How many days
- Years 1 and 2: 7 days each year
- Year 3: 8 days
- Year 4: 9 days
- Year 5: 10 days
- Year 6: 11 days
- Year 7: 12 days
- Year 8: 13 days
- Year 9 and after: 14 days
When you take it
Leave is taken within the 12 months after you earn it. Your employer sets the dates after talking with you, and must tell you at least 14 days ahead. Rest days and statutory holidays that fall inside your leave do not count as leave.
Leave pay
Annual leave is paid at your average daily wage. It must be paid no later than your next payday after the leave.
If the contract ends
If your employment ends after at least three months, you are paid for the leave you earned but did not take, counted pro rata for the part-year. Our calculators estimate it from your contract date.
This explains the law in plain words. It is not legal advice — confirm with the Labour Department, 2717 1771.
Sources
- Labour Department — Concise Guide to the Employment Ordinance
- Labour Department — foreign domestic helpers
Updated 18 September 2026