Can an employment agreement be backdated in Hong Kong?

Yes, an employment agreement can be backdated in Hong Kong, but only within a limited timeframe. Backdating is permitted up to the 14th day of the month in which the employee is hired.


For example, if an employee’s hire month is July, the agreement may be backdated to any date between July 1 and July 14. Backdating beyond the 14th of the month is not allowed under local compliance guidelines.


It’s important to ensure that any backdating is finalized promptly, as it can affect statutory reporting, payroll processing, and contributions to social security schemes. Any discrepancies in employment dates may also lead to compliance issues or administrative delays.

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