Choosing an employment agency in Hong Kong: licences and fees
Check the agency’s licence, commission and handling of your information.
Source checked · Employment agency licensing and job-seeker charges
Check the licence
The Labour Department provides a search for licensed employment agencies. Check the agency name and valid licence before using its service and verify contact details through official channels. If someone claims to represent a licensed firm, confirm their identity with that firm.
Understand fee limits
The Labour Department states that the prescribed commission charged to a job seeker after successful placement is capped at 10% of the first month’s wages, and other job-placement fees cannot be charged. Check the current rules before paying and obtain a receipt.
Keep records and ask questions
Keep the vacancy details, agreement, receipts and messages, and ask how your personal data will be used. Contact the Labour Department’s Employment Agencies Administration with questions about fees or licences or to report suspected overcharging.