{"id":12126,"date":"2023-11-02T02:20:31","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T18:20:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/salary-food-allowance\/"},"modified":"2026-08-14T19:10:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T11:10:52","slug":"salary-food-allowance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/","title":{"rendered":"Minimum Wage for Domestic Helper 2026 : Salary, Food Allowance and Benefits in Hong Kong"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Updated on 14 August 2026<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Domestic_Helper_Salary_Minimum_Allowable_Wage_in_2026\" >Domestic Helper Salary | Minimum Allowable Wage in 2026<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Filipino_Helper_Indonesian_Helper_and_Food_Allowance\" >Filipino Helper, Indonesian Helper and Food Allowance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Key_Rules_on_Salary_Payments_and_Deductions\" >Key Rules on Salary Payments and Deductions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Permitted_deductions\" >Permitted deductions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#How_to_Decide_on_an_Appropriate_Salary\" >How to Decide on an Appropriate Salary<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Adjusting_Your_Salary_Offer_Based_on_Skills_and_Experience\" >Adjusting Your Salary Offer Based on Skills and Experience<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Additional_Costs_of_Hiring_a_Domestic_Helper\" >Additional Costs of Hiring a Domestic Helper<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Paid_Annual_Leave\" >Paid Annual Leave<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Weekly_Rest_Days\" >Weekly Rest Days<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Sick_Leave_and_Sickness_Allowance\" >Sick Leave and Sickness Allowance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Statutory_Holidays\" >Statutory Holidays<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Return_Air_Tickets\" >Return Air Tickets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Medical_Examinations\" >Medical Examinations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Severance_Payment_and_Long_Service_Payment\" >Severance Payment and Long Service Payment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Medical_Expenses_and_Insurance\" >Medical Expenses and Insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Training_Costs\" >Training Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Telephone_and_Transport_Allowances\" >Telephone and Transport Allowances<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#Bonuses_and_Other_Rewards\" >Bonuses and Other Rewards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/salary-food-allowance\/#You_Might_Also_Be_Interested_In\" >You Might Also Be Interested In<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Hiring a foreign domestic helper is a major household commitment. In addition to paying the monthly salary, employers must budget for food, statutory benefits, insurance, medical expenses, air tickets and other employment-related costs.<\/p>\n<p>This guide explains the latest domestic helper salary requirements in Hong Kong and the main costs and benefits employers should consider.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"minimum-wage\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Domestic_Helper_Salary_Minimum_Allowable_Wage_in_2026\"><\/span>Domestic Helper Salary | Minimum Allowable Wage in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Hong Kong Government increased the <strong>Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)<\/strong> for foreign domestic helpers from <strong>HK$4,990 to HK$5,100 per month<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The current rate applies to foreign domestic helper contracts signed on or after <strong>30 September 2025<\/strong>. The food allowance is paid <strong>in addition to<\/strong> the monthly salary. It cannot be included within the HK$5,100 salary.<\/p>\n<p>The MAW is reviewed periodically by the Hong Kong Government. Employers should check the latest rate before signing a new Standard Employment Contract.<\/p>\n<p>Underpaying a helper or falsely declaring the salary may result in prosecution. An employer who underpays wages may face a fine of up to <strong>HK$350,000 and imprisonment for up to three years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"filipino-indonesian-salary\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Filipino_Helper_Indonesian_Helper_and_Food_Allowance\"><\/span>Filipino Helper, Indonesian Helper and Food Allowance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Filipino helpers, Indonesian helpers and helpers of other nationalities are subject to the same MAW requirements in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n<p>Nationality alone should not be used to justify paying a lower salary. An employer may offer more than the MAW depending on the helper\u2019s experience, qualifications, skills and job responsibilities.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to salary, employers must either:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provide free food; or<\/li>\n<li>Pay a food allowance of at least <strong>HK$1,236 per month<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"salary-payment-rules\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Rules_on_Salary_Payments_and_Deductions\"><\/span>Key Rules on Salary Payments and Deductions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Wages must be paid at least once a month and should be paid no later than seven days after the end of the wage period. It could be paid in cash, by cheque or by bank transfer with the helper\u2019s consent. Bank transfer or E-wallet is generally recommended because it creates a clear payment record. Employers should provide a wage receipt stating the payment date and amount. If payment is made in cash, the employer should keep a signed receipt for every payment. It is also advisable to issue separate receipts for any other regular allowance or payment<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Permitted_deductions\"><\/span>Permitted deductions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Employers may only deduct wages in circumstances permitted under the Employment Ordinance. Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Absence from work, in proportion to the period of absence<\/li>\n<li>Damage to or loss of the employer\u2019s property caused by the helper\u2019s neglect or default, subject to statutory limits<\/li>\n<li>Recovery of an overpayment or wage advance, subject to the applicable limits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For property damage or loss, the deduction must not exceed <strong>HK$300 in any one case<\/strong>. Employers should keep written records and avoid making deductions without first explaining the reason to the helper.