---
title: "Hong Kong Domestic Helper from Indonesia: Pay, Rules, Visa"
description: "Hong Kong's new minimum allowable wage applies to contracts signed from 3 October 2026. Legal route, the ID 407 contract, agency commission and visa."
lang: en
canonical: "https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/hong-kong/foreign-domestic-helper/"
datePublished: "2026-10-07"
dateModified: "2026-10-07"
sources:
  - "https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/foreign_domestic_helpers.html"
  - "https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/02/P2026100200396.htm"
  - "https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/faq.html"
  - "https://www.eaa.labour.gov.hk/en/helpers.html"
  - "https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/home.html"
  - "https://peraturan.go.id/files/uu18-2017bt.pdf"
  - "https://peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-17-tahun-2025.pdf"
  - "https://www.peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-2-tahun-2026.pdf"
  - "https://peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-34-tahun-2025.pdf"
  - "https://siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id/profil/lembaga/list_lembaga/p3mi"
---

> Markdown version of https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/hong-kong/foreign-domestic-helper/. Cite that HTML page and its update date.

# Working in Hong Kong as a foreign domestic helper: requirements, costs, pay and visa

Written by KarirAman editorial team Approved by [Kaiser Khan](https://kariraman.com/en/authors/kaiser-khan/) (editor), 8 October 2026 Updated and verified 7 October 2026

Open **Foreign domestic helper**

**Open to Indonesian migrant workers through licensed P3MI agencies.** The ID 407 contract runs two years; the latest Minimum Allowable Wage applies to contracts signed on or after 3 October 2026.

Status as of 7 October 2026 [Hong Kong SAR Government (Information Services Department press release)](https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/02/P2026100200396.htm)

## Summary

- Foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong work on the two-year ID 407 Standard Employment Contract and must live in the employer's home.
- The latest Minimum Allowable Wage applies to contracts signed on or after 3 October 2026; the food allowance is unchanged.
- The employer files form ID 988B and you complete ID 988A; Hong Kong Immigration normally takes about four to six weeks.
- Hong Kong agencies may take only a capped commission after you receive your first month's wages, and no other fee.
- From Indonesia, this route goes through a licensed P3MI agency with a job order on SISKOP2MI.

**Official routes, who runs them, and their legal basis**

| Route | Run by | Official link | Who pays placement costs | Legal basis |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Foreign domestic helper<br>新聘外籍家庭傭工的入境簽證 · Entry Visa for New Foreign Domestic Helper | Through a licensed P3MI agency<br>Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR Government | [Official source](https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/foreign_domestic_helpers.html) | For placement through a P3MI, the employer bears placement costs. You may be charged only costs that are written and itemised in the Placement Agreement. See the cost rules | [Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id)](https://peraturan.go.id/files/uu18-2017bt.pdf) 7 October 2026<br>[Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id)](https://peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-17-tahun-2025.pdf) 7 October 2026 |

[See this route in the comparison table](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/compare/#hong-kong-foreign-domestic-helper)

## What do you need to work in Hong Kong through Foreign domestic helper?

Placement channels from Indonesia for working in Hong Kong through Foreign domestic helper: Through a licensed P3MI agency. Age limits: at least 18 years.

- **Placement channels from Indonesia:** Through a licensed P3MI agency
- **Age:** at least 18 years
- **Job types:** Domestic helper, following the schedule of domestic duties attached to the ID 407 contract

## What does working in Hong Kong through Foreign domestic helper cost, and who pays?

For placement through a P3MI on the Foreign domestic helper route to Hong Kong, the employer bears placement costs. Migrant workers may not be charged them, and you may pay only costs that are written and itemised in the Placement Agreement.

