Getting a maid in Singapore can make daily life much easier, especially when your household is managing children, elderly family members or demanding work schedules.
The hiring process, however, involves several Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements. You need to confirm eligibility, apply for a work permit, arrange insurance, purchase a security bond and complete the required medical checks.
Once your domestic helper starts working, you must also manage her salary, monthly levy, rest days, medical care and work permit renewal.
This guide explains the main requirements in the order you are likely to encounter them, so you can understand what needs to be done before arrival, during employment and when the work permit is due for renewal.
Getting a Maid in Singapore at a Glance
| Stage | What you need to do |
| Before applying | Check employer and domestic helper eligibility |
| First time employer | Complete the Employer Orientation Programme |
| Work permit application | Obtain written consent, apply and pay the application fee |
| Before arrival | Arrange insurance, security bond and the Settling in Programme |
| After arrival | Complete the medical examination and orientation programme |
| Work permit issuance | Issue the permit within two weeks of arrival |
| During employment | Pay salary and levy and meet MOM employment requirements |
| Medical screening | Complete the medical checks stated in MOM’s notice |
| Before expiry | Renew the work permit, insurance and security bond |
| End of employment | Settle salary, cancel the permit and arrange transfer or repatriation |
What Are the Requirements to Hire a Domestic Helper in Singapore?
You must meet MOM’s employer eligibility requirements before you can hire a domestic helper.
You must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Not be an undischarged bankrupt
- Have the mental capacity to understand and fulfil your responsibilities as an employer
MOM will also consider your financial ability, caregiving needs and whether you can provide acceptable accommodation. A medical condition that affects your ability to supervise and care for the domestic helper may also affect your eligibility.
Review the full employer requirements for hiring a domestic helper before applying.
Do First Time Employers Need to Attend a Course?
Yes. First time employers must complete the Employer Orientation Programme before submitting a work permit application.
The programme helps new employers understand their responsibilities, including proper care, safety, communication and employment conditions.
It should be completed before the work permit application is submitted.
Should You Hire a Maid Directly or Through a Maid Agency?
In Singapore, you may hire a domestic helper directly in certain situations or engage a licensed maid agency. Direct hiring may suit employers who already have a suitable candidate and are comfortable managing the work permit, insurance, security bond, medical appointments, overseas documents and travel arrangements themselves.
However, direct hiring is not available in every case because the domestic helper’s home country may have its own recruitment rules. For example, Filipino domestic helpers recruited from the Philippines generally need to be processed through a licensed and accredited employment agency.
Hiring through an agency may be more suitable for first time employers or families who prefer support throughout the process. Homekeeper can assist with candidate shortlisting, interviews, work permit applications, direct hire and transfer documentation, embassy paperwork, medical appointment coordination, insurance matters, pre-employment training and deployment arrangements.
Before engaging with an agency, ask for a clear breakdown of all charges, including service fees, placement fees, insurance, medical examinations, travel expenses and replacement policies. You may read more about this option here: How To Hire A Helper Through A Domestic Helper Agency In Singapore
The right option depends on the domestic helper’s source country, your experience, and the level of support you need.
How to Apply for a Maid Work Permit
Every domestic helper must hold a valid work permit before she can legally work in Singapore.
You, your sponsor or an authorised employment agency can submit the application. Before applying, you must obtain the domestic helper’s written consent.
You will also need her passport details, information about your household and your income particulars.
The application costs S$35. Applications made through MOM’s FDW eService are generally processed within one week, although some cases may take longer.
Work permit Application Steps
- Obtain the domestic helper’s written consent.
- Prepare her passport and personal details.
- Submit the application.
- Pay the S$35 application fee.
- Check the application result.
- Download the In Principle Approval letter if approved.
Check that the name, passport number and other information in the approval letter match her passport. Incorrect details may prevent her from entering Singapore.
You can apply for a domestic helper’s work permit through MOM.
For a closer look at the application process, read Homekeeper’s guide to getting a work permit for your domestic helper.
