Statutory holidays vs general holidays in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has two holiday lists, two laws behind them, and a 15-versus-17 gap that confuses almost everyone who moves here. One applies to every employee; the other applies to banks, schools and government offices. Which one you get depends on your contract.
1The two lists
| Statutory holidays | General holidays | |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Employment Ordinance | General Holidays Ordinance |
| Days in 2026 | 15 | 17, plus Sundays |
| Applies to | All employees, regardless of hours or length of service | Banks, schools, public offices and government departments |
| Common name | Labour holidays | Bank holidays |
In practice most office workers in Hong Kong get the general holidays, because their employer chooses to follow the bank calendar. Workers in sectors such as catering, retail, security and cleaning are more likely to be on the statutory list.
2What is on one list but not the other
The gap is four days, and it comes from these differences:
- Good Friday and the day following it are general holidays but not statutory holidays — until 2028, when Good Friday is added.
- The first weekday after Christmas appears on both lists, but the statutory list allows the employer to substitute the Winter Solstice or Christmas Day itself.
- Easter Monday became a statutory holiday in 2026, which narrowed the gap from three days to two.
- Sundays are general holidays under the ordinance but are simply rest days for most employees.
3Why the number keeps rising
The statutory list is being phased up to 17 days by 2030, one day every two years:
| From | New holiday added | Statutory total |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Birthday of the Buddha | 13 |
| 2024 | The first weekday after Christmas | 14 |
| 2026 | Easter Monday | 15 |
| 2028 | Good Friday | 16 |
| 2030 | The day following Good Friday | 17 |
By 2030 the two lists will be the same length, though not identical in composition.
4What it means for pay
Statutory holiday pay applies to employees on a continuous contract who have been employed for at least three months. The daily rate is the average daily wage over the preceding 12 months, and it must be paid by the next payday after the holiday.
An employer cannot pay you instead of giving a statutory holiday — payment in lieu is prohibited, with a fine for contravention. If you are required to work on a statutory holiday, the employer must give at least 48 hours' notice and arrange an alternative holiday within 60 days.
General holidays carry no separate statutory pay entitlement of their own; pay for those days depends on your contract.
5Checking your own entitlement
Look at your contract for the phrase "general holidays" or "public holidays" — that usually means the 17-day list. If it says "statutory holidays" or "labour holidays", you are on the 15-day list with the differences above.
Domestic helpers, drivers and other household staff are covered by the Employment Ordinance and entitled to statutory holidays. Our holiday tool lists both years and exports the dates to your calendar.
Quick answers
How many statutory holidays are there in 2026?
15. Easter Monday was added from 2026, taking the total from 14 to 15. It rises to 16 in 2028 and 17 in 2030.
Which list applies to me?
Check your contract. If it refers to general or public holidays, you follow the 17-day bank calendar. If it refers to statutory or labour holidays, you follow the 15-day list.
Can my employer pay me instead of giving a statutory holiday?
No. Payment in lieu of a statutory holiday is prohibited under the Employment Ordinance and carries a fine.
Do I get paid for statutory holidays?
Employees on a continuous contract with at least three months of service are entitled to statutory holiday pay at their average daily wage.
Are the lists the same by 2030?
The same length — 17 days each — but not identical in composition. Good Friday and the day after will be statutory by 2030.
Sources: Labour Department — statutory holidays · GovHK — general holidays · 1823 — which dates are statutory holidays. Last checked 28 October 2026; operators and government departments can change fares and arrangements at any time.