Hong Kong imported worker cost table 2026: government fees + monthly costs (November update)
**Last updated: 4 November 2026.** This is the quick-reference cost table for hiring imported workers; figures follow Labour Department publications. For a fuller item-by-item breakdown, see the employer cost overview and application process & fees.
One-off government fees
- Employees Retraining Levy: HK$9,600 (one-off) - Visa fee: about HK$330 - **Total fixed government fees: ≈ HK$9,930**
These are official standard charges — every agency's quote should show the same numbers. If someone inflates this line, ask why.
Ongoing monthly costs
- **Wages:** not below the Labour Department's published median for the role. Waiter median: HK$15,820 (figure at application time prevails) - **MPF:** 5% employer contribution (a 24-month contract passes the 13-month exemption line, so budget for it — see the MPF guide for imported workers) - **Accommodation:** provided by the employer, per-capita net floor area ≥ 3.4 m²; if deducted from wages, the cap is 20% (10% in specified cases)
Agency service fees
There is no official tariff for agency service fees; they are **quoted separately** by scope (quota application, candidate matching, visa, dormitory follow-up). What matters is itemised pricing with no hidden charges — when collecting quotes, ask for "government fees" and "service fees" as separate lines.
Estimating the total budget for one worker
Using a waiter as an example (figures for reference only — latest publications prevail):
- Year one: levy + visa ≈ HK$9,930, plus 12 months of wages (HK$15,820 × 12), plus MPF, plus accommodation costs, plus agency service fees - Contracts run up to 24 months, and an approved quota can be used within 1 year
For a realistic budget for your industry and headcount, the accurate route is a quote specific to your situation.
FAQ
Q: What are the government fees for hiring one imported worker? A: Fixed fees of about HK$9,930 — the one-off HK$9,600 Employees Retraining Levy plus a visa fee of about HK$330. These are official standards and do not vary by agency.
Q: What is the monthly cost of an imported worker? A: Mainly wages (not below the role's median — waiter HK$15,820), plus 5% employer MPF contributions, plus accommodation. Agency service fees are quoted separately by scope.
Q: Is there a standard agency fee? A: No official pricing — fees are quoted by scope. Ask agencies to itemise, separating government fees from service fees — see how to choose a labour agency.
Q: What is the accommodation deduction cap? A: If deducted from wages, the cap is generally 20% (10% in specified cases), with per-capita net floor area of at least 3.4 m².
Want a quote for your company's situation? WhatsApp +852 9888 6768 — Labour Department licensed employment agency (licence 81090), itemised pricing you can verify.
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- MPF for imported workers 2026: employer contributions & the 13-month exemption, explained
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