25 Questions Domestic Helpers Should Ask Employers in Singapore (2026)
Looking for a domestic helper job in Singapore? During an interview, the employer will ask about your experience and skills. But you should also ask questions. This helps you understand the household, your daily duties, salary, rest days and living arrangements before you accept a job.
Whether you are a transfer helper looking for a new employer or considering your first job in Singapore, these 25 questions can help you make an informed decision. You do not need to ask every question at once. Choose the questions most important to you and ask politely.
Why Should a Domestic Helper Ask Employers Questions?
Every household is different. One family may need help with infant care, while another needs elderly care, cooking or housekeeping. Asking questions early can prevent misunderstandings and help you decide whether you have the right skills for the job.
- Understand the work you will be expected to do.
- Discuss salary, rest days and other agreed terms.
- Learn about the family and living arrangements.
- Identify concerns before agreeing to employment.
- Check that the hiring or transfer process will follow Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) rules.
25 Questions to Ask a Potential Employer
1. Salary and Payment
- What is the monthly salary for this job?Confirm the exact amount in Singapore dollars and whether it matches the job listing.
- When and how will I receive my salary?Ask about the payment date and whether payment will be made to your bank account.
- Will there be any agreed deductions or outstanding placement fees?Ask for a clear explanation. Do not agree to unclear or unlawful deductions.
- Will you provide a written record of salary payments?Keeping a record helps both you and your employer avoid misunderstandings.
2. Rest Days and Daily Routine
- Which day will be my weekly rest day?Ask how the weekly rest-day arrangement will work in practice.
- Will I be able to take at least one rest day each month without working?MOM requires at least one rest day per month that cannot be compensated away.
- What time does the household usually start and finish its day?Discuss a realistic daily routine and opportunities for adequate rest.
- What happens if you ask me to work on an eligible rest day?Discuss mutual agreement and the applicable compensation or replacement arrangements under MOM rules.
3. Job Duties and Responsibilities
- What are my main daily duties?Ask whether the priority is cleaning, cooking, childcare, elderly care or a combination.
- Will I need to care for a baby, child or elderly family member?Ask about ages, care needs, routines and any special training required.
- How many people live in the household?This helps you understand the size and needs of the family.
- Will I need to cook? What kinds of meals do you prefer?Be honest about the dishes you can prepare and what you are willing to learn.
- Will I need to care for pets?Discuss pet feeding, cleaning and any allergies or concerns.
- Will I be expected to work at another address or for another household?A helper's work must follow the conditions of her Work Permit. Clarify any unusual request before accepting.
4. Food, Accommodation and Privacy
- Where will I sleep?Ask about a suitable sleeping area, privacy and the household's arrangements.
- How will meals and drinking water be provided?Discuss adequate food and any dietary needs or restrictions.
- Where can I keep my personal belongings safely?Clarify practical arrangements for your clothes, documents and valuables.
- Can we discuss phone use and communication with my family?Agree on reasonable expectations while respecting work duties and personal time.
5. Employment Terms and Work Permit
- Can we write down the agreed salary, duties and rest days?A clear written agreement can help both sides remember what was discussed.
- Who will handle the Work Permit application or transfer?Make sure the proper MOM process is followed before you begin work.
- If I am transferring, how will you coordinate with my current employer?Transfer requires the relevant approvals and a valid Work Permit arrangement.
- Who will arrange and pay for required medical care and examinations?Employers have obligations for required medical examinations, treatment and insurance.
6. Communication and Family Expectations
- Who will give me instructions about my work?Knowing the main contact person can prevent confusion.
- How would you like me to ask questions if I do not understand a task?Agree on a respectful way to communicate and receive feedback.
- What are the most important things you expect from your helper?This gives the employer an opportunity to explain priorities and expectations.
How to Ask Questions Politely During an Interview
You do not need complicated English. Speak clearly and respectfully. If you do not understand an answer, it is okay to ask the employer to explain again.
“May I ask what the monthly salary is and when it will be paid?”
