Work Permit for migrant domestic worker (MDW)

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Work Permit for migrant domestic worker
Purpose	Domestic helper employment in Singapore
Stay	Up to 2 years
Renewal	Renewable until age 60
Application cost	$35 application fee
Issuance cost	$35 per permit
Processing	One week or three weeks
Worker eligibility	Female, 23 to below 50
Eligibility timing	Age assessed at application
Work rights	Domestic work at employer's address
Study	Not stated in the source
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Health insurance	Employer-funded mandatory insurance
Travel facility	Temporary permit allows travel
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Joint Income or Sponsorship Scheme
Visa record	Digital pass and physical card
Monthly levy	$60 to $450 monthly
Security bond	$5,000, except Malaysian helpers

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Purpose

The Work Permit allows eligible foreign women to work as migrant domestic workers (MDWs) for employers in Singapore.

The employer, sponsor or authorised employment agent may apply.

Worker Eligibility

The helper must:

• Be female.
• Be aged 23 to below 50 when the application is made.
• Be from an approved source country or region:
  • Bangladesh
  • Cambodia
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
• Have at least 8 years of formal education and a recognised certificate.
• Not be related to the employer.
• Work at the employer's NRIC-registered address.
• Be outside Singapore when the Work Permit application is submitted.

Helpers aged 50 or above may renew their Work Permit only until age 60.

A first-time helper is someone who has never worked in Singapore as a helper, including someone who had a MOM employment record but did not eventually work in Singapore.

Employer Eligibility

The employer must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
• Have the mental capacity to understand and fulfil employer responsibilities.
• Have adequate financial ability to hire, maintain and provide acceptable accommodation for the helper.

MOM also considers care-giving needs, such as young children or elderly family members.

First-time MDW employers must complete the Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP) at least 2 working days before applying.

Employer Orientation Programme

The EOP is required for first-time employers and covers employer roles and responsibilities.

• Classroom programme: 3 hours; $35 to $76.
• Online programme: 2 hours; $29 to $36.
• Available in English, Mandarin, Malay or Tamil.

A representative or sponsor may attend in limited circumstances, including certain medical conditions, physical disability, physical discomfort for persons aged 60 or above, and new or expectant mothers. Supporting documents must be retained for at least 3 months for audit purposes.

Special Application Schemes

Joint Income Scheme

An employer may combine income with one household family member other than their spouse.

The employer must:

• Be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
• Live with the family member.
• Earn more than that family member.
• Have the mental capacity to fulfil employer responsibilities.

Only one additional family member's income may be included.

Sponsorship Scheme

A senior citizen may apply based on the income of up to two sponsors.

The applicant must:

• Be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
• Be aged 60 or above.
• Not earn an income.
• Not live with working adults.
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
• Have the mental capacity to fulfil employer responsibilities.

Eligible sponsors include the applicant's children, children's spouses, grandchildren, grandchildren's spouses and siblings.

Sponsors and joint applicants share responsibility for the helper's upkeep, maintenance, well-being and timely levy payment.

Fees and Processing

Service	Fee or time
Work Permit application	$35
Work Permit issuance	$35
FDW eService processing	Within 1 week
Online form processing	Within 3 weeks
Security bond	$5,000, if required

Processing may take longer if MOM needs more information.

How to Apply

Apply through FDW eService

Employers with Singpass and employment agencies should use the FDW eService.

Before applying:

1. Obtain the helper's written consent.
2. Prepare the helper's passport details.
3. Prepare employer and household members' personal particulars.
4. Prepare income information.
5. Submit the application and pay $35.

MOM will email the application outcome.

Apply Using an Online Form

This option is only for employers without Singpass. Employment agencies must use the FDW eService.

Submit:

• Completed Work Permit application form.
• Supporting documents listed in the form.
• $35 application fee.

After Approval

If approved, MOM will issue an in-principle approval (IPA) letter and declarations for the employer and helper to sign.

The helper must use the IPA letter to enter Singapore. Check that all IPA details match the helper's passport. Incorrect particulars may result in denial of entry.

If more arrival time is needed, request an extension through the FDW eService.

The helper should also check whether her embassy requires additional departure documentation.

Before Arrival

For a non-Malaysian helper, the employer must:

• Buy a $5,000 security bond.
• Ensure the bond takes effect on the helper's arrival date.
• Ensure the bank or insurer sends bond details to MOM.
• Buy required medical and personal accident insurance.

For first-time helpers, register for the Settling-in Programme (SIP) after knowing the arrival date.

The helper must:

• Print and carry the IPA letter.
• Meet Singapore's current travel requirements.

Important Security Bond Warning

If the security bond is not effective when the helper arrives, immigration will not allow entry. The helper must be sent home immediately.

The employer cannot require the helper to pay for the bond.

Insurance Requirements

The employer must pay for insurance and cannot recover its cost from the helper.

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance must cover inpatient care and day surgery throughout the helper's stay, with an annual claim limit of at least $60,000.

For claims above $15,000, insurers pay 75% and employers pay 25%, under the enhanced medical insurance requirements.

Personal Accident Insurance

Personal accident insurance must:

• Have a sum assured of at least $60,000 per year.
• Cover accidental permanent disability or death.
• Pay compensation to the helper or her beneficiaries.

