Hiring a foreign domestic helper (FDH) in Hong Kong can be a great way to manage your household efficiently, but it comes with specific legal responsibilities. One of the most critical steps is obtaining a work visa for your helper. Properly navigating this process ensures compliance with Hong Kong immigration laws and protects both the employer and the helper.
✅ Step 1: Confirm Employer Eligibility
Before applying for a work visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:
- You must be a resident of Hong Kong.
- Your household must demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support a domestic helper. (immd.gov.hk)
- You must have a clear residential address for the helper to live in.
Checking these requirements early prevents delays in the visa application process.
✅ Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
Accurate and complete documentation is key to a successful application. Essential documents include:
- Form ID 988A — Completed by the helper.
- Form ID 988B — Completed by the employer.
- Standard Employment Contract (Form ID 407) — The only legally recognized contract for overseas-recruited helpers. (immd.gov.hk)
- Helper’s passport and travel documents.
- Employer’s proof of identity, address, and financial eligibility.
- If applicable, release letter from a previous employer (for contract transfers).
Submitting all forms and documents correctly reduces the risk of visa rejection.
✅ Step 3: Submit the Visa Application
Once the forms and documents are prepared:
- Submit the visa application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
- Pay the applicable visa fees.
- The Immigration Department will review the application, checking eligibility, contract compliance, and supporting documents. (immd.gov.hk)
Processing times vary, but having accurate documentation ensures smoother approval.
✅ Step 4: Await Approval and Follow Up
- After submission, monitor the application status.
- The Immigration Department may request additional information or clarification — respond promptly to avoid delays.
- Once approved, the helper can collect the visa label or entry permit before traveling to Hong Kong.
✅ Step 5: Post-Arrival Compliance
After the helper arrives:
- Ensure she completes any required medical check-ups.
- Register for insurance and orientation if necessary.
- Confirm the helper receives the agreed wages and live-in accommodations. (fdh.labour.gov.hk)
Maintaining compliance from arrival onward protects both employer and helper from legal issues.
⚖️ Why Use an Accredited Agency
Navigating work visas for domestic helpers can be complex. Accredited agencies, like Chris Benne, provide professional guidance to ensure:
- All forms and supporting documents are accurately completed.
- The Standard Employment Contract (ID 407) meets Hong Kong legal requirements.
- Compliance with wage, accommodation, and statutory obligations.
- Coordination with Philippine authorities (for Filipino helpers), including Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC).
✅ Conclusion
Processing a work visa for your domestic helper requires careful attention to eligibility, documentation, and legal compliance. By following the steps above and working with a licensed, experienced agency, employers can secure a smooth, hassle-free visa approval.
For over 30 years, Chris Benne has been helping employers in Hong Kong navigate domestic helper visa applications, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether you are hiring a helper for the first time or transferring an existing helper, Chris Benne’s team provides end-to-end visa processing support, making your domestic helper employment journey simple and legally secure.
📞 Contact Chris Benne today to start your visa application process and ensure your helper arrives in Hong Kong safely and legally.