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Published on 14 Jul 2025 by Dean H.
Singapore is a popular destination for expatriates from all over the world, and for many expat families, hiring a domestic helper is essential to maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Whether it’s to support a busy household, care for children, or assist elderly family members, domestic helpers play an important role.
But before you hire, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations that apply to all employers in Singapore, including expats.
In this guide, we break down the key rules and responsibilities you need to know before bringing a helper into your home.
1. Eligibility to hire a domestic helper
As an expat, you are eligible to hire a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) if:
- You hold a valid Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependant Pass (in some cases), or other approved work visa.
- You reside in Singapore.
- You can demonstrate financial capability to support a helper (typically a minimum household income is required, MOM may request proof such as payslips or bank statements).
2. Work permit requirements
All domestic helpers must have a valid Work Permit issued by MOM, and as the employer, you are responsible for applying for and renewing this permit.
Key details:
- Helpers must be female, aged 23 to 50, and from MOM-approved source countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and India.
- The initial work permit is valid for up to 2 years and must be renewed before expiry.
- The helper must only work for you and must reside at your registered residential address.
3. Foreign worker levy and security bond
- Employers must pay a monthly levy, currently set at $300 (or $60 if you're eligible for the concessionary rate, for example, if you have young children or elderly dependents).
- You must purchase a $5,000 security bond (except for helpers from Malaysia) as a financial guarantee to MOM.
4. Medical insurance and health requirements
You are required to:
- Provide medical and personal accident insurance for your helper.
- Medical: At least $15,000/year in coverage
- Accident: At least $60,000/year
- Send your helper for a six-monthly medical examination (6ME) to ensure they are fit to work and free of infectious diseases.
- Cover all medical expenses if your helper falls ill or gets injured.
5. Proper accommodation
Your helper must be provided with:
- A separate, well-ventilated sleeping area with enough privacy
- Basic amenities (bed, bedding, storage, and access to bathroom facilities)
- Three daily meals and sufficient rest time
MOM prohibits housing helpers in unsuitable spaces such as balconies or storerooms.
6. Rest days and employment terms
As of 1 January 2023, MOM mandates that:
- Helpers are entitled to at least one rest day per week.
- If the helper agrees to work on her rest day, she must be compensated with at least one day's salary or a replacement rest day within the same month.
7. Settling-In and training programs
- First-time helpers in Singapore are required to attend a Settling-In Programme (SIP) within the first few days of arrival.
- Employers are also encouraged to go through MOM’s Employer Orientation Programme (EOP), mandatory for first-time employers , to understand their roles and responsibilities.
How Ministry of Helpers Can Help
At Ministry of Helpers, we simplify the hiring process for expat families:
- Licensed platform that ensures full compliance with MOM regulations
- Concierge services to handle work permits, medicals, and insurance setup
- Access to online training resources to upskill your helper
- In-app tools like our household scheduler to manage daily routines with ease
Hiring a domestic helper as an expat in Singapore comes with many benefits but also responsibilities. Understanding and following MOM’s regulations not only protects you legally but also ensures a safe and supportive environment for your helper. Let us help you build a harmonious home, one compliant step at a time.
You might be interested in:
Busted! 6 Myths About Hiring a Maid in Singapore That Employers Still Believe
Hiring a Helper Before the School Term Starts? Here’s What to Know
Smart Home, Smart Help: How Tech Can Support Your Helper at Work
Planning a Family Trip? How to Prepare Your Helper (or the Home) for Your Absence
Cost of Direct Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore
Singapore is a popular destination for expatriates from all over the world, and for many expat families, hiring a domestic helper is essential to maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Whether it’s to support a busy household, care for children, or assist elderly family members, domestic helpers play an important role.
But before you hire, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations that apply to all employers in Singapore, including expats.
In this guide, we break down the key rules and responsibilities you need to know before bringing a helper into your home.
1. Eligibility to hire a domestic helper
As an expat, you are eligible to hire a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) if:
- You hold a valid Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependant Pass (in some cases), or other approved work visa.
- You reside in Singapore.
- You can demonstrate financial capability to support a helper (typically a minimum household income is required, MOM may request proof such as payslips or bank statements).
2. Work permit requirements
All domestic helpers must have a valid Work Permit issued by MOM, and as the employer, you are responsible for applying for and renewing this permit.
Key details:
- Helpers must be female, aged 23 to 50, and from MOM-approved source countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and India.
- The initial work permit is valid for up to 2 years and must be renewed before expiry.
- The helper must only work for you and must reside at your registered residential address.
3. Foreign worker levy and security bond
- Employers must pay a monthly levy, currently set at $300 (or $60 if you're eligible for the concessionary rate, for example, if you have young children or elderly dependents).
- You must purchase a $5,000 security bond (except for helpers from Malaysia) as a financial guarantee to MOM.
4. Medical insurance and health requirements
You are required to:
- Provide medical and personal accident insurance for your helper.
- Medical: At least $15,000/year in coverage
- Accident: At least $60,000/year
- Send your helper for a six-monthly medical examination (6ME) to ensure they are fit to work and free of infectious diseases.
- Cover all medical expenses if your helper falls ill or gets injured.
5. Proper accommodation
Your helper must be provided with:
- A separate, well-ventilated sleeping area with enough privacy
- Basic amenities (bed, bedding, storage, and access to bathroom facilities)
- Three daily meals and sufficient rest time
MOM prohibits housing helpers in unsuitable spaces such as balconies or storerooms.
6. Rest days and employment terms
As of 1 January 2023, MOM mandates that:
- Helpers are entitled to at least one rest day per week.
- If the helper agrees to work on her rest day, she must be compensated with at least one day's salary or a replacement rest day within the same month.
7. Settling-In and training programs
- First-time helpers in Singapore are required to attend a Settling-In Programme (SIP) within the first few days of arrival.
- Employers are also encouraged to go through MOM’s Employer Orientation Programme (EOP), mandatory for first-time employers , to understand their roles and responsibilities.
How Ministry of Helpers Can Help
At Ministry of Helpers, we simplify the hiring process for expat families:
- Licensed platform that ensures full compliance with MOM regulations
- Concierge services to handle work permits, medicals, and insurance setup
- Access to online training resources to upskill your helper
- In-app tools like our household scheduler to manage daily routines with ease
Hiring a domestic helper as an expat in Singapore comes with many benefits but also responsibilities. Understanding and following MOM’s regulations not only protects you legally but also ensures a safe and supportive environment for your helper. Let us help you build a harmonious home, one compliant step at a time.
You might be interested in:
Busted! 6 Myths About Hiring a Maid in Singapore That Employers Still Believe
Hiring a Helper Before the School Term Starts? Here’s What to Know
Smart Home, Smart Help: How Tech Can Support Your Helper at Work
Planning a Family Trip? How to Prepare Your Helper (or the Home) for Your Absence
Cost of Direct Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore