The legal framework
Maternity leave was extended from ten to fourteen weeks in 2020, with the additional four weeks reimbursed to employers by the government. Antenatal care is provided through maternal and child health centres and hospital clinics. Delivery in a public hospital costs a modest daily fee for eligible residents, but non-eligible persons face charges that run into tens of thousands.
Maternity leave rose from ten to fourteen weeks in 2020, with the government reimbursing employers for the additional four weeks. The larger issue for a binational couple is cost: public hospital delivery is heavily subsidised for Hong Kong residents and charged at a high non-eligible rate for everyone else, with an obligation to book a place in advance. Private delivery runs into six figures in local currency.
Key points
| Maternity leave | Fourteen weeks since 2020, extended from ten |
|---|---|
| Paternity leave | Five days |
| Antenatal care | Maternal and child health centres and hospital clinics |
| Public delivery | Modest daily fee for eligible residents |
| Non-eligible persons | Charges running into tens of thousands |
| Private care | Widely used, with package prices quoted in advance |
| Booking | Public hospital booking should be made early in the pregnancy |
In practice
- Book the public hospital place early: quotas apply and late booking is difficult.
- Confirm your eligibility status before choosing where to deliver — the difference is enormous.
- Maternal and child health centres provide free antenatal and postnatal care.
- Private package prices should be obtained in writing, including what happens if a caesarean is needed.
Cost and coverage
Public delivery is inexpensive for eligible residents and very costly for everyone else.
Recent changes
The extension of statutory maternity leave to fourteen weeks took effect in 2020, with a government reimbursement scheme for employers covering the additional four weeks.
Where to go
- Maternal and Child Health Centres of the Department of Health.
- Hospital Authority obstetric departments.
- Labour Department for maternity leave entitlements.
Worth knowing
Eligibility status is the single biggest financial variable here. Establish it in writing at the first appointment rather than at admission.
Frequently asked questions
How much does giving birth cost in Hong Kong?
For an eligible resident, a nominal daily charge in a public hospital. For a non-eligible person, a package rate in the tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars, payable in advance with a booking certificate. Private hospitals commonly charge well above HK$100,000.
How long is maternity leave?
Fourteen weeks since 2020, at four-fifths of normal pay for employees who meet the continuous employment condition; the government reimburses employers for the additional four weeks. Paternity leave is five days.
Official sources and links
- GovHK — official government portal