What Must Be Arranged Before Your Domestic Helper Arrives?
Receiving the In Principle Approval letter does not mean the domestic helper should travel immediately.
Before her arrival, you must arrange:
- Medical insurance
- Personal accident insurance
- A security bond for a non-Malaysian domestic helper
- Settling in Programme registration for a first-time domestic helper
- Any documents required by her embassy or home country
Your bank or insurer may take up to three working days to send the security bond details to MOM. The bond must take effect when the domestic helper arrives. Otherwise, she may not be allowed to enter Singapore.
Is Maid Insurance Compulsory in Singapore?
Yes. Employers must purchase medical insurance and personal accident insurance before the domestic helper arrives.
You must pay for both policies. The cost cannot be passed to the domestic helper or deducted from her salary.
- Medical Insurance
The policy must cover inpatient care and day surgery during the domestic helper’s stay in Singapore.
It must provide an annual claim limit of at least S$60,000. If the policy contains sublimits for specific treatments or conditions, each relevant sublimit must also meet MOM’s minimum requirement.
Under the enhanced medical insurance framework, employers may need to bear part of admissible claim amounts above S$15,000. Insurance reduces the risk of large medical bills, but it does not remove the employer’s responsibility for excluded or uncovered costs.
- Personal Accident Insurance
Personal accident insurance must provide at least S$60,000 in annual coverage.
It must cover unexpected accidents resulting in permanent disability or death, with compensation payable to the domestic helper or her beneficiaries.
Review MOM’s full maid insurance requirements before selecting a policy.
Homekeeper’s guide explains in more detail why maid insurance is required when hiring a domestic helper.
What Is the S$5,000 Security Bond?
The security bond is a banker’s or insurer’s guarantee provided to the Singapore Government.
You must purchase a S$5,000 security bond for each non-Malaysian domestic helper. Malaysian domestic helpers are exempt.
The domestic helper cannot be asked to pay for the bond. It may be purchased separately or together with the insurance package.
The bond must take effect when she arrives in Singapore. MOM may forfeit it if the employer or domestic helper breaches the Work permit or security bond conditions.
Read MOM’s complete security bond requirements before arranging the guarantee.
What Happens After the Domestic Helper Arrives?
After arrival, a first-time domestic helper may need to complete the Settling in Programme. Every domestic helper must also undergo the required medical examination before her Work permit can be issued.
Settling in Programme
A first-time domestic helper must attend the one day Settling in Programme within seven days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
She cannot start working before attending the programme.
The programme covers:
- Living and working in Singapore
- Employment conditions
- Household and workplace safety
- Relationship management
- Stress management
The employer must register the domestic helper and pay the programme fee. She cannot attend on the same day she arrives.
Pre Employment Medical Examination
Every domestic helper must undergo a medical examination with a Singapore registered doctor within two weeks of arriving.
The examination checks whether she is fit to work and screens for:
- Tuberculosis
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Malaria
Her work permit can only be issued after she passes.
If your household has a child below seven who is not fully vaccinated against measles, you must also ensure that the domestic helper has immunity against measles.
Download the form and review the pre employment medical examination requirements before visiting the clinic.
How Is the Maid Work Permit Issued?
The work permit must generally be issued within two weeks of the domestic helper’s arrival.
After she passes the medical examination and completes the Settling in Programme where required, you or your employment agency must:
- Log in to the FDW eService.
- Provide the card delivery details.
- Pay the S$35 issuance fee.
- Print the temporary work permit.
- Give it to the domestic helper.
- Arrange fingerprint and photo registration if required.
The temporary work permit is valid for one month. It allows the domestic helper to work and remain in Singapore while waiting for the work permit card.
If fingerprint and photo registration is required, it must generally be completed within one week after the permit is issued.
How Much Maid Levy Must Employers Pay?
Employers must pay a monthly levy for every domestic helper they employ.
| Levy category | Monthly rate |
| First domestic helper | S$300 |
| Each subsequent domestic helper | S$450 |
| Concessionary rate | S$60 |
Households with an eligible young child, elderly family member or person with disabilities may qualify for the S$60 concessionary rate.
