Domestic Helper Work Permit in Singapore (2026): Complete Guide

Planning to hire a domestic helper in Singapore? Before your helper can legally work in your household, they must hold a valid Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker (MDW) issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Whether you are hiring a new helper from overseas or arranging a transfer within Singapore, understanding the process can help you avoid delays and unexpected expenses.

This guide explains the main eligibility requirements, application steps, fees, insurance arrangements and important responsibilities for employers. Requirements can change, so always confirm the latest rules on the official MOM website before applying.

1. What is a domestic helper Work Permit?

A domestic helper Work Permit authorises an eligible migrant domestic worker to work for a specified employer in Singapore. The permit is tied to the approved employment arrangement and is not a general right to work for multiple households or businesses.

Employers must follow MOM conditions relating to permitted work, accommodation, salary, rest days, medical care and other responsibilities. A helper should not start work for a new employer before the appropriate Work Permit arrangements are completed.

2. Who can employ a domestic helper in Singapore?

MOM assesses whether an employer is eligible to hire an MDW. General requirements include:

• Being at least 21 years old.
• Not being an undischarged bankrupt.
• Having the mental capacity to understand and discharge employer responsibilities.
• Having sufficient financial ability to maintain and support the helper.
• Completing the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) when required, including for first-time employers.

MOM may assess household circumstances and request supporting information. Review the current employer eligibility requirements.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for the helper?

Helpers must satisfy MOM's eligibility conditions, which can include age, nationality or source-country rules, educational requirements for first-time MDWs, and medical or other entry conditions. These requirements may differ depending on whether the person is a first-time helper or already working in Singapore.

4. Step-by-step: How to apply for a domestic helper Work Permit

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility and hiring needs

Decide whether you need support with childcare, elderly care, cooking or housekeeping. Check your eligibility as an employer and complete EOP if MOM requires it. You can use our guide to choosing a domestic helper to prepare a shortlist.

Step 2: Interview and select a suitable helper

Discuss the helper's experience, job duties, salary, rest-day arrangements, accommodation and start date. Ask consistent, relevant questions and make sure both sides understand the proposed terms. See our domestic helper interview questions.

Step 3: Check the correct application route

The process differs for a new helper arriving from overseas and a helper transferring between employers in Singapore. For transfers, the existing employer's consent and the relevant MOM transfer procedures may be required. Do not use the overseas-hiring steps as a substitute for the transfer process.

Step 4: Submit the Work Permit application to MOM

Use MOM's designated online application service and provide accurate candidate and employer details. MOM assesses the application and may request additional documents. If approved, follow the instructions in the approval notice, including any applicable deadlines.

Step 5: Arrange required insurance and security bond

Before the relevant issuance or arrival stage, arrange the mandatory medical and personal accident insurance. A security bond is generally required for a non-Malaysian MDW. Confirm the required effective dates and coverage with MOM and your insurer. Read our insurance and security bond guide.

Step 6: Complete arrival, medical and orientation requirements

For overseas hires, follow the entry instructions and any required medical examination or Settling-In Programme (SIP). Requirements and deadlines depend on the helper's situation and MOM's prevailing rules.

Step 7: Issue the Work Permit and follow MOM instructions

Complete the issuance process only when MOM's conditions are met. Check any notification letter, identity verification, card registration or card delivery instructions that apply. Keep a copy of the employment terms and organise salary and rest-day records.

5. Work Permit fees and other expenses

For a fuller budget, see our guides to the cost of hiring a domestic helper, helper salaries and MDW levy.

6. New helper vs transfer helper: What changes?

Read transfer helper vs new helper for a practical comparison. For transfers, consult MOM's official transfer guidance before confirming a start date.

7. What happens when the Work Permit needs renewal?

Work Permits have an expiry date. Employers should review MOM's renewal notice and complete the required steps before expiry, including any insurance, security bond or other applicable conditions. Do not assume a permit renews automatically.

If the employment ends, follow MOM's procedures for cancellation, departure or transfer, as applicable. You may still have obligations after employment ends, so check MOM's instructions carefully.

8. Common Work Permit mistakes to avoid

• Assuming a candidate is eligible without checking MOM requirements.
• Allowing a helper to start working before the correct permit arrangements are complete.
• Confusing the overseas-hiring process with a transfer between employers.
• Purchasing insurance that does not meet mandatory requirements or effective-date conditions.
• Overlooking application deadlines, medical examinations or orientation requirements.
• Forgetting that monthly levy and employer responsibilities continue beyond the application stage.
• Relying on outdated fee or eligibility information from third-party websites.

9. Domestic helper Work Permit FAQs

Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal or immigration advice. Work Permit eligibility, fees, processing requirements and timelines are subject to MOM's current rules and individual circumstances. Always verify details with MOM before acting. Last reviewed: October 2026.