{"id":12136,"date":"2023-09-06T09:01:57","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T01:01:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper\/types-of-contract\/"},"modified":"2026-03-08T17:27:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T09:27:22","slug":"types-of-contract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Domestic Helper Contract Types in Hong Kong"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure><\/figure>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"0\"><em>(Updated on 26 February 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-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/#Finished_Contract_The_%E2%80%9CGold_Standard%E2%80%9D\" >Finished Contract: The &#8220;Gold Standard&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/#Terminated_Contract_Understanding_the_%E2%80%9CWhy%E2%80%9D\" >Terminated Contract: Understanding the &#8220;Why&#8221;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/#Termination_with_%E2%80%9CSpecial_Reasons%E2%80%9D_Treated_as_Finished\" >Termination with &#8220;Special Reasons&#8221; (Treated as Finished)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/#Standard_Termination\" >Standard Termination<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/#Break_Contract_When_a_Helper_Quits\" >Break Contract: When a Helper Quits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/#Comparison_Table_for_Employers_2026_Updates\" >Comparison Table for Employers (2026 Updates)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/#Why_Choose_HelperChoice\" >Why Choose HelperChoice?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/types-of-contract\/#Found_Your_Helper_Let_Us_Handle_the_Rest\" >Found Your Helper? Let Us Handle the Rest<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"1\">When browsing profiles or interviewing candidates, you will notice helpers categorize themselves into one of three statuses: <b data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"125\">&#8220;Finished Contract,&#8221;<\/b> <b data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"146\">&#8220;Break Contract,&#8221;<\/b> or <b data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"167\">&#8220;Terminated Contract.&#8221;<\/b><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"2\">To the Hong Kong Immigration Department, these aren&#8217;t just labels\u2014they determine how quickly a helper can start working for you and whether they must leave the city to process their new visa. Here is the updated breakdown for 2026.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"2\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15537\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Understanding-Domestic-Helper-Contract-Types-in-Hong-Kong-1.png\" alt=\"Understanding domestic helper contract types in hong kong (1)\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"4\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finished_Contract_The_%E2%80%9CGold_Standard%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Finished Contract: The &#8220;Gold Standard&#8221;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">A <b data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"2\">Finished Contract<\/b> means the helper has successfully completed their full 2-year commitment.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"6\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\">Hiring Advantage: These helpers are highly sought after because they can usually process their new visa locally in Hong Kong in as early as 28 days before their current contract ends. They can also apply for an &#8220;extension of stay&#8221; to delay their mandatory home leave, allowing them to start with a new family almost immediately.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\">Agency Requirements: For Filipino helpers with a finished contract, employers have more flexibility to use &#8220;Processing Only&#8221; services, which are significantly cheaper than full recruitment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"8\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Terminated_Contract_Understanding_the_%E2%80%9CWhy%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Terminated Contract: Understanding the &#8220;Why&#8221;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9\">A <b data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"2\">Terminated Contract<\/b> occurs when the employer ends the relationship before the 2-year mark. However, in 2026, the immigration department makes a vital distinction between &#8220;Termination for Special Reasons&#8221; and &#8220;Standard Termination.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h4 data-path-to-node=\"10\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Termination_with_%E2%80%9CSpecial_Reasons%E2%80%9D_Treated_as_Finished\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Termination with &#8220;Special Reasons&#8221; (Treated as Finished)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"11\">If a contract ends due to circumstances beyond the helper&#8217;s control, the immigration department usually treats it as a &#8220;Finished Contract,&#8221; allowing the helper to stay in HK within 14 days from their last working day to process their next visa &#8211; without having to go back to their home country. These include:<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"12\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Employer Relocation:<\/b> The family is leaving Hong Kong.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Financial Reasons:<\/b> The household can no longer afford a helper.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Death of Employer:<\/b> Or the passing of the person the helper was hired to care for (caregiving duties, special needs)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-path-to-node=\"13\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Standard_Termination\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Standard Termination<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14\">If a helper is fired for performance issues or misconduct, they are typically subject to the <b data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"93\">&#8220;Two-Week Rule.&#8221;<\/b> They must leave Hong Kong within 14 days and <b data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"155\">cannot<\/b> process a new visa locally. They must return to their home country and apply from there, which takes significantly longer (8\u201312 weeks). They will be considered an overseas case one they process a new visa under a new employer.<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"16\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Break_Contract_When_a_Helper_Quits\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Break Contract: When a Helper Quits<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"17\">A <b data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"2\">Break Contract<\/b> occurs when the helper chooses to leave before the 2-year term is up.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"18\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Immigration Record:<\/b> The immigration department keeps a record of &#8220;job-hoppers.&#8221; If a helper has broken multiple contracts without valid reasons (like exploitation), their new visa application may be rejected.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Processing:<\/b> Like standard terminations, &#8220;Break Contract&#8221; helpers must usually return to their home country to activate a new visa.