Non-catering industries
2Local full-time1Imported worker
4 weeks of local recruitment
Every 2 full-time local employees across the company support an application for 1 imported worker.
For employers
A clear route from vacancy to hire.
Check eligibility, plan the full cost, then understand the process. Local recruitment comes first; approval and arrival dates depend on the case.
Your hiring plan, illustrated
Three steps to a clearer hiring plan.
01
Start with your vacancy
Role · headcount · pay · shiftsTell us what you need. BLJ helps identify the documents and next steps.
What to prepare ↗02
See the full cost
HK$5,000 / workerBLJ service fee. Wages, accommodation, government fees and other costs are extra.
Estimate the total ↗03
Follow each stage
Assess → recruit → approvals → arrivalLocal hiring comes first. Timing depends on the scheme, documents and approvals.
Explore the process ↗Full budget
Wages
＋Housing & insurance
＋Government & service fees
＋Other expenses
Eligibility
Is the ESLS the right route?
Check the route before committing.- Local headcount: Under the general 2:1 arrangement, each applicant company needs at least 2 full-time local employees (at least 35 hours a week), supported by MPF and employment records.
- Staffing ratios: Generally 2:1; catering production and service departments each use 3:1. See the diagrams below.
- Business operations: A genuine operating business and recruitment need, with supporting records and required licences.
- Eligible roles: Generally technician level or below. Roles covered by construction, designated transport and residential care schemes follow their respective arrangements.
Local recruitment, pay and other requirements
Local recruitment comes first; suitable local staff must remain unavailable. Recruitment pay must meet the higher of the Labour Department-approved wage and the latest applicable median wage. Entry requirements must be reasonable and the standard employment contract must be followed. Workplace, accommodation and other employer obligations also apply. Applications are assessed individually.
Staffing ratios & recruitment periods
Food & beverage · Production / table service
3Local full-time1Imported worker
6 weeks of local recruitment
Production: 3 full-time local kitchen staff → 1 imported cook.
Table service: 3 full-time local staff (e.g. waiters and supervisors) → 1 imported service worker.
Attend a designated job fair every two weeks during recruitment.
Examples assume no existing imported workers or unused valid quotas. Include these in the headcount assessment; ratios are not guaranteed approvals.
Specific arrangement · 1:1 Eligible local full-time employees with disabilities are counted under a 1:1 arrangement. Assess the latest classification, headcount rules and approval requirements for each case.
Official tiered approval explanation ↗Examples of specified food-and-beverage roles
Cooks, junior cooks, barbecue cooks, drink makers and bar supervisors; waiters, restaurant supervisors, receptionists and cashiers.
Before deciding: when imported labour may help
Before you decide
When local recruitment leaves a gap.
Imported labour may supplement genuine vacancies that remain unfilled after local recruitment. First assess the staffing need, working conditions and full employer budget.
Match candidates to the actual skills required. Consider wages, government fees, accommodation, insurance and applicable MPF contributions before deciding whether to apply.
Employer costs
Understand the full employer cost.
The agency fee is only one part of your budget. Separate initial payments from the ongoing cost of employing each worker.
Per worker. Confirm scope and payment stages in writing.
24-month illustration: HK$400 × 24. Paid as a lump sum after approval and before visa issuance; generally non-refundable.
Per visa under the ordinary fee category. Other immigration services may have different charges.
Refunds, cancellation and replacement
Under BLJ’s stated service arrangement, BLJ service fees received are refunded if the application is unsuccessful. Government and third-party charges are separate. Cancellation, resignation, replacement and refund timing depend on the written terms agreed before engagement; this is not a promise of free or unlimited replacements.
View the three-item cost illustration
Three upfront items. One clear subtotal.
ESLS example · one worker · 24 months · HK$
HK$14,930Service fee + levy + visaOne full rung = HK$250; partial rungs show the balance. Salary, housing, insurance and other costs are additional.
Budget calculator
Build a realistic budget.
