The 2-year mark with your domestic helper is a crossroads. If she's been good, you want to keep her — but you also need to renegotiate terms fairly. If she's been mediocre, this is your clean exit point. Either way, you need to understand the process, your obligations, and the negotiation dynamics.
This guide covers everything that happens at contract renewal, including the tricky situations most guides skip.
When Does Renewal Happen?
A standard FDW Work Permit is valid for 2 years. MOM sends a renewal notice approximately 8 weeks before expiry. You can submit the renewal 7 to 12 weeks before the expiry date through MOM's FDW eService.
Don't wait until the last minute. Late renewal means gaps in coverage, insurance lapses, and potential levy issues.
Home Leave: What's Required
The standard entitlement
After completing a 2-year contract, your helper is entitled to home leave before starting a new contract. The standard arrangement:
- Duration: Typically 2 weeks (14 days), though this can be negotiated
- Flight costs: Paid by the employer (return ticket to the nearest international airport to her hometown)
- Salary during leave: Paid — home leave is not unpaid leave
If she can't go home
This is increasingly common for Myanmar helpers. Political instability and changing government regulations mean some Myanmar helpers genuinely cannot return home safely, or face significant risk if they do.
In this case, the standard alternatives are:
- Cash in lieu of home leave: Pay the equivalent of the return flight ticket cost, typically S$200–500 depending on the destination
- Additional salary: Some employers give one month's extra salary in lieu of home leave
- Combined: Flight cost equivalent plus one to two weeks' extra salary There's no single MOM-mandated formula. The key is that both sides agree, ideally in writing.
Indonesian and Filipino helpers
These helpers can usually travel home without complications. Filipino helpers especially tend to value home leave highly — many have children they only see once every two years. Be respectful of this.
Salary Negotiation
Should you increase the salary?
If your helper has been performing well for two years, a salary increase at renewal is standard practice. Not mandatory by law, but expected by most helpers and agencies.
How much to increase
Typical increases:
| Performance | Increase range |
|---|---|
| Average (does the job, nothing special) | S$20–50/month |
| Good (reliable, low supervision needed) | S$50–80/month |
| Excellent (proactive, trustworthy, kids love her) | S$80–120/month |
These are rough guides. The actual amount depends on market conditions, her nationality, and her specific skills.
Factors to consider
- Market rates: If similar helpers now command S$100 more than when you hired her, she knows this. Keeping her below market makes her vulnerable to poaching.
- Your household changes: If your family grew (new baby, elderly parent moved in), her workload increased — and her pay should reflect that.
- Her requests: If she asks for a specific number, discuss it openly. "That's more than I expected — can you help me understand why?" is a better response than an immediate yes or no.
- Reducing workload: If your kids are now in school and her workload has decreased, it's reasonable to hold the salary flat or offer a smaller increase.
What if she demands too much?
Some helpers, especially those coached by friends or online groups, may make aggressive demands at renewal: large salary increases, more off days, specific food allowances, annual home leave instead of every 2 years.
If her demands exceed what you consider fair:
- Listen without reacting emotionally
- Explain your position clearly: "I appreciate your work, and here's what I can offer"
- If you can't agree, give her the option to seek a new employer — without hostility
- Don't increase beyond what you're comfortable with just to avoid the hassle of finding a replacement. That resentment will poison the relationship.
The Re-Contracting Process
Step 1: Decide whether to renew
Make this decision at least 3 months before the contract ends. If you're not renewing, you need time to hire a replacement and your helper needs time to find a new employer or arrange repatriation.
Step 2: Discuss terms
If renewing, sit down with your helper and discuss:
- New salary
- Home leave arrangements
- Any changes to rest days, food, or house rules
- Updated job responsibilities (especially if household needs changed)
Step 3: Renew the Work Permit
Through MOM's FDW eService:
- Submit renewal 7–12 weeks before expiry
- Ensure the 6-monthly medical exam is up to date
- Renew insurance (medical + personal accident + security bond)
- Pay the renewal fee (S$35)
- Check that her passport has sufficient validity for the new permit period
Step 4: Update the contract
Draft a new employment contract reflecting the updated terms. Both sides sign. Keep copies.
What If You Don't Renew?
If you decide not to re-contract:
- Give your helper adequate notice (at least one month, or as per contract)
- Arrange and pay for her repatriation flight
- Settle all outstanding salary, rest day compensation, and any agreed bonuses
- Cancel the Work Permit through MOM's eService
- If she wants to find a new employer in Singapore, offer to help with the transfer process
How HelperMate Helps
HelperMate tracks all the critical renewal deadlines so nothing gets missed:
- Work Permit expiry alerts at 90, 60, and 30 days before expiry
- Insurance renewal reminders synced with the permit cycle
- Salary records for clear, auditable payment history
- Medical exam tracking to ensure the 6ME is current before renewal A smooth renewal process keeps good helpers longer. HelperMate ensures you're never caught off guard.
Download HelperMate on Google Play → | App Store →
Based on MOM regulations as of 2026. For current Work Permit renewal , visit the MOM website. This article is for informational purposes and not legal advice.