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"decide-salary\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Decide_on_an_Appropriate_Salary\"><\/span>How to Decide on an Appropriate Salary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hiring a domestic helper for the first time can be challenging. Before deciding on a salary, consider:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The duties involved<\/li>\n<li>The size of your household<\/li>\n<li>Whether you have young children, elderly family members or pets<\/li>\n<li>Whether the helper must provide specialised care<\/li>\n<li>Whether cooking, tutoring or other additional skills are required<\/li>\n<li>Whether the helper will need to travel outside the home for work-related duties<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The agreed salary must never be lower than the applicable MAW. If you offer more than the minimum, the salary and any additional benefits should be clearly discussed before the contract is signed.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"skills-experience\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adjusting_Your_Salary_Offer_Based_on_Skills_and_Experience\"><\/span>Adjusting Your Salary Offer Based on Skills and Experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some helpers request a salary above the MAW because they have completed previous contracts or possess specialist skills.<\/p>\n<p>Factors that may justify a higher salary include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Experience working in Hong Kong<\/li>\n<li>Experience caring for babies, children or elderly persons<\/li>\n<li>Experience caring for people with disabilities or special needs<\/li>\n<li>Strong English, Cantonese or other language skills<\/li>\n<li>Cooking, baking or meal-planning skills<\/li>\n<li>First-aid or CPR training<\/li>\n<li>A driving licence, where the necessary permission has been obtained<\/li>\n<li>Experience managing pets or larger households<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A higher salary is not the only way to recognise a helper\u2019s contribution. Employers may also consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A performance bonus<\/li>\n<li>A regular salary review<\/li>\n<li>Additional rest days<\/li>\n<li>Reimbursement of agreed work-related expenses<\/li>\n<li>Training opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Remember to consider the complete cost of employment, not only the monthly salary.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"additional-costs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Costs_of_Hiring_a_Domestic_Helper\"><\/span>Additional Costs of Hiring a Domestic Helper<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The monthly salary is only one part of the total cost of employing a foreign domestic helper. Employers should also budget for the following statutory benefits and additional expenses.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"annual-leave\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paid_Annual_Leave\"><\/span>Paid Annual Leave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A helper is entitled to paid annual leave after completing 12 months of service with the same employer.<\/p>\n<p>The entitlement increases progressively according to length of service:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>7 days after the first and second years of service<\/li>\n<li>An additional day for each subsequent year<\/li>\n<li>A maximum of 14 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Employers should keep accurate records of annual leave taken and payments made.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"rest-days\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weekly_Rest_Days\"><\/span>Weekly Rest Days<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A helper is entitled to at least <strong>one rest day in every period of seven days<\/strong>. A rest day must be a continuous period of at least 24 hours.<\/p>\n<p>Employers may provide additional rest days if they wish. The agreed rest-day arrangement should be communicated clearly and respected.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"sick-leave\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sick_Leave_and_Sickness_Allowance\"><\/span>Sick Leave and Sickness Allowance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Paid sickness days accumulate as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2 paid sickness days for each completed month during the first 12 months of employment<\/li>\n<li>4 paid sickness days for each completed month thereafter<\/li>\n<li>A maximum accumulation of 120 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sickness allowance is generally paid at <strong>four-fifths of the helper\u2019s average daily wages<\/strong>, provided the relevant legal conditions are met. In general, sickness allowance is not payable for sick leave of fewer than four consecutive days.<\/p>\n<p>A medical certificate may be required. Employers should not dismiss a helper because she is on paid sick leave.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"statutory-holidays\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Statutory_Holidays\"><\/span>Statutory Holidays<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Domestic helpers are entitled to statutory holidays under the Employment Ordinance.<\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/annual-leaves-and-statutory-holidays\/\"><strong>2026, there are 15 statutory holidays<\/strong><\/a>, following the addition of Easter Monday as a statutory holiday.<\/p>\n<p>A helper is entitled to statutory holiday pay after working continuously for the employer for three months immediately before the holiday.<\/p>\n<p>If a helper is required to work on a statutory holiday, the employer must follow the statutory requirements, including giving advance notice and arranging an alternative holiday.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"air-tickets\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Return_Air_Tickets\"><\/span>Return Air Tickets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Employers must provide a free return passage to the helper\u2019s place of origin when the contract ends or is terminated.<\/p>\n<p>This usually includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The journey to Hong Kong at the beginning of employment<\/li>\n<li>The return journey at the end of the contract<\/li>\n<li>Return travel to the place of origin when required under the contract<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Employers are generally advised to provide an air ticket rather than a cash equivalent.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"medical-examination\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medical_Examinations\"><\/span>Medical Examinations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Helpers may need to complete a medical examination before coming to Hong Kong. Employers may also arrange an additional medical check-up after arrival.