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.

The Application Process for Hiring a Domestic Maid in Singapore

Praveen Gamage
3 days ago
4 min read

Hiring a domestic maid in Singapore is a practical solution for busy households seeking reliable support with childcare, eldercare, and daily chores and even petcare. While the process may seem daunting at first, understanding the step-by-step procedure can make it smooth and stress-free. With the guidance of a professional agency like AA Celest Employment, families can navigate the process efficiently, ensuring compliance with local regulations while finding the right helper for their home.

1. Determine Your Household Needs

Before you begin the application process, it’s important to identify the tasks and responsibilities you want your domestic maid in Singapore to handle. Are you looking for someone to care for young children, assist with elderly family members, or focus mainly on house cleaning? Defining your household requirements upfront helps you select the most suitable candidate and ensures a successful placement.

Agencies like AA Celest Employment also take into account your preferences when shortlisting candidates, making it easier to find a helper whose skills and experience match your family’s lifestyle.

2. Choose Between a New Hire or a Transfer Domestic Helper

Once your needs are defined, you must decide whether to hire a new helper or a transfer domestic helper. A new hire refers to a helper who has not previously worked in Singapore, while a transfer helper is already employed in the country and is seeking to change employers.

Both options have advantages. New hires often come with training provided by the agency and a fresh perspective on household routines, whereas transfer helpers are already familiar with Singapore’s work environment and local practices. Families can also opt for a direct hire transfer maid in Singapore, which can expedite the placement process while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

3. Partner with a Licensed Agency

Hiring through a licensed maid agency like AA Celest Employment ensures that all procedures are carried out in compliance with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations. A professional agency manages essential tasks such as document verification, work permit applications, and insurance arrangements, reducing the risk of errors that could delay your helper’s deployment.

A licensed agency also provides access to a pool of thoroughly screened candidates, so families can confidently hire a foreign domestic worker in Singapore without worrying about reliability or experience.

4. Candidate Shortlisting and Interview

After partnering with an agency, you will be presented with shortlisted profiles of helpers that meet your household’s requirements. Each profile typically includes details about work experience, skills, and personal background.

You will then have the opportunity to conduct interviews to assess communication skills, compatibility with your family, and willingness to perform assigned duties. Open discussion about responsibilities such as childcare, eldercare, or house cleaning helps set expectations from the outset and prevents misunderstandings later.

For families exploring available candidates, you can also browse through AA Celest Employment’s helper listings to find profiles that match your preferences.

5. Completing Documentation and Work Permit Application

Once you select your preferred candidate, the agency will assist you in preparing and submitting the necessary paperwork. This includes:

Applying for a foreign domestic worker Singapore work permit
Scheduling medical examinations
Arranging insurance and security bond
Drafting formal employment contracts and all MOM compulsory documents for engaging a domestic helper

Professional agencies ensure that every step of this process is compliant with MOM regulations, which reduces delays and prevents legal complications.

6. Settling-In and Orientation

After approval and arrival, most first-time helpers undergo MOM’s Settling-In Programme, which familiarises them with Singapore’s employment laws, workplace expectations, and safety protocols. Agencies like AA Celest Employment also provide additional orientation sessions to help helpers adapt quickly to their new household, ensuring a smooth start for both parties.

7. Post-Placement Support

The role of a maid agency doesn’t end when your domestic helpers in Singapore start working. Post-placement support is essential to ensure long-term success. Agencies provide guidance for conflict resolution, adjustment challenges, and additional training if needed.

If any issues arise, such as communication difficulties or misunderstanding of responsibilities, the agency can act as a mediator to maintain harmony in the household. Families hiring directly often lack access to this level of professional support, which can lead to unnecessary stress and frustration.

8. Benefits of Using AA Celest Employment

Working with AA Celest Employment makes the entire application process seamless. Their team assists with:

Identifying the right helper based on your family’s needs
Providing thorough screening and candidate background checks
Managing work permit and medical documentation
Offering ongoing post-placement support

Whether you are hiring a foreign domestic worker in Singapore, considering a transfer domestic helper, or arranging a direct hire application in Singapore, AA Celest Employment ensures a smooth, efficient, and compliant process.

9. Building a Long-Term Partnership

Selecting the right domestic maid in Singapore is more than a transaction—it’s about building a long-term, respectful working relationship. Clear communication, well-defined duties, and professional support from an agency help both employers and helpers thrive. A happy and well-supported helper contributes positively to household harmony and efficiency, creating peace of mind for the entire family.

Get Started with AA Celest Employment Today

Hiring a domestic maid in Singapore doesn’t have to be complicated. By partnering with AA Celest Employment, you can confidently navigate the process, from shortlisting candidates to post-placement support.

Visit AA Celest Employment’s FDW Deployment Services page to start your application today and discover how easy it can be to bring a reliable and skilled helper into your home.