The minimum salary for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is HK$5,220 per month for contracts signed on or after 3 October 2026. Employers must also provide free food or a food allowance of at least HK$1,236 per month. Salary plus the minimum food allowance totals HK$6,456 per month, before accommodation and other employment costs.
What is the minimum salary for a domestic helper in Hong Kong in 2026?
The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) is HK$5,220 per month for contracts signed from 3 October 2026. It is a monthly minimum for foreign domestic helpers, not an hourly wage. The Government's 2026 wage announcement confirms the wage and food-allowance rates. Check the Labour Department's foreign domestic helper portal for current requirements.
Which contracts does the HK$5,220 wage apply to?
The rate applies to all foreign domestic helper contracts signed on or after 3 October 2026, including new hires and renewals. The signing date matters, rather than the date the helper arrives or the visa is issued. See Immigration Department FAQs, Q12.
How much is the food allowance?
If free food is not provided, the employer must pay at least HK$1,236 per month as food allowance, in addition to salary. Providing free food does not reduce the minimum salary. The allowance remains unchanged in the 2026 government announcement.
What is the total monthly cost of hiring a helper?
There is no single all-inclusive monthly price. Separate recurring household costs from hiring and renewal expenses.
| Cost | Budget basis |
|---|---|
| Salary | At least HK$5,220 per month for contracts signed from 3 October 2026 |
| Food | Free food, or at least HK$1,236 per month as allowance |
| Salary plus minimum food allowance | HK$6,456 per month, calculated as HK$5,220 + HK$1,236 |
| Accommodation | Suitable accommodation in the employer's home; budget according to your household |
| Insurance and medical expenses | Obtain a quote and check coverage and contractual responsibilities |
| Travel | Obtain a flight quote; account for contractual passage obligations |
| Agency service | See HelperEx service pricing; this is separate from monthly wages |
| Visa | Check the Immigration Department FDH FAQs and official fee table for the applicable application; this is not a monthly salary charge |
If you provide food, the cash salary minimum is HK$5,220, but groceries still cost money. If you pay the allowance, HK$6,456 covers only salary and the minimum allowance. Neither figure is the full employer budget. Insurance, flights and service fees are not assigned invented monthly estimates here.
Can I pay more than the minimum wage?
Yes. The MAW is a floor, not a salary cap. You can agree a higher salary based on the role and experience, and should record the agreed wage in the contract. Do not use an unsourced market average as a legal minimum. Immigration Department FAQs, Q11 explain that paying below the MAW is not allowed.
What happens to existing contracts?
The announcement applies the new minimum to contracts signed from 3 October 2026; it does not automatically rewrite an earlier contract's agreed salary. Continue to honour the applicable contract and pay any higher agreed wage.
For the transition, contracts signed on or before 2 October 2026 at the then-prevailing minimum of HK$5,100 could still be processed on those terms if Immigration received the applications on or before 30 October 2026. That submission deadline has passed. This is a historical transition rule, not an option for a new contract signed now. See Immigration Department FAQs, Q12.
Plan the next steps with our complete hiring guide, visa-renewal guide and transfer guide.
FAQ
Is HK$5,220 the full monthly employer cost?
No. It is the minimum monthly salary for contracts signed from 3 October 2026. Food, accommodation and other employment costs must also be budgeted for.
Is food allowance included in the minimum wage?
No. Employers must provide free food or at least HK$1,236 per month in food allowance on top of salary.
Does a renewal signed from 3 October 2026 use the new minimum?
Yes. The HK$5,220 minimum applies to all foreign domestic helper contracts signed on or after that date, including renewals.
