Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about hiring domestic helpers, our services, and the employment process.

Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and expatriates with a valid work pass may hire a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW), subject to the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) approval based on the stated reason for employment.

Expatriates must also show proof that their family members live with them at the time of application.

To qualify as an employer, you must:

•Be at least 21 years old.

•Not be an undischarged bankrupt.

•Have the mental capacity to understand and fulfill employer responsibilities.

•Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to employ, maintain, and provide proper housing for the helper.

Yes. MDWs are entitled to one rest day every week, with the specific day agreed upon between you and your helper.

•If the maid agrees in writing to work on her rest day, you must compensate her.

•Since 1 January 2023, all employers must grant their helper at least one non-negotiable rest day each month.

If the helper chooses to work on other rest days, compensation can be either:

1. An additional day's wages (separate from basic salary), or

2. A replacement rest day within the same month.

Under MOM regulations, employers must:

•Pay the helper on time.

•Cover all her living expenses.

•Safeguard her general welfare while she resides in Singapore.

•Indonesian MDWs: Starting salary is about $550 SGD, with potential increments depending on skills and experience.

•Myanmar MDWs: Starting salary is between $500–$550 SGD, also subject to experience and ability.

The process typically takes 3–6 weeks, depending on the maid's country of origin and document readiness.

•If documents (e.g., passport) are in order, work permit approval may take less than a week.

•Once approved, the maid can usually arrive within a month, subject to MOM's Entry Approval scheduling.

•If extra processing is needed due to country-specific rules, the process may extend to 1–2 months.

•On arrival, the maid must complete a medical check-up and, if it is her first time in Singapore, the Settling-In Programme.

•The work permit must be issued within 14 days of arrival after passing the medical exam.

Transfer maids are MDWs already in Singapore under another employer who are looking for new employment.

This often happens when a two-year contract ends or when either party decides to terminate the employment earlier.

•Provide written consent to the agency to begin the process.

•You must continue paying the levy until the new Work Permit is issued.

•If the maid's 6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME) is due, you are responsible for arranging it.

•If the transfer is unsuccessful and the Work Permit is cancelled or expires, you must repatriate the maid within 14 days.

•The maid can only start work with the new employer after the new Work Permit is issued.

•Any outstanding salary must be paid on the release date.

•Cancel her Work Permit immediately to stop levy payments.

•You have 1 month to locate and repatriate her, or you risk losing the $5,000 security deposit.

For local employers:

•NRIC (yours and household members').

•Proof of income (e.g., Notice of Assessment, or consent for MOM to verify income with IRAS).

•If returning from overseas, a company letter confirming your job title, monthly salary, and start date.

•If you did not file income tax:

◦Overseas tax assessment, and/or

◦CPF contribution statements for the last 3 months.

For expatriate employers:

•Passport copies (yours and family members').

•Employment pass and dependent passes of family members living with you.

These documents are required for the Work Permit application process.

Work permit holders, including MDWs, are not allowed to become pregnant or give birth in Singapore unless they are legally married to a Singapore Citizen or PR with prior government approval.

If your helper becomes pregnant:

•Notify MOM.

•Terminate her contract.

•Cancel her Work Permit.

•Pay for her air ticket home.

Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the $5,000 security deposit.

No. MOM does not allow MDWs to work part-time.

Agencies handle the complex processes of hiring, including:

•Training, work permit application, levy and insurance arrangements.

•Security bond, travel, and immigration clearance.

•Medical screening and other administrative steps.

You do not pay an agency fee — only the direct costs of hiring.

•Standard levy: $300/month ($9.87/day).

•Additional MDWs: $450/month ($14.80/day).

•Concessionary levy: $60/month (for households with children under 16 or elderly above 67, who are Singapore Citizens).

Payment rules:

•Levy is deducted monthly via GIRO.

•Missing GIRO payments will lead to Work Permit cancellation.

•For first-time helpers, the levy starts from the 5th day after arrival (excluding arrival day). For others, it starts the day after arrival.

•Payment must be completed by the 17th of the following month (next working day if it falls on a holiday/weekend).

Employers must provide a $5,000 bond to ensure obligations are met (timely salary, proper care, repatriation).

•If the employer breaches MOM conditions, the bond may be forfeited.

•If the maid herself breaches conditions (e.g., pregnancy), the employer is not penalized.

•If the maid absconds and repatriation is impossible, half the bond will be forfeited, provided you show reasonable effort to locate her.

Yes. Employers may purchase maid insurance instead, which is generally cheaper and may include coverage for "runaway" situations.

However, if you fail to repatriate the helper when required, you may still be liable for bond forfeiture unless your policy specifically covers it.

Yes, if you are:

•A married woman who opted for separate tax assessment.

•Married but your husband is not a Singapore resident.

•Divorced, widowed, or separated and living with an unmarried child for whom you can claim child relief.

You, as the employer, must cover all her medical costs (both inpatient and outpatient), as required by the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.