{"id":12465,"date":"2020-09-28T07:53:32","date_gmt":"2020-09-27T23:53:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/work-permit\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T02:16:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T18:16:26","slug":"work-permit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/","title":{"rendered":"Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Work Permit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Updated 21 January 2026<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Applying_for_an_FDW_work_permit\" >Applying for an FDW work permit<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Online_application\" >Online application<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Manual_Application\" >Manual Application<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Preparing_your_maids_arrival\" >Preparing your maid&#8217;s arrival<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Security_bond_and_insurance\" >Security bond and insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Orientation_programmes\" >Orientation programmes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Permit_issuance\" >Permit issuance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Receiving_the_card\" >Receiving the card<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Renewing_FDW_work_permit\" >Renewing FDW work permit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Cancelling_FDW_work_permit\" >Cancelling FDW work permit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#Obligations_of_employers_related_to_FDW_work_permit\" >Obligations of employers related to FDW work permit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/work-permit\/#You_might_also_be_interested_in\" >You might also be interested in:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><p>Processing a foreign domestic helper&rsquo;s work permit is relatively straightforward, with many steps doable online. The <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/\">Ministry of Manpower (MOM)<\/a> provides all required information on its website where you can also submit applications and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/cancel-work-permit\">contract terminations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Work permit applications can be made <strong>by either the employer or the employer&rsquo;s appointed employment agency<\/strong>. Applying yourself can save you time and money.<\/p>\n<p>Married couples can combine their incomes when applying for a Work Permit. Also, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/criteria-to-hire\">2 schemes<\/a>&nbsp;low-income employers or senior citizens living alone may be able to apply for. The criteria may include the marital status, income status, and age of the prime applicant. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applying_for_an_FDW_work_permit\"><\/span>Applying for an FDW work permit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It costs <strong>S$70 ($35 when submitting an application and $35 on collection)<\/strong> to apply for an FDW&rsquo;s work permit. The online route is the fastest option &ndash; especially if you already have a SingPass &ndash; as your application can be processed within a week, while manual submissions take around 3 weeks.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Online_application\"><\/span>Online application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You will need this information for applying:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The helper&#8217;s passport details.<\/li>\n<li>You and your family members&rsquo; personal particulars.<\/li>\n<li>Your income information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To submit an application online:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/faq\/work-pass-general\/why-must-i-get-a-foreigners-written-consent-before-applying-for-a-work-pass-for-them\">Get a written consent from the maid<\/a><\/strong>. This can be in the form of a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/employment-contract\">signed employment contract<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/eservices\/services\/work-permit-transactions-for-domestic-helpers-and-confinement-nannies\">Log in to fill out the digital application form<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Pay the $35 application fee by VISA, MasterCard or eNets Debit.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/eservices\/services\/work-permit-transactions-for-domestic-helpers-and-confinement-nannies\">Log in to view the status of your application<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;after 1 week.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The processing time is around&nbsp;<strong>1 week<\/strong> if no additional information is needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manual_Application\"><\/span>Manual Application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To submit an application manually:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/faq\/work-pass-general\/why-must-i-get-a-foreigners-written-consent-before-applying-for-a-work-pass-for-them\">Get a written consent from the FDW<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;(same as above).<\/li>\n<li>Download and complete the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/-\/media\/mom\/documents\/services-forms\/passes\/wp_appln_form_for_fdw.pdf\">Work Permit application form<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Submit the completed application along with the supporting documents&nbsp;<strong>over the counter<\/strong>&nbsp;at any&nbsp;<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singpost.com\/our-network\/list-of-post-office-locations.html\">SingPost branch<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Pay the $35 application fee by cash, NETS or CashCard. A payment slip will be given to you as proof of submission.