Hong Kong admin steps

Decide on a helper, and start the paperwork

Most expat families in Hong Kong employ a live-in foreign domestic helper rather than use a nursery, because a helper costs less than full-day infant care. The minimum allowable wage is HK$5,100 a month for contracts signed from 30 September 2025, plus a food allowance of HK$1,236 if you do not provide meals — both are reviewed every September, so check the current figures before you sign anything — plus insurance, the return flight and either an agency fee or the time to hire directly. Checked against info.gov.hk on 22 September 2026.

Who it applies to

Everyone having a baby in Hong Kong

On your timeline

Paperbump schedules this usually between week 20 and week 24 of the pregnancy

Official source

info.gov.hk

Last checked

22 September 2026

What else to know

The visa runs through the Immigration Department and takes 4 to 8 weeks once the contract is signed, and a helper coming from overseas takes longer, so a start date around the birth means beginning now.

Work out your own dates — free, nothing leaves your device

Part of

• Childcare in Hong Kong for expats: helpers and nurseries 3 steps
• Childcare costs in Hong Kong what each route costs, and who pays for it
• Hong Kong baby admin, in plain words foreign domestic helper and 15 others explained

Around the same time

• Put your name down at nurseries and playgroups usually between week 22 and week 26 of the pregnancy
• Confirm the hospital booking and pay the deposit usually between week 22 and week 24 of the pregnancy
• Paternity leave: five days, and three months' notice to take it freely usually between week 24 and week 26 of the pregnancy