Chief Happiness Employment Agency 樂德僱傭中心

Services & Pricing

Choose the service that fits where you are

From overseas matching to local renewal, every service has clearly listed pricing, with both Filipino and Indonesian options.

Overseas Helper

HK$16,800

Carefully selected through training schools and local networks in the Philippines — experienced across Asia, with some candidates having already worked in Hong Kong before.

Philippine OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) fee
Medical examination in the Philippines
Mandatory Philippine insurance
Philippine Consulate contract notarization fee
HK Immigration work visa and document processing fee
One-way flight to Hong Kong (up to HK$500)
Local SIM card
Airport pickup and ID registration
Medical exam upon arrival in Hong Kong
Change-of-Helper Warranty

HK$16,800

Carefully selected through training schools and local networks in Indonesia — experienced across Asia, with some candidates having already worked in Hong Kong before.

Indonesian Consulate contract notarization fee
Medical examination in Indonesia
Indonesian government and document processing fees
HK Immigration work visa and document processing fee
One-way flight to Hong Kong (up to HK$1,000)
Local SIM card
Airport pickup and ID registration
Medical exam upon arrival in Hong Kong
Change-of-Helper Warranty

Included Service

Change-of-Helper Warranty

Because we're highly confident in our matching process, we're able to offer this warranty for extra peace of mind: families who match through our Overseas Helper service can request a replacement helper within the first 6 months (with a valid reason) for a discounted $7,000.

Local Helper

HK$15,800

Choose from helpers who are about to finish their current contract — the fastest way to get a helper started, ideal if you need someone right away.

Philippine OWWA fee
Philippine Consulate contract notarization fee
HK Immigration work visa fee
Pre-application medical exam (chest X-ray, HIV, pregnancy, Hepatitis B, syphilis)
One-way flight to Hong Kong (up to HK$500)
Change-of-Helper Warranty

HK$15,800

Choose from helpers who are about to finish their current contract — the fastest way to get a helper started, ideal if you need someone right away.

Indonesian Consulate contract notarization fee
HK Immigration work visa fee
Pre-application medical exam (chest X-ray, HIV, pregnancy, Hepatitis B, syphilis)
One-way flight to Hong Kong (up to HK$1,000)
Change-of-Helper Warranty

Included Service

Change-of-Helper Warranty

Because we're highly confident in our matching process, we're able to offer this warranty for extra peace of mind: families who match through our Local Helper service can request a replacement helper within the first 6 months (with a valid reason) for a discounted $7,000.

Paperwork — Helper Already in Hong Kong

HK$7,800

Already found a Filipino helper who is currently in Hong Kong? We handle all the paperwork and procedures for you.

Philippine OWWA fee
Philippine Consulate contract notarization fee
HK Immigration work visa fee
Pre-application medical exam (chest X-ray, HIV, pregnancy, Hepatitis B, syphilis)
A second medical exam upon starting work (additional HK$780)

HK$8,800

Already found an Indonesian helper who is currently in Hong Kong? We handle all the paperwork and procedures for you.

Indonesian Consulate contract notarization fee
HK Immigration work visa fee
Pre-application medical exam (chest X-ray, HIV, pregnancy, Hepatitis B, syphilis)
A second medical exam upon starting work (additional HK$780)

Paperwork — Helper Currently Overseas

HK$10,800

Already found a Filipino helper who isn't in Hong Kong yet? We handle all the paperwork and procedures to bring her here.

Philippine OWWA fee
Medical examination in the Philippines
Mandatory Philippine insurance
Philippine Consulate contract notarization fee
HK Immigration work visa and document processing fee
One-way flight to Hong Kong (up to HK$500)
Local Philippine agency referral fee (training fee not included)
Airport pickup and ID registration
Local SIM card
Local medical exam upon arrival, additional HK$780

HK$11,800

Already found an Indonesian helper who isn't in Hong Kong yet? We handle all the paperwork and procedures to bring her here.

