What do I need to do if I move house while employing a foreign domestic helper?

Overview

Your helper's visa is tied to a specific residential address — a consequence of the live-in requirement. Move house without telling the Immigration Department, and your helper is technically living and working somewhere their visa doesn't cover. It's a paperwork job — but an important one.

Step-by-Step: Notifying ImmD of an Address Change

1. Prepare the new accommodation details — confirm the helper will have suitable accommodation with reasonable privacy at the new address.

2. Complete Form ID407G — "Revised Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties." This form updates the helper's contract and visa with the new address.

3. Obtain housing authority consent (if required) — If you're moving into an estate managed by the Housing Department or Hong Kong Housing Society, you'll need a letter of consent confirming the helper is permitted to reside there.

4. Submit Form ID407G to the ImmD — online, by post, or at an ImmD counter.

5. Receive confirmation — Wait for ImmD acknowledgement before the move.

Is Moving Assistance a Domestic Duty?

Yes. Helping pack, clean, and prep for a move counts as a domestic duty — as long as the transition period is reasonably short. Don't let your helper work at an unlisted address for weeks on end.

What Happens If I Don't Notify?

The helper's visa will show the old address. That means:

• Future visa renewals or contract changes may hit complications
• There's legal uncertainty about where the helper is permitted to reside

Important Notes

• Notify ImmD promptly — ideally before the move, or within a few days
• The helper must receive free accommodation at the new address, same as before
• If the new home can't meet the suitable accommodation standard, raise it with the ImmD before moving

Related Resources

• Form ID407G — download from ImmD website
• ImmD — FDH address change FAQ

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