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The processing time is around&nbsp;<strong>3 weeks.<\/p>\n<p><\/strong>If your application is granted,<strong> <\/strong>an <strong>in-principle approval (IPA) letter <\/strong>and the <strong>declaration forms <\/strong>for you and your FDW to sign will be emailed to you. You should then print out and give your maid her copy of the IPA  because she needs it to enter Singapore. You can <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/eservices\/services\/wp-online-for-employers-of-fdws\">extend the validity of the IPA<\/a> <\/strong>if she needs more time to arrive.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preparing_your_maids_arrival\"><\/span>Preparing your maid&#8217;s arrival<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Security_bond_and_insurance\"><\/span>Security bond and insurance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Next, the employer needs to buy a <strong>security bond <\/strong>(except for Malaysian maids) as well as <strong>medical and personal accident insurance<\/strong> for the maid. Generally, all 3 can be bought in one insurance package to keep things simple.<\/p>\n<p>Some packages also include bonds required by the maid&rsquo;s embassy. For example, the Philippines requires a bond over and above the one lodged with the MOM. When starting the work permit application process, you should also check with your helper&rsquo;s embassy whether there are any other requirements for her to leave her country.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Orientation_programmes\"><\/span>Orientation programmes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Employers of first-time maids in Singapore should also sign their maids up for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/employer-orientation-programme\">Settling-in Programme <\/a>(she will have to attend within 3 days of her arrival), while all domestic workers need to undergo a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/passes-and-permits\/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker\/eligibility-and-requirements\/medical-examination\">medical examination<\/a> within 2 weeks of arrival.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Permit_issuance\"><\/span>Permit issuance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After your domestic worker arrives, you need to request for <strong>a permanent work permit online<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>To get the Work Permit issued:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/eservices\/services\/work-permit-transactions-for-domestic-helpers-and-confinement-nannies\">Log in to the platform and make the request<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Provide a home or office address where the card will be delivered.<\/li>\n<li>Provide&nbsp;<strong>up to 3 authorised recipients<\/strong>&nbsp;to receive the card, and provide their NRIC, FIN or passport number, mobile numbers and email address.<\/li>\n<li>Pay another $35 as the issuance fee by VISA, Master Card or eNets for each Work Permit issued.<\/li>\n<li>After the request is made,&nbsp;<strong>print the Temporary Work Permit<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The Temporary Work Permit is&nbsp;<strong>valid for 1 month<\/strong>&nbsp;from the date of issue.&nbsp;<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/5b68f6c561cffc000f885453\">Request to extend the validity<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;if you have a change of travel plans. You must your maid the permit as it allows her to work, stay, and travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the Work Permit card. The work permit will state whether or not your helper needs to register her fingerprints and photo at the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/contact-us\/locations\">MOM&nbsp;Services Centre<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Receiving_the_card\"><\/span>Receiving the card<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Work Permit card will be sent to the specified address&nbsp;<strong>4 working days<\/strong>&nbsp;after verifying your maid&#8217;s documents.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/yoopies-cms2f1b165343-2111-4689-b30e-fa5f0d607d39-applyingforamaidworkpermit.jpg\" alt=\"apply fdw work permit\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Renewing_FDW_work_permit\"><\/span>Renewing FDW work permit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>FDW work permits are usually valid for 2 years. If the employer and maid both agree, the work permit can be&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/passes-and-permits\/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker\/renew-a-work-permit\">renewed before the old one expires<\/a>. Generally speaking, employers should receive a letter from the ministry about 8 weeks before expiry. Again, you can submit the application online (renewals are processed immediately) and the cost is $35.<\/p>\n<p>For the application, you will need <strong>a scanned copy of the helper&rsquo;s passport, a new security bond, and an extension of the personal accident and medical insurance (or a new policy).<\/strong> Once the new permit is issued, your maid should return her old work pass by sending it to the Work Pass Division.<\/p>\n<p>In most cases, the new permit is <strong>valid for 2 years <\/strong>unless the insurance package is valid for less than 26 months or your helper turns 60. The work permit does not consider your maid&rsquo;s passport validity, so you will need to check that it is still valid.