Hiring Imported Waiters in Hong Kong 2026: 3:1 Ratio, Salary Medians & Process

Last updated: October 2026. Subject to the latest Labour Department announcements.

Catering-only relaxation: the 3:1 manpower ratio (from 16 June 2026)

• Most industries apply under the Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) at a 2:1 manpower ratio
• From 16 June 2026, the catering sector moved to a department-based 3:1 ratio — each imported worker must be matched by 3 full-time local employees continuously employed in the same department (front of house / kitchen)
• The ratio is calculated on full-time local employees; eligible roles and the exact calculation are subject to Labour Department approval
• Not sure how many quotas your restaurant can get? WhatsApp our consultants for a free assessment

Which restaurant roles are eligible?

Both front-of-house and kitchen roles can be applied for under ESLS:

• Front of house: waiters/waitresses, captains/supervisors, receptionists, cashiers
• Kitchen & bar: kitchen assistants, bartenders, baristas, bakers/pastry cooks, bar supervisors, beverage preparers
• Role not listed? ESLS flexibly covers non-standard roles — the key is a well-written justification of need; our consultants can assess yours

Salary medians: pay must meet the government benchmark

• An imported worker’s monthly salary must not be below the official median published by the Labour Department at the time of application
• Waiter/waitress median: HK$15,820
• Medians for other common catering roles are in the table below; the full list of 319 roles is on our jobs & salary medians page

Application process & timeline

1. Local recruitment first — ESLS requires open local recruitment before applying

2. Submit forms ESLS-1A/1B (Rev. 9/2026; old versions rejected from 12 October 2026)

3. Labour Department vetting: about 8–12 weeks

4. Once quotas are granted, candidates are arranged through Mainland labour service enterprises approved by the Ministry of Commerce

5. Visa application (about HK$330), then the worker arrives and starts

Allow about 4–6 months end to end — start early before peak seasons.

Fees at a glance

• Levy: HK$9,600 (one-off, 24-month contract)
• Visa fee: about HK$330
• Fixed government fees in total: about HK$9,930
• Service fee: quoted separately, depending on headcount and arrangements

Accommodation (employer must provide)

• The employer must provide compliant accommodation for imported workers
• Deduction cap: 20% of wages (10% in specified cases)
• Net floor area per person: no less than 3.4 m²

Frequently asked questions

• How is 3:1 calculated? By department — each imported worker must be matched by 3 full-time local employees continuously employed in that department, subject to Labour Department approval; send us your headcount on WhatsApp and we will work it out
• Can I apply for chefs? Yes — chefs are a common imported role; the median salary of the corresponding role applies
• How long is the contract? Up to 24 months; renewal can be filed 8–9 months before expiry
• Can an imported worker change employers? No — imported workers are tied to their employer; changing jobs requires a fresh application

→ Jobs & salary medians: all 319 roles compared

→ Apply for imported workers 2026: 5-minute eligibility check

→ Complete guide to importing labour 2026