To Hire or Not to Hire: A First-Time Employer’s Guide

Deciding to invite someone to live and work in your home is a major life decision. For many families in Hong Kong, a Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) is the “engine” that allows parents to work and the household to run smoothly. However, if you are currently undecided, it is important to weigh the lifestyle benefits against the legal and financial responsibilities.

1. The Legal “Must-Haves”

• Financial Eligibility: You must have a household income of no less than HK$15,000 per month for each helper you employ. This proves you can afford the salary and expenses for the full two-year contract (Immigration Department, “Foreign Domestic Helpers”).
• The “Live-In” Requirement: Under the Standard Employment Contract (ID 407), helpers must reside in their employer’s residence. You must provide “suitable accommodation with reasonable privacy.” Sleeping in common areas like the living room or kitchen is strictly prohibited.
• The “One-Employer” Rule: Your helper can only work for you and at the address listed on the contract. Asking them to help at a friend’s house or a family business is a breach of their visa conditions.

2. When is the “Right Time” to Hire?

Most first time employers find that certain life milestones trigger the need for help. You might be ready if:

• Expanding Your Family: You are expecting a baby, or your children are starting school.
• Elderly Care: Your parents need daily assistance or companionship that you cannot provide while working full-time.
• Work-Life Balance: You and your partner work long hours, and chores are stealing your “quality time” on weekends. The HKSAR Government supports the FDH scheme specifically to help the local workforce remain productive.

3. The Real Costs: A 2026 Budget

It is a common mistake to only look at the monthly wage. As an employer, you are responsible for the “total package.”

Source: Labour Department (MAW update effective Sept. 30, 2025).

4. Pros vs. Cons: (The Honest Truth)

The Benefits (Pros)

• Time Freedom: You reclaim your weekends. No more deep cleaning the kitchen on a Saturday morning.
• Consistency: A helper is available for school run changes or staying late at work meetings.
• Specialized Support: You can hire someone with specific experience in newborn care, elderly assistance, or even specific cooking styles.

The Challenges (Cons)

• Loss of Privacy: Having a new person in your home 6 days a week is the biggest adjustment for first-time employers.
• Management Responsibility: You are now a “Manager.” You must ensure the workplace is safe and that you follow the Employment Ordinance (e.g., granting 1 rest day per week and statutory holidays).
• Medical Liability: You are responsible for the helper’s medical costs during the employment period (Clause 9 of ID 407). This includes non-work-related illnesses.

Final Verdict: Are You Ready to Hire?

If you are still on the fence, use this checklist, If you can answer “Yes” to at least four of these, you are likely ready to begin the hiring process:

• [ ] I have a private, suitable space for a live-in helper.
• [ ] My household income is at least HK$15,000/month.
• [ ] I am willing to spend time-training a new employee for 2 – 3 months.
• [ ] I need at least 10 – 15 hours of help with chores or caregiving per week.
• [ ] I am comfortable with another person living in my home 6 days a week.

The Bottom Line: Hiring a helper is one of the biggest lifestyles upgrades available in Hong Kong. While the responsibilities are serious, the Time Wealth and economic gainyou receive often outweighs the costs. In fact, studies show that helpers contribute billions to the HK economy by allowing families to thrive.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional recruitment advice. While we strive for accuracy based on 2026 government standards, regulations can change. HKHelper is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the HKSAR Immigration Department or Labour Department.