Domestic Helper Transfer, Renewal and Cancellation Guide

Reviewed against official MOM guidance on 23 October 2026.

Hiring a transfer helper means employing a migrant domestic worker (MDW) who is already in Singapore. The arrangement needs more than an agreement between two households: the new employer must complete the Work Permit process before the helper starts work for them.

This guide explains the requirements for an existing helper’s transfer, including employer consent, agency authorisation, insurance and the final handover. MOM also uses “FDW” in the name of its online service.

Understand which transfer arrangement applies

For a direct employer-to-employer transfer, the helper moves from her current employer to an identified new employer. An authorised employment agency can assist with the application and administration. Using an agency does not, by itself, mean the helper must first be transferred into the agency’s care.

MOM has a separate arrangement under which a participating agency agrees to take over responsibility while finding a new employer. The agency cancels the Work Permit for that transfer and becomes responsible for accommodation, food, medical treatment and medical insurance of at least S$60,000. A Special Pass may be issued for up to 30 days. If no new employer is found before it expires, the agency must arrange and pay for the helper’s journey home.

Confirm the route and responsibilities in writing. The direct-transfer steps below should not be substituted for an agency takeover arrangement. MOM guidance on agency takeover transfers.

1 Check eligibility and leave enough time

The new employer must be at least 21, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to understand and fulfil the employer’s responsibilities. MOM also assesses caregiving needs, financial ability and acceptable accommodation. MOM employer requirements.

First-time employers must complete the Employers’ Orientation Programme at least two working days before submitting the application, even when hiring an experienced transfer helper. MOM EOP requirements.

Before applying, confirm with the current employer that the helper’s required six-monthly medical examination (6ME) has been completed. A planned transfer does not remove an examination that is due. Clinics submit results to MOM, and employers can check submission through the FDW eService. MOM 6ME requirements.

MOM’s standard direct-transfer instructions require an existing Work Permit valid for more than 30 days and the preliminary checks and application at least 30 days before expiry. After approval, issuance is due by the earlier of 21 days from approval or the existing permit’s expiry. MOM direct-transfer timetable.

2 Complete consent and Singpass authorisation

There are separate approvals to organise:

• The helper’s written consent to the Work Permit application.
• The current employer’s consent to the transfer.
• The new employer’s authorisation for an agency to transact on their behalf, if using one.

For the agency authorisation, the employer normally signs in personally with Singpass through MOM’s FDW eService. The agency can initiate an email request or provide the official login link or QR code. MOM’s authorisation request lapses if unanswered within seven days. After authorisation, the agency generally has 14 days to submit the application; separate deadlines apply to certain follow-up transactions. Do not share your Singpass password or approve an unfamiliar transaction.

The current employer separately responds to MOM’s transfer-consent request. An agency service agreement or a WhatsApp agreement between families does not replace the required MOM authorisation. MOM agency authorisation FAQs.

3 Apply and check the in principle approval

Prepare the helper’s passport details, the new employer’s household particulars and income information. Once the necessary consent and authorisation are in place, the employer or authorised agency submits the Work Permit application.

MOM charges S$35 for the application and S$35 for issuance. Online applications generally receive an outcome within one week, but requests for further information can extend this. Approval is not guaranteed.

If approved, review the in-principle approval (IPA), check the personal particulars and follow its conditions. Keep the helper’s written consent with the records. MOM application requirements and fees.

4 Arrange the new security bond and insurance

After receiving the IPA, arrange the new employer’s required bond and medical and personal accident insurance before requesting Work Permit issuance.

Security bond

The new employer needs a S$5,000 security bond for a non-Malaysian helper. This is a banker’s or insurer’s guarantee, not a S$5,000 insurance premium. The price charged for arranging it is separate from the amount guaranteed, and the helper cannot be made to pay for the bond.

Allow time for the bank or insurer to transmit the bond details to MOM, which can take up to three working days. Check acceptance and the effective date before scheduling issuance. MOM security-bond requirements.

Medical and personal accident insurance

Arrange coverage for the new employment:

• Medical insurance: at least S$60,000 annual coverage for inpatient care and day surgery.
• Personal accident insurance: at least S$60,000 per year for accidental death or permanent disability, payable to the helper or her beneficiaries.

