Criteria to Hire a Maid in Singapore: An Employer Guide

Updated on 13 March 2026

Do I qualify to hire a foreign domestic worker?

Before you begin interviewing candidates or browsing profiles, you must ensure that you meet the legal requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). In Singapore, hiring a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) is a significant responsibility that involves strict eligibility checks to ensure the well-being of the worker and the stability of the household.

This guide outlines the essential criteria for employers, the financial considerations, and the requirements your future helper must meet.

Do You Qualify to Be an Employer?

To be eligible to hire an MDW in Singapore, you must meet the following baseline criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 21 years old.

• Financial Status: You must not be an undischarged bankrupt.

• Mental Capacity: You must have the mental capacity to understand your responsibilities as an employer.

• Financial Ability: While the MOM does not set a hard “minimum income” figure, they assess your ability to maintain the worker in acceptable accommodation and pay her salary and the monthly levy.

The Monthly Cost Reality

Hiring an MDW typically costs upwards of S$1,000–S$1,200 per month. This includes:

• Monthly Salary: Average wages range from S$600 to S$800+ depending on experience and nationality.

• Monthly Levy: The standard rate is S$300 (for the first helper). However, you may qualify for the concessionary rate of S$60 if you have a young child (under 16), an elderly person (67+), or a person with disabilities living at your address.

• Living Expenses: You are legally responsible for providing three nutritious meals a day and medical care.

Joint Income and Sponsorship Schemes

If your individual income does not meet the MOM’s internal threshold, you have options:

• Joint Income Scheme: You can combine your income with your spouse’s to demonstrate financial stability.

• Sponsorship Scheme: If you are 60 years or older and not earning a regular income, you may be sponsored by up to two working relatives (e.g., children or grandchildren) who live with you or are related by blood.’

Mandatory Employer Training (EOP)

If you are a first-time employer, you must complete the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) before you can apply for a Work Permit. Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

• Purpose: To help you understand your legal roles, the MDW’s rights, and how to manage a healthy relationship.

• Cost: Approximately S$35 (Classroom) or S$46 (Online).

• Timing: You must complete this at least two working days before submitting your application.

Hiring a Second Domestic Helper

You may apply for a second MDW if your household has specific caregiving needs:

• At least two children under the age of 18.

• At least two elderly family members over the age of 67.

• A family member with a certified disability requiring constant care.

• Assessment: MOM will strictly assess your financial ability and whether your home has enough space to provide “acceptable accommodation” for two helpers.

Criteria for the Migrant Domestic Worker

Not everyone can be granted an MDW Work Permit. Your chosen candidate must meet these MOM requirements:

• Gender: Female only.

• Age: Between 23 and 50 years old at the time of application. (Permits can be renewed until age 60).

• Nationality: Must be from MOM-approved source countries (including the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand).

• Education: Minimum of 8 years of formal education with a recognized certificate.

• Settling-In Programme (SIP): If she is working in Singapore for the first time, she must attend this 1-day course upon arrival.

Please refer to here for more details: Requirements To Work As A Domestic Helper

Penalties and Loss of Eligibility

The MOM monitors employers closely. You may be blacklisted or lose your eligibility to hire if you:

• Abuse or ill-treat the worker.

• Fail to pay salary or provide adequate food/rest.

• Illegally deploy the helper (e.g., making her work in your shop or at another person’s house).

• Frequent Turnover: If you change more than three helpers in one year, you may be required to attend an interview with MOM before being allowed to hire again.

The Advantages of a Transfer Hire

A Transfer Hire involves employing a helper already working in Singapore who is looking for a new employer.

• In-Person Interviews: Meet the candidate face-to-face to assess their skills and personality.

• Proven Track Record: You can verify their employment history via the MOM website or request a reference from their current employer.

• Faster Deployment: Transfers usually have shorter processing times and lower upfront costs (no international airfare).

• Local Knowledge: These helpers are already familiar with Singapore’s transport, markets, and lifestyle.

Simplify Your Hiring with HelperChoice Visa Processing

Navigating these criteria can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. HelperChoice offers end-to-end support to ensure you and your helper meet all MOM requirements seamlessly. Contact our team! 

You might also be interested in:

• Requirements To Work as a Domestic Helper
  

• Cost of Hiring a Maid

• Hiring a Filipino Maid

• Hiring an Indonesian Maid

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