In Hong Kong, foreign domestic workers are an important source of support for many families. When the standard two-year contract is about to expire, most employers choose to renew the contract with their domestic worker if the working relationship has been satisfactory. However, the renewal process involves the Immigration Department, consulates, and various government agencies. The procedure is cumbersome, and the steps and requirements differ significantly between Filipino and Indian domestic workers. This article summarizes the latest information on domestic worker contract renewals for 2026 to help you complete the entire process with ease.
Renewal Timeline and Basic Requirements
According to the regulations of the Immigration Department, applications for contract renewal for foreign domestic workers may be submitted no earlier than 8 weeks before the expiration of the current contract. It is recommended that employers begin preparing the necessary documents 10 to 12 weeks in advance to allow sufficient time to handle any unforeseen circumstances, especially since Filipino domestic workers require additional time for consular notarization and medical examinations.
According to Article 13 of the “Standard Employment Contract,” foreign domestic workers must return to their place of origin to take at least 7 days of paid or unpaid leave before the new contract takes effect; the related expenses shall be borne by the employer. If the employer wishes for the foreign domestic helper to remain in Hong Kong pending the new contract’s effective date, the employer must apply in advance to the Director of Immigration for an extension of stay.
The order for renewing contracts with Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers is reversed
Filipino Domestic Workers: First, apply to the Immigration Department for a visa and an extension of stay; once approved, proceed to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to have the contract notarized.
Indonesian Domestic Workers: First, go to the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong (KJRI) to have your contract notarized; only after this is completed should you apply for a visa at the Immigration Department.
This sequence is a critical step that most employers get wrong, so be sure to pay close attention.
Renewing a Filipino Domestic Worker's Contract: Employers Can Handle It Themselves
The contract renewal process for Filipino domestic workers is relatively simple, and employers can definitely handle it on their own without going through an employment agency. As long as both parties have a good working relationship and all documents are in order, handling the process yourself not only saves on agency fees (approximately HK$1,400 to HK$3,000) but also allows you to maintain full control over the process from start to finish.
Steps for Filipino Domestic Workers to Renew Their Contracts on Their Own:
- Complete the ID 988A and ID 988B application forms, and prepare the ID 407 Standard Employment Contract (four original copies)
- Submit in person or by mail to the Foreign Domestic Workers Unit of the Immigration Department
- After receiving approval, foreign domestic workers must return to the Philippines for at least a 7-day leave (or apply for an extension of their stay in Hong Kong).
- After returning to Hong Kong, go to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to have your contract notarized (fee: approximately HK$$80).
- After the notarization is complete, go to the Immigration Office to pick up the official visa sticker.
Important Notes on Renewing Contracts for Filipino Domestic Workers:
- Generally, a new medical examination is not required—unless the employer specifically requests it or the foreign domestic worker voluntarily undergoes one.
- The OWWA membership fee is approximately HK$1,041.95 (US$25), which is paid by the foreign domestic workers themselves.
- The entire self-processing procedure takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks; we recommend allowing plenty of time.
Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong (Location for Contract Notarization)
| Project | Data |
|---|---|
| Address | 14th Floor, United Center, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong |
| Office Hours | Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; closed on Friday and Saturday |
| Phone | 2823 8501 / 2823 8500 (Main Switchboard) |
| 24-Hour Emergency Hotline | 9155 4023 |
| hongkong.pcg@dfa.gov.ph | |
| Website | http://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph[citation:2][citation:6] |
Renewing a Domestic Worker's Contract: It Is Strongly Recommended to Go Through an Agency
The process for renewing contracts for Indonesian domestic workers is entirely different—in fact, the vast majority of contract renewals for Indonesian domestic workers must be handled through employment agencies, and it is extremely difficult for employers to complete the process on their own. This is not simply because the procedures are complicated, but because the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong (KJRI) has strict regulations regarding the notarization of contracts.
Why must Indonesian domestic workers be hired through an agency?
- The consulate has strict notarization requirements—the KJRI requires that all contract renewals be submitted for notarization through a registered, accredited agency; applications submitted in person by individual employers are often rejected.
- Medical Examinations Are Mandatory—Unlike Filipino domestic workers, Indian domestic workers must undergo a full medical examination when renewing their contracts, including a chest X-ray and tests for syphilis and HIV antibodies, and these examinations must be conducted at clinics designated by the consulate.
- The document certification process is complicated—renewing a contract for an Indonesian domestic worker involves employment insurance registration with the Indonesian Social Security Agency (BPJS) and a multi-tiered approval process at the consulate; an agency familiar with the process can significantly reduce the risk of documents being rejected.