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid leaving the renewal too late, as you can be fined if the permit has already expired.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancelling_FDW_work_permit\"><\/span>Cancelling FDW work permit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In some instances, employers may have to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/passes-and-permits\/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker\/cancel-a-work-permit\">cancel the work permits<\/a>&nbsp;of their foreign workers. Before cancelling the permit, employers and maids should agree on <strong>the last working day<\/strong> and only cancel the permit after the domestic helper&rsquo;s last day. Buy a travel ticket for your domestic helper with a departure day that falls <strong>within 2 weeks from the cancellation date<\/strong>. Settle any outstanding monthly salaries and all other mandatory living costs.\n<\/p>\n<p>Depending on which comes first, you must cancel the work permit <strong>within 1 week after her last day of work <\/strong>or <strong>1 day after her work permit expires.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Either the employer or an appointed employment agency can cancel the permit with the government<\/strong>, which process will take effect immediately. The security bond will only be returned when the now-expired work permit is returned and the ministry has verified that the domestic helper in question has left Singapore.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Obligations_of_employers_related_to_FDW_work_permit\"><\/span>Obligations of employers related to FDW work permit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Employers must pay the $300 <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/eservices\/services\/work-permit-transactions-for-domestic-helpers-and-confinement-nannies\">FDW levy<\/a> every month using the <strong>General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO)<\/strong>, starting from <strong>the 5th&nbsp;day <\/strong>of the maid&rsquo;s arrival if she is a first-timer, or the next day for any other maid. Employers who hired maids to take care of their Singaporean children (up to 16 years old), an elderly family member, or a disabled person, qualify for <strong>the concessionary rate of $60.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Employers must also ensure that their foreign domestic workers take the required&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/passes-and-permits\/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker\/eligibility-and-requirements\/six-monthly-medical-examination\">6-monthly medical examinations (6ME)<\/a>. If the helper fails the exam because she is pregnant or she has an illness such as syphilis, she will be sent back to her home country immediately.<\/p>\n<p>The application for a work permit in Singapore for domestic helpers is relatively simple. Since maids will take care of their employers&rsquo; families and households, and since hiring the wrong helper can cause complications, it is important to hire the best domestic helper candidate for your needs.<\/p>\n<p>As employers know their family best, it is advised to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\">hire a domestic helper without an agency<\/a>. If you are uncertain about your eligibility to be an employer, you can check our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/criteria-to-hire\">eligibility guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_might_also_be_interested_in\"><\/span><strong>You might also be interested in:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/requirements\">Domestic Helper Legal Requirements in Singapore<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/criteria-to-hire\">Criteria to Hire a Maid<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/employer-orientation-programme\">Employer and FDW Orientation Programmes<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/maid\/cost-of-hiring\">Cost of Hiring A Maid<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\" https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/yoopies-cms2fee1facfe-eaa9-4be1-a95b-62ec9d377f61-copyoflookingforamaidinsingapore.jpg\" alt=\"Look for a maid now at HelperChoice! Verified profiles; Direct hire; No hidden fees\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/r\/singapore-maids\">Search Now \u2192<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated 21 January 2026 Processing a foreign domestic helper&rsquo;s work permit is relatively straightforward, with many steps doable online. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides all required information on its website where you can also submit applications and&nbsp;contract terminations. Work permit applications can be made by either the employer or the employer&rsquo;s appointed employment agency. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":12467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Learn how to apply, renew, or cancel an FDW work permit in Singapore\u2014follow the steps and hire confidently. Get started today.","title":"Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Work Permit - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[425,423],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-helpers-rights-and-regulation-sg","category-hiring-preparation-sg"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/ca6ca3f35ed6549f225aa956f30fd89b2e51071c-applying-for-a-maid-work-permit.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12465"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12465\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15962,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12465\/revisions\/15962"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}