Who can apply for a Migrant Domestic Worker?

All Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and expatriates with valid employment or work passes, and a valid reason to employ a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW), are eligible subject to MOM approval. Expatriates must declare that their family members live with them.

Can I employ MDW from any country?

No. You may only employ MDWs from MOM-approved source countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand.

What is the current levy?

Employers must pay a monthly levy of $300 (normal) or $60 (concessionary). Levy starts on the fifth day after the MDW’s arrival. Payment is via GIRO only; failure to maintain a valid GIRO account will result in cancellation of the Work Permit.

What are the criteria to be eligible for levy concession?

Employers may qualify for a concessionary levy (up to two MDWs per household) if they have a Singapore Citizen child under 16, an elderly family member aged 67 or above, or a person with a disability in the household. Approval is subject to MOM.

Can I claim tax relief for MDW levy?

Yes. Married women under separate assessment, those with non-resident husbands, or separated/divorced/widowed women living with an unmarried child may claim tax relief. Relief is twice the amount of levy for one MDW, offset against the wife's earned income.

Can I get refund on the maid-levy paid during my maid’s home leave?

Yes, refunds are available if the MDW is overseas for at least 7 consecutive days, capped at 60 calendar days per year.

Do I have to pay the MDW salary when she goes on home leave?

No, unless it is specifically provided for in the employment contract.

What is a security bond?

Employers must post a $5,000 security deposit with MOM per MDW. If the employer fails to repatriate the MDW after work permit cancellation, the bond will be forfeited.

Can I avoid making the $5,000 security deposit?

Yes, by purchasing insurance policies (e.g. from NTUC Income, Anda). Depending on coverage, employers may still be liable for the bond if they fail to repatriate the MDW.

What medical checks are necessary for my MDW?

MDWs must undergo a medical examination within 14 days of arrival, and six-monthly medical screenings for VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV thereafter.

Am I responsible for the medical expenses of the MDW?

Yes, employers must bear all medical costs, including hospitalization. Insurance coverage is strongly advised.

Must I attend the Employers' Orientation Programme?

Yes, if you have not employed a maid before, you must attend before submitting a Work Permit application.

Can I be exempted from attending the Employers' Orientation Programme?

Exemptions are granted only for valid reasons such as medical issues or disability, subject to MOM approval.

Who conducts the Programme and where?

Grace Management & Consultancy Services, Nation Employment Pte Ltd, and We Are Caring Pte Ltd conduct the programme.

Where can I find details about the Employers' Orientation Programme?

Please refer to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.

What are some offenses committed by employers?

Offenses include abuse, non-payment of salary, illegal deployment, unsafe working conditions, and failure to ensure MDW safety. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment.

What is the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?

The SIP is a mandatory one-day orientation programme for first-time MDWs, covering introduction to Singapore, employment conditions, home safety, and stress management. Conducted in the MDW’s native language.

Why must MDWs attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?

The SIP equips first-time MDWs with basic knowledge to adapt to working and living in Singapore, helping improve safety and employer-employee relationships.

How much does the SIP cost and who pays?

Course fees apply and are typically borne by the employer. Please check with training providers for exact costs.

How can employers check if their MDWs must attend the SIP?

Employers and agencies are notified via the Letter of Notification. Employers can also check via WP Online.

What languages is the SIP conducted in?

The SIP is conducted in native languages such as Bahasa Indonesia, Myanmese, Tagalog, and English.

Can my MDW be exempted from the SIP?

No. All first-time MDWs must attend within 7 days of arrival. Exemptions are not granted.

What happens if MDWs do not attend the SIP?

MDWs who fail to attend will not be issued Work Permits and will be repatriated.

If I am a foreigner bringing in my own MDW directly, must she attend the SIP?

Yes. If she is a first-time MDW in Singapore, she must attend the SIP within 7 days of arrival.

How to Apply for a Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore

Jan 12
4 min read

Hiring a foreign domestic worker in Singapore is one of the most practical ways to manage a busy household. From caring for children and elderly family members to maintaining a clean and organised home, a dedicated helper can make life infinitely smoother. Yet, the process of hiring one can seem daunting—especially if it’s your first time navigating the paperwork, regulations, and interviews.

That’s where AA Celest Employment steps in. With years of experience helping families hire reliable domestic maids in Singapore, the agency simplifies every step of the journey. Whether you’re applying for a new helper or looking for a direct hire transfer maid in Singapore, AA Celest ensures your experience is transparent, compliant, and stress-free.

Let’s walk through the essentials of how to apply for a foreign domestic worker in Singapore, and what you should know before welcoming one into your home.