Under the minimum medical-insurance framework, claim amounts above S$15,000 are shared 75% by the insurer and 25% by the employer. Check the actual policy, exclusions and coverage dates. Insurance does not necessarily cover every medical expense, and the purchase cost cannot be passed to the helper. MOM insurance requirements.

5 Complete declarations and the safety agreement

The new employer and helper must sign the declaration form required for issuance. Follow the IPA’s instructions rather than relying on forms from an earlier employment.

Do not confuse the arrival medical process for a helper entering Singapore with an existing helper’s transfer. Check the case-specific instructions. Households with children below seven who are not fully vaccinated against measles must also ensure the helper has measles immunity. MOM medical-examination guidance.

The new employer and helper must sign the safety agreement before she starts work. If an agency handles the placement, it must arrange this. The agreement covers window-cleaning restrictions and must be understood by the helper. Also agree employment terms, including salary, rest days and notice arrangements. Keep copies of the signed documents. MOM contracts and safety agreements.

6 Issue the Work Permit before the handover

On the agreed transfer date, the new employer or authorised agency completes issuance, uploads the signed declaration and prints the Temporary Work Permit for the helper. She can then start work for the new employer. The previous Work Permit is cancelled automatically. MOM direct-transfer procedure.

For a direct transfer, the current employer remains liable for levy through the date the new permit is issued. Merely sending the helper to an agency does not stop that liability while the existing permit remains in force. MOM transfer levy guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can a transfer helper start work while approval is pending?

No. A helper requires a valid Work Permit and may work only for her employer under the permitted arrangement. Do not use a trial working period at the new household while the old employment remains in place. MOM employment rules.

Can the new employer use the old security bond?

No. A new bond is required for the new employer, even when the transfer is between family members living at the same address. Malaysian helpers are exempt from the bond requirement. MOM explanation of a new employer’s bond.

What if the existing permit is close to expiry?

Raise it promptly. The current employer may request a short extension where applicable. MOM provides a four-week extension route for specified situations, including waiting for a transfer application outcome. Do not assume a pending application extends the existing permit. MOM short-extension guidance.

How much does a maid transfer cost?

Beyond MOM’s application and issuance charges, budget for the bond arrangement, insurance, medical examinations and any agreed agency services. Ask for an itemised quotation and written service terms rather than assuming one advertised fee includes everything. Read our helper costs and insurance guide.

Renewing a helper’s Work Permit

MOM normally sends the renewal letter about eight weeks before expiry. Renew after receiving it and before the current permit expires. The renewal fee is S$35, the online outcome is immediate, and validity is generally up to two years, subject to applicable limitations.

Review the renewal letter, update passport details, complete any required examination and renew the bond and insurance package. Short insurance validity or the helper reaching age 60 can shorten the renewed permit. Check the Temporary Work Permit to see whether the existing card should be kept or replaced. If the helper plans to travel near expiry, arrange renewal before departure. Household measles-immunity requirements may apply where children below seven are not fully vaccinated.

Source: MOM: renewal requirements.

Ending employment and cancelling the permit

Cancel within one week of the last working day, or within one week of departure if the helper leaves and will not return to work. Settle outstanding salary and employment issues, agree travel arrangements and arrange the employer-paid journey home. For a helper still in Singapore, follow the cancellation instructions for the Special Pass and departure. The flight should be within two weeks of cancellation, and she must leave before the Special Pass expires.

Once the Work Permit is cancelled, she cannot continue working while waiting to leave. A transfer is a different process; do not cancel first without understanding its effect on the planned transfer. Levy is charged until the day before cancellation.

Source: MOM: cancellation and departure.

Prepare a dated handover plan

Record the last working day, permit expiry, intended transfer or flight date, salary settlement, insurance dates and transaction responsibilities. Keep the final MOM letters with the employment records. An informal agreement does not extend a permit or legal stay.

Ask about helper application support or return to the domestic helper guide.

Little Big Employment Agency Pte. Ltd. is not affiliated with or endorsed by MOM, ICA, ACRA, MAS or IRAS.

Contacting Little Big Employment Agency Pte. Ltd. does not create a solicitor-client relationship.