(Updated on 20 November 2025 )
What is domestic helper long service payment?
Long service payment is the amount you are legally bound to pay to your helper if he/she has worked for you for a longer period of time.
You should pay long service payment to the helper if he/she has worked continuously for not less than 5 years, and :
- is dismissed or the contract is not being renewed* by reason other than summary dismissal due to his/her serious misconduct or redundancy;
- is certified by a registered medical practitioner or a registered Chinese medicine practitioner as being permanently unfit for the present job and he/she resigns;
- aged 65 or above and he/she resigns on the ground of old age; or
- dies in service.
*If you have offered in writing to renew the contract or re-engage the helper under a new contract not less than 7 days before the expiry of the contract, but the helper has unreasonably refused the offer, the helper is not eligible for long service payment.
What is Domestic helper severance payment?
Severance payment is the amount you are legally required to pay if you decide to terminate your helper prior to the expiry of the employment contract.
You should pay severance payment to the helper if:
- the helper is dismissed or the contract is not being renewed* by reason of redundancy; and
- the helper has not less than 24 months of employment with the same employer immediately prior to the termination.
*If the employer has offered in writing to renew the contract or re-engage the helper under a new contract not less than 7 days before the expiry of the contract, but the helper has unreasonably refused the offer, the helper is not eligible for severance payment.
How are long service payment and severance payment calculated?
The following formula applies to the calculation of both long service payment and severance payment :
[(Last month wages x 2/3) x reckonable years of service]
Note that service of an incomplete year should be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
For details of the calculation of long service payment or severance payment, please refer to “A Concise Guide to the Employment Ordinance”. Copies of the Guide can be obtained at the branch offices of the Labour Relations Division or downloaded from the homepage of the Labour Department.
Can a helper be entitled to both long service payment and severance payment?
No. A helper will not be simultaneously entitled to both long service payment and severance payment. A helper dismissed by reason of redundancy is entitled to severance payment but not long service payment.
Payment of Long Service Payment
Long service payment should be paid to your helper within 7 days after the date of termination of the employment contract.
Offences and Penalties
Failing to provide long service payment to your helper without reasonable excuse will result in you being liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a fine of $350,000 and to imprisonment for 3 years.
Payment of Severance Payment
Domestic helpers should serve a written notice to you to claim for severance payment within 3 months after the dismissal/ lay off takes effect. The deadline for serving such notice may be extended if approved by the Commissioner for Labour. You shall make the severance payment to the employee no later than 2 months after receiving such notice.
Offences and Penalties
If you fail to pay severance payment your helper without reasonable excuse, you are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a fine of $50,000.
Final Thoughts
Understanding long service payment and severance payment is essential for every Hong Kong employer to ensure fair, lawful, and responsible treatment of domestic helpers. By following the correct rules, paying on time, and respecting your helper’s rights, you not only stay compliant with Hong Kong labour laws—you also build a more ethical and trustworthy employment relationship. Whether you’re ending a contract or preparing for renewal, clarity and fairness go a long way in supporting your helper’s well-being.
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