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Working Hours and Overtime in Hong Kong

What are the standard working hours in Hong Kong, SAR China?

Hong Kong law does not regulate working hours. Standard working hours are generally outlined in the employment agreement and can vary depending on the employee's role.

Is overtime governed by law in Hong Kong, SAR China? If so, what are the specifics outlined by law?

In Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR) China, the law does not mandate employers to pay for overtime unless it is specifically outlined in the employment agreement. Employers are only required to include overtime pay when calculating an employee's wages if the overtime payment is regular and consistent, or if its monthly average over the past 12 months constitutes at least 20% of the employee's average monthly wages.

How is overtime payment calculated in Hong Kong, SAR China?

In Hong Kong, SAR China, employers are not legally obligated to provide overtime pay unless it is specifically mentioned in the employment agreement. However, if overtime pay is regular, consistent, or if the monthly average of overtime pay over the past 12 months equals at least 20% of the employee’s average monthly wages during the same period, it must be included when calculating the employee's wages.

How is the time off in lieu payment calculated in Hong Kong, SAR China?

The calculation of time off in lieu payment in Hong Kong, SAR China, is at the customer’s discretion and follows the salary proration calculation.

What are the eligibility rules for time off in lieu in Hong Kong, SAR China?

In Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China, payment in lieu of statutory annual leave is only permitted under certain conditions:

  • Excess leave days: If a supported employee's annual leave balance exceeds 10 days, an employer, with the employee's agreement, may compensate for the excess days by paying an amount equivalent to the annual leave pay.

  • Untaken leave after the following year: If the employer does not grant statutory annual leave accrued during a particular year by the end of the following year, the employee may either take the leave or opt for payment in lieu.

  • Termination of employment: Upon the end of employment, any outstanding statutory annual leave must be compensated with a payment.

How many days before the actual start date should the employment agreement be signed for payroll purposes in Hong Kong, SAR China?

For payroll purposes in Hong Kong, SAR China, the employment agreement should be signed before the monthly cut-off date.

Can employment agreements be backdated in Hong Kong, SAR China?

No, employment agreements cannot be backdated in Hong Kong, SAR China.

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