Helper / FDW hiring for HNW families — Eligibility and requirements checklist
Helper / FDW hiring for HNW families means employing a foreign domestic worker in Singapore under a Work Permit, and often coordinating several helpers, drivers and household staff for a larger residence. This guide explains eligibility, the documents required, costs including the levy and security bond, and the practical steps for 2026.
What helper / FDW hiring for HNW families involves
Helper / FDW hiring for HNW families starts with the same framework that applies to every household: a foreign domestic worker is employed under a Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower, subject to eligibility, a monthly levy and a security bond. For high-net-worth households the complexity is scale and coordination, running two or more helpers, aligning them with drivers and estate staff, and managing accommodation and rest-day arrangements across a large residence.
The employer of record is the individual householder, not a company, so the obligations sit personally with the family member named on each Work Permit.
Eligibility and requirements
To hire an FDW the employer must be 21 or older, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to demonstrate the means to maintain and pay the helper. The helper must meet the Ministry of Manpower’s age and source-country criteria and pass the required medical examinations. First-time employers and helpers must complete the relevant orientation programmes. Households hiring multiple helpers should confirm the approval considerations that apply where more than one FDW is sought.
Accommodation must meet the published standards, and rest-day rules require a weekly rest day or compensation in lieu by agreement.
Documents required
The core document set includes: the employer’s identity and residential address proof; the helper’s passport and in-principle approval; the signed employment contract setting salary, rest days and duties; medical examination results; and proof of the mandatory insurance. Employers must also purchase medical and personal-accident insurance for the helper and lodge the security bond for non-Malaysian helpers.
Immigration records through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and the pass framework administered by the Ministry of Manpower govern entry and permit issuance.
Costs: levy, bond and insurance
Budget for several recurring items. The monthly FDW levy is S$300 at the standard rate, reduced to S$60 under the concessionary rate where the household qualifies (for example with a young child, an elderly member or a person with disabilities). A security bond of S$5,000 is required for each non-Malaysian helper. Medical and personal-accident insurance, agency fees, airfare and the helper’s salary (commonly S$600 to S$900 a month depending on nationality and experience) complete the picture.
For a household running multiple helpers, these figures multiply, so a simple annual budget schedule is worth preparing at the outset.
Common mistakes and practical tips
The usual pitfalls are assuming the concessionary levy applies automatically, overlooking the insurance and bond obligations, and informal changes to duties or rest days that breach the permit conditions. Keep the employment contract, insurance and levy records in order, and renew the Work Permit before it expires.
Families relocating with significant assets should coordinate household hiring with the broader move and structuring; see our note on multi-jurisdiction family office structures, our guide to moving to Singapore as a high-net-worth individual, and our breakdown of the cost of living for expat families.
Step-by-step process
- Confirm the employer’s eligibility (age 21+, not bankrupt, able to maintain the helper).
- Select the helper and obtain the in-principle approval; complete required orientation programmes.
- Sign the employment contract setting salary, rest days and duties.
- Purchase mandatory medical and personal-accident insurance and lodge the S$5,000 security bond for non-Malaysian helpers.
- Confirm the levy rate (S$300 standard or S$60 concessionary) and budget for salary, agency fees and airfare.
- Arrange the helper’s medical examination and Work Permit issuance.
- Renew the Work Permit before expiry and keep insurance and levy records in order.
FAQs
How much is the foreign domestic worker levy in 2026?
The standard monthly levy is S$300, reduced to a concessionary S$60 where the household qualifies, for example with a child under a specified age, an elderly member or a person with disabilities.
Is a security bond required for every helper?
A security bond of S$5,000 is required for each non-Malaysian foreign domestic worker. It is a binding undertaking to the Government regarding the employer’s obligations.
Can a high-net-worth household hire more than one helper?
Yes, subject to the Ministry of Manpower’s approval considerations. Each helper is employed under a separate Work Permit with its own levy, bond and insurance obligations.
Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.