For a first-time domestic helper, levy charges begin on the fifth day of arrival, including the arrival date. For other domestic helpers, they begin the day after arrival.
The levy generally ends when the work permit expires or is cancelled.
For payment methods, concession eligibility and waiver applications, read Homekeeper’s Maid Levy in Singapore 2026: A Must Read Guide.
What Medical Checks Are Required During Employment?
Domestic helpers must generally attend a medical examination every six months.
The MOM notification will state which tests are required for each appointment.
| Screening | Frequency |
| Pregnancy | Every six months |
| Syphilis through VDRL testing | Every six months |
| HIV | Every two years |
| Tuberculosis | Once after two years in Singapore |
| BMI and visible signs of abuse | Checked during the examination |
The examination must be completed at a clinic and certified by a Singapore registered doctor. The clinic submits the results directly to MOM.
Employers or their representatives should not be present during the examination. The employer must pay for the examination and any related medical expenses.
Homekeeper’s guide covers the medical checks required for domestic helpers in more detail.
What MOM Rules Apply During Employment?
Obtaining the work permit is only the start of your responsibilities.
Throughout the employment period, you must pay the domestic helper correctly, provide adequate care, and ensure that she only performs permitted duties.
- Pay Salary in Full and on Time
You must pay the domestic helper every month, no later than seven days after the salary period ends.
Her salary must not be lower than the amount declared to MOM.
If she requests direct bank transfer, you must use that method. For cash payments, keep records signed by both parties.
You must not keep her salary, bank card, bank book or personal money.
- Provide Weekly Rest Days
A domestic helper is entitled to one rest day each week.
If she agrees to work on a rest day, you must compensate her with at least one additional day’s salary.
However, she must receive at least one rest day every month that cannot be exchanged for payment.
A rest day may be taken as one full day or two half days. It may also be deferred by up to one month if both parties agree.
- Provide Food, Accommodation and Medical Care
You must provide adequate food, safe accommodation, reasonable privacy and necessary medical treatment.
The domestic helper should have a safe and properly ventilated sleeping area. Cameras must not be installed in private areas where she sleeps, changes clothes or uses the bathroom.
Medical care, insurance and required examinations remain the employer’s responsibility.
- Assign Only Permitted Domestic Duties
A domestic helper may only work for her official employer and normally at the residential address registered with MOM.
She cannot:
- Work for another household
- Take part-time jobs
- Work in the employer’s business
- Perform commercial duties
A limited childcare or eldercare arrangement at a relative’s home may be allowed when MOM’s conditions are met, and MOM is notified in advance.
Employers who deploy a domestic helper illegally may face a financial penalty of up to S$10,000 and may be barred from employing another domestic helper.
Read Homekeeper’s guide to maid employment laws in Singapore for a fuller explanation of salary, rest days, accommodation and permitted duties.
When Should a Maid Work Permit Be Renewed?
MOM normally sends the renewal letter around eight weeks before the work permit expires.
The renewal costs S$35, and the outcome is generally immediate once all the requirements have been completed. The renewed work permit is usually valid for up to two years.
Before renewing, you may need to:
- Complete a medical examination if stated in the renewal letter
- Purchase a new security bond
- Renew the medical insurance
- Renew the personal accident insurance
- Update the domestic helper’s details
- Pay the renewal fee
Start the process early because the bank or insurer may need several working days to submit the new insurance and security bond details.
You can renew the domestic helper’s Work permit through MOM after receiving the renewal letter.
For a detailed checklist, read Homekeeper’s guide on how to renew a maid Work permit in Singapore.
What Should You Do When Employment Ends?
You must cancel the work permit when the domestic helper no longer works for you.
The work permit should generally be cancelled within one week after her final working day. If she has already left Singapore and will not return to work for you, cancel it within one week of her departure.
Before cancelling the work permit:
- Agree on the final working day.