Medical examination in Indonesia
Indonesian Consulate contract notarization fee
HK Immigration work visa fee
One-way flight to Hong Kong (up to HK$500)
Airport pickup and ID registration
Local SIM card
Local medical exam upon arrival, additional HK$780

Contract Renewal

HK$2,688

If you'd like to renew with your Filipino helper before her contract ends, we handle the entire renewal process for you.

HK Immigration visa fee
Local consulate contract notarization fee
Philippine Consulate OWWA fee
Local medical exam

HK$2,688

If you'd like to renew with your Indonesian helper before her contract ends, we handle the entire renewal process for you.

HK Immigration visa fee
Local consulate contract notarization fee
Local medical exam

Domestic Helper Hiring Guide

New to hiring? Start here

The questions we hear most from first-time families. Tap a question to see the answer.

Each employer's household income needs to be at least HK$15,000 per month, or bank savings of around HK$360,000 (enough to cover two years of your helper's wages). On costs: wages are HK$5,100 a month, plus a HK$1,236 monthly meal allowance if you'd rather she arrange her own meals. You'll also need to take out insurance for her, typically HK$1,200–$2,000 every two years depending on coverage. Each contract also requires a return flight to her home country — roughly HK$2,000–$3,000 for Indonesia, or HK$1,000–$2,000 for the Philippines.

It depends on how much help, and what type, your household needs. If you need long-hour care for kids, elderly family members or pets, a domestic helper is probably your best option.

Filipino helpers mainly speak English and generally don't speak Cantonese; Indonesian helpers are more likely to speak Cantonese or Mandarin. It's also worth knowing that many Indonesian helpers are Muslim — some don't eat pork and need their food kept separate, and some observe fasting during Ramadan. Filipino helpers are mostly Catholic, and may place more importance on Catholic holidays, so may be less willing to work over Christmas or Easter. Which is the better fit really comes down to your household's needs.

If your situation allows, we'd recommend considering a helper trained overseas who also has previous work experience in Hong Kong — helpers referred through training centres tend to have background information that's easier to verify. But if you're in a hurry and need someone to start right away, a locally-based helper who has just completed her contract is worth considering instead.

Generally, 30–40 years old tends to work well — good physical stamina, and their own family situation is often more settled. The downside is that helpers in this range are in higher demand. Up to 45 is often fine too. For younger helpers, look for someone who seems mature and level-headed — it really depends on the individual.

You need to provide a space in your home with reasonable privacy and comfort for your helper. At minimum, this means a bed in a shared room — after all, she needs good-quality sleep to look after your home well. Asking a helper to sleep in the bathroom or similar spaces is neither recommended nor compliant with regulations.

Most families either share their daily meals with their helper, or pay her a meal allowance instead. Whether to share meals or pay an allowance is entirely the employer's choice, and the helper follows whichever arrangement the employer decides.

At the most basic level, you and your helper have an employment relationship. It should be built on mutual understanding, mutual respect, and mutual accommodation. We'd suggest communicating clearly from the day she moves in — walk her through your household's rules, expectations, daily routines, and schedule. You should also try to understand her needs and accommodate them where reasonable.

On the work side, it helps to prepare a detailed list from the start covering what she should do each day. Be specific rather than vague — instead of just "prepare dinner," spell out exactly what time to start, what dishes to cook, the recipe and portions for each, and what time the meal should be served. Demonstrating a task yourself first can help make expectations clearer. If something isn't done the way you'd like, raise it with her promptly — the goal is effective communication, not letting frustration build up. As an employer, you shouldn't feel awkward about asking her to do things. At the same time, remember she isn't a slave — she has off-duty hours, and those should be respected.

There will always be an adjustment period when a new helper starts. Hong Kong's fast pace life may not be easy for her to adjust to, so it is important to be patient and communicate often in the beginning, and set expectations clearly to avoid headaches later on.

Helpers are entitled to one rest day per week, and the employer decides which day that falls on. They're also entitled to Hong Kong's statutory holidays. Holiday entitlement generally follows Hong Kong labour law — see the Employment Ordinance for full details.

