Domestic Helper Visa in Hong Kong: Special Rules Employers and Helpers Should Know

Updated 20 January 2026

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Hiring a domestic worker in Hong Kong comes with clear legal requirements set by the Immigration Department. Whether you’re an employer hiring for the first time or a domestic helper applying for a visa, understanding the domestic helper visa process helps avoid delays, mistakes, and unnecessary stress.

This guide breaks down Hong Kong’s immigration rules in a clear and practical way—so both employers and domestic workers know what to expect, what’s required, and how to stay compliant with Hong Kong regulations.

What Is the Domestic Helper Visa in Hong Kong?

A domestic helper visa is a work visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department that allows a foreign domestic worker to live and work legally in Hong Kong under a standard employment contract. This is different from a normal working visa.

This visa is:

Employer-specific
Location-specific (live-in requirement applies)
Time-limited (usually two years per contract)

Based on regulations, a domestic worker may only work for the employer named on the visa and under the conditions approved by Immigration. They are unable to acquire the right of abode or a Hong Kong permanent ID card regardless of the period they stay in Hong Kong. Therefore, employers of foreign domestic helpers always need to apply for a special domestic helper visa.

Domestic Helper Visa Validity and Period of Stay in Hong Kong

Understanding how long a domestic helper visa is valid — and what affects a helper’s right to stay in Hong Kong — is essential for avoiding immigration issues and unnecessary stress for both employers and domestic workers.

Upon Arrival: Landing Slip and Length of Stay

When a domestic worker arrives in Hong Kong, she must clear immigration and will receive a landing slip. This document states how long she is allowed to stay in Hong Kong.

For a new employer, the limit of stay is usually two years, matching the standard employment contract
In some cases, Immigration may issue a one-year extension instead
The exact permitted stay is always stated on the landing slip and must be followed

If you are hiring a new domestic helper, it’s good practice to:

Check both the employment visa and landing slip carefully
Keep a copy of the landing slip for your records

What If Your Domestic Helper’s Passport Is Expiring?

A domestic helper’s passport validity matters just as much as the visa itself.

If a helper’s passport expires before her current visa:

She must first obtain a new passport from her home government or consulate
After receiving the new passport, she must apply for a new visa label or extension of stay with Hong Kong Immigration

In most cases, Immigration already takes passport expiry into account during visa approval. This is why a domestic helper visa often expires about 30 days before the passport expiry date.

As a general rule:

The helper should apply for a new visa within 30 days before passport expiry, once the new passport is issued

Re-Entry into Hong Kong During Leave

Domestic helpers are allowed to leave Hong Kong temporarily — for home leave or travel — without applying for a new employment visa, as long as:

The employment contract has not been terminated
The helper is returning to work for the same employer
The visa and limit of stay remain valid

Special Note for Filipino Domestic Helpers

If the helper is a Filipino national, she must apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) with the Philippines Consulate before leaving Hong Kong.

The exemption can be done online
It applies when the helper is returning to Hong Kong under the same employer
Without this exemption, boarding may be denied

To know more about OEC and OEC exemption, read more here:

The Two-Week Rule After Contract Termination

One of the most commonly misunderstood Hong Kong regulations is the two-week rule. This rule states that:

After contract termination and notice period, a domestic worker must leave Hong Kong within 14 days

Two-Week Rule: Key Facts

Domestic helpers must leave Hong Kong within 14 days after contract termination and notice period
Finding a new employer within two weeks is often challenging
Extensions of stay are rare, except for active court cases
Only helpers who completed their contract or were terminated due to employer death, relocation, or financial difficulties may process a new visa locally
Helpers who broke their contract or were terminated for other reasons must return to their home country, even if a new job is found
During the two-week period, helpers may stay in boarding houses provided by NGOs or agencies

Post-Pandemic Updates to the Rule

Under updated Hong Kong labor practices:

Domestic workers who finished their contract, or
Were terminated due to employer financial difficulties, death, or relocation

may be allowed to process a new visa locally if they find a new employer within the two-week period.

However:

Workers who broke their contract or were terminated for other reasons must return to their home country, even if they find a new employer

This rule has unfortunately discouraged some domestic workers from leaving abusive situations. During the two-week period, helpers may stay in:

Boarding houses run by NGOs
Accommodation arranged by agencies

Domestic Helper Visa Renewal

Domestic helper visas are tied to the two-year employment contract and must be renewed if both parties agree to continue.

Key points for renewal:

A new standard employment contract must be signed
Renewal applications can be submitted within 8 weeks before contract expiry
Processing usually takes 2 weeks to 1 month

In most cases, Immigration expects helpers to return to their home country between contracts. However, if there is an urgent need and both parties agree, an extension of stay may be granted.

Change of Employer in Hong Kong

When a domestic helper finds a new employer, a new visa application is required.

Generally:

Immigration expects the helper to return home before starting the new job

However, for Filipino domestic workers who:

Completed their contract, or
Were terminated due to employer death, relocation, or financial issues

the new employer may apply for:

Immediate employment start
Delayed home leave, to be taken within the one-year extension period

Each case is reviewed individually by Immigration.

Overstaying and Employer Responsibility

Domestic workers who stay beyond their permitted period may face prosecution. Employers may also be held accountable.

This is why it’s important for employers to:

Track visa expiry dates
Understand renewal and termination rules
Comply fully with Hong Kong immigration regulations

Key Takeaways

Understanding domestic helper visa rules in Hong Kong helps both employers and workers avoid penalties, delays, and unnecessary stress.

From:

Two-year contract structures
Visa renewal timelines
The two-week rule
Passport and travel requirements such as OEC exemptions

these regulations are designed to support fair and legal employment.

If you’re hiring, renewing, or changing employers, staying informed ensures the process remains smooth and transparent for everyone involved.

At HelperChoice, we support ethical, fee-free hiring. Domestic workers are never charged placement fees, helping prevent debt and ensuring a fair start to every employment relationship.

👉 Start hiring responsibly today at: https://www.helperchoice.com