1. Law 18/2017 Article 30(1): Indonesian migrant workers may not be charged placement costs. [Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id)](https://peraturan.go.id/files/uu18-2017bt.pdf) 7 October 2026
2. Ministerial Regulation P2MI 17/2025: the employer bears placement costs. A worker may be charged only costs that are written and itemised in the Placement Agreement. [Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id)](https://peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-17-tahun-2025.pdf) 7 October 2026
3. **Any request for money outside that document, in cash or to a personal account, is a red flag.**

### Cost rules for this route

- **Hong Kong agency commission:** A licensed agency may take only the prescribed commission, capped by reference to your first month's wages, and only after you have received those wages. Ask for a receipt. The agency may not charge any other fee or expense. [Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government](https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/faq.html) 7 October 2026
- **Loans to pay the agency:** Hong Kong's Labour Department says agencies should not make you borrow money to repay agency or training fees, and you should not borrow from a lender at the agency's request. [Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government (Employment Agencies Portal)](https://www.eaa.labour.gov.hk/en/helpers.html) 7 October 2026
- **Charges in Indonesia:** Placement-cost components, including training, certification, passport, medical checks and social security, are borne by the employer unless a lawful exception applies. Any cost charged to you must be written and itemised in the Placement Agreement. [Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id)](https://peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-17-tahun-2025.pdf) 7 October 2026

## What is the minimum pay for working in Hong Kong through Foreign domestic helper?

The official pay floor for the Foreign domestic helper route in Hong Kong is HKD 5,220.00 per month, in force from 3 October 2026 (Hong Kong SAR Government (Information Services Department press release)). This is the legal minimum in Hong Kong, not an offered wage.

**Official floor**

| Area or group | Official floor | Approximate rupiah value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hong Kong: food allowance in lieu<br>Applies to: Minimum monthly food allowance if the employer does not provide free food; unchanged at the 2 October 2026 review | HKD 1,236.00<br>per month<br>In force from 3 October 2026 | about IDR 2,816,034<br>rate as of 8 October 2026 |
| Hong Kong: Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)<br>Applies to: Minimum monthly wage of foreign domestic helpers on Standard Employment Contracts (ID 407) signed on or after 3 October 2026<br>Excludes: Food allowance, paid separately if free food is not provided | HKD 5,220.00<br>per month<br>In force from 3 October 2026 | about IDR 11,892,961<br>rate as of 8 October 2026 |

[Hong Kong SAR Government (Information Services Department press release)](https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/02/P2026100200396.htm) 7 October 2026 [Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government](https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/faq.html) 7 October 2026

## Which visa do you need to work in Hong Kong through Foreign domestic helper?

**Entry Visa for New Foreign Domestic Helper**: the work visa for a new foreign domestic helper, applied for at Hong Kong's Immigration Department with forms ID 988A and ID 988B and the ID 407 contract. [Official source](https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/foreign_domestic_helpers.html)

## What are the steps to work in Hong Kong through Foreign domestic helper?

1. Create your own SISKOP2MI account, choose a P3MI and a job, and upload your documents. Registration on SISKOP2MI is free of charge.
2. Take part in the P3MI selection for the job qualifications listed in that agency's job order (SIP2MI).
3. Sign the Placement Agreement after a placement officer explains it, then complete the medical and psychological checks and register for social security.
4. You complete form ID 988A, the employer completes ID 988B, and you both sign four copies of the ID 407 Standard Employment Contract.
5. Hong Kong Immigration normally processes the application in about four to six weeks once documents are complete.
6. Once the visa is issued, the P3MI registers you for the pre-departure orientation (OPP) with your passport, work visa and employment contract, and you depart.
7. Before departure, make sure you hold an E-KPMI (electronic migrant worker card) issued through SISKOP2MI. It is issued free of charge.

The order and timings are editor estimates, not promises.

## Which schools or training lead to Hong Kong?

The education and training routes linked to working in Hong Kong through Foreign domestic helper: LPK training institutes in Indonesia, BNSP competency certification in Indonesia, BLK and BPVP.

