Imported worker application fee calculator

Official ESLS costs = retraining levy HK$9,600/worker + visa fee HK$330/worker (sources: labour.gov.hk / immd.gov.hk), plus employees’ compensation insurance at actual cost; agency fee by quotation. Pick an industry and headcount for an instant total.

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Quota ratio: Catering — Quota ratio: 3:1 for production / floor (from 2026-06-16, per department)

ItemUnit priceHeadcountSubtotal

Employees Retraining Levy (statutory)

Source: labour.gov.hk

HK$9,6002HK$19,200

Visa application fee (statutory)

Source: immd.gov.hk

HK$3302HK$660

Employees’ compensation insurance (estimate, 2-year contract)

Estimate

HK$1,5002HK$3,000
Statutory subtotal (government fees)HK$19,860
Estimated subtotal (insurance)HK$3,000
Agency service feeBy quotation — ask on WhatsApp

Known total (statutory + estimates, agency fee excluded)

HK$22,860

By quotation

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Statutory figures match government publications (levy $9,600/worker, visa fee $330/worker); insurance is a market estimate — actual invoices prevail.

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Statutory fees at a glance

The retraining levy (HK$9,600/worker, Labour Department) and visa fee (HK$330/worker, Immigration) are statutory charges matching official figures.

Estimated costs: insurance and actual-cost items

Employees' compensation insurance is estimated for a two-year contract; medical and housing costs follow actual invoices — treat totals as budget guidance.

FAQ

What does one imported worker cost in total?

Two statutory charges: the Employees Retraining Levy HK$9,600/worker (Labour Department) and the visa fee HK$330/worker (Immigration). Add employees’ compensation insurance at actual cost. Agency fees are quoted per package — itemised, no hidden charges.

When are the levy and visa fee paid?

The levy is paid in one lump sum after quota approval and before visa issue (HK$400 × contract months, capped at 24); the visa fee is paid when filing with the Immigration Department.