Last updated: September 2026. The Labour Department and relevant bureaus’ latest notices prevail.
Step 1: pick the right scheme
- Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS): technician-level-or-below posts across industries, Labour Department approval, 2:1 staffing ratio (relaxed to 3:1 for catering from 16 June 2026)
- Sector-specific schemes: construction (Development Bureau, 12,000 sector cap), transport (10 aviation frontline trades / PLB and coach drivers)
- Special scheme for care workers in residential care homes
Not sure which fits? Walk through our scheme decision guide, or WhatsApp a consultant for a free assessment.
Step 2: local recruitment and filing
ESLS requires a local recruitment exercise first (the Labour Department’s Interactive Employment Service plus designated advertising channels) to prove local unavailability before filing. From 12 October 2026 old form versions are no longer accepted — use ESLS-1A / 1B (Rev. 9/2026).
Step 3: budget the costs
Fixed government fees are about HK$9,930: the Employees Retraining Levy of HK$400/month (capped at HK$9,600 over a 24-month contract) plus a visa fee of about HK$330. Monthly running costs are the wage — never below the published median for the comparable post (e.g. waiter median HK$15,820) — plus housing.
Want numbers now? Use our imported-labour cost calculator: pick the role and headcount and see the 24-month total instantly.
Step 4: visas and arrival
After quota approval, file Immigration Department visas (ID 1001A / 1001B), mainland medicals and exit formalities for each worker — typically 6–8 weeks.
Step 5: housing and ongoing management
Employers must provide housing; deductions are capped at 20% of wages (10% if meals are provided), and dormitory space must be at least 3.4 m² net floor area per person. Contracts run up to 24 months; renewal needs a fresh quota application — start 8–9 months before expiry.
FAQ
Q: How long does hiring take? A: From filing to arrival, typically 4–6 months depending on the scheme and document readiness.
Q: Can imported workers change jobs? A: No — the visa is tied to the employer and post; a change means a fresh application.
Q: Can we name a specific candidate? A: Yes. Employers may freely designate candidates; agencies provide the talent pool and background checks.
Q: Quota approved but no candidates? A: Within the quota validity a substitute can be arranged without reapplying for quota — our quota-matching service handles exactly this.
Further reading
- Employer cost breakdown: fixed fees, wages, housing itemised (esls-employer-costs)
- Scheme decision guide: pick among the three routes step by step
- Construction and transport sector scheme pages
- Employer FAQ: 30 practical Q&As