Back to work after early retirement? You must rejoin MPF, says the MPFA

蘭姨 took early retirement and withdrew all her MPF. Then a friend’s cooking school hired her as a part-time instructor — and the friend warned she would have to rejoin MPF. In a November 2011 column, the MPFA’s mascot 積金仔 confirmed it: any employee aged 18 to 64 employed for at least 60 days, full-time or part-time, must join an MPF scheme — even after cashing out in full.

The MPF 60-day rule: when does re-employment trigger contributions?

Under MPF law, employees aged 18–64 employed for 60 days or more must join MPF; early retirees who withdrew everything and return to work must contribute again if they meet the age and 60-day tests. Exemptions are narrow — domestic helpers and self-employed hawkers among them.

No fund choice? Your money goes to the default fund

蘭姨 received her membership certificate but never filed an investment choice. 積金仔’s warning: with no instruction, the trustee parks contributions in the scheme’s default fund — a trustee-picked fund or mix that may not suit your needs or risk appetite. Contact the trustee promptly to state your choice.

Same rule after returning from permanent departure

The same applies to anyone who withdrew early for another reason: cash out on permanent departure from Hong Kong, then come back and work again, and you rejoin MPF under the same rules. One withdrawal does not mean a lifetime exemption.

Three reminders for returning workers

1. The 60-day clock: your employer must enrol you within the deadline.
2. Expect the trustee’s membership certificate within 60 days of enrolment — file your investment choice promptly.
3. Keep payslips and employment records; they are your evidence if an employer defaults.

The MPF education hub explains account arrangements when changing jobs. MPFA hotline: 2918 0102.