Work Permits in Singapore
Everything you need to know about employing a Foreign Domestic Worker.
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📄 What Is a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Work Permit?
In Singapore, any household that wishes to hire a foreign domestic helper must first obtain a valid Work Permit from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This permit legally authorises the helper to live and work in Singapore under the sponsorship of the employer.
The Work Permit is tied to a specific employer and specific helper, so transfers between households must go through MOM's proper transfer or application procedures.
The permit is typically valid for up to two years and should be renewed before expiry if employment is to continue.
👤 Who Is Eligible to Hire an FDW?
Employer Requirements
- Must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a valid Employment Pass / S Pass / Work Permit.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must have household income of at least S$3,000 monthly (or provide a S$3,000 bank guarantee in lieu).
- Must not have been barred from employing an FDW.
- Must not be under investigation or have prior offences related to FDW employment.
FDW Requirements
- Must be female and generally between 23 to 50 years old for first-time FDWs in Singapore.
- Must hold a passport from an approved source country (for example: Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, and others).
- Must pass a medical examination by a Singapore-registered clinic.
- Must not have unresolved immigration issues or prior violations in Singapore.
- Must complete the Settling-In Programme (SIP) within 3 days of arrival if first-time in Singapore.
📝 How the Application Process Works
1) Employer Orientation Programme (EOP)
First-time employers must complete the Employers' Orientation Programme before submitting a Work Permit application. The module explains FDW rights, employer obligations, and key employment terms.
2) Submit Work Permit Application
Application is submitted through MOM's online portal by either the employer or a licensed agency. It includes employer details, FDW passport/biodata, and declaration of terms.
3) In-Principle Approval (IPA)
When approved, MOM issues an IPA letter that allows the FDW to enter Singapore. Arrival and commencement of work must happen within the IPA validity period.
4) Medical Examination
Within 14 days of arrival, the FDW must complete a medical exam at a Singapore-registered clinic and be declared fit before card issuance.
5) Settling-In Programme (SIP)
First-time FDWs in Singapore must attend a one-day SIP within 3 working days of arrival. Topics include safety, adaptation, rights, responsibilities, and support channels.
6) Work Permit Card Issuance
After required clearances, MOM issues the official Work Permit card. The FDW should keep it accessible as proof of legal employment.
💰 Costs and Levies
Monthly Levy
Standard FDW levy is S$300 per month. Eligible households (for example with a child below 16, elderly aged 67+, or person with disabilities) may qualify for concessionary levy of S$60 per month.
Security Bond
A S$5,000 security bond is required for non-Malaysian FDWs. It is commonly arranged as an insurance-backed guarantee instead of cash deposit.
Medical Insurance
Employers must maintain at least S$15,000/year medical insurance coverage for hospitalisation and surgical expenses.
Personal Accident Insurance
Employers must also buy personal accident insurance with minimum S$60,000 coverage for accidental death or permanent disability.
⚖️ Your Responsibilities as an Employer
Basic Welfare
- Provide adequate food, rest, and acceptable living conditions.
- Ensure reasonable privacy in sleeping arrangements.
- Grant at least one rest day each month (or provide compensation by mutual agreement).
- Pay salary no later than 7 days after each salary period ends.
Safety & Health
- Do not assign dangerous tasks, such as cleaning exterior windows at height.
- Bear cost of required medical treatment.
- Send FDW for mandatory six-monthly medical examinations.
- Maintain valid medical and personal accident insurance continuously.
Documentation & Compliance
- Keep Work Permit documentation accessible to the FDW.
- Do not deploy FDW outside registered residential address.
- Notify MOM of address changes within 5 days.
- Renew Work Permit before expiry and arrange repatriation when employment ends.
🔄 Renewal, Transfer & Cancellation
Renewing a Work Permit
Work Permits are commonly valid for about two years. Apply for renewal at least four weeks before expiry, ensuring medical and compliance conditions remain satisfied.
Transferring a Helper
Transfers require proper cancellation and re-application workflows between existing and new employers. Transfer helpers are often preferred because they are already familiar with Singapore.
Cancelling a Work Permit
Permit cancellation should be done within 7 days when employment ends. Employer is generally responsible for repatriation unless the helper is successfully transferred.
✅ How KSQ Manpower Services Helps You
Navigating the permit process can feel overwhelming — this is where agency support helps.
- 📋 Full Application Handling: End-to-end support for document preparation, submission, and MOM tracking.
- 🔁 Renewal & Transfer Support: Coordination for renewal timelines and transfer cases.
- 🏥 Medical & SIP Coordination: Scheduling medical checks and Settling-In Programme.
- 🛡️ Insurance & Bond Arrangement: Help to secure required bond and insurance coverage.
- 📞 Ongoing Advisory: Ongoing guidance on obligations, levies, and permit conditions.
- 📜 Licensed & Compliant: Support from a licensed agency (EA License 12C5865) aligned with MOM requirements.