Basic of helper in HK for beginnner.....

Hi, all


I am moving to HK, and due to my busy schedule, looks like I have to hire nanny or helper.


Can not find basic of hiring helper, i need your advise. In my home country, it is not common to hire domestic helper unless you are suuuuuuuuuper rich, or damn (sorry). Therefore I have no idea what to expect.


Though I know I have to make my own, but could you tell me


*basic hours of your helper/nanny per month.

*holiday/ vacation days (how many days off / week)

*live in or live out

*how did you find your helper, agency or reference from friend, expats....


For the place I am getting, I need a live out helper.

How much allowance to pay for her boarding? any food allowance?


Also, I need helper only for 5,6months.

In this case, possible to hire Filipino who does not have a permanent visa?


How does non-Hongkoner helper visa works?

Do employer have to support it or there is special helper visa that they do not have do any paper works?


Appreciate your replies!!

You should start by reading the Immigration Department FAQ on helpers: http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/faq_fdh.htm



"I have to hire nanny or helper."


Unless you hire a pricey professional nanny, these two concepts are pretty much interchangeable in HK. Technically, I guess you could say that a helper is a nanny+housekeeper.




"basic hours of your helper/nanny per month."


Helpers work 6 days a week. Working hours depend but most put in 10-13 hours of varying intensity. On a personal note, I think helpers working longer hours is ok as long as they are paid well above than minimum, they are treated with dignity and they are ok with it. Yes I know it's a gray area.


*holiday/ vacation days (how many days off / week)"


One day off a week. Typically Sunday although you can negotiate another day.

Vacation is, if memory serves, one week a year, but don't quote me on that. Also, between two contracts (i.e. every two years) they get 2 weeks home leave.

Finally, helpers get all statutory holidays off. Additional holidays may of course be given at the employer's discretion.


*live in or live out"


Live out is illegal unless she is an HK resident (which makes her very expensive). So live in is the much more practical and cheap option.


*how did you find your helper, agency or reference from friend, expats...."


All of the above. Definitely ask any acquaintances. There are always good helpers looking for work.


"How does non-Hongkoner helper visa works?"


A good agency will do the paperwork for you. Basically she applies for a visa and you state that she will work for you. It takes 8-12 weeks to get the visa processed. The Immigration Department website has details.


"Do employer have to support it or there is special helper visa that they do not have do any paper works?"


Huh? There is a special helper visa and it certainly includes paperwork. The name of the employer is cited in the visa, and thus she may only work for you.


"Also, I need helper only for 5,6months.

In this case, possible to hire Filipino who does not have a permanent visa?"


All helper contracts are 2 years. However if you move you may terminate her contract early. You may not hire a non resident without a visa.

Hi, axptguy38


Thank you for your great advise. You sound expert on it.

Well, then I can find out that Filipino helper won't work for my case.


Not like many of expat families on this forum, I am not planning to live in a big house. Not like my house back in hometown, its just a small apt. which I will rent in HK, can not stand living with stranger as its not common to have helpers in my country.


To processing visa, too much work to get the headache for just 5months when I tell her to terminate the contract earlier (saw other thread.) so that noone will feed my child bleach....


I will ask my Hong Konger friends if their relatives wanna PT work.

Your advise really helped. Thanks again.

"Not like many of expat families on this forum, I am not planning to live in a big house. Not like my house back in hometown, its just a small apt. which I will rent in HK, can not stand living with stranger as its not common to have helpers in my country."


Most apartments in "expat buildings" down to two bedroom will have a maid's room. As for living with "a stranger", it doesn't really work like that.

- She will not be a "complete stranger" for very long.

- She is an employee and lives in the home on your terms. She is not a houseguest whom you need to "socialize with". There is a world of difference.


Hiring a helper may be the one biggest positive impact on your quality of life in HK. I would recommend you at least give it a shot.



"To processing visa, too much work to get the headache for just 5months when I tell her to terminate the contract earlier (saw other thread.) so that noone will feed my child bleach...."


I can agree that for 5 months it may not be worth it.


As for the bleach, you have to put that sort of thing in context. There are over two hundred thousand helpers in HK. A tiny minority create any kind of issue. If you treat your helper decently, the likelihood of a serious problem is very small. The horror stories always get a lot of attention, but the vast majority of helpers work hard and their employers have no serous complaints.

Doesn't sound to me like you need a full timer as it's only 5 months. As axptguy said you shouldn't think bad thing's about helpers as 99% are so good and helpful. Maybe you should get intouch with merrymaids who do cleaning and maybe childcare, but be warned they are pricey. Good luck.

Hi, All


Thank you for your reply. Well, part of my message is .... not serious, I remember that I used to have house cleaning helper back in US ,but I was not her employer.


If I can find PT lady, that would be great as I do not want to have live in.... Anyway, for temporary place I am moving in, not enough space for a live-in. I did not know that live-in is a must for non-visa holder helpers before I got my new place.


pooh1999_99, I just fine out someone relocating to HK also needs a nanny too. So, let me PM you...

", I remember that I used to have house cleaning helper back in US ,but I was not her employer. "


Well, you were paying her salary, even if indirectly. ;)

To: axptguy38 - If you are honestly serious about employing a maid, why not apply through the various church groups in Hong Kong, that way you are assured of someone who is honest & above board - God is more important to them than you are!

"To: axptguy38 - If you are honestly serious about employing a maid, why not apply through the various church groups in Hong Kong, that way you are assured of someone who is honest & above board - God is more important to them than you are!"


I don't understand why this comment is aimed at me. We have a fantastic helper. God had nothing to do with it. In my experience overtly religious people can be just as good or bad as anyone else. Nothing beats good interview technique and gut feel.

Have you thought of going into a serviced apartment, given your short stay? It is sometimes cheaper than renting an apartment. That way, your placed is serviced regularly and no need to fork out for a part timer or a full timer.


There are many serviced apartments available in HK with very reasonable rates.