If you employ a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) in Singapore, you're responsible for meeting a range of legal obligations set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Missing a deadline or overlooking a requirement can result in fines, forfeiture of your $5,000 security bond, or even a ban from hiring helpers in the future.
This checklist covers every key obligation in one place — so you can stay compliant without the stress.
Before Your Helper Arrives
Employer eligibility
Before applying for a Work Permit, make sure you meet MOM's basic criteria:
- You are at least 21 years old
- You are a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or eligible pass holder
- You are not an undischarged bankrupt
- You have not been debarred by MOM from hiring an FDW
Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP)
First-time FDW employers must complete the EOP before submitting a Work Permit application. This is a self-paced online course (about 2 hours) that covers your legal responsibilities, your helper's rights, and MOM regulations. Cost: $35–$60.
You must complete it at least 2 working days before submitting the Work Permit application.
Mandatory insurance and security bond
Before your helper arrives in Singapore, you must purchase:
- Security bond: $5,000 (banker's or insurance guarantee)
- Medical insurance: Minimum $15,000/year for inpatient care and day surgery
- Personal accident insurance: Minimum $40,000 coverage
The security bond must be transmitted to MOM before your helper enters Singapore — otherwise she may be refused entry at the border.
Work Permit application
Submit through MOM's FDW eService using your Singpass. Upon approval, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The application fee is $35.
Within the First 14 Days
Medical examination
Your helper must pass a medical exam by a Singapore-registered doctor within 14 days of arrival (including weekends and public holidays). The exam screens for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, and malaria.
If she fails the medical exam, the Work Permit will not be issued and you must arrange repatriation.
Settling-In Programme (SIP)
First-time FDWs in Singapore must attend the SIP within the first 3 working days of arrival. This one-day course covers their rights, safety awareness, and what to do in emergencies. Cost: approximately $75, typically paid by the employer.
Experienced FDWs (who have worked in Singapore before) may be exempted.
Ongoing Monthly Obligations
Salary payment
Pay your helper's salary on time — no later than 7 days after the end of each salary period. MOM strongly recommends paying via bank transfer or GIRO to maintain a clear record.
Never deduct medical costs or other expenses from your helper's salary without proper agreement.
FDW levy
You must pay a monthly levy to MOM for each FDW you employ:
- Standard rate: $300/month
- Concessionary rate: $60/month (if your household has a child under 16, a person aged 67+, or a person with disabilities)
Payment is typically via GIRO, deducted on the 5th of each month. Late payment can result in penalties.
Tip: Check your levy rate through MOM's FDW eService. If your household composition changes (e.g., a child turns 16), your concessionary eligibility may be affected.
Rest days
Your helper is entitled to one rest day per week. MOM requires that at least one rest day per month cannot be compensated away — your helper must actually take the day off.
For other rest days, you and your helper may mutually agree to:
- Compensate with extra pay (at least one day's salary)
- Replace with another rest day
Always document rest day arrangements in writing and update MOM's FDW eService accordingly.
Every 6 Months
6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME)
Your helper must undergo a medical screening every 6 months. MOM will notify you by mail or email when the 6ME is due.
Key points:
- You must cover the cost (typically $30–$60)
- Your helper must attend the clinic independently (you should not be in the consultation room)
- Results are sent directly to MOM
- If your helper fails the 6ME, MOM will advise on next steps (which may include repatriation)
Missing the 6ME deadline can result in the Work Permit being revoked.
Before the Work Permit Expires
Work Permit renewal
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.
Before renewing, ensure:
- Your helper has passed the most recent 6ME
- Insurance coverage (medical + personal accident) is renewed for the next period
- Security bond is valid for at least 26 months
- Your helper's passport has sufficient validity
- Renewal fee of $35 is paid
The Work Permit is typically valid for 2 years, but the actual duration depends on factors like passport validity and security bond period.
Passport expiry
Monitor your helper's passport expiry date. If the passport expires before the Work Permit period ends, the permit duration will be shortened accordingly. Coordinate with your helper early to renew her passport through her home country's embassy in Singapore.
When Employment Ends
Work Permit cancellation
When your helper leaves your employment (whether by mutual agreement, termination, or transfer), you must:
- Cancel the Work Permit through MOM's FDW eService
- Settle all outstanding salary and compensation
- Arrange and pay for repatriation (flight to the nearest international airport to her hometown)
- Return the Work Permit card to MOM
If your helper is transferring to a new employer, you do not need to pay for repatriation — but you must still cancel the current permit properly.
Levy stops
Levy collection stops when the Work Permit is cancelled or expires. MOM will automatically stop collection and refund any overpaid amounts within 1–2 weeks.
Quick Reference: Key Deadlines
| Obligation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Medical exam after arrival | Within 14 days |
| Settling-In Programme (SIP) | Within 3 working days of arrival |
| Salary payment | Within 7 days after salary period |
| Monthly levy | 5th of each month (GIRO) |
| 6-Monthly Medical Exam (6ME) | Every 6 months (MOM will notify) |
| Work Permit renewal | 7–12 weeks before expiry |
| Rest day (mandatory) | At least 1 per month, non-compensable |
How HelperMate Helps
Keeping track of all these deadlines manually — across calendars, spreadsheets, and memory — is how things get missed. HelperMate was built specifically to solve this problem for Singapore employers:
- Automatic MOM deadline alerts at 90, 30, and 7 days before Work Permit expiry, medical exams, and passport expiry
- Rest day recording to maintain a clear, auditable history
- Salary and expense tracking with receipt scanning
- 10-language support so your helper stays informed in her own language
Download HelperMate on Google Play →
This guide is based on MOM regulations as of 2026. For the most current requirements, always refer to the official MOM website. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.