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\">Here are the four primary reasons why a helper might terminate their contract early:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"2,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Exploitation &amp; Poor Conditions:<\/b> Helpers may quit to escape mistreatment, such as inadequate food, unsafe sleeping quarters, or denied <b data-path-to-node=\"2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"134\">medical care<\/b>. Many choose to resign rather than face the difficulty of proving these claims in court.<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"2,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Family Emergencies:<\/b> Sudden crises in their home country\u2014such as a death or illness in the family\u2014often force a helper to break their contract to return home immediately.<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Environment Mismatch:<\/b> A helper may find the specific demands of a household (e.g., caring for multiple toddlers or a very large home) overwhelming and seek a role that better fits their comfort standards.<\/li>\n<li data-path-to-node=\"2,3,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"2,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Agency Collusion:<\/b> In rare cases, unethical agencies encourage &#8220;job-hopping&#8221; to collect new fees. Employers should be wary of candidates with multiple unexplained broken contracts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"20\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparison_Table_for_Employers_2026_Updates\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"20\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Comparison Table for Employers (2026 Updates)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table data-path-to-node=\"21\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Contract Type<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Can Process in HK?<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Immigration Visa Fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>MWO Verification Fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Finished Contract<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>HKD 1,300<\/td>\n<td>HKD 80 (Renewal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Terminated (Relocation)<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>HKD 1,300<\/td>\n<td>HKD 320 (New)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Terminated (Performance)<\/td>\n<td>No (Must exit)<\/td>\n<td>HKD 1,300<\/td>\n<td>HKD 320 (New)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Break Contract<\/td>\n<td>No (Must exit)<\/td>\n<td>HKD 1,300<\/td>\n<td>HKD 320 (New)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"22\"><i data-path-to-node=\"22\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Note: The <b data-path-to-node=\"22\" data-index-in-node=\"10\">HKD 320 MWO Verification Fee<\/b> (effective March 2026) applies to all new contracts where there is a change of employer.<\/i><\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"24\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Choose_HelperChoice\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Why Choose HelperChoice?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"25\">Since 2012, <b data-path-to-node=\"25\" data-index-in-node=\"12\">HelperChoice<\/b> has been the leader in ethical, transparent hiring. We are a licensed agency that gives power back to the employers and helpers.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"26\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"26,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"26,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Ethical Matching:<\/b> We never charge helpers placement fees.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"26,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"26,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Verified Profiles:<\/b> Browse over 10,000 profiles filtered by experience, skills, and contract status.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"26,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"26,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Direct Access:<\/b> As a <b data-path-to-node=\"26,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"20\">Premium Member<\/b>, you get unlimited access to contact helpers directly via WhatsApp or phone for immediate interviews.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"28\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Found_Your_Helper_Let_Us_Handle_the_Rest\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"28\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Found Your Helper? Let Us Handle the Rest<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"29\">Whether you found your helper on our platform or elsewhere, our <b data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"64\">Visa Processing Packages<\/b> (starting from <b data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"104\">HKD 3,988 for local hires<\/b>) take the stress out of complex regulations. We handle the paperwork, MWO contract notarization and immigration department filings so you don&#8217;t have to.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-path-to-node=\"30\">\n<p data-path-to-node=\"30,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"30,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Exclusive Offer:<\/b> If you found your helper through HelperChoice, enjoy a <b data-path-to-node=\"30,0\" data-index-in-node=\"72\">10% discount<\/b> on your visa processing package!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"31\">\ud83d\udc49 <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"3\"><a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/info\/en\/direct-hire-packages?utm_source=Braze&amp;utm_medium=eDM&amp;utm_campaign=visa_service_promotion_Sunnah_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Started with our 2026 Visa Packages Here<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>(Updated on 26 February 2026) When browsing profiles or interviewing candidates, you will notice helpers categorize themselves into one of three statuses: &#8220;Finished Contract,&#8221; &#8220;Break Contract,&#8221; or &#8220;Terminated Contract.&#8221; To the Hong Kong Immigration Department, these aren&#8217;t just labels\u2014they determine how quickly a helper can start working for you and whether they must leave the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":12137,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"Understanding Domestic Helper Contract Types in Hong Kong - HelperChoice Blog","description":"(Updated on 26 February 2026) When browsing profiles or interviewing candidates, you will notice helpers categorize themselves into one of three statuses: \"Fini"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[128],"class_list":["post-12136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hiring-preparation","tag-employment-contract"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/ab1a4f5d-ce31-4a89-a9fd-b664de22b867-6.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12136","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=12136"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15538,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12136\/revisions\/15538"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}