How to Hire a Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore: Step-by-Step 2026
- Christina Lee
- Apr 7
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 20
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Hiring a foreign domestic worker in Singapore is not complicated — but it involves more steps, more paperwork, and more ongoing obligations than most first-time employers expect. Getting it right from the start saves significant time, money, and stress further down the line. Getting it wrong — hiring through an unlicensed agency, missing MOM requirements, or underestimating employer obligations — can result in serious penalties.
This guide walks through the complete process of hiring an FDW in Singapore in 2026, from confirming your eligibility to the day your helper arrives.
Step 1 — Confirm you are eligible to hire
Before anything else, confirm that you meet MOM's employer eligibility requirements.
You must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or holder of a valid Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependant's Pass. You must be at least 21 years old. You must have sufficient income to support the ongoing costs of FDW employment — MOM does not publish a specific threshold but bases the assessment on realistic total monthly cost, which typically exceeds SGD 1,000.
You must also be mentally capable of managing an employment relationship and not have a history of FDW mistreatment or MOM violations. Employers who have changed FDWs more than 3 times within 12 months must attend a classroom Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) or interview with MOM before a new application is processed.
Step 2 — Decide what you need
Before engaging an agency or browsing profiles, be clear about what you actually need your helper to do. The most common reasons Singapore families hire FDWs:
General household duties (cleaning, cooking, laundry)
Childcare — including infant care, school pick-ups, homework supervision
Elder care — including assistance with activities of daily living for elderly or disabled family members
Combination of the above
The care requirements you have will directly affect which nationalities and experience levels are most suitable. An FDW placed for infant care without infant care experience creates risk for the employer, the child, and the helper. Be specific about your needs before the agency begins matching.
Also decide: are you open to a fresh helper (arriving from overseas for the first time) or do you prefer a transfer helper (already working in Singapore, available immediately)? Transfer helpers cost more but are immediately available, already adapted to Singapore life, and bring proven Singapore household experience.
Step 3 — Choose a licensed maid agency
All maid agencies in Singapore must be licensed by MOM. Verify any agency you consider on the MOM website (mom.gov.sg) before engaging. Using an unlicensed agency is illegal and leaves you with no recourse if the placement goes wrong.
Beyond licensing, look for: CaseTrust accreditation, a transparent fee structure provided in writing, a structured matching process, and clear post-placement support policies including replacement guarantee terms.
See our guide to the best maid agencies in Singapore for an honest comparison of established providers.
Agency fees in Singapore typically range from SGD 1,000–3,000 depending on the helper's nationality, whether she is fresh or a transfer, and the agency's service level. Get the full fee breakdown in writing before signing anything.
Step 4 — Select your helper
Your agency will present candidates based on your stated requirements. Review profiles carefully — experience history, English proficiency, specific care skills, and character references where available.
For roles involving infant care, elder care, or care for family members with medical needs, ask specifically what relevant experience the candidate has and whether the agency can verify it. A profile that says "experienced in infant care" without verifiable detail is not sufficient.
If possible, request a video interview with shortlisted candidates before making a decision. Most agencies facilitate this as standard. The interview gives you a sense of the helper's communication style, personality, and whether she is likely to be a good fit for your household.
Fresh vs transfer helpers — the practical difference:
Fresh helpers arrive from overseas and require a settling-in period. They may need time to adapt to Singapore household standards, food preferences, and working expectations. The first 1–3 months typically require more active management and patience. In the medium term, a well-matched fresh helper who has been trained to your household's standards can be an excellent long-term placement.
Transfer helpers are already in Singapore and available quickly — usually within 1–2 weeks of agreement. They have Singapore experience, understand local household expectations, and are often available because their previous employer's circumstances changed rather than due to performance issues. They command higher salaries but reduce the settling-in burden significantly.
Step 5 — Purchase required insurance and security bond
Before your helper's Work Permit can be issued, you must purchase:
Medical and personal accident insurance
MOM requires minimum coverage of SGD 15,000 for hospitalisation and surgical expenses, and personal accident insurance of SGD 60,000. In practice most plans exceed these minimums. Expect to pay SGD 500–750 for a 26-month plan.
Security bond
a SGD 5,000 guarantee payable to the government if either you or your helper breaks the law or Work Permit conditions. Malaysian helpers are exempt. Most employers purchase a security bond insurance plan that caps their actual liability to SGD 250 — available through most agencies and insurers. A standard 26-month plan costs approximately SGD 486.