- [**LPK training institutes in Indonesia: choosing a licensed one and spotting warning signs**](https://kariraman.com/en/education/private-training-institutes/)
- [**BNSP competency certification in Indonesia: how to get one, check it and when you need it**](https://kariraman.com/en/education/bnsp-competency-certification/)
- [**BLK and BPVP: free government job training in Indonesia and how to register on Skillhub**](https://kariraman.com/en/education/government-training-centres/)

## Which documents do you need to work in Hong Kong?

Indonesian Law 18/2017 Article 13 and Ministerial Regulation P2MI 2/2026 list the documents a prospective migrant worker must have. You upload some to SISKOP2MI yourself; the P3MI helps with the rest after you pass selection.

- National ID card (KTP) and a passport photo.
- A marital-status letter, plus a copy of the marriage book if you are married.
- Written permission from your spouse, parents or guardian, acknowledged by the village head or lurah.
- A work competency certificate. Where no certification scheme exists for the job, a diploma or another skills certificate can replace it.
- Your national health insurance (JKN) card, a health certificate from the medical and psychological checks, and social security membership.
- A passport. Hong Kong Immigration grants stay only up to one month before the passport expires, so make sure it is valid long enough for a two-year contract. [Panduan Warga passport guide](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/indonesian-passport-m-paspor/)
- The work visa, the Placement Agreement and the employment contract (ID 407).

Hong Kong Immigration also requires a clear criminal record, and its document list includes a testimonial showing at least two years' experience as a domestic helper. Ask your P3MI which supporting documents your application needs. [Panduan Warga police clearance (SKCK) guide](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/police-clearance-skck/)

## Who is involved in a placement to Hong Kong?

**Parties in a domestic helper placement to Hong Kong and the rules behind them**

| Party | Role | Rules |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Licensed P3MI in Indonesia | Recruits, selects and handles documents; must hold the job order (SIP2MI) | Law 18/2017 Articles 49 and 72; Regulation P2MI 2/2026 |
| Licensed agency in Hong Kong | Finds the employer; may take only the prescribed commission | Hong Kong Employment Ordinance and Employment Agency Regulations |
| Employer (household) | Signs the ID 407 contract, files ID 988B, pays wages and provides accommodation, food and medical care | ID 407 Standard Employment Contract |
| Hong Kong Immigration Department | Decides on the work visa | Hong Kong immigration rules |

## How much commission may an agency charge in Hong Kong?

Under Hong Kong's Employment Agency Regulations, a licensed agency may charge you commission only after you receive your first month's wages, and the amount is capped as a share of those first-month wages, as the table shows. The agency may not charge any other fee, directly or through anyone else. Ask for a receipt for every payment, and do not borrow money from a lender the agency suggests.

**Hong Kong agency commission cap**

| Measure | Figure | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maximum Hong Kong agency commission, of the first month's wages after placement | 10% | 8 October 2026 |

[Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government (Employment Agencies Portal)](https://www.eaa.labour.gov.hk/en/helpers.html) 7 October 2026; [Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government](https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/faq.html) 7 October 2026

## Where can you report a work problem in Hong Kong?

If your wages are not paid in full and on time, or you do not get your rest days, contact Hong Kong's Labour Department. If an agency charges more than the prescribed commission, report it to the Employment Agencies Administration quickly, because a prosecution for overcharging must start within 12 months. For help as an Indonesian citizen, contact the foreign ministry through Peduli WNI.

- **Hong Kong Labour Department** Unpaid or late wages, rest days and other labour rights in Hong Kong [2717 1771](tel:+85227171771) [eaa.labour.gov.hk](https://www.eaa.labour.gov.hk/en/helpers.html)
- **Employment Agencies Administration (EAA), Hong Kong** Report an agency that overcharges fees or commission [2115 3667](tel:+85221153667) [eaa.labour.gov.hk](https://www.eaa.labour.gov.hk/en/helpers.html)
- **Peduli WNI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)** Help for Indonesian citizens in trouble or danger abroad [+62-812-9007-0027](tel:+6281290070027) [WhatsApp +62-812-9007-0027](https://wa.me/6281290070027) [peduliwni.kemlu.go.id](https://peduliwni.kemlu.go.id/beranda.html)

