Updated 02 February 2026
Hiring a domestic helper is a big decision, and many employers find themselves choosing between a full-time foreign domestic helper and a local part-time domestic worker.
A full-time domestic helper offers continuity, familiarity with household routines, and dedicated care—especially helpful for families with young children, elderly parents, or special caregiving needs. However, Hong Kong’s labour and immigration rules mean that full-time domestic helpers must live with their employer, which may not suit every household.
This guide explains the key differences, costs, and legal considerations, so you can make an informed choice.
Hiring a full-time domestic helper has a lot of benefits. That include having a closer and more personal housekeeping or caregiving service, especially if you want a person to take a closer look at your children or elderly people.
Yet, as the law requires full-time domestic helpers to live with the employer, some may turn to hiring a local part-time domestic helper. Please note that hiring a domestic helper with a full-time work visa is illegal and you may be prosecuted for that.
A full-time foreign domestic helper:
Works for one employer only
Must live in the employer’s residence (live-in rule)
Is hired under a standard two-year employment contract
Is covered by Hong Kong’s immigration and labour regulations
This option is suitable for families needing daily, ongoing support.
A part-time domestic worker:
Is usually a local worker (Hong Kong permanent resident or eligible to work locally)
Works by the hour or per session
Does not live with the employer
Is often hired through agencies or platforms
Part-time help is popular for cleaning, occasional childcare support, or households with lighter needs.
No. Under current Hong Kong Immigration Department rules, foreign domestic helpers are not allowed to work part-time.
A foreign domestic helper:
May only work for the employer stated on their visa
Cannot take part-time, freelance, or temporary jobs elsewhere
Must live in the employer’s home as stated in the contract
Hiring a foreign domestic helper to work part-time—even for a few hours—is illegal.
If caught:
Employers may face heavy fines and prosecution
Employers may lose the right to hire a domestic helper in the future
Helpers risk visa cancellation and may be banned from working in Hong Kong again
Part-time domestic work service is often charged by the hour or by a package, e.g. number of hours x number of visit. With that said, you can get the service on a regular basis, e.g. 4 times a month, or have a one-off service.
The price of part-time domestic work service on a regular basis ranges from HK$85 to HK$105 per hour, depending on which platform / agency you are using, and price may be higher during public holidays and after work time (around 6 pm).
Whereas for one-off service, it usually charges for more, typically ranges from HK$100 to HK$125.
The Smart Living platform was developed by the Employees Retraining Board and the Labour Department’s Interactive Employment Service.
It offers:
Free referral service for household employers
Access to local domestic workers
Online vacancy posting and referral tracking
Reference price lists
This option is suitable for employers who prefer a government-supported hiring channel.
Several private platforms and agencies in Hong Kong also provide part-time domestic services, including:
HelloToby – flexible hourly and package-based services
Lazy – cleaning and household support services
Prestige Home Services Agency – part-time and short-term domestic help
These platforms often offer quick booking and replacement options but may charge service or platform fees.
Choosing between full-time and part-time help depends on:
Your daily caregiving needs
Space availability at home
Budget and scheduling preferences
Legal compliance
If you need consistent childcare, eldercare, or daily household management, a full-time domestic helper may be more suitable. If your needs are occasional or task-based, part-time help can be a flexible alternative.
If you decide to hire a full-time domestic helper, it is essential to follow Immigration Department requirements, Standard Employment Contract term, rest day, leave, and insurance obligations
At HelperChoice, employers can browse verified domestic helper profiles, hire directly without hidden agency fees, access guidance on legal and ethical hiring
Hiring legally protects both your household and the helper.
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