Understanding the Hong Kong Public Holiday 2026 schedule is crucial for effective workforce planning, payroll accuracy, and HR compliance. This guide highlights the key holiday dates and statutory pay requirements employers must follow to ensure a smooth and compliant year.
Hong Kong Public Holiday 2026
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 (Thu) | New Year’s Day | Public holiday |
| February 17–21 (Tue–Sat) | Lunar New Year | Includes the first to fourth day of LNY |
| April 3 (Fri) | Ching Ming Festival | Traditional remembrance day |
| April 6 (Mon) | Day Following Good Friday | Long weekend |
| April 10 (Thu) | Buddha’s Birthday | Public holiday |
| May 1 (Fri) | Labour Day | International holiday |
| May 25–26 (Sun–Mon) | Easter Monday (observed) & Day Following Buddha’s Birthday | Sunday holiday shifted to Monday |
| June 18 (Thu) | Tuen Ng Festival | Dragon Boat Festival |
| July 1 (Wed) | HKSAR Establishment Day | Statutory holiday |
| October 1 (Thu) | National Day | Mainland China statutory holiday |
| October 6 (Tue) | Chung Yeung Festival | Climbing and remembrance |
| December 25 (Fri) | Christmas Day | Statutory holiday |
| December 26 (Sat) | Boxing Day | Public holiday (Saturday) |
Key Compliance Requirements
1. Statutory Holiday Pay Is Mandatory
Under the Employment Ordinance:
- Employees employed for at least 3 months are entitled to paid statutory holidays.
- Employers cannot replace a holiday with extra wages.
- If an employee works on a statutory holiday (with mutual consent), an alternative holiday must be provided.
2. Alternative Holidays Must Follow Strict Rules
If an employee needs to work during a statutory holiday, employers must:
- Notify the employee of the alternative holiday at least 48 hours in advance.
- Arrange the alternative holiday within 60 days of the original statutory holiday.
3. Workforce Scheduling Should Be Planned Early
Several long breaks occur in 2026 (e.g., Lunar New Year, Easter, and Ching Ming), so employers should:
- Review staffing and shift arrangements in advance
- Set clear rules for duty rosters and holiday approval
- Ensure adequate manpower during peak business periods (retail, logistics, food & beverage, etc.)
4. Holiday Pay Must Be Calculated Correctly
Statutory holiday pay is based on the Average Daily Wage (ADW):
- Calculated over the previous 12 months
- Cannot exclude commission, shift allowances, or other variable pay that forms part of normal earnings
- Employers must ensure accurate payroll records to avoid underpayment
Conclusion
By understanding the public holiday schedule and statutory obligations for 2026, employers can better manage workforce planning, salary calculations, and compliance requirements. Clear policies and standardized procedures not only reduce risk but also enhance employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.
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✔ Hong Kong payroll & salary calculation
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