COMPLETE GUIDE
Domestic Helper
Everything you need to know about hiring a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) in Singapore. From eligibility requirements to costs, agency selection, and employer responsibilities.
COMPLETE GUIDE
Everything you need to know about hiring a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) in Singapore. From eligibility requirements to costs, agency selection, and employer responsibilities.
Before You Start
Before welcoming a helper into your home, you must meet the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) eligibility requirements to ensure you can provide a safe and supportive environment.
Note: MOM may request proof of income during the work permit application process.
Step by Step
Follow these steps to successfully hire a Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore.
First-time employers must complete this mandatory online course covering your rights, responsibilities, and how to build a positive working relationship with your helper.
~3 hours
Duration
Free
Cost
2 Years
Validity
Licensed maid agencies help match you with suitable candidates, handle paperwork, and ensure compliance with MOM regulations.
Assess candidates based on skills, experience, communication ability, and compatibility with your family's needs and values.
Experience & Skills
Situation-Based
Personal & Motivation
Expectations & Preferences
Tip: Focus on how they respond, not just what they say. Look for honesty, confidence, and a willingness to learn. Personalise your questions based on their resume to get genuine answers, as responses to common questions may be rehearsed. For video interviews, ensure the connection is clear enough to assess their communication skills.
Your agency submits the application through MOM's online system. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Mandatory insurance and security bond must be purchased before your helper arrives.
After arrival, your helper must complete medical examination and registration within 2 weeks.
Agency Selection
Selecting the right employment agency is crucial for a smooth hiring experience. Here are key factors to consider.
Verify the agency has few or no demerit points. High demerit points indicate past issues or complaints.
Check on MOM websiteLook for agencies accredited by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), indicating fair trading practices.
Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family. Positive testimonials reflect reliable service.
Ensure the agency provides a clear fee breakdown with no hidden costs. Get all charges in writing before committing.
Hiring a helper from their home country. Suitable if you want someone with specific training or no prior habits from other employers.
Hiring a helper already working in Singapore who is transferring from another employer. Faster process and proven experience.
Budget Planning
Understanding all costs involved in hiring a domestic helper helps you budget effectively. Here's a comprehensive breakdown.
Monthly Salary
Market rate varies by nationality & experience
Foreign Worker Levy
Standard: S$300 | Concessionary: S$60
Food Allowance
If not providing meals directly
Insurance (Monthly)
Medical + PA + Security Bond (annual/12)
Estimated Monthly Total
S$930 - S$1,440Levy Concession: Qualify for S$60/month levy if you have a child under 16, elderly person 67+, or disabled family member in your household.
Agency Fee
Processing, matching, paperwork
Work Permit Issuance
MOM processing fee
Multi-Journey Visa
If applicable for nationality
Medical Examination
Post-arrival health screening
Settling-in Programme
For first-time helpers
Estimated Setup Total
S$1,220 - S$2,790Total Investment
First year includes one-time setup costs. Subsequent years are primarily recurring expenses plus insurance renewal.
First Year Total
S$12,000 – S$20,000
Subsequent years: ~S$11,000 – S$17,500
Cost Comparison
The monthly levy is one of the largest ongoing costs. Singapore Citizens and PRs with eligible household members can enjoy significant savings through levy concession.
Work pass holders (EP, S Pass, etc.)
Monthly Levy
S$300
Standard rate, no concession available
Note: Foreigners pay the standard levy regardless of household composition. Consider this when budgeting for your helper.
With eligible household members
Concessionary Levy
S$60
80% savings vs standard rate!
You can get the concessionary rate of S$60/month if there is an eligible person living in your household. Concession is limited to 1 helper per eligible person, capped at 2 helpers per household.
Singapore Citizen below 16 years old
Singapore Citizen aged 67 years and above
PR aged 67+ with SC spouse, parent, or grandparent
SC/PR certified by doctor, needs help with ADL
If you hire a helper to care for a family member who needs help with 3 or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), you may qualify for additional support.
Up to S$400/month
Monthly grant from AIC
Contact AIC Hotline: 1800 650 6060 for eligibility and application.
| Cost Item | Foreigners (EP/S Pass) | SC/PR (with eligible person) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Levy | S$300 | S$60 | S$2,880/year |
| Helper Salary | S$600 - S$800 | S$600 - S$800 | Same |
| Insurance (annual) | S$300 - S$600 | S$300 - S$600 | Same |
| Home Caregiving Grant | Not eligible | Up to S$400/month | Up to S$4,800/year |
| Total Potential Savings | Baseline | With concession + grant | Up to S$7,680/year |
If you're on an EP or S Pass and planning to apply for Singapore PR, becoming a PR could significantly reduce your helper costs, especially if you have young children or elderly family members. The levy savings alone can amount to S$5,760 over a 2-year contract.
