Hong Kong Domestic Helper Annual Leave: Entitlements, Rules & Employer Tips
Quick Answer
FDHs are entitled to paid annual leave after completing 12 months of service with the same employer. The entitlement starts at 7 days per year and increases progressively to a maximum of 14 days, based on years of service. If the contract is terminated, the employer must pay out any untaken leave.
Overview
Annual leave for FDHs follows Hong Kong's Employment Ordinance — the same progressive scale that applies to local employees. The longer your helper stays, the more leave they earn. Simple as that.
Annual Leave by Years of Service
| Years of service | Annual leave entitlement |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 7 days |
| 2 years | 7 days |
| 3 years | 8 days |
| 4 years | 9 days |
| 5 years | 10 days |
| 6 years | 11 days |
| 7 years | 12 days |
| 8 years | 13 days |
| 9+ years | 14 days |
When Does Annual Leave Entitlement Start?
The helper must complete 12 months of continuous service with the same employer before annual leave kicks in. Any leave taken in the first year is purely at the employer's discretion — it's a goodwill gesture, not a legal right.
Pro-Rata Leave on Termination
If a contract ends before the leave year is up, the employer must pay out any accrued leave. Specifically, if the helper has completed at least 3 months (but less than 12 months) in the current leave year:
- Pro-rata annual leave pay proportional to the months served in that year
- All untaken annual leave pay from previous completed leave years
How Should Annual Leave Be Taken?
- By mutual agreement between employer and helper
- The employer can ask the helper to take leave at a time that suits the household
- Don't let leave pile up — the Labour Department encourages it to be taken within the leave year
Important Notes
- Annual leave is separate from statutory holidays and weekly rest days
- A helper who completes a two-year contract with the same employer will have accrued 14 days total (7 + 7) across the two years
- You cannot pay a helper in lieu of annual leave while they're still working — it must be actual time off (or paid out when the contract ends)
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