How much does it cost to renew a helper's contract in 2026?
Renewing with the same helper is the cheapest hire there is. Here is what an agency charges for it, what it costs to do it yourself, and when to start.
Short answer
Through Directhire.hk, renewing a contract with the same helper costs HK$1,198 for a Filipino helper or HK$1,498 for an Indonesian helper. That includes the consulate step and the Immigration Department application with one visa, plus OWWA membership for Filipino helpers and one Hong Kong medical check for Indonesian helpers. Zurich's January 2026 guide puts agency renewal fees at HK$1,300–3,000 for Filipino helpers and HK$2,000–3,000 for Indonesian helpers.
Renewal costs compared
Do it yourself
- What you pay
- About HK$705 Filipino, HK$1,318 Indonesian (Zurich, January 2026) *
- Who does the work
- You: forms, consulate, Immigration application
Directhire.hk
- What you pay
- HK$1,198 Filipino, HK$1,498 Indonesian
- Who does the work
- We prepare and submit everything
Typical agency
- What you pay
- HK$1,300–3,000 Filipino, HK$2,000–3,000 Indonesian (Zurich, January 2026)
- Who does the work
- The agency prepares and submits
* Zurich's estimate uses a HK$230 visa fee. The Immigration Department's current fee table lists HK$330, so expect about HK$100 more.
What does the Directhire.hk renewal fee include?
Filipino HK$1,198
- •Labor law consultation
- •Consulate Notarization
- •Immigration processing and one time visa
- •OWWA
Indonesian HK$1,498
- •Labor law consultation
- •Consulate Notarization
- •Immigration processing and one time visa
- •One time Hong Kong medical
If the application is unsuccessful, the helper doesn't arrive in HK, or the medical exam fails, we refund every dollar.
When should I start the renewal?
The Immigration Department normally accepts a renewal application within eight weeks before the current contract expires. Zurich suggests starting two to three months ahead, because the consulate step has to fit in as well.
Does the helper have to go home before the new contract?
After a two-year contract the helper is entitled to home leave. According to the Immigration Department, if you can release her for home leave right away, she does not need to apply for an extension of stay; an extension is only needed when you cannot arrange the home leave immediately.
Can I renew without an agency?
Yes. You submit the new contract and application to the Immigration Department yourself, by post, at a counter or online, and handle the consulate step. It costs only the official fees, but the forms, the timing and the follow-up are yours.