Step 6 — Apply for the Work Permit via MOM
Your agency submits the Work Permit application on your behalf through MOM's MDW eService. You remain legally responsible for the application even though the agency handles it — understand what is being submitted.
Documents typically required:
Employer's NRIC or passport (for non-Singaporeans)
Helper's passport, medical examination results, and educational certificates
Proof of insurance and security bond
Work Permit application form
Application fee: SGD 35 on submission. Issuance fee: SGD 35 when the permit is issued. Total: SGD 70.
Processing time for straightforward applications: approximately 1 week. More complex applications or those requiring additional MOM review can take longer.
Step 7 — Arrange the Settling-In Programme (SIP)
If your helper is working in Singapore for the first time, she must attend the mandatory Settling-In Programme — a 1-day orientation that covers working and living conditions in Singapore, safety, and employment expectations. Cost: SGD 76.40, payable by the employer. MOM will indicate in the approval letter whether your helper is required to attend.
Helpers transferring from another Singapore employer do not need to repeat the SIP.
Step 8 — Prepare your home
Before your helper arrives, prepare her accommodation. MOM requires employers to provide suitable accommodation — a private room is not legally required but is strongly recommended for both the helper's wellbeing and a functional working relationship. A mattress, pillow, bedsheets, and access to a bathroom are the minimum requirements.
Also prepare: a clear set of house rules and expectations, a schedule of duties and working hours, information about emergency contacts and medical facilities, and an orientation to your home including appliances, security systems, and neighbourhood.
The first week sets the tone for the entire employment relationship. Investing time in a proper orientation saves significant time and frustration later.
Step 9 — Set up levy payment via GIRO
The monthly MOM levy must be paid on time — late payments incur a penalty of 2% per month or SGD 20 (whichever is higher), up to a maximum of 30% of outstanding levy. Continued non-payment results in Work Permit cancellation and a ban on hiring future FDWs.
Set up GIRO from your bank account immediately to automate levy payment. The levy is deducted on the 5th of each month. Alternatively, levy can be paid via PayNow QR, internet banking, AXS stations, or at SingPost.
Standard levy rate (2026): SGD 300/month Concessionary rate (if eligible): SGD 60/month
You qualify for the concessionary rate if your household includes a Singapore Citizen child below 16, a Singapore Citizen aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities certified by a Singapore-registered doctor. The concession applies automatically if you meet the criteria — if it is not applied automatically, apply via the MOM website.
Step 10 — Understand your ongoing employer obligations
Hiring an FDW is an ongoing employment relationship with substantial legal obligations. Key requirements throughout employment:
Salary
Must be paid on time every month. The agreed salary must be declared to MOM and cannot be changed without MOM notification and the helper's written consent. You cannot deduct levy costs from her salary — this is illegal.
Rest days
Your helper is entitled to at least one rest day per week. If she works on a rest day by mutual agreement, she must be compensated with at least one day's salary.
Medical care
You must pay for medical treatment if your helper falls ill or is injured. This is why the medical insurance requirement exists — it covers hospitalisation and surgery costs above a threshold.
6-monthly medical examination
Required for all FDWs throughout their employment. Your agency or a registered clinic can coordinate this.
Passport custody
You must not hold your helper's passport. She is entitled to keep it. This is a common violation that carries serious penalties.
Accommodation and food
Must be adequate. Locking the helper out of the home, restricting food access, or providing inadequate sleeping arrangements are violations.
Common mistakes first-time employers make
a) Not being specific enough about household needs — leading to a mismatch that costs everyone time and money.
b) Underestimating the settling-in period — most helpers need 4–8 weeks to adapt to a new household's standards and routines. Patience during this period saves replacement costs later.
c) Not setting clear expectations from day one — ambiguity about duties, working hours, and house rules creates confusion and resentment on both sides.
d) Withholding the helper's passport — illegal and a common cause of MOM complaints.
e) Missing levy payments — the GIRO setup takes time to process. Arrange it immediately to avoid late payment penalties.
f) Treating the employment relationship as a transaction rather than a management responsibility — the best employer-helper relationships are built on clear communication, fair treatment, and mutual respect.
Useful links and resources
For agency recommendations, see our guide to the best maid agencies in Singapore in 2026.
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