Learn about PR applicationMandatory Protection
Employers are legally required to purchase comprehensive insurance and provide a security bond before the helper can start work.
Covers inpatient care and day surgery expenses throughout employment.
Min S$60,000
Coverage required
Provides compensation for death or permanent disability due to accidents.
Min S$40,000
Coverage required
Guarantee to the Singapore government ensuring compliance with employment regulations.
S$5,000
Bond amount (S$50-60/yr insurance)
Most insurers offer comprehensive packages combining medical, personal accident, and security bond coverage for around S$250 - S$500 per year. Some packages include additional benefits like repatriation costs and employer's liability coverage.
Ongoing Requirement
All Foreign Domestic Workers in Singapore must undergo a medical examination every 6 months as mandated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This ensures your helper remains healthy and fit for work.
The 6-Monthly Medical Examination is a regulatory requirement to monitor and maintain the health of Foreign Domestic Workers throughout their employment in Singapore.
Cost: S$40 - S$80
At MOM-registered clinics
You must ensure your helper completes the 6ME within the stipulated timeframe. MOM tracks these deadlines and non-compliance can result in penalties.
First 6ME
Within 6 months of arrival in Singapore
Subsequent 6ME
Every 6 months thereafter, throughout employment
Grace Period
2 weeks before or after the due date
If you have a valid reason for needing an extension, contact MOM through the online Work Permit system. Provide detailed documentation including medical certificates, travel itineraries, or other relevant evidence. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.
Tip: Set calendar reminders 2-3 weeks before each 6ME due date to ensure timely scheduling.
Your Obligations
As an employer, you have legal and ethical obligations to ensure your helper's well-being and comply with MOM regulations.
End of Employment
Whether the employment ends naturally at contract completion or through early termination, there are proper procedures you must follow as an employer.
The typical Work Permit validity and contract length is 2 years. If you're not planning to renew, follow these steps for a smooth conclusion.
Discuss & Agree
Have a conversation with your helper and agree on her last day of work
Settle All Payments
Pay all outstanding salary, leave encashment, and any other dues
Book Air Ticket
You must pay for her return flight including check-in luggage
Cancel Work Permit
Cancel within 1 week of her last day of work via MOM portal
Tip: If you wish to continue working with your helper, look out for a renewal letter from MOM about 8 weeks before her Work Permit expires.
Sometimes early termination is necessary due to poor fit, change in requirements, or unforeseen circumstances. Both employer and helper have the right to end the contract early.
Note: If termination is due to a dispute, consider resolving it before resorting to termination. MOM provides mediation services if needed.
Cancel Work Permit
Within 1 week of last day of work
Helper's Departure
Within 2 weeks of Work Permit cancellation
Security Bond
Discharged after Work Permit cancellation & departure
Warning: After cancellation, your helper cannot work even while waiting to leave. Overstaying fines will be imposed if she doesn't depart on time.
If your helper wishes to work for another employer in Singapore, she can be transferred instead of sent home. This is common when the employment ends amicably and she wants to continue working in Singapore.
The new employer will need to apply for a new Work Permit, and you'll need to cancel the existing one.
Building Harmony
Singapore is home to helpers from Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Understanding their cultural backgrounds helps build a positive and respectful working relationship.
💡 Learning a few words in your helper's language, like "thank you", can help build rapport.
💡 Acknowledge their festive days. A simple greeting means a lot.
💡 A happy helper leads to a happy household.
Common Questions
No. According to MOM regulations, employers are not allowed to hold onto their helper's passport. This protects the helper's rights and freedom. You should provide a secure place for them to store their own documents.
Yes. Foreign Domestic Workers must undergo medical examinations as part of the employment process and periodically during their employment. This safeguards the health of both the helper and your household members.
Yes, if you're a first-time employer of a Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore. The EOP is mandatory and designed to educate you on your rights, responsibilities, and obligations. It's free and takes about 3 hours online.
Yes. Many agencies facilitate remote interviews through video calls, allowing you to assess candidates from different countries before making a decision. This is especially common for fresh hires from overseas.
Transfer hiring allows you to employ a helper already working in Singapore. The current employer cancels the existing work permit, and you apply for a new one. Processing takes 1-2 weeks, and the helper can meet you in person before you commit.
If disputes cannot be resolved amicably, you can contact MOM for mediation services. They help resolve conflicts and ensure fair treatment for both parties. Early communication is key to preventing misunderstandings from escalating.
We can connect you with trusted maid agencies and guide you through the entire process. Get personalized advice tailored to your family's needs.