ESLS planning only. All amounts are HK dollars, per worker unless stated. Enter an actual annual insurance quotation. The salary shown is an illustration, not an official median wage.
Edit the figures. See your estimated costs.
Use the fees above and the guidance under each field. Annual insurance defaults to HK$2,000; adjust it to your quotation and the estimate updates automatically.
- Enter headcount and costs
- Figures update automatically
- Review the cost breakdown
- Planning estimate, not a quotation.
- One-off costs are averaged over the contract for comparison, not offered as instalments.
- The levy is payable as a lump sum.
- Do not add upfront costs to the contract total a second time.
- This does not validate the required median wage.
- Medical care, travel, examinations, holiday cover, severance / long-service payments and unentered costs are excluded.
- Employee MPF deductions are not an additional employer expense.
- MPF eligibility, age, contribution periods and later changes need individual review.
Process & timing
From the first signature
to the first day at work.
BLJ coordinates documents and follow-up. You review, sign, interview and pay at the relevant steps.
① Apply for quota→② Labour Department assessment→③ Selection & visa processing→④ Formalities & arrival
Estimated overall timeframe: about 5–8 monthsBLJ planning estimate; actual timing depends on the case.
Months and days below are BLJ planning estimates, not government commitments or guaranteed start dates. Additional documents, postage and scheduling may affect each stage; adding the estimates does not give a fixed delivery date.
- 01
1–2 days
Forms for signature
- BLJ
- After receiving complete information and the deposit, BLJ prepares the Labour Department forms and sends them to the employer.
- Employer
- Check, sign, stamp and return the forms; BLJ follows up submission.
BLJ preparation estimate; excludes postage and employer signing time.
- 02
About 3 months
Queries and supporting evidence
- BLJ
- BLJ follows up Labour Department queries, provides compliance guidance and explains staffing needs using genuine business and recruitment records.
- Employer
- Supply supporting documents and confirm the responses.
BLJ planning estimate for initial screening and queries; queries may arrive earlier.
- 03
4 / 6 weeks
Recruit locally first
- BLJ
- Once initial screening is complete and recruitment is arranged, BLJ assists with required advertising and consolidates interview results.
- Employer
- Provide interviewers, genuinely assess and prioritise suitable local candidates, and record outcomes and reasons for non-selection.
Generally 4 weeks; catering production/service departments: 6 weeks, with a designated job fair every two weeks.
- 04
About 2 months
Quota decision
- BLJ
- For remaining vacancies, BLJ organises recruitment results and follow-up documents. The Labour Department decides after consulting Labour Advisory Board members.
- Employer
- Check correspondence at the application address and send the approval to BLJ to review deadlines.
BLJ post-recruitment planning estimate, not a guaranteed approval date.
- 05
By arrangement
Video interviews and selection
- BLJ
- After approval-in-principle, BLJ arranges initial video interviews and helps suitable candidates understand the workplace.
- Employer
- Select candidates and agree duties and terms. Check lawful entry arrangements before any Hong Kong site visit.
Mainland recruitment must involve approved labour service enterprises. A visit does not permit trial work or an early start.
- 06
About 1.5–2 months
Contracts and immigration
- BLJ
- BLJ organises worker documents, contracts and application forms, sends employer documents for signature and stamp, then assists with immigration submission.
- Employer
- Sign the standard employment contract directly with the worker and check and sign employer documents.
BLJ planning estimate. Immigration normally takes about 6 weeks after receiving all required documents; additional documents may extend this.
- 07
Example: HK$9,930 each
Pay government charges
- BLJ
- Notify the employer of visa approval and payment arrangements. Follow up the next steps after receiving the e-Visa from the employer.
- Employer
- Pay the government charges directly as instructed, download the e-Visa and send it to BLJ for the subsequent formalities.
24-month example: HK$9,600 levy + HK$330 ordinary visa fee. The employer pays; BLJ does not pay on their behalf. The levy is non-refundable. Actual charges depend on contract length and applicable fees.
