Employing a live-in domestic helper

Employing a live-in domestic helper

If you need some help around the house or with caregiving, find out more about hiring a helper who’ll stay with you, also known as a migrant domestic worker (MDW).

  • Eligibility and guidelines

  • For first-timers

  • Employer responsibilities

  • Levy concession, waiver, and tax relief

  • Related services

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Eligibility and guidelines

Learn about the requirements and general guidelines you must meet.

Employer requirements

You should be at least 21 years old, not bankrupt, and mentally able.

MDW eligibility

Your helper must meet the age, nationality, and education requirements to get a Work Permit.

Rest days and well-being

Your helper is entitled to 1 weekly rest day and proper living conditions.

Salary payments

You must pay your helper every month, within 7 days after the end of the salary period.

For first-timers

If you’re employing a helper for the first time, or if your hired help is working in Singapore for the first time.

Employers’ Orientation Programme

3-hour programme for those employing a domestic helper for the first time.

Setting-in programme for MDW

1-day programme for those who have not worked in Singapore as a domestic helper before.

Employer responsibilities

What you must do before, during, and after the employment period.

Before your helper arrives

Work Permit application

Apply for a Work Permit for your helper on your own or through an employment agency.

Work Permit: joint income or sponsorship scheme

For low-income employers or senior citizens who are not staying with any working adults.

Security bond

You must buy a $5,000 bond for each non-Malaysian helper you employ.

Medical and personal accident insurance

You must buy insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements.

Pre-employment medical examination for MDWs

You must send your helper for a medical examination before you can get her Work Permit issued.

Work Permit issuance

Get the permit issued within 2 weeks from your helper’s arrival or 7 days from Stay-Home Notice completion.

During the employment period

Monthly levy for your MDW

You have to pay the levy via General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO).

Six-monthly medical examination (6ME)

You must send your helper for a medical screening every 6 months.

After the employment ends

Work Permit cancellation

Cancel the permit within 1 week after your helper stops working for you, or 1 day after the permit expires.

Levy concession, waiver, and tax relief

Check if you’re eligible to pay less levy or get tax relief on your levy payments.

Levy concession for your MDW

For those living with a child below 16, senior aged 67 or above, or person with disabilities.

Levy waiver for your MDW

If your helper is on overseas leave for at least 7 consecutive days, or on hospitalisation leave in Singapore.

Tax relief on your foreign domestic worker levy

For working married, divorced, or widowed mothers with school-going children.

Related services

Apply or manage Work Permit for migrant domestic workers

Includes domestic helpers and confinement nannies.

Apply for levy concession for a migrant domestic worker

If you’re living with a young child or elderly person.

Apply for levy concession for a migrant domestic worker

For persons with disabilities.

Apply for levy waiver for a migrant domestic worker

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