“Could you please explain the rest-day arrangement for this job?”
“I have experience in housekeeping and cooking. Will I also need to take care of a baby or an elderly person?”
“If we agree on the job, how will we arrange the transfer with my current employer and MOM?”
Questions to Prioritise if the Interview Is Short
If you only have a few minutes, start with the most important conditions.
| Priority | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Duties | Main tasks, care responsibilities and household size | Checks whether the job matches your experience. |
| 2. Salary | Monthly amount and payment arrangements | Prevents confusion about pay. |
| 3. Rest days | Weekly arrangement and mandatory monthly rest day | Helps you understand time off. |
| 4. Living conditions | Sleeping area, meals and privacy | Helps you assess daily life in the home. |
| 5. Work Permit | Legal hiring or transfer process | Helps avoid unauthorised work. |
Warning Signs Before Accepting a Helper Job
Take extra care if a potential employer refuses to explain important job conditions or pressures you to agree immediately. Possible warning signs include:
- Asking you to start work before the correct Work Permit or transfer approval is in place.
- Refusing to discuss salary, rest days or accommodation.
- Asking you to work for another household in a way that would breach Work Permit conditions.
- Asking for money or sensitive personal details through suspicious messages without a clear, legitimate reason.
- Threatening you when you ask reasonable questions.
Checklist Before You Accept a Domestic Helper Job
- ☐ I understand my main duties and the number of people in the household.
- ☐ I know my agreed monthly salary and payment arrangements.
- ☐ We have discussed weekly rest days and the mandatory monthly rest day.
- ☐ I understand the sleeping and meal arrangements.
- ☐ I know who will supervise my work and how to raise concerns.
- ☐ We have discussed the Work Permit or legal transfer process.
- ☐ I have had time to ask questions without pressure.
- ☐ Important agreed terms are written down where practical.
Know Your Rights Under Singapore's MOM Rules
Singapore has specific rules for migrant domestic workers (MDWs). For example, eligible helpers are entitled to a weekly rest-day arrangement, including at least one rest day per month that cannot be exchanged for compensation. Employers are also responsible for meeting applicable salary, accommodation, food, medical and Work Permit obligations.
MDWs are not covered by Singapore's Employment Act, so do not assume that annual leave, public holidays or overtime pay work in the same way as for other employees. Additional benefits may be agreed between the helper and employer. For details, read our domestic helper rights guide and employment rules guide. Always check the latest official information at MOM's migrant domestic worker Work Permit website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay for a helper to ask about salary during an interview?
Yes. Salary is an important employment term. Ask for the monthly amount, payment date and payment method before accepting the job.
Can I ask an employer about rest days?
Yes. You should understand the rest-day arrangement. MOM requires at least one rest day each month that cannot be exchanged for compensation, alongside its other rest-day rules.
Should I ask about sleeping arrangements?
Yes. Ask where you will sleep and whether suitable accommodation and privacy will be provided.
What if the employer does not answer my questions?
Politely ask for clarification. If important conditions remain unclear or you feel pressured, consider whether the job is suitable and seek advice if needed.
Can a transfer helper start working immediately after an interview?
No. Finding a new employer does not itself authorise a transfer. The required MOM process and Work Permit conditions must be satisfied before work starts.
Do domestic helpers have automatic annual leave under the Employment Act?
No. Migrant domestic workers are excluded from the Employment Act. Discuss any additional leave or holiday arrangements with the employer and record agreed terms.
More Guides for Domestic Helpers
- Domestic Helper Interview Tips
- How to Create a Domestic Helper Profile
- How to Find Domestic Helper Jobs in Singapore
- Transfer Helper Looking for an Employer
- Domestic Helper Rights in Singapore
Looking for a Domestic Helper Job?
Explore helper jobs and introduce yourself to potential employers on DirectHelpers, a direct-hiring marketplace rather than an employment agency. Creating a helper profile is free.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information, not legal advice. MOM requirements and procedures may change. Refer to official MOM guidance for the rules applicable to your situation.