## What are the warning signs of offers to Hong Kong through this route?

- You are asked to work for someone other than the employer named in the contract, for example in a family shop or office. That breaches the visa conditions. [Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR Government](https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/foreign_domestic_helpers.html) 7 October 2026
- The agency or employer keeps your passport, Hong Kong identity card or ATM card.
- The agency tells you to take a loan or accept months of salary deductions to repay agency or training fees. [Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government (Employment Agencies Portal)](https://www.eaa.labour.gov.hk/en/helpers.html) 7 October 2026
- You are asked to sign a second contract, or the promised wage is lower than in the ID 407 Standard Employment Contract. [Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government](https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/faq.html) 7 October 2026
- You are told to travel first on a visit visa for a trial period. A helper must hold the proper visa before travelling. [Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR Government](https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/foreign_domestic_helpers.html) 7 October 2026
- The recruiter cannot show a P3MI listed as active on SISKOP2MI and a job order in that agency's name. [KP2MI/BP2MI (SISKOP2MI)](https://siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id/profil/lembaga/list_lembaga/p3mi) 7 October 2026

[How to check a P3MI agency in 5 steps](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/check-a-licensed-agency/) [Learn the signs of trafficking through job offers](https://kariraman.com/en/job-scams/human-trafficking/)

- **Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI)** Overseas recruitment, illegal agents and migrant-worker protection [0800-1000](tel:08001000) [+62-21-29244800](tel:+622129244800) [WhatsApp 0811-8080-141](https://wa.me/628118080141) [kp2mi.go.id](https://kp2mi.go.id/)
- **Peduli WNI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)** Help for Indonesian citizens in trouble or danger abroad [+62-812-9007-0027](tel:+6281290070027) [WhatsApp +62-812-9007-0027](https://wa.me/6281290070027) [peduliwni.kemlu.go.id](https://peduliwni.kemlu.go.id/beranda.html)

**KarirAman is 100% free. We never ask for money. [Our no-fee policy](https://kariraman.com/en/no-fees/)**

Not legal advice. Always check SISKOP2MI before you sign up.

## Frequently asked questions

**How long is a domestic helper contract in Hong Kong?**

The ID 407 Standard Employment Contract runs for two years. Hong Kong's Labour Department says it is the only official employment contract for foreign domestic helpers; any other contract between employer and helper is not enforceable in Hong Kong.

**Can I change employers once I am in Hong Kong?**

Helpers are generally expected to complete the two-year contract. According to the Labour Department, a helper who wants to change employers normally has to return home first and apply for a new employment visa. Exceptions are possible, for example if the employer moves abroad, dies, has financial problems, or there is evidence you were abused or exploited.

**May I live outside my employer's home?**

No. The standard contract requires foreign domestic helpers to live and work at the employer's address stated in the contract. The employer must provide suitable accommodation with reasonable privacy, for example not a makeshift bed in a corridor and not a room shared with an adult or teenager of the opposite sex.

**My contract was signed before 3 October 2026. Which wage applies?**

According to the Hong Kong Government, contracts signed up to 2 October 2026 at the old minimum wage are still processed if the application reaches Immigration by 30 October 2026. Contracts signed on or after 3 October 2026 must use the new minimum wage shown in the pay table.

## Who wrote and reviewed this page?

Written by KarirAman editorial team Published 7 October 2026 Updated 7 October 2026

Prepared with AI assistance. Checked against official sources and approved for publication by Kaiser Khan (editor). Approval date: 8 October 2026.

## Sources

The facts on this page come from these sources. Dates show when we opened them.

