What is the minimum wage for domestic helpers in Hong Kong in 2026?

Q: What is the minimum wage for domestic helpers in Hong Kong in 2026?

The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers is HK$5,100 per month, effective 29 September 2025. Employers who do not provide free food must also pay a monthly food allowance of HK$1,236. Wages must be paid within 7 days of the end of each wage period.

Current Figures

Item	Amount
Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)	HK$5,100/month
Food allowance (if food not provided)	HK$1,236/month
Wage payment deadline	Within 7 days of period end
Maximum deduction for property damage	HK$300 per incident

The HK$5,100 MAW took effect on 29 September 2025 — an increase of approximately 2.2% from the previous rate of HK$4,990 (in force from 28 September 2024). The food allowance of HK$1,236 remains unchanged.

Which Contracts Are Affected?

The new rate applies to all contracts signed or renewed on or after 29 September 2025. Contracts signed before that date continue at the rate agreed at signing until expiry. The new rate applies automatically at the next renewal.

Food or Allowance — Your Choice

The standard ID 407 contract requires you to either:

Provide free food of reasonable quantity and quality throughout the contract, or
Pay a food allowance of HK$1,236/month in addition to the base wage

Total Monthly Cost Estimate

Item	Estimated cost
MAW	HK$5,100
Food allowance (if not providing meals)	HK$1,236
Foreign Workers Levy	HK$400
Employee compensation insurance	~HK$100–200
Rough monthly total	~HK$5,500–6,900

One-time hiring costs (agency fees, visa, airfare) are separate — see our full cost breakdown for details.

Wage Deductions

The only lawful deductions from a helper's wage are:

Damage to property: capped at HK$300 per incident, with written consent or Labour Tribunal order
Absence from work: proportional deduction for days not worked

Deductions for "unsatisfactory work" or as a disciplinary measure are not permitted under the Employment Ordinance.