Updated 03 Aug 2026
Renewing a foreign domestic helper (FDH) contract in Hong Kong applies to Filipino and Indonesian helpers whose two-year contracts are nearing expiration with the same employer. Employers who prefer a direct DIY process can handle the renewal paperwork independently without hiring an employment agency.
While domestic helpers are generally required to return to their place of origin upon contract completion, employers can apply to defer home leave. Renewal applications with the same employer can be submitted up to 8 weeks before the current contract expires, and the new visa is typically issued within 4 to 6 weeks. It is recommended to initiate the entire renewal process at least 8 weeks in advance to accommodate both embassy contract notarization and Immigration Department visa processing.
Filipino Domestic Helper (FDH) Contract Renewal Process
The renewal process for a Filipino domestic helper consists of three primary stages: obtaining the Hong Kong employment visa, notarizing the new standard employment contract, and retrieving the approved documents.
Step 1: Apply for the Foreign Domestic Helper Visa
Filipino helpers must submit their visa renewal or extension of stay applications directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, either in person or through the online portal. Processing usually takes between 4 to 6 weeks. Required Documents:
- Completed Application for Domestic Helper (ID 988A)
- Completed Application for Employer (ID 988B)
- Original copy of the new Standard Employment Contract (ID407)
- Original and photocopy of the Filipino domestic helper’s passport
- Employer’s Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)
- Employer’s proof of financial standing
- Employer’s proof of residential address
- Visa Application Fee: HK$330
- Location: Foreign Domestic Helpers Section, Immigration Department Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Step 2: Contract Notarization at MWO / POLO
- Once the new visa or processing clearance is arranged, the employer or helper must submit the new Standard Employment Contract (ID407) to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO, formerly POLO) for authentication. Notarization takes approximately four working days, after which the authenticated contract can be collected from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.
Filipino Helper Renewal Required Documents:
- Information Sheet provided by POLO. The Information Sheet may be secured from the POLO Office or downloaded from their
- MWO/POLO Information Sheet (available on-site or downloadable from their official website)
- Copy of Employer’s Hong Kong ID card
- Copy of Helper’s Hong Kong ID card
- Copy of Helper’s valid passport (showing biographical page)
- Copy of Helper’s new Hong Kong work visa
- Copy of current Employment Contract
- Original copy of the new Standard Employment Contract (ID407)
Filipino Helper Notarization & Official Fees:
- OWWA Membership Fee: HK$196 (payable at the MWO office upon submission)
- Contract Verification Fee: HK$80 (payable at the MWO office upon submission)
- Total Official Fee: Approx. HK$276
Philippine Authorities Contact Information in Hong Kong:
- Migrant Workers Office (MWO / POLO): 29/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong (Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Philippine Consulate General: 14/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong (Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Indonesian Domestic Helper (FDH) Contract Renewal Process
Under guidelines effective since January 1, 2017, employers can directly handle contract renewals for Indonesian domestic helpers without going through an employment agency, provided it is a two-year contract renewal with the same employer. Switching employers requires a different procedure.
Step 1: Contract Notarization at the Indonesian Consulate (KJRI)
Before submitting the visa application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, the employment contract must be notarized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI). Employers must collect four identical original copies of the Standard Employment Contract (ID407) from the Immigration Department in Wan Chai. Contract notarization takes approximately 10 working days.
- Notarization Fee: HK$388
Indonesian Helper Renewal Required Documents:
- A letter of application mentioning that they are willing to renew the employment contract and all the basic employment rights from the previous contract have been fulfilled;
- The new Standard Employment Contract is duly filled and signed;
- Additional supporting documents such as insurance policy, previous employment contract, and identity card photocopies of both the employer and the domestic helper.
- A medical examination report issued by a Hong Kong recognized clinic showing fit for employment / passing result.
Step 2: Apply for Visa at HK Immigration Department
After receiving the notarized contract from KJRI, the Indonesian helper can submit the visa extension application online or in person at the Immigration Department.
- Processing Time: 4 to 6 weeks
- Visa fee: HKD330. Payable upon collection.
Documentary requirements for domestic helper visa application
- Completed Application for Domestic Helper (ID 988A)
- Completed Application for Employer (ID 988B)
- Original notarized Standard Employment Contract (ID407) from KJRI
- Helper’s original passport and photocopy
- Employer’s proof of financial standing and current residential address proof
Indonesian Authorities Contact Information in Hong Kong:
- Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI): 127-129 Leighton Road & 6-8 Keswick Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Phone: +852 3651 0200)
Changing Employers Procedures & Regulations
In case a domestic helper has found a new employer, a new visa application needs to be submitted. In most cases, the Immigration Department expects the worker to return to her home country before she starts her new job. However, if the worker is a Filipino worker who is in a finished contract situation, her employer may apply for her to start her job immediately and delay the vacation leave, which will need to be taken within the one-year extension period.
On a final note, domestic workers who stay beyond their permitted period to remain in Hong Kong could be prosecuted for this and employers will also be held accountable. Employers should be aware of the obligations and conditions of being an employer when hiring a foreign domestic helper so that they will stay out of trouble.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for reference purposes only. Requirements and official fees are subject to change by relevant government bodies and consulates.
HelperChoice Hassle-Free Visa Renewal Services
If you prefer to save time and avoid navigating embassy appointments and administrative procedures yourself, HelperChoice provides comprehensive direct visa renewal processing. We handle all required Hong Kong Immigration Department and Consulate procedures and provide free doorstep document courier service.
Filipino Domestic Helper Contract Renewal Service: HK$2,588
- Completed in as fast as 3 to 4 weeks
- Includes all Hong Kong visa and embassy/MWO fees
- Door-to-door document delivery across Hong Kong
- Dedicated customer support and legal assistance
- Complimentary mediation support if needed
Indonesian Domestic Helper Contract Renewal Service: HK$3,588
- Completed in as fast as 3 to 4 weeks
- Medical exam in Hong Kong
- Door-to-door document delivery across Hong Kong
- Dedicated customer support and legal assistance
- Complimentary mediation support if needed
If you are interested to learn more about Helper Visa Processing by HelperChoice, you may reserve a 15 mins free consultation with our expert or contact our customer support team via Whatsapp.