Hong Kong Statutory Holidays 2027 for Domestic Helpers
Domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to 15 statutory holidays in 2027, the same count as 2026 now that Easter Monday (Mar 29) is a permanent fixture on the statutory list. Because the second day of Lunar New Year falls on a Sunday, the fourth day (Feb 9) is granted in substitution. The full dates are below, with the rules on substitute days, holiday pay and cash-in-lieu.
Dates in 2027
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | Friday | The first day of JanuaryStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| February 6, 2027 | Saturday | Lunar New Year's DayStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| February 8, 2027 | Monday | The third day of Lunar New YearStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| February 9, 2027 | Tuesday | The fourth day of Lunar New YearHoliday in substitution, as the second day of Lunar New Year (Feb 7) falls on a Sunday.Statutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| March 29, 2027 | Monday | Easter MondayA statutory holiday since 2026.Statutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| April 5, 2027 | Monday | Ching Ming FestivalStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| May 1, 2027 | Saturday | Labour DayStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| May 13, 2027 | Thursday | The Birthday of the BuddhaStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| June 9, 2027 | Wednesday | Tuen Ng FestivalStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| July 1, 2027 | Thursday | HKSAR Establishment DayStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| September 16, 2027 | Thursday | The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn FestivalStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| October 1, 2027 | Friday | National DayStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| October 8, 2027 | Friday | Chung Yeung FestivalStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| December 22, 2027 | Wednesday | Winter Solstice or Christmas DayDec 22 (Winter Solstice) or Dec 25 (Christmas) — at the option of the employer.Statutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
| December 27, 2027 | Monday | The first weekday after Christmas DayStatutory holiday | Statutory holiday |
Holiday rules every helper and employer should know
Domestic helpers are entitled to every statutory holiday from the first day of employment — length of service does not matter. Holiday pay is a separate entitlement: it kicks in once the helper has been employed under a continuous contract for three months preceding the holiday.
An employer cannot pay money instead of granting the holiday — "buying out" a statutory holiday is an offence under the Employment Ordinance. If the helper agrees to work on a statutory holiday, the employer must arrange an alternative holiday within 60 days before or after it, with at least 48 hours’ notice.
Statutory holidays are separate from the weekly rest day (24 continuous hours). When a statutory holiday falls on a rest day, the holiday should be granted on the next day that is not a rest day, statutory holiday or alternative holiday. Note that the 17 general (public) holidays are not automatic for helpers — the statutory list is the legal minimum, though many employers voluntarily grant the full general list.
Official sources & data
- General Holidays for 2027Visit sourceGovHK
- Statutory Holidays for 2027Visit sourceLabour Department, HKSAR
- Hong Kong Public Holidays iCalVisit source1823, HKSAR Government
Frequently asked questions
How many statutory holidays do domestic helpers get in Hong Kong in 2027?+
15 days, the same as 2026. Easter Monday remains on the statutory list, and the Lunar New Year holiday includes a substitute day on Feb 9 because the second day falls on a Sunday.
Why is Feb 9, 2027 a holiday for domestic helpers?+
The second day of Lunar New Year (Feb 7, 2027) falls on a Sunday, so the statutory holiday moves in substitution to the fourth day of Lunar New Year, Tuesday Feb 9.
Can my employer pay me instead of giving statutory holidays in 2027?+
No. Cash in lieu of a statutory holiday is prohibited under the Employment Ordinance, even if the helper agrees. If you work on a holiday, an alternative day must be arranged within 60 days.
Do domestic helpers get the 17 general holidays in 2027?+
Only the 15 statutory holidays are guaranteed by law. Employers may voluntarily grant the 17 general holidays, and many do, but it is not required.
Will domestic helpers get more statutory holidays after 2027?+
Yes. Under the Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, Good Friday becomes statutory in 2028 and the day after Good Friday in 2030, bringing the statutory list to 17 — the same as general holidays.