<\/p>\n<p>Employers should confirm which medical expenses are included in the agency\u2019s service and which must be paid separately.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"severance-long-service\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Severance_Payment_and_Long_Service_Payment\"><\/span>Severance Payment and Long Service Payment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A helper may qualify for severance payment or long service payment when employment ends, depending on the length and reason for termination.<\/p>\n<p>Generally:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Severance payment may apply after at least 24 months of continuous employment where dismissal or non-renewal is due to redundancy.<\/li>\n<li>Long service payment may apply after at least five years of continuous employment where dismissal or non-renewal is for a reason other than redundancy or serious misconduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A helper is normally entitled to either severance payment or long service payment, but not both for the same period.<\/p>\n<p>The general calculation is:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Monthly wages \u00d7 two-thirds \u00d7 reckonable years of service<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Incomplete years are calculated on a pro-rata basis.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"medical-insurance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medical_Expenses_and_Insurance\"><\/span>Medical Expenses and Insurance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Under Clause 9 of the Standard Employment Contract, employers must provide free medical treatment to their helper during employment in Hong Kong, including medical consultation, hospital treatment and emergency dental treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Employers are also legally required to take out employees\u2019 compensation insurance covering their liability for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/mandatory-domestic-helper-insurance\/\">Medical insurance<\/a> covering non-work-related illness is not the same as employees\u2019 compensation insurance. However, comprehensive helper insurance may help reduce the financial risk of medical bills and other unexpected expenses.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"training\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Training_Costs\"><\/span>Training Costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some helpers may require additional training, particularly when they are working in Hong Kong for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>Possible training areas include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cooking<\/li>\n<li>Baking<\/li>\n<li>Household organisation<\/li>\n<li>Cantonese or English communication<\/li>\n<li>Infant care<\/li>\n<li>Elderly care<\/li>\n<li>Disability care<\/li>\n<li>First aid and CPR<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"telephone-transport\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Telephone_and_Transport_Allowances\"><\/span>Telephone and Transport Allowances<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Telephone and transport allowances are not generally mandatory, but may be appropriate where the helper:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Must contact the employer regularly<\/li>\n<li>Is responsible for collecting children<\/li>\n<li>Needs to travel for agreed work-related duties<\/li>\n<li>Is asked to purchase household supplies outside the home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Any work-related expense should be agreed in advance. A helper should not be expected to pay ordinary household expenses from her personal salary without agreement.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bonuses\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonuses_and_Other_Rewards\"><\/span>Bonuses and Other Rewards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Bonuses and salary increases are optional, but many employers use them to recognise good performance and encourage a long-term working relationship.<\/p>\n<p>Possible rewards include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cash bonuses<\/li>\n<li>A salary increase<\/li>\n<li>Additional paid leave<\/li>\n<li>Gifts<\/li>\n<li>Reimbursement of training costs<\/li>\n<li>Contributions towards agreed personal expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The amount and conditions of any bonus should be clearly explained. Employers should not use discretionary bonuses to replace statutory wages or benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Providing a fair salary and clear working arrangements helps protect the helper\u2019s rights and supports a stable, respectful and long-term employment relationship.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_Might_Also_Be_Interested_In\"><\/span>You Might Also Be Interested In<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/annual-leaves-and-statutory-holidays\/\">Domestic Helper Statutory Holidays in Hong Kong<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/severance-payment-long-service-payment\/\">Long Service Payment and Severance Payment for Domestic Helper<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/2026 Essential Steps to Domestic Helper Visa Processing in Hong Kong\">Contract and Visa Processing for Filipino Helpers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/\">Find a Domestic Helper Online<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/our-service\/\">Find more Service from HelperChoice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated on 14 August 2026 Hiring a foreign domestic helper is a major household commitment. In addition to paying the monthly salary, employers must budget for food, statutory benefits, insurance, medical expenses, air tickets and other employment-related costs. This guide explains the latest domestic helper salary requirements in Hong Kong and the main costs and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":12128,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Find out the 2026 Hong Kong domestic helper salary, Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) and food allowance for your domestic helper in Hong Kong under the latest labor laws.","title":"Minimum Wage for Domestic Helper 2026 : Salary, Food Allowance and Benefits in Hong Kong - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[184,343],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rights-regulation","category-salary-finances"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/8819d0cd-221a-4858-a141-ec8a62804bfe-12.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12126","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12126"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12126\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17126,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12126\/revisions\/17126"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12128"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}