1. [Foreign Domestic Helpers, Immigration Department of the Hong Kong SAR](https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/foreign_domestic_helpers.html) Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR Government · accessed 7 October 2026
2. [Increase in Minimum Allowable Wage and no change in food allowance for foreign domestic helpers](https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/02/P2026100200396.htm) Hong Kong SAR Government (Information Services Department press release) · accessed 7 October 2026
3. [Foreign Domestic Helpers: Frequently Asked Questions (Q24)](https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/faq.html) Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government · accessed 7 October 2026
4. [Foreign domestic helpers: things you should know when using the service of an employment agency](https://www.eaa.labour.gov.hk/en/helpers.html) Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government (Employment Agencies Portal) · accessed 7 October 2026
5. [Foreign Domestic Helpers Portal (home page)](https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/home.html) Labour Department, Hong Kong SAR Government · accessed 7 October 2026
6. [Undang-Undang Nomor 18 Tahun 2017 tentang Pelindungan Pekerja Migran Indonesia](https://peraturan.go.id/files/uu18-2017bt.pdf) Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id) · UU 18/2017 · accessed 7 October 2026
7. [Peraturan Menteri P2MI/Kepala BP2MI Nomor 17 Tahun 2025 tentang Biaya Penempatan Pekerja Migran Indonesia](https://peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-17-tahun-2025.pdf) Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id) · Permen P2MI 17/2025 · accessed 7 October 2026
8. [Peraturan Menteri P2MI/Kepala BP2MI Nomor 2 Tahun 2026 tentang Tata Cara Penempatan Pekerja Migran Indonesia oleh Pelaksana Penempatan](https://www.peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-2-tahun-2026.pdf) Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id) · Permen P2MI 2/2026 · accessed 7 October 2026
9. [Peraturan Menteri P2MI/Kepala BP2MI Nomor 34 Tahun 2025 tentang Kartu Pekerja Migran Indonesia Elektronik](https://peraturan.go.id/files/permen-p2mi-no-34-tahun-2025.pdf) Kementerian Hukum RI (peraturan.go.id) · Permen P2MI 34/2025 · accessed 7 October 2026
10. [SISKOP2MI: daftar P3MI, detail status dan daftar P3MI dengan sanksi administratif](https://siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id/profil/lembaga/list_lembaga/p3mi) KP2MI/BP2MI (SISKOP2MI) · accessed 7 October 2026

**How to cite**

KarirAman (2026). Working in Hong Kong as a foreign domestic helper: requirements, costs, pay and visa. Updated 7 October 2026. https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/hong-kong/foreign-domestic-helper/

[Report a fake job](https://kariraman.com/en/report-form/) [Report a data problem](mailto:redaksi@kariraman.com?subject=Data%20correction%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fkariraman.com%2Fen%2Fwork-abroad%2Fhong-kong%2Fforeign-domestic-helper%2F&body=Page%3A%20Working%20in%20Hong%20Kong%20as%20a%20foreign%20domestic%20helper%3A%20requirements%2C%20costs%2C%20pay%20and%20visa%0AUpdated%3A%207%20October%202026%0A%0AWhat%20needs%20correcting%3A%0A%0ACorrect%20official%20source%20%28link%29%3A%0A) [How we handle corrections](https://kariraman.com/en/contact/#koreksi)

## Related guides

- [**How to check a licensed overseas recruitment agency (P3MI) on SISKOP2MI**](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/check-a-licensed-agency/)
- [**Placement fees for Indonesian migrant workers: who pays and what is lawful?**](https://kariraman.com/en/work-abroad/placement-costs/)
- [**Human trafficking (TPPO) through job offers**](https://kariraman.com/en/job-scams/human-trafficking/)
- [**Fees for training, medical checks, uniforms or ID cards**](https://kariraman.com/en/job-scams/job-offers-that-ask-for-fees/)
- [**Job checker: is this job offer a scam?**](https://kariraman.com/en/check-a-job/)
- [**Domestic Worker**](https://kariraman.com/en/careers/domestic-worker/)

- [Panduan Warga guide to visas abroad for Indonesians](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/visas-abroad-for-indonesians/)

CariTalent and PanduanHewan are Kode Nirlaba projects; Panduan Warga and The Cast Index are independent publications with the same founder. CourseToJob is a study-guide site with the same owner, run by Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd.