Last updated: September 2026. The Labour Department and Development Bureau’s latest notices prevail.
Which trades can apply?
- Commonly enquired trades: electricians, carpenters (joinery), plasterers (rendering/tiling), painters, plumbers — skilled and semi-skilled posts
- The definitive trade list is the relevant scheme’s and the Labour Department / Development Bureau’s published lists
Which scheme applies?
- Large public-works main contractors (contracts generally ≥ HK$1 billion): the Construction Sector Labour Importation Scheme — Development Bureau approval, sector cap 12,000, 1:2 ratio, quarterly windows
- General renovation firms, small works, private-flat refurbishment: the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) — Labour Department approval, technician-level-or-below posts
Note: the construction scheme targets large public works; general renovation firms do not qualify and should file under ESLS. See our construction scheme page for the full comparison.
Application essentials (ESLS route)
- Complete local recruitment first, evidencing local unavailability
- Use the latest forms ESLS-1A/1B (Rev. 9/2026) — old versions rejected from 12 October 2026
- Wages never below the comparable-post median (published electrician median HK$19,490 — check the latest figure)
- Employer-provided housing: deduction caps 20% (10% with meals); ≥ 3.4 m² net floor area per person
What does it cost?
Fixed government fees about HK$9,930 (retraining levy HK$9,600 + visa about HK$330), plus monthly wages and housing. Use our imported-labour cost calculator — enter the trade and headcount for an instant 24-month total.
FAQ
Q: Can a renovation firm apply under the construction scheme? A: Generally no — it targets large public works; general renovation firms file under ESLS.
Q: What is the electrician median wage? A: The published median is HK$19,490; imported wages cannot fall below it (latest figures prevail).
Q: Do imported electricians need local licensing? A: Electrical work must comply with EMSD requirements — confirm candidates’ qualifications and registration before filing.
Q: How many can we import at once? A: Depends on local recruitment results and quota approval; we assess by project scale.
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