Macau & Hong Kong labour-service fees and rights guide: itemised costs, caps and complaint channels
Fees, deductions and worker rights should be clear before a contract is signed. A transparent process states the service item, amount, payment time and written evidence.
Use this page to check fees before you sign for a Hong Kong or Macau role.
On this page
Ask for a written fee schedule
Before payment, request a written breakdown of the service, amount, payment timing, refund terms where applicable and the party receiving the money. Keep a receipt for every payment.
| Fee item | Region and scheme | Who pays | Who receives it | Charging basis | When it is paid | Refund terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel documents and endorsements | Cross-border travel and stay arrangements (Exit-Entry Permit, stay endorsement, etc.) | Usually the job seeker | Immigration and other government authorities | Official government fee schedules | Paid when applying for documents | Government fees are generally non-refundable once paid, subject to the authority's rules |
| Medical check-up fee | Per destination and role requirements (Macau blue-card medical, Hong Kong ESLS pre-employment check, etc.) | Hong Kong ESLS: the cost of the designated pre-contract medical examination must be paid by the employer (LD294 Article 15); Macau blue-card checks follow the processing guide; other schemes as written into the contract | The medical institution conducting the check-up (ESLS cost borne by the employer) | Medical service pricing | At the check-up | Completed items are generally non-refundable; the ESLS pre-contract check must not be passed on to the job seeker |
| Service fee | Agency matching, introduction and document assistance, priced by scheme and scope of service | Per the contract (job seeker or employer) | The licensed contracting entity (paid to a corporate account) | Published pricing and contract terms; a Hong Kong agency's commission from the job seeker is capped by law at 10% of the first month's earned wages and collectable only after that month's wages are paid, with no other fees directly or indirectly related to the placement; a Macau fee-charging agency's cap is 50% of the first month's basic remuneration, collected once after 60 days of employment, with no charge for renewals under the same employer and statutory refund rules (Law 16/2020) | Hong Kong: after the first month's wages are paid; Macau: 60 days into the employment; no large payments before approval | Refund boundaries written into the contract (separate terms for non-approval and mid-course withdrawal) |
| Insurance premium | Per destination requirements (accident/medical; Hong Kong employers must carry employees' compensation insurance) | Per the contract (employer or agency policy, or purchased personally) | The insurer or its agent | Policy terms | At policy inception | Per the policy's surrender rules |
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Read the employment contract
The contract should state the employer, role, salary, working hours, accommodation, deductions and employment term. Do not rely on verbal promises that are missing from the signed document.
Know where to seek help
If wages are withheld, unlawful charges are requested or the actual role differs materially from the agreement, preserve evidence and contact the relevant labour authority or regulator.
A transparent service does not sell approval
No intermediary can sell a government approval. A legitimate provider explains the process and risks rather than promising a guaranteed result.
