A helper's Work Permit (WP) is the document that lets her live and work in your home legally — and letting it lapse is one of the most stressful, avoidable mistakes an employer can make. The good news: renewal is straightforward once you know the timeline and what MOM needs from you. Here's the full picture for 2026.
How Long Is a Helper's Work Permit Valid?
A foreign domestic worker's Work Permit is issued for up to 2 years, and it cannot extend beyond the validity of her passport. If her passport expires sooner, the WP is shortened to match — so a passport with plenty of validity left makes renewal cleaner. When the 2 years are up, you either renew or her employment ends (see transfer or repatriation).
When to Renew
MOM typically sends a renewal notification about 2 months before the permit expires. Don't wait for the last week:
- Renew online through MOM's Work Permit Online (WPOL) system, or have your agency do it.
- To renew, you'll need a valid passport, valid insurance, a security bond in place, and her medicals up to date.
- Renewal can usually be done from around 2 months before expiry up to the expiry date — but renewing early removes all last-minute risk.
If you're re-contracting and there are salary or home-leave changes to settle, handle those alongside the WP renewal (see our contract renewal guide).
The 6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME)
Separate from renewal but essential to keeping the permit valid: every FDW must undergo a 6-monthly medical examination (6ME) at an MOM-approved clinic. It screens for pregnancy and certain infectious diseases (such as syphilis). As the employer, you arrange and pay for it, and you must submit the results to MOM.
Missing a 6ME is a breach of WP conditions — set a recurring reminder so it never slips. (Her general health costs are covered in our medical and dental guide.)
Security Bond, Levy & Insurance at Renewal
Renewal is also when you confirm the ongoing costs are all in place:
- Security bond: A S$5,000 banker's or insurance guarantee is required for non-Malaysian helpers. It carries through and must remain valid.
- Monthly levy: S$300 at the normal rate, or S$60 concessionary if your household qualifies (e.g. a child under 16, an elderly person 67+, or a person with disabilities). Keep paying it on time — levy arrears can block renewal.
- Insurance: You must maintain medical insurance (minimum annual coverage for inpatient care and day surgery) and personal accident insurance for her. These are renewed alongside the WP. The full cost breakdown is in our cost of hiring guide.
What Happens If the Permit Expires?
If a Work Permit lapses without renewal:
- She cannot legally work for you, and continuing to employ her is an offence.
- An expired permit with no valid pass means she is overstaying — a serious immigration matter for both of you.
- You would need to either renew immediately (if still possible) or arrange repatriation.
This is exactly the scenario the 2-month notice exists to prevent. Treat the expiry date as a hard deadline, not a suggestion.
A Simple Renewal Checklist
About 2 months before expiry, confirm:
- Passport valid well beyond the new permit period
- 6-monthly medical up to date
- Medical + personal accident insurance renewed
- Security bond valid
- Levy fully paid, no arrears
- Renewal submitted via WPOL (or by your agency)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before expiry should I renew my helper's Work Permit?
MOM usually sends a renewal notification about 2 months before the Work Permit expires, and you can renew from around that point up to the expiry date. Renew early rather than at the last minute — you'll need a valid passport, insurance, security bond, and up-to-date medicals in place, and early renewal removes any risk of an accidental lapse.
Does my helper need a medical exam to keep her Work Permit?
Yes. Every foreign domestic worker must complete a 6-monthly medical examination (6ME) at an MOM-approved clinic, which screens for pregnancy and certain infectious diseases. The employer arranges and pays for it and submits the results to MOM. Missing it breaches Work Permit conditions, so set a recurring reminder.
How much does it cost to keep a helper's Work Permit going?
The main ongoing costs are the monthly levy (S$300 normal, or S$60 concessionary if you qualify), medical and personal accident insurance (renewed every 1–2 years), the 6-monthly medical exam fee, and maintaining the S$5,000 security bond for non-Malaysian helpers. See our cost of hiring guide for the full 2026 breakdown.
What happens if my helper's Work Permit expires?
She cannot legally work once the permit lapses, and continuing to employ her is an offence — an expired pass also means she is overstaying, which is a serious immigration matter. If you miss the renewal, you must act immediately to renew (if still possible) or arrange repatriation. The 2-month renewal notice exists precisely to prevent this.
How HelperMate Helps
Work Permit admin is all about not missing dates — which is exactly what HelperMate is built for:
- Reminders for the 6-monthly medical, permit renewal, and insurance expiry
- A single place to track her key dates instead of scattered notes
- 10-language support so she understands appointments and paperwork clearly
Never get caught by a surprise expiry again — HelperMate keeps every deadline in view.
Download HelperMate on Google Play → | App Store →
This guide reflects MOM rules and common practice as of 2026. Always check current MOM guidance for the latest figures and procedures. This article is for informational purposes only.