Helper visa and employment contract: what employers should know

Hiring a helper involves Immigration Department visa rules and the Labour Department's Employment Ordinance. A standard contract is usually two years and renewable; the employer must provide suitable accommodation and food, or a food allowance, and take out employees' compensation insurance.

AngelHome helps prepare the employment contract, insurance and ImmD application; fees are explained by item and term. We stress clarifying contract term, leave and salary during matching so expectations do not diverge after signing.

If you consider an in-HK transfer, the helper usually need not return home — paperwork is done locally and the helper can start sooner, saving time and travel cost; transfer fees are typically lower than a new hire.

Whether new or transfer, verify before signing: the helper's identity and valid visa, past employment record, language and household skills, and whether your home suits live-in arrangements. Honest needs do not block service; they let the match be agreed once.

If you are unsure whether your case is regulated employment, send your household and care-recipient profile to support; we classify it as new hire, renewal or transfer first, then decide how to match and quote. Classify before signing is safer and faster than “decide on arrival”.