Fully transparent, itemised fees · Last updated: October 2026
Fixed government charges (official rates)
Employees Retraining Levy
HK$9,600, one-off (24-month contract). A statutory levy paid after the work visa is approved and before the Immigration Department issues it.
Visa / entry permit
About HK$330 per worker, paid to the Immigration Department.
About HK$9,930 in total
Levy plus visa fee — fixed government charges total about HK$9,930, subject to the latest official announcements.
Agency service fees
There is no official price for service fees — each agency quotes by scope: eligibility assessment, document preparation, submission follow-up, candidate matching, visa arrangement, dormitory support and more. The point is not who is cheapest but who itemises everything with no hidden charges: always ask for an itemised quotation before signing.
Ongoing monthly costs
- Wages: must not be below the official monthly median for the comparable role (e.g. waiter HK$15,820, electrician HK$19,490)
- Accommodation: the employer must provide compliant housing; the deduction cap is 20% of wages (10% in specified cases), at least 3.4 m² net floor area per person
Process & timeline
01
Local recruitment & documents
Complete open local recruitment first; prepare BR, employment contract, vacancy details and accommodation proof.
02
Submit the application
File ESLS-1A/1B (Rev. 9/2026) with the Supplementary Labour Division; old form versions are rejected from 12 October 2026.
03
Labour Department vetting
Typically 8 to 12 weeks — complete documents are the best speed guarantee.
04
Quota → visa → arrival
Once quotas are granted, apply for visas (about HK$330); after Mainland medical checks the worker arrives. End to end about 4 to 6 months.
What is the total cost per imported worker?
About HK$9,930 in fixed government charges, plus monthly wages (per the role median) and accommodation costs; service fees are quoted separately.
What does the service fee cover?
It depends on scope — from pure submission handling to full service (assessment, documents, follow-up, matching, visa, dormitory). Confirm item by item before signing.
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