- 08
About 7 working days
Mainland formalities and arrival
- BLJ
- After receiving the e-Visa, BLJ helps the worker mail the required information and documents, and follows up Mainland formalities and arrival arrangements.
- Employer
- Confirm the start date and finalise accommodation, insurance, reception and first-day arrangements.
BLJ planning estimate for Mainland formalities; work can start only once required documents and permissions are in place.
Suitable local candidate found → prioritise local hiring
Local recruitment is substantive. Only genuine vacancies that remain unfilled proceed through the imported-worker application.
Interactive timeline
Enter a submission date to estimate each step.
Use the eight-step guide for responsibilities and this calculator for dates. Change the inputs to update the estimate.
Fixed assumptions: immigration 6–8 weeks (about 1.5–2 months), followed by about 7 working days for Mainland formalities. Zero extra days excludes waiting for selection, signatures, postage and payment; increase it as needed.
Starts from submission; excludes the 1–2 days for form preparation after complete information and deposit. Working days mean Monday–Friday, without public holidays or adjusted workdays. Dates assume sequential stages and are not commitments for acceptance, approval or arrival. Confirm the start date only after all required permissions are obtained.
Official process and timing references
Checked: 9 October 2026. Initial screening is not quota approval. Labour Advisory Board members advise; the Labour Department decides. Visa applications must be submitted within the approval-in-principle deadline.
Labour Department: ESLS (Chinese)Immigration: documents, levy and processing (Chinese)
Immigration: fee table (Chinese)
Getting started
Which companies will apply?
Prepare one set per company.
Tell BLJ which companies will apply. We will prepare a deposit invoice and start the imported-worker quota application after receiving the deposit and required information.
① Confirm companies② Prepare documents③ Check invoice and pay deposit④ Start application support
Seven items for each company
01
Business documents
Latest Business Registration Certificate (BR), plus Certificate of Incorporation (CI), where applicable.
02
Local staffing
Full-time local headcount, roles and departments for each company. Directly employed for at least 35 hours per week; excludes part-time, outsourced and self-employed workers.
03
MPF records
Latest monthly MPF statement showing the company, trustee and contribution income details for local employees.
04
Vacancy details
Roles, headcount, working hours, shift arrangements and work addresses for each applicant company.
05
Business activity
Revenue, order volume or customer traffic, with the period covered. Initial estimates are welcome; formal applications may require supporting evidence.
06
Director and contact details
Director name, phone, email and full correspondence address, organised separately for each company.
07
Operating licences
Valid licences required for the business, such as a food business licence or applicable transport licence. Not required where inapplicable.
This is BLJ’s initial checklist, not the complete official requirements. Scheme-specific, accommodation, local recruitment and other evidence may also be needed. Submit MPF and employee records privately as instructed, not through public chat. Official application information (Chinese) ↗
Deposit and next steps
HK$5,000per applicant company
Company deposit · Later credited towards one worker’s service fee
First
Check invoice → deposit & documents
BLJ starts application support
Then, according to the Labour Department’s decision
Not approved
Full refund of this deposit
Refunded under the agreed terms; no costs incurred.
Approved
Formal contract, then onboarding
Candidates · immigration procedures · arrival coordination
Example · One company applies for 10 places
Pay a one-worker deposit, then settle by actual arrivals.
Apply for 10 placesInitial deposit: HK$5,000
Not approved
Deposit refundedHK$5,000
No costs incurred
1 worker starts
No balance dueHK$0
Total service fee: HK$5,000, covered by the deposit
5 workers start
Balance: 4 × HK$5,000 = HK$20,000HK$20,000Collected after workers start work
Total HK$25,000 − deposit HK$5,000
All 10 workers start
Balance: 9 × HK$5,000 = HK$45,000HK$45,000Collected after workers start work
Total HK$50,000 − deposit HK$5,000
These examples cover BLJ service fees only (HK$5,000 per worker who actually starts work). The deposit covers one worker’s service fee and is not charged twice. Wages, accommodation and other employment costs are outside this service-fee example.