- Pay all outstanding salary.
- Confirm that the domestic helper has a valid passport.
- Discuss the flight and transit arrangements.
- Record the arrangements in writing.
- Purchase the required travel ticket.
- Ensure that she leaves before her Special Pass expires.
You can cancel the domestic helper’s Work permit through MOM. Once the permit is cancelled, she cannot continue working.
A transfer to another employer may be arranged instead of repatriation.
Complete Checklist for Getting a Maid in Singapore
Before Applying
- Confirm employer eligibility
- Confirm domestic helper eligibility
- Complete the Employer Orientation Programme if required
- Obtain the domestic helper’s written consent
- Submit the work permit application
Before Arrival
- Review the In Principle Approval letter
- Purchase medical insurance
- Purchase personal accident insurance
- Arrange the security bond
- Register for the Settling in Programme where required
- Confirm travel and overseas documents
After Arrival
- Complete the Settling in Programme
- Arrange the pre-employment medical examination
- Check measles immunity requirements
- Issue the work permit
- Complete fingerprint and photo registration if required
During Employment
- Pay salary in full and on time
- Pay the monthly levy
- Provide weekly rest days
- Arrange required medical examinations
- Maintain valid insurance
- Provide food, accommodation and medical care
- Assign only permitted domestic duties
- Update MOM when relevant details change
Before Renewal or Termination
- Check the renewal letter
- Renew insurance and the security bond
- Complete any required medical examination
- Renew the work permit before expiry
- Settle outstanding salary
- Cancel the work permit when employment ends
- Arrange a transfer or repatriation
Conclusion
Getting a maid in Singapore becomes easier when the requirements are handled in the correct order.
Start by confirming that you and the domestic helper are eligible. Apply for the work permit, then arrange the insurance, security bond and arrival requirements.
After employment begins, keep track of salary payments, levy bills, rest days, medical checks and the work permit expiry date.
A simple calendar and an organised folder for documents can prevent most problems. It is not exciting, admittedly. Still better than discovering an expired permit at the last minute.
Need Help Getting a Domestic Helper in Singapore?
Hiring a domestic helper involves recruitment, interviews, insurance, paperwork and several MOM deadlines.
Homekeeper can support you throughout the process, from selecting a suitable domestic helper to managing Work permit applications, documentation, transfers and repatriation arrangements.
Contact Homekeeper for help getting a domestic helper in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I hire a domestic helper without using an agency?
Not always. MOM allows direct hiring, but the helper’s home-country rules may require an agency. For example, hiring a Filipino helper from the Philippines generally requires an authorised employment agency.
- How much does a maid work permit cost?
The application fee is S$35. Another S$35 is payable when the work permit is issued. Renewal also costs S$35.
- Is maid insurance compulsory?
Yes. Employers must purchase medical insurance and personal accident insurance before the domestic helper arrives.
- Does every domestic helper require a S$5,000 security bond?
No. The bond is required for non-Malaysian domestic helpers. Malaysian domestic helpers are exempt.
- Can insurance, levy or medical expenses be deducted from her salary?
No. These are employer responsibilities and must not be passed to the domestic helper through salary deductions.
- Can a domestic helper work at a relative’s home?
Not normally. A limited childcare or eldercare arrangement may be allowed when MOM’s conditions are met and MOM is informed before the arrangement begins.
- How long is a domestic helper’s work permit valid?
A renewed work permit is generally valid for up to two years, subject to MOM’s approval and the validity of supporting requirements such as insurance and passport.
- When should I start renewing the work permit?
Start once MOM sends the renewal letter, which is normally around eight weeks before the permit expires.
About the Author
Linda Seh has over 20 years of experience in the Employment industry. She takes the time to thoroughly interview each family and helper to understand their requirements, personalities, and preferences. Her intuition and insight has helped her make placements that result in lasting, harmonious working relationships. Linda now leverages this expertise and experience to simplify your search and ensure you find the ideal and qualified helper to become a valued member of your family.
