A plain-English, up-to-date guide for families — including those caring for a child with special needs (SEN). Know the steps, the real costs, and the traps before you sign.
From first shortlist to a helper living in your home. Most families complete this in 6–10 weeks for a newly deployed helper.
The Immigration Department requires the employer to show a genuine need and a household income of at least HK$15,000/month (or equivalent assets) after accounting for the helper's costs. You must provide free accommodation in your home.
A licensed employment agency (like PassionArk) or direct hiring. Agency placement fees are capped by law at 10% of the first month's wage — about HK$510 at the 2026 minimum. Beware quotes that add a recurring "levy" (see costs below).
Review experience, language, driving licence and references. SEN families: ask specifically about experience with autism, ADHD, global delay, sensory needs and visual schedules (see our SEN Nanny guide).
The statutory 2-year contract sets salary (no lower than the Minimum Allowable Wage), food, rest days and termination terms. Both parties sign before any government submission.
For Filipino helpers, the contract is verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office — about HK$476 (one-off). This confirms the helper's deployment is compliant with Philippine rules.
Submit the contract and supporting documents. Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks. The helper cannot start work until the visa is issued.
The helper arrives, moves in, and begins a 2-year contract. Plan renewal about 60 days before the end date to avoid a gap in stay.
The legal minimum cash outlay is the wage plus food. Insurance and one-off fees sit on top. There is no monthly levy.
| Item | Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) | HK$5,100 / month |
| Food allowance (if no free food) | HK$1,236 / month |
| Employees' Compensation insurance | ~HK$100–130 / month |
| Retraining levy (old HK$400/mo) | HK$0 — abolished 2013 |
| MPF contribution | Not required for FDHs |
| POLO verification (one-off) | ~HK$476 |
| Visa fee (one-off) | HK$230 |
| Licensed agency placement fee (capped) | ≤ 10% of 1st month (≈HK$510) |
| Minimum monthly cash (wage + food) | HK$6,336 |
Market salaries in expat areas (Stanley, The Peak, Repulse Bay, Clearwater Bay) commonly run HK$5,100–8,500/month, and SEN or elderly-care experience often commands a premium. Always pay at or above the MAW — underpayment is a criminal offence and the visa will be refused.
A standard hire process does not screen for SEN capability. These steps protect your child and your peace of mind.
Ask for specific examples: which conditions, what routines worked, how they handled meltdowns or non-compliance.
Helpers who use picture charts and predictable routines reduce anxiety for autistic and ADHD children.
Brief the helper on the therapist's plan so gains made in sessions carry into daily life.
For a newly deployed helper, budget roughly 6–10 weeks: about 1–2 weeks to shortlist and interview, then POLO contract verification (~HK$476), followed by the Immigration Department visa application which typically takes 4–6 weeks. Renewal for an existing helper is faster — start about 60 days before the contract ends.
The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) is HK$5,100 per month for contracts signed on or after 30 September 2025. Employers must also provide free food or a food allowance of at least HK$1,236 per month. Paying below the MAW is unlawful and the visa will be refused.
Yes. Many Filipino helpers have experience supporting children with autism, ADHD, global developmental delay and other special needs. For the best outcome, choose a helper with verified SEN experience, agree on clear routines and visual schedules, and brief them on therapy reinforcement. PassionArk specialises in SEN-screened matching.
By law, a licensed employment agency's placement fee from the employer is capped at 10% of the helper's first month's wage — about HK$510 at the 2026 minimum wage. Be wary of any quote that adds a recurring "FDH levy"; the old HK$400/month Employees Retraining Levy was abolished in 2013.
No. The HK$400 per month Employees Retraining Levy on foreign domestic helper employers was suspended in 2008 and permanently abolished on 1 August 2013. There is no monthly levy for FDH employment in 2026.
Tell us about your family and your child's needs. We'll point you to the right helper profile and walk you through the paperwork — in plain English.
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