Updated 20 January 2026
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