Retired early at 63 and working again — must you rejoin MPF?

源叔 took early retirement years ago, withdrew all his MPF, and planned to dote on grandchildren. Then his son’s family emigrated, boredom set in, and he took a part-time tai-chi teaching job at a community centre. At 63 he asked: having already withdrawn everything, must he join MPF again now that he works? In a November 2011 column, the MPFA’s 積哥 answered: yes.

The MPF 60-day rule at 63

Under MPF law, everyone aged 18–64 employed for at least 60 days, full-time or part-time, must join an MPF scheme — with narrow exemptions such as domestic helpers and self-employed hawkers. At 63 and employed beyond 60 days, 源叔 had to rejoin even after cashing out in full at early retirement.

How do you know you’re enrolled?

源叔 had ignored the enrolment papers his boss gave him. 積哥’s tip: if your employer has enrolled you, the trustee mails a membership certificate within 60 days of enrolment — that certificate is your proof.

No fund choice means the default fund

Even with an account opened, if the member never filed a choice, the trustee parks contributions in the scheme’s default fund — a trustee-picked fund or mix that may not suit personal needs or risk appetite. Contact the trustee promptly to state your choice. At 63, 源叔’s risk capacity differs greatly from his younger days — all the more reason not to surrender the choice.

Same rule after returning from emigration

Anyone who withdrew on permanent departure and later works in Hong Kong again must also rejoin under the same rules. The MPF education hub explains contribution arrangements for returning workers. MPFA hotline: 2918 0102.