To hire a maid in Singapore, you must first confirm you meet MOM’s employer eligibility criteria, then find a suitable candidate through a licensed agency or direct hire, apply for an MDW work permit via MOM, and complete the helper’s Settling-in Programme (SIP). The full process from candidate selection to work permit issuance typically takes two to six weeks for overseas hires, and as little as one to two weeks for a transfer maid already in Singapore.
Step 1: Check That You Are Eligible to Hire a Maid in Singapore
Before you start looking for a helper, confirm you meet MOM’s employer eligibility requirements. You are eligible to hire a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore if you:
- Are at least 21 years old at the time of the work permit application
- Are not an undischarged bankrupt
- Are a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a valid Employment Pass or Long-Term Pass
- Have a household income that meets MOM’s minimum threshold for the concessionary levy rate
First-time employers are also required to attend the Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP) before or shortly after their helper starts. The EOP costs S$35 to S$60 depending on whether you complete it online or in person.
Step 2: Decide Whether to Hire a New or Transfer Maid
Once you confirm eligibility, the next decision is whether to hire a new maid from overseas or a transfer maid already working in Singapore.
| Factor | New Overseas Hire | Transfer Maid |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 3 to 8 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| SIP registration | Required | Not required |
| Work history in Singapore | Not available | Verifiable |
Transfer maids are generally faster in terms of processing time. New overseas hires give you a wider candidate pool, particularly for specific nationalities or specialised skills such as infant care or elder care.
Step 3: Find the Right Candidate
For most first-time employers, using a licensed maid agency in Singapore is the recommended route because the agency handles vetting, documentation, and the work permit process on your behalf.
When reviewing candidates, consider:
- Work experience and duration with previous employers
- Specialised skills relevant to your household (infant care, eldercare, cooking)
- Language proficiency (English, Mandarin, or other languages as needed)
- Nationality: Filipino, Indonesian, and Myanmar helpers each have different cultural backgrounds, strengths, and salary requirements
Always interview at least two or three candidates before deciding. Ask the agency for full biodata, and request a video interview
Step 4: Apply for the MDW Work Permit
Once you have selected a candidate and agreed on terms, your maid agency submits the MDW work permit application to MOM via the MDW eService. The application requires:
- Your NRIC or FIN
- The helper’s passport details and past work permit records
- Proof of your household income or employment
- A signed employment contract with agreed salary and rest day arrangement
- Security bond confirmation (S$5,000 for non-Malaysian MDWs
- Medical and personal accident insurance with a minimum coverage of S$60,000/ year
For overseas hires, MOM first issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA). The helper then travels to Singapore, completes her medical examination, and attends the Settling-in Programme (SIP) before the work permit is formally issued. For transfer maids, MOM simply transfers the existing permit to your household, making the process faster.
Step 5: Welcome Your Helper and Know Your Ongoing Obligations
Once the work permit is issued, your helper is ready to start. As an employer in Singapore, you are legally required to:
- Pay your helper on time every month
- Provide a rest day of at least once per week (or compensation in lieu with written consent)
- Cover all medical and hospitalisation costs during the employment period
- Renew the work permit before it expires, typically every two years
- Purchase and maintain valid medical and personal accident insurance throughout the employment
- Report any changes to your helper’s employment to MOM promptly
Ready to find the right domestic helper for your household? Inter Great is a MOM-licensed maid agency in Singapore with offices in Katong, Ang Mo Kio, and Bugis. Contact us and we will guide you through every step of the process.
Start the Right Way With a MOM-Licensed Maid Agency
Hiring a maid in Singapore is straightforward when you know the eligibility requirements, the documentation you need, and what to expect at each stage. Choosing between a new overseas hire and a transfer maid comes down to your timeline, budget, and the type of household support you need.
For first-time employers especially, working with a MOM-licensed maid agency in Singapore makes the process smoother and ensures full compliance with MOM requirements. If you are ready to start, get in touch with the Inter Great team and we will match you with the right helper for your household.
Get in touch with us today @ +6597766988. Inter Great Employment Pte Ltd (MOM EA Licence No: 14C6931).
(Disclaimer by Inter Great: All above information and/or monetary figures are meant for reference only. Please refer to MOM’s official website for updated and accurate information, or approach and consult our recruitment consultant if you need professional advice and consultation.)
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Hire a Maid in Singapore
How long does it take to hire a maid in Singapore?
Hiring a transfer maid already in Singapore typically takes one to two weeks from application to work permit issuance. Hiring a new overseas maid takes three to eight weeks (depends on source country), covering the In-Principle Approval stage, embassy processing (if needed), travel to Singapore, medical examination, Settling-in Programme, and work permit issuance. Processing times may vary based on candidate selection, MOM work permit processing, and other processing steps.
What are the requirements to hire a maid in Singapore?
To hire a maid in Singapore, you must be at least 21 years old, not an undischarged bankrupt, and hold a valid Singapore residence or work status. First-time employers must also attend the Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP). MOM requires a S$5,000 security bond for non-Malaysian MDWs, medical and personal accident insurance, and suitable accommodation and meals for your helper.
Can I hire a maid without going through an agency in Singapore?
Yes, it is possible to hire a domestic helper in Singapore through a direct hire without an agency, but the employer must source for the candidate, handle all MOM paperwork, work permit applications, and compliance requirements independently. Most first-time employers find using a MOM-licensed maid agency more practical, as the agency manages the entire process and provides candidate matching, documentation, and post-placement support.
What is the difference between hiring a Filipino and Indonesian maid in Singapore?
Filipino helpers are subject to a mandatory minimum salary of USD 500 per month (approximately SGD 650) set by the Philippine government. Indonesian helpers are subject to different minimum salary requirements set by the Indonesian government. Both nationalities require an MDW work permit from MOM. Key differences include language proficiency, cultural background, skill sets, and agency fee structures.