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Published on 21 May 2025 by Dean H.
Hiring a domestic helper for the first time in Singapore can feel overwhelming — from understanding the legal requirements to choosing between an Indonesian maid or a Filipino FDW, the process comes with its fair share of questions.
As a first-time employer, it’s crucial to start with the right knowledge so you can build a positive, long-term relationship with your helper while staying compliant with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations.
1. Understand the MOM rules for domestic helpers
Before hiring, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the MOM rules for domestic helpers. These include the eligibility criteria for employers, acceptable accommodation standards, mandatory rest days, and safety responsibilities. For instance:
- Helpers are entitled to at least one mandatory off day per month (more if agreed in the contract).
- You must provide proper housing, sufficient meals, and medical care.
- Regular 6-monthly medical examinations are mandatory to ensure your helper’s health and fitness to work.
2. Know the training requirements
As a new employer, you must complete the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP), either online or in person. If you plan to hire directly without an agency, you’ll also need to understand CEI test questions and the CEI course (Certificate of Employment Intermediaries), which ensures you are aware of your legal responsibilities.
If your FDW will be caring for elderly family members, consider enrolling her in a caregiver course in Singapore for FDWs. These specialised training programs help helpers learn essential eldercare skills such as mobility assistance, hygiene care, and basic first aid.
3. Choosing your helper
Singapore is home to a diverse community of foreign domestic workers. Whether you prefer a Filipino helper known for their strong English skills and childcare experience, an Indian helper with vegetarian cooking expertise, a Burmese helper with a calm demeanor and willingness to learn, or an Indonesian maid skilled in elderly care, your choice should reflect your family’s needs.
4. Don’t forget maid training courses
Even if a domestic helper has experience, enrolling her in a refresher maid training course can help ease the transition into a new household. These courses often include household cleaning, childcare basics, and communication skills.
Some platforms like Ministry of Helpers offer free access to online training materials, making it easier for your helper to learn at her own pace.
5. Budgeting and legal costs
Hiring a maid in Singapore comes with several costs, including:
- FDW maid insurance
- Monthly foreign worker levy
- Security bond
- Medical check-ups
- Daily needs and food allowance
It’s also a good idea to prepare a sample FDW contract that outlines working hours, duties, and rest days to avoid future misunderstandings.
6. Support beyond hiring
When things don’t go as planned — like if your maid wants to terminate the contract — it’s important to be prepared. Clear communication and respectful treatment often solve issues before they escalate. And if needed, Ministry of Helpers offers dispute resolution support and replacement matching services.
Final tip: Start on the right foot
Becoming a first-time employer is more than just hiring help — it’s about creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where both your family and your helper can thrive. Ministry of Helpers is here to guide you every step of the way, from selection and onboarding to training and ongoing support.
Ready to start your journey? Sign up with Ministry of Helpers and get access to transparent hiring, no placement fees, and a wide range of services tailored for employers like you.
You might be interested in:
Things to Know About New Helpers in Singapore
What to Do if Your Helper is Not Working Out (And You Might Consider Letting Her Go
What You Need to Know About Transfer Helpers in Singapore
How to Plan a Smooth Onboarding Experience for Your New Helper
Hiring a domestic helper for the first time in Singapore can feel overwhelming — from understanding the legal requirements to choosing between an Indonesian maid or a Filipino FDW, the process comes with its fair share of questions.
As a first-time employer, it’s crucial to start with the right knowledge so you can build a positive, long-term relationship with your helper while staying compliant with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations.
1. Understand the MOM rules for domestic helpers
Before hiring, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the MOM rules for domestic helpers. These include the eligibility criteria for employers, acceptable accommodation standards, mandatory rest days, and safety responsibilities. For instance:
- Helpers are entitled to at least one mandatory off day per month (more if agreed in the contract).
- You must provide proper housing, sufficient meals, and medical care.
- Regular 6-monthly medical examinations are mandatory to ensure your helper’s health and fitness to work.
2. Know the training requirements
As a new employer, you must complete the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP), either online or in person. If you plan to hire directly without an agency, you’ll also need to understand CEI test questions and the CEI course (Certificate of Employment Intermediaries), which ensures you are aware of your legal responsibilities.
If your FDW will be caring for elderly family members, consider enrolling her in a caregiver course in Singapore for FDWs. These specialised training programs help helpers learn essential eldercare skills such as mobility assistance, hygiene care, and basic first aid.
3. Choosing your helper
Singapore is home to a diverse community of foreign domestic workers. Whether you prefer a Filipino helper known for their strong English skills and childcare experience, an Indian helper with vegetarian cooking expertise, a Burmese helper with a calm demeanor and willingness to learn, or an Indonesian maid skilled in elderly care, your choice should reflect your family’s needs.
4. Don’t forget maid training courses
Even if a domestic helper has experience, enrolling her in a refresher maid training course can help ease the transition into a new household. These courses often include household cleaning, childcare basics, and communication skills.
Some platforms like Ministry of Helpers offer free access to online training materials, making it easier for your helper to learn at her own pace.
5. Budgeting and legal costs
Hiring a maid in Singapore comes with several costs, including:
- FDW maid insurance
- Monthly foreign worker levy
- Security bond
- Medical check-ups
- Daily needs and food allowance
It’s also a good idea to prepare a sample FDW contract that outlines working hours, duties, and rest days to avoid future misunderstandings.
6. Support beyond hiring
When things don’t go as planned — like if your maid wants to terminate the contract — it’s important to be prepared. Clear communication and respectful treatment often solve issues before they escalate. And if needed, Ministry of Helpers offers dispute resolution support and replacement matching services.
Final tip: Start on the right foot
Becoming a first-time employer is more than just hiring help — it’s about creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where both your family and your helper can thrive. Ministry of Helpers is here to guide you every step of the way, from selection and onboarding to training and ongoing support.
Ready to start your journey? Sign up with Ministry of Helpers and get access to transparent hiring, no placement fees, and a wide range of services tailored for employers like you.
You might be interested in:
Things to Know About New Helpers in Singapore
What to Do if Your Helper is Not Working Out (And You Might Consider Letting Her Go
What You Need to Know About Transfer Helpers in Singapore
How to Plan a Smooth Onboarding Experience for Your New Helper