Yes — helpers are protected under Hong Kong's Employment Ordinance and are entitled to sick leave benefits just like other employees. See the Employment Ordinance for full details.

If there is an absolute need, e.g. you need to monitor your baby or pets. However cameras must not be placed in the bathroom or in your helper's room, and she must be informed before she starts.

Things worth watching out for include: not following agreed work arrangements, significant mood swings, a habit of buying luxury-brand items, or any other drastic changes in behaviour.

First, understand why she needs to borrow — is there a genuinely urgent need, and can she show proof? Or has she recently been buying luxury items or spending more than usual? Unless you have solid proof of the need and fully trust her, we'd recommend never lending more than one month's wages.

This usually comes to light once the employer has received a debt-collection letter. First, find out clearly why she borrowed and how her monthly repayments are going. In case you do decide to lend her money to pay for the debt, do not give her the money but should pay the finance company directly. If she ultimately absconds because she can't repay the debt, notify the finance company immediately and make clear that she is no longer employed by you — the repayment responsibility is not yours.

First, once you've hired a helper, you should be extra careful with your valuables — keep them locked away, and keep keys or passcodes secure. If you do discover theft, report it to the police immediately. If you have evidence — such as witnesses or camera footage of the incident — hand it over to the police to handle.

First and most importantly: do not unilaterally dismiss a pregnant helper — that's against the law. We'd recommend contacting your agent first, then discussing her intentions together, explaining the issues she'd face carrying the pregnancy to term and giving birth in Hong Kong. She should also be made aware that a baby born in Hong Kong would have no right of abode here. Both sides need to reach agreement before you can arrange an early mutual termination so she can return home to give birth.

If you decide to terminate a helper partway through her contract, we'd generally recommend paying one month's wages in lieu of notice and having her leave immediately. Once you've made the decision, let your agent know first — they'll arrange a time to come to your home and help deliver the news together with you, then help her pack and move to temporary accommodation (which the employer pays for, at around HK$150–$200 a night). You'll then need to book her a flight back to her home country within 14 days. Terminating a helper must strictly follow the requirements of Hong Kong's Employment Ordinance and the Standard Employment Contract.

We'd recommend taking out the most comprehensive insurance option from the start — the price difference is usually only a few hundred dollars, but it can significantly cut your medical costs if this situation ever arises. If your helper does fall seriously ill, you'll need to handle medical arrangements, legal responsibilities, and the contract all at once, which admittedly isn't easy. Get in touch with our agent early on so we can work through the best option together. And importantly: don't dismiss her unilaterally — that's against the law.

Frequently asked questions on the law

For each helper hired, the employer's household income must be at least HK$15,000 per month, or the employer must hold assets of a comparable value, sufficient to cover the full employment contract period. Generally, if elderly parents are applying to hire a helper, the Immigration Department may accept financial proof provided by their children in support of the application.

No. Assigning a helper duties outside of housework, or having her work for anyone other than the employer named on her visa, breaches the Immigration Ordinance and may lead to prosecution. Employing her in illegal moonlighting work carries a maximum penalty of HK$350,000 and 3 years' imprisonment. Under the Immigration Ordinance, a helper may only work for the employer specified on her visa, and can only provide services to the employer and declared family members — all of whom must reside at the declared employer's address.

Yes. Asking your helper to go out for daily groceries, pick up and drop off children at school, look after family members while dining out, wash the car, or deliver food or personal items to the employer or family members outside the home, all count as household duties.

No. All helpers in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality, are entitled to at least the statutory minimum wage. Under Standard Employment Contracts signed on or after 30 September 2023, employers must pay foreign domestic helpers the government's Minimum Allowable Wage of HK$5,100 per month.

Employers are responsible for costs related to bringing a helper to work in Hong Kong, including medical examination fees, consular verification fees, visa fees, insurance, and administrative fees (such as Philippine overseas employment administrative fees or similar charges from relevant government bodies). During the contract, you must also provide suitable accommodation with reasonable privacy, free medical care, free meals or a meal allowance (currently at least HK$1,236 per month), and take out Employees' Compensation Insurance.