1. Understand Eligibility and Requirements

Before beginning your application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Employers must be at least 21 years old, financially stable, and have the mental capacity to take on the responsibility of employing a foreign domestic worker in Singapore.

Additionally, you’ll need to complete the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) if this is your first time hiring a helper. This course educates you on your legal responsibilities and best practices for maintaining a respectful working relationship with your helper.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, AA Celest Employment can help assess your situation and guide you through MOM’s requirements with ease.

2. Choose Between a New Hire or Transfer Helper

When hiring a domestic maid in Singapore, you generally have two options:

Hire: A helper. The agency handles all the overseas processing, training, and deployment.
Transfer Domestic Helper: A helper who is already in Singapore and seeking to transfer employers.

The right choice depends on your household’s urgency, preferences, and expectations. A reputable agency like AA Celest will help you decide which path best fits your needs.

3. Select a Licensed and Reliable Agency

The easiest way to ensure a smooth and compliant hiring process is to engage a licensed maid agency like AA Celest Employment. MOM-licensed agencies follow strict regulations, ensuring both employers and helpers are protected under Singapore’s employment laws.

AA Celest’s team not only connects you with qualified foreign domestic maids from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar but also assists with everything from documentation to training. Working with a trusted agency minimises risks and saves you time and effort.

4. Candidate Shortlisting and Interviews

Once you’ve decided to apply for a foreign domestic worker, your agency will present shortlisted profiles based on your family’s specific needs. Each profile usually includes details about the helper’s experience, skill set, and background.

You’ll then have the opportunity to conduct interviews—either in person or via video call—to gauge communication skills and compatibility.

If you’re browsing potential candidates, you can also explore available profiles directly through AA Celest’s database of helpers in Singapore.

During interviews, consider discussing your household expectations, routines, and any specific skills needed—such as elderly care, childcare, or house cleaning. Open communication from the start helps prevent misunderstandings later.

5. Documentation and Work Permit Application

Once you’ve selected your preferred foreign domestic worker in Singapore, the agency will guide you through the necessary paperwork. This includes:

Work permit application and issuance
Medical check-ups and insurance
Employment contract preparation
Security bond and levy payments

AA Celest Employment manages all administrative processes efficiently, ensuring full compliance with MOM’s regulations. By entrusting the paperwork to professionals, you can avoid delays and focus on preparing your home for the new helper’s arrival.

6. Settling-In Programme and Orientation

First-time helpers are required to attend MOM’s Settling-In Programme (SIP), which educates them about Singapore’s laws, work expectations, and safety practices. This helps them integrate smoothly into your home environment.

Agencies like AA Celest Employment ensure that all necessary training and orientation sessions are completed before the helper begins work. A well-prepared helper means a smoother transition for your family.

7. Post-Placement Support and Communication

Hiring doesn’t end when your helper arrives. A professional agency continues to provide after-sales support, helping resolve any challenges that may arise in the first few months.

For instance, if your domestic helper in Singapore struggles to adjust to a new routine or cultural expectations, the agency can offer counselling or mediation in their native language. This ongoing support creates a positive and long-lasting working relationship.

8. Considering a Direct Hire Transfer Maid in Singapore

If you already know someone you wish to employ—perhaps a transfer domestic helper whose contract is ending—you can opt for a direct hire transfer maid in Singapore. This route bypasses some agency fees but still requires compliance with MOM’s procedures, including paperwork and medical checks.

AA Celest Employment also provides support for direct hire cases, ensuring your application meets all legal standards while helping you manage the process efficiently.

9. Building a Respectful Working Relationship

Once your foreign domestic maid starts work, establishing mutual respect and clear communication is key. Set realistic expectations, give proper rest days, and provide feedback constructively. A happy and motivated helper contributes greatly to a harmonious home.

Treating your helper with kindness not only fosters trust but also encourages loyalty and long-term cooperation—a win-win for everyone in the household.

10. The AA Celest Employment Advantage

What makes AA Celest Employment stand out is its dedication to pairing the right helper with the right household. Their holistic FDW deployment services cover every stage—from screening and training to post-placement support—ensuring a stress-free experience for families.

Whether you’re hiring your first domestic maid in Singapore or exploring a transfer domestic helper, their team provides professional guidance and personal care every step of the way.

Ready to Apply for a Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore?

Let AA Celest Employment take the guesswork out of the process. With their expertise, transparency, and commitment to ethical hiring, you can confidently find the perfect foreign domestic worker in Singapore for your household needs.

Review AA Celest Employment’s FDW Deployment Services today to start your application and discover how easy it can be to bring reliable help into your home.