Terms to confirm before payment
Each company pays a HK$5,000 deposit, credited towards one worker’s service fee; the balance is settled by the number of workers who actually start work. Check the deposit invoice, service scope and refund arrangements before payment. The imported-worker quota application starts after receipt of the deposit and required information. A formal contract after approval sets out subsequent services; the invoice and contract govern the details.
After checking your invoice, view company payment details
ZA Bank · ZA Bank
BLJ Human Resources Services Ltd
- Bank code
- 387
- FPS ID
- 109932889
- Account number
- 862026056-855
Cheques currently not accepted
Hang Seng Bank
BLJ HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES LIMITED
- Account number
- 370-723447-883
Cheques accepted
Check the payee, amount due and account details against your official invoice.
Who does what
Employ directly. Pay directly.
BLJ helps coordinate each step.
EmployerSign the employment contract directly↔
Employer pays wages directly to the worker→
WorkerWages do not pass through BLJ. BLJ does not sign application documents on the employer’s behalf.
01Assessment & application
- BLJ
- Organise role requirements, documents and progress
- Employer
- Provide accurate information; an authorised employer signs the application
02Local recruitment & interviews
- BLJ
- Coordinate matching, interviews and results
- Employer
- Prioritise suitable local candidates and keep accurate recruitment records
03Approval, contract & arrival
- BLJ
- Coordinate candidates, visa documents and arrival within the agreed scope
- Employer
- Select workers, sign directly, and arrange fees, accommodation and insurance; BLJ can liaise with landlords and insurance intermediaries if needed
04During employment
- BLJ
- Support communication and documents within the agreed scope
- Employer
- Pay workers directly, arrange leave and meet medical, insurance and approved employment conditions
BLJ provides recruitment and application support. Employers remain responsible for their statutory and employment-contract obligations. Services are subject to the agreed scope and contract.
After arrival
After the first day,
BLJ is here to help coordinate.
01Housing & insurance
Accommodation contacts across Hong Kong
BLJ can liaise with landlords and insurance intermediaries to help you arrange accommodation and insurance. Availability, rent and cover are confirmed by quotation.
02Documents & rights
Briefing · bank account · HKID
Help arrange the Labour Department rights briefing, bank-account opening and Hong Kong identity-card documents and appointments.
03Ongoing compliance support
Understand policy changes
Provide policy updates and compliance guidance to help employers address day-to-day employment questions.
04Termination & replacement
Free termination processing · 2 free replacements within 2 years
BLJ handles termination documents and replacement candidates, assisting with the relevant applications, paperwork and onboarding.
Per quota place · 2 years from the first worker’s start date
Worker A→Replacement 1Worker B→Replacement 2Worker C
The two-year period does not restart after a replacement. BLJ replacement services and processing are free; government, travel and other third-party costs are charged separately.
Accommodation deduction · up to 20%
Employers must arrange suitable accommodation under the scheme and contract. For applicable new contracts, use the lower of 20% of wages excluding overtime and actual accommodation cost.
Within 8 weeks · rights briefing
BLJ assists with arrangements; the employer must grant paid leave for attendance.
Conditions and employer responsibilities
The 20% cap applies to standard employment contracts based on approvals-in-principle issued on or after 16 June 2026. Earlier approvals retain their applicable terms. Employers remain responsible for direct wage payment, rest and leave, records, free medical treatment, insurance and approved employment conditions.
Free termination and replacement are BLJ service arrangements. Each quota place includes two replacements (A → B → C) within two years of the first worker’s initial start date; replacements do not restart the period. BLJ replacement services and processing are free; government, travel and other third-party costs are separate, subject to the service contract. Renewal is not automatic; replacements and renewals remain subject to the applicable application, approval and immigration requirements.
Labour Department: scheme and accommodation rules ↗ · Employment rights briefing ↗CONTACT BLJ
Let’s start with your vacancy.
Tell BLJ the role, headcount, location, shifts and budget. We will help clarify the next steps.
24-hour telephone / WhatsApp enquiries. Remote service and employer-site visits by arrangement. No walk-in office reception.