Arrival and Permit Issuance

After arrival:

• First-time helpers must attend SIP within 7 days, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
• All helpers must complete a medical examination within 2 weeks.

The Work Permit can be issued within 2 weeks of arrival after the helper passes the medical examination.

To issue the permit:

1. Submit the request through FDW eService.
2. Provide a card-delivery address.
3. Nominate up to three authorised card recipients.
4. Pay the $35 issuance fee.
5. Print the Temporary Work Permit.

Temporary Work Permit and Travel

The Temporary Work Permit is valid for 1 month from issue.

It must be given to the helper. It permits her to:

• Work in Singapore.
• Stay in Singapore.
• Travel into and out of Singapore while awaiting the card.

It also states whether fingerprint and photograph registration is required.

Medical Examinations

Pre-Employment Examination

A Singapore-registered doctor must conduct the examination within 2 weeks of the helper's arrival.

The helper must bring the medical examination form.

The examination screens for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria, and assesses fitness for work.

The Work Permit can only be issued if the helper passes. Otherwise, she must be sent home.

Where household children under age 7 are not fully vaccinated against measles, the helper must have measles immunity.

Six-Monthly Medical Examination

During employment, the employer must send the helper for medical screening every 6 months and pay all related costs.

Tests may include:

• Pregnancy and VDRL: every 6 months.
• HIV: every 2 years.
• Tuberculosis: once after 2 years in Singapore.
• BMI and visible signs of abuse.

Clinics must submit all results to MOM. Employers may check results through FDW eService.

Employers and their representatives must not be present during the examination.

Helpers aged 50 or above do not need 6ME; they need a medical examination when renewing the Work Permit.

If the helper fails the 6ME, the employer must cancel the Work Permit and send her home immediately.

Settling-in Programme

First-time helpers must attend the one-day SIP before starting work.

It covers:

• Living and working in Singapore.
• Employment conditions.
• Workplace safety.
• Relationship and stress management.

The programme is conducted in the helper's native language. Employers bear the cost.

Bring to the SIP:

• Full IPA letter.
• Helper's passport.
• Copy of educational certificate.
• Copy of ICA digital arrival card.

The helper cannot attend SIP on the day of arrival.

Levy

Employers must pay a monthly foreign worker levy. CPF contributions are not required for the helper.

Levy type	Monthly rate
First helper, normal rate	$300
Subsequent helper, normal rate	$450
Concessionary rate	$60

For first-time helpers, levy begins on the fifth day after arrival, including arrival day. For other helpers, it begins the day after arrival.

Levy ends when the Work Permit is cancelled or expires.

Pay by the 17th of the following month, or the next working day. GIRO is available; PayNow QR may be used where applicable.

Late Levy Payment

Late or unpaid levy may result in:

• Late-payment penalties.
• Work Permit revocation after two consecutive missed payments.
• Inability to submit future Work Permit applications.
• Legal action to recover unpaid levy.

Levy Concession

The $60 concessionary levy rate may apply where an eligible person lives in the household.

The concession is limited to:

• One helper per eligible person.
• Two helpers per household.

Eligible persons may include:

• Singapore citizen children below 16.
• Singapore citizen seniors aged 67 or above.
• Qualifying permanent resident seniors aged 67 or above.
• Persons with disabilities meeting the stated eligibility requirements.

Employment Conditions and Obligations

The employer must:

• Pay the helper's salary on time.
• Maintain the helper's well-being.
• Provide acceptable accommodation.
• Pay required levy, insurance and medical costs.
• Send the helper for required medical examinations.
• Notify MOM of relevant changes.
• Renew the Work Permit before it expires.
• Cancel the permit if the helper no longer works for them.
• Send the helper home after permit expiry, revocation or cancellation.

The helper must comply with Work Permit conditions and work only at the employer's NRIC-registered address.

Security Bond Forfeiture

The security bond may be forfeited if the employer or helper breaches Work Permit or bond conditions, including where the employer:

• Does not pay salary on time.
• Does not send the helper home when required.
• Fails to address a missing helper.

The employer may avoid liability for the helper's violations if they can prove they informed her of relevant conditions and reported the violation immediately after becoming aware of it.

The bond is generally discharged one week after the helper leaves Singapore, provided the Work Permit is cancelled, the helper has returned home, and no bond conditions were breached.

Fingerprints, Digital Pass and Card

If required, the helper must register fingerprints and a photo within 1 week after permit issuance.

Bring:

• Original passport.
• Appointment letter.
• Temporary Work Permit.
• Mobile phone with local number.
• Singpass and SGWorkPass apps.

After Singpass registration, the helper can use the SGWorkPass app to view the digital work pass, employment information and pass expiry date.

MOM generally delivers the physical Work Permit card within 5 working days after registration or document verification.

Frequent Changes of Helpers

An employer who changes more than three MDWs in 12 months is a Frequent Change Employer.

Before employing a fourth MDW within 12 months, the employer must attend the mandatory CONNECT Workshop.

• Duration: 1 hour.
• Fee: $80.
• Delivery: virtual or in person.
• Rescheduling: notify AEA(S) at least 3 working days in advance.

Failure to attend without sufficient notice results in forfeiture of the fee.