Major expenses associated with renewing a contract for a Filipino domestic worker through an agency:
| Fee Items | Amount (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Immigration Department Visa Fees | HK$330 |
| KJRI Contract Notarization Fees | Approx. HK$388 |
| Mandatory Medical Examination Fee | Approx. HK$1,000–HK$1,400 |
| Brokerage Fee | HK$1,300 – HK$3,000 |
| Total via real estate agents | Approximately HK$$2,600 – HK$$5,000 |
Consulate General of Indonesia in Hong Kong (Location for Contract Notarization)
| Project | Data |
|---|---|
| Address | 6–8 King Shing Street, Causeway Bay |
| Phone | 3651 0200 / 3651 0201 (Contract Notarization Inquiries) |
| info@cgrihk.com | |
| Website | http://www.kemlu.go.id/hongkong[citation:3][citation:12] |
Immigration Department: Address, Website, and Submission Methods
Address for Submitting Applications for Foreign Domestic Worker Contract Renewals
Headquarters (Primary Submission Location): Foreign Domestic Helpers Unit, 4th Floor, Administration Building, Immigration Department Headquarters, 61 Po Yip Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
Office Hours:
- Monday through Friday: 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
District Offices (where applications for contract renewals for foreign domestic workers can be processed)
| Office | Address |
|---|---|
| East Kowloon Office | 2nd Floor, Huijing Plaza, Huijing Garden, 8 Huijing Road, Lam Tin, Kowloon (MTR Lam Tin Station, Exit B) |
| West Kowloon Office | Ground Floor, 28 Kimberley Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit B2) |
| Shatin Office | 3rd Floor, Shatin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Shatin, New Territories (MTR Shatin Station, Exit B) |
| Fo Tan Office | Shops 405–407, 4th Floor, Jubilee Plaza, 2–18 Lok King Street, Fo Tan, New Territories (MTR Fo Tan Station, Exit C) |
| Tuen Mun Office | 1st and 2nd Floors, Tuen Mun Siu Lun Government Complex, 19 Siu Lun Street, Tuen Mun, New Territories (Light Rail Sam Shing Station) |
| Yuen Long Office | 1st Floor, Yuen Long Government Offices, No. 2 Kiu Lok Fong, Yuen Long, New Territories (MTR Long Ping Station, Exit E / Light Rail Hong Lok Road Station) |
Submission Methods
- In person or through an authorized representative: Submit the application in person at the Immigration Department Headquarters or the district offices listed above. You must make an appointment online (www.gov.hk/esbooking) or by calling the 24-hour appointment hotline at (852) 2598 0888 before visiting.
- Mail/Delivery: Mail to the Foreign Domestic Workers Unit at the Tseung Kwan O Headquarters (please ensure sufficient postage)
- Online Application: Submit through the Hong Kong Government's "One-Stop" website at www.gov.hk/esapplication
Inquiries and Contact Information
- Inquiries: (852) 2824 6111
- 電郵：enquiry@immd.gov.hk
- Fax: (852) 2157 9181
- Official website: https://www.immd.gov.hk/hkt/services/visas/foreign_domestic_helpers.html[citation:5]
Documents Required for Contract Renewal
Whether the domestic helper is from the Philippines or India, the following documents must be prepared when submitting an application to the Immigration Department:
- ID 988A: Visa/Extension of Stay Application Form to be Completed by Foreign Domestic Workers
- ID 988B: Section of the Application Form to Be Completed by the Employer
- ID 407: Standard Employment Contract (in quadruplicate; physical originals must be obtained from the Immigration Department; the online version is for reference only)
- Original and copies of the foreign domestic worker’s travel documents (pages showing personal information, expiration date, and the most recent visa sticker)
- Copies of the employer’s and the foreign domestic worker’s ID cards
Special Note: When renewing a contract with the same foreign domestic worker, employers are generally not required to submit proof of financial status or address; they need only make a declaration on the form that meets the requirements.
Top Three Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1: Is a pay raise required when renewing a foreign domestic worker’s contract?
A: It depends on adjustments to the government’s minimum wage. According to an announcement by the Hong Kong Labor Department, effective September 30, 2025, the minimum wage for foreign domestic workers has been adjusted to HK$5,110 per month. If the government has announced a new minimum wage level by the time of contract renewal, employers must adjust the salary in accordance with the new standard; otherwise, they may be in violation of the Employment Ordinance. In addition, employers must provide free meals to foreign domestic workers or pay a monthly meal allowance of HKD 1,236. In addition to these statutory requirements, employers may also consider granting discretionary pay raises based on the domestic helper’s performance to enhance their motivation.
Question 3: What should I be aware of if I choose not to renew my contract or terminate it early?
Answer: Both employers and foreign domestic workers may terminate the contract early by giving the other party one month’s written notice or paying one month’s notice pay, in accordance with Article 10 of the “Standard Employment Contract.” Upon termination of the contract, the employer must pay the foreign domestic worker the following amounts:
- Unpaid Wages
- Unused annual leave pay (calculated on a pro-rata basis)
- Severance Pay: If a foreign domestic worker has worked continuously for at least 24 months and their contract is not renewed due to layoffs, the employer must pay
- Long-Service Payment: If a foreign domestic worker has worked continuously for at least 5 years and their contract is not renewed due to reasons other than gross negligence or layoffs, the employer must pay
Calculation method: (Monthly salary × 2/3) × retroactive years of service (years of service less than one year are calculated on a pro-rata basis). The employer must submit a written notice (ID 407E) to the Immigration Department within 7 days after the termination of the contract.
Conclusion
Although the process of renewing a foreign domestic worker’s contract involves several steps, as long as you understand the key differences between Filipino and Indian domestic workers—Filipino domestic workers can handle the renewal themselves and are not required to undergo a mandatory medical examination; while Indian domestic workers must go through an agency and undergo a mandatory medical examination—and as long as you allow ample time and have all the necessary documents ready, the process can be completed smoothly. If you are renewing a contract for an Indian domestic worker or are working under tight deadlines, we strongly recommend entrusting the process to a reputable employment agency. Although this incurs an additional service fee, it will save you a significant amount of time and help avoid the risk of your documents being rejected. Remember to confirm the latest minimum wage and meal allowance standards before renewing the contract, and arrange for the foreign domestic worker to take a vacation of at least 7 days to return to their home country.
