Reviewed against official guidance on 8 September 2026. Prepared by the Little Big Employment Agency editorial team.

Clear guidance for hiring and employing a domestic helper in Singapore. Our helper information is now part of this main website.

MOM uses the term migrant domestic worker (MDW). You may also see foreign domestic worker (FDW), domestic helper or maid. This section concerns a helper employed by a household, rather than a business Work Permit or a professional work pass.

Hiring for the first time?

Understand the household and helper requirements before committing to a placement.

Check eligibility

Already employing a helper?

Plan a transfer, renewal or the end of employment with the right sequence.

Manage the next step

Who can employ a helper?

An employer must be at least 21, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to understand and fulfil the employer responsibilities. MOM considers household care needs, financial capacity and suitable accommodation. A first-time employer must complete the Employers’ Orientation Programme before applying. Do not assume that a single advertised income figure guarantees eligibility.

Source: MOM: employer requirements.

Who qualifies as a migrant domestic worker?

The applicant must be female, aged 23 to below 50 at application, and have at least eight years of formal education with a recognised certificate. Approved source countries and regions include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand. Helpers aged 50 or above may renew only up to age 60. A helper must not be related to the employer. First-time helpers must attend the Settling-in Programme when required by their approval letter.

Source: MOM: helper eligibility.

How a new helper application works

Prepare: establish household needs, review employment terms, obtain the helper’s written consent and gather passport, household and income details.
Apply: the employer, sponsor or authorised agency submits the Work Permit application. Online applications generally receive an outcome within one week, although further checks can take longer.
Arrange arrival: follow the in-principle approval (IPA), arrange the required bond and insurance, and check the helper’s home-country departure requirements.
Complete the arrival steps: arrange the required programme and medical examination, get the permit issued, and complete any photo or fingerprint registration stated in the instructions.

MOM charges S$35 to apply and S$35 for issuance. These are government charges, separate from agency services, travel, insurance and other costs. Do not treat an IPA as a completed Work Permit.

Source: MOM: application process.

Plan the full household budget

Allow for salary, monthly levy, food and accommodation, insurance premiums, medical care, programmes, travel and any agreed agency fees. The security bond is a guarantee arrangement, not an extra monthly levy.

Read the costs, levy and insurance guide.

Build a sustainable working arrangement

Discuss communication, household routines, care duties, rest arrangements and privacy before work begins. Prepare a realistic handover and allow time for training. A helper’s prior experience does not replace a proper introduction to your household’s needs.

Read the employer responsibilities guide, or plan a transfer, renewal or cancellation.

Speak to our team about helper matters

Tell us whether you are planning a new application, a transfer or a renewal. We will confirm the available service scope and fees before you proceed. Applications remain subject to MOM approval.

Enquire about domestic helper support

Jobseekers: use our jobseeker mailing list. Please do not email CVs.

Related household guides

Confinement nanny Work Permit for short-term support after childbirth, and Settling-in Programme timing and fees for first-time MDWs.