⚠️ This page is for general education and reference only and is not legal advice. Hong Kong employment rights are governed by the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) and your individual contract; if in doubt, consult the Labour Department or a professional.
What is statutory holiday pay?
Statutory (labour) holidays are EO holidays every employee gets; the list differs from public (general/bank) holidays (usually 17). Counts: 15 in 2026 and 2027, 16 in 2028, 17 from 2030.
If employed under a continuous contract for ≥3 months immediately before the holiday, pay is one full day's ADW (×1) — not the 4/5 sickness rate. Employers must not buy out the holiday with cash; they may arrange an alternative holiday within 60 days before/after. Every employee gets the day off; the 3-month rule only gates pay.
Use theADW calculator,annual leave,sick leave,leave calculator, orworking daystools as needed.
Worked example
With ADW HK$769.23 and ≥3 months continuous service before each holiday, pay per statutory holiday = HK$769.23. In 2026 (15 statutory holidays), year total = 15 × $769.23 = HK$11,538.45. Set ADW 769.23, year 2026, service months ≥3 in the tool to match.
Eligibility and conditions
Day off: all employees, regardless of service length. Pay: generally ≥3 months under a continuous contract immediately before the holiday. No cash buy-out; alternative holiday within 60 days is allowed. Statutory annual leave is a separate entitlement — do not confuse it with labour holidays.
Sources
- Labour Department statutory holidays list:labour.gov.hk holidays
- Concise Guide to the Employment Ordinance:labour.gov.hk
- Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57):elegislation.gov.hk
FAQ
What is the difference between statutory and public holidays?
Statutory (labour) holidays are the EO holidays every employee gets — 15 in 2026 and 2027, rising to 16 in 2028 and 17 from 2030. Public (general/bank) holidays usually number 17 and are the days banks and offices close. The lists are not identical.
Can an employer pay cash instead of granting a labour holiday?
No. Employers must not 'buy out' a statutory holiday with money in lieu of the day off. They may arrange an alternative holiday within 60 days before or after the statutory holiday.
How is statutory holiday pay calculated — is it 4/5?
No. If the employee has been employed under a continuous contract for ≥3 months immediately before the holiday, holiday pay is one full day's ADW (×1). The 4/5 rate applies to sickness allowance and maternity/paternity pay — do not confuse them.
Do I get the day off if I have under three months' service?
Yes — every employee gets the day off regardless of length of service. The 3-month rule only gates the pay. Day off: yes; pay: only if the continuous-contract 3-month condition is met.
How many statutory holidays are there in 2026?
15 in both 2026 and 2027. This page lists each year's statutory holiday dates and names.
Can I rely on this calculator legally?
No. It is for general estimation and education only, not legal advice. Rely on the Labour Department holiday list and Cap. 57.