed cost breakdown before you commit, ensuring you understand all expenses upfront. WhatsApp us for a quote.
We arrange video interviews, typically via WhatsApp Video or Zoom. You can speak directly with candidates to assess their experience, personality, and communication skills. We also provide interview guidelines and suggested questions to help you make the best choice.
We understand that even with careful matching, issues can arise. We provide after-arrival support to help mediate problems. If the situation truly can't be resolved, we'll assist with replacement arrangements according to the contract terms.

Ready to Hire Overseas? Let's Get Started

WhatsApp us for a free consultation — our consultants will create the best hiring plan for you.