Once a helper has worked for you continuously for 3 months, she becomes entitled to paid statutory holidays. If a statutory holiday falls on her rest day, she should be given a substitute holiday the day after.

Yes. The rest day is set by the employer and can be either fixed or non-fixed. If it's non-fixed, you must notify your helper of that month's rest days before the month begins.

Yes — but the employer must give at least 48 hours' notice in advance, and arrange an alternative holiday within 60 days before or after the original one.

No. Employers may not substitute a payment for a statutory holiday. Doing so is an offence, and a conviction carries a fine of up to HK$50,000.

No. An employer cannot unilaterally force a helper to take unpaid leave — both parties must agree.

Yes. Even in bad weather on her rest day, she still has the right to decide how to spend it. That said, employers should remind helpers that in severe weather (e.g. Signal No. 8 or above), insurance may not cover any accident if she goes out. If she voluntarily chooses to stay home, the employer does not need to arrange a substitute day off, but must not ask her to work on her rest day — doing so is also illegal.

A helper becomes entitled to paid annual leave once she has worked for you continuously for 12 months. If she has worked for 3 months but less than 12 when the contract ends, the employer must pay a pro-rated amount for annual leave. Entitlement increases with years of service, starting at 7 days for the first two years, rising annually up to a maximum of 14 days.

Employer and helper must agree on a monthly payday, and wages may be paid in cash, by cheque, or by bank transfer. Wages must not be paid later than 7 days after the end of the wage period — doing so is illegal.

Yes. Under the employment contract, the helper must accept treatment from any registered doctor arranged by the employer.

She must have accumulated sufficient paid sick leave, taken at least 4 consecutive days of sick leave, and be able to produce an appropriate medical certificate.

In the first year of the contract, 2 days of paid sick leave accumulate per completed month of work; after that, 4 days accumulate per completed month, up to a maximum of 120 days total. The daily sickness allowance equals four-fifths of the helper's average daily wage. Employers must pay it no later than the normal payday.

If you wish to renew with your helper after the standard 2-year contract expires, you can submit an application to the Immigration Department up to two months before the current contract ends. Renewal approval generally takes about 10 working days once all required documents are received. Between the old contract ending and the new one taking effect, the helper must return to her home country for at least 7 days of paid or unpaid leave, at the employer's expense. If she's unable to return home right away, both parties can agree to defer the leave and apply for an extension of stay — both employer and helper need to submit forms (ID988A and ID988B) to the Immigration Department for approval, though the extension generally cannot exceed 1 year. If the contract is terminated, both employer and helper must give written notice (ID407E) to the Director of Immigration within 7 days of the termination date. The helper must leave Hong Kong within 14 days of the termination date, or before her permitted stay expires, whichever is earlier.

Yes. Either party can terminate the contract by giving the other at least 1 month's written notice, or by paying 1 month's wages in lieu of notice.

If a helper has worked for you continuously for at least 24 months and is dismissed by reason of redundancy or not offered renewal, you must pay severance pay. If she has worked for you continuously for at least 5 years and is dismissed (not for serious misconduct), not offered renewal, made redundant, resigns on a registered doctor's certification that she is permanently unfit for her current role, resigns due to old age at 65 or above, or dies while employed, you must pay a long service payment. The calculation is: (last month's wages × 2/3) × reckonable years of service, where (a) service under one year is calculated proportionately; (b) you must also cover her travel costs back to her home country; and (c) a helper can only receive severance pay or long service payment, never both at the same time.

It is illegal to dismiss a helper who: is confirmed pregnant; is on paid sick leave; is providing evidence or information during legal proceedings related to labour law enforcement, industrial accidents, or breaches of work safety regulations; is participating in a trade union or trade union activities; or has been injured at work and a compensation agreement has not yet been reached, or the relevant assessment certificate has not yet been issued.

She must have been continuously employed for at least 40 weeks immediately before the leave begins, must give the employer notice of her pregnancy and intention to take maternity leave (for example, presenting a medical certificate confirming pregnancy), and — if the employer requests it — must submit a medical certificate stating her expected date of delivery.

The daily rate of maternity leave pay equals four-fifths of the helper's average daily wage. The employer must pay it no later than the normal payday.

If you believe she has unilaterally terminated the contract, you should report her as missing to the Immigration Department, and should also consider filing a police report.

Yes. If your property is damaged or lost due to her negligence, you can deduct the value from her wages as compensation, capped at HK$300 per incident, and the total deducted in any month cannot exceed a quarter of her wages for that month.

No. Under the Standard Employment Contract (ID407), household duties do not include driving, and a helper's work visa specifically excludes driving duties. However, for employers with a genuine need, driving that is incidental to household duties may be permitted — the employer can apply to the Director of Immigration for special permission.

Freely using a camera at home to monitor a helper's activities inherently intrudes on her privacy, and the law does not grant employers a right to monitor employees this way. If, after careful consideration, monitoring is genuinely needed, it should be done in a "reasonable" manner, carried out openly, and any footage should be properly handled — generally not kept for more than 7 days. Because covert monitoring is a serious privacy intrusion, it should only be used in exceptional circumstances. See the Guidance on Protection of Personal Data Privacy for more.

Chief Happiness

15 years in the industry, one simple belief

Support that doesn't end at the handshake

High Quality Helpers

We Understand Your Needs

Regular Updates, Real Agents

After-Sale Service

Choose the service that fits where you are

Overseas Helper

Change-of-Helper Warranty

Local Helper

Change-of-Helper Warranty

Paperwork — Helper Already in Hong Kong

Paperwork — Helper Currently Overseas

Contract Renewal

Tell us about your household

New to hiring? Start here

What financial requirements are there for hiring a helper, and what are the running costs?

Do I need to hire a domestic helper?

Should I hire a Filipino or an Indonesian helper?

Should I hire a helper who has just finished a local contract, or one coming from overseas?

What age range should I look for in a helper?

What accommodation do I need to provide for my helper?

How should meals for my helper be handled?

How should I approach getting along with my helper?

How are my helper's holidays calculated?

Does my helper get sick leave?

Do I need to install a surveillance camera at home?

What kind of behaviour from my helper should I watch out for?

What should I do if my helper asks to borrow money from me?

What should I do if I discover my helper has borrowed money from an outside lender?

What should I do if I discover my helper has been stealing?

What should I do if I discover my helper is pregnant?

If I decide to terminate my helper, what's the process?

What should I do if my helper falls seriously ill?

Frequently asked questions on the law

What's the income requirement for a family hiring a foreign domestic helper?

Can I assign my helper duties outside of housework, or have her work for someone else?

Can I ask my helper to do things for me outside the home?

Can I agree with my helper to pay less than what the employment contract specifies?

Besides wages, what other costs am I responsible for?

Besides the weekly rest day, how many statutory holidays does my helper get?

Can I decide which day my helper gets as her rest day?

Can I ask my helper to work on a statutory holiday?

If my helper agrees, can I pay extra instead of giving her a statutory holiday?

When I'm away from Hong Kong, can I ask my helper to take unpaid leave?

If a typhoon falls on her rest day, can my helper choose freely whether to stay home or go out?

How many days of annual leave must I give my helper each year?

Can I set my own payday? How should I pay my helper's wages?

If my helper falls sick or gets injured, can I designate the doctor she sees?

Under what conditions is my helper entitled to sickness allowance?

How is sickness allowance calculated, and when must it be paid?

What should I keep in mind as the contract approaches expiry or termination?

Can either party end the contract before it expires?

When am I required to pay severance pay or long service payment, and how are they calculated?

Under what circumstances is it illegal for me to dismiss my helper?

Under what conditions is my helper entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave?

How is maternity leave pay calculated, and when must I pay it?

What should I do if my helper leaves without notice or payment in lieu of notice?

If my helper damages my property at home, can I deduct the cost from her wages?

Can I ask my helper to drive my family car to take me and my family around?

Can I install a camera at home to monitor my helper's work?

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