How to Apply for a Domestic Helper in Singapore: Complete 8-Step Maid Agency Guide for First-Time Employers (2026)

TL;DR: To apply for a domestic helper in Singapore, work with a MOM-licensed maid agency in Singapore and follow 8 steps: check employer eligibility, complete the EOP, choose a licensed EA, select a candidate, submit the Work Permit, verify the IPA, buy insurance and security bond, then arrange arrival, SIP and medical. Expect 4 to 12 weeks total.

You've decided your household needs a domestic helper. Now what? Applying for a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore is a regulated process governed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and most first-time employers underestimate how many moving parts there are. The good news: if you follow the right sequence, you can go from "we want to hire" to "she has arrived" in roughly 4 to 12 weeks, depending on nationality, document readiness, and whether you choose a transfer helper (already in Singapore) or a new helper from source country.

This is not another cost guide. We have one of those here. This is the action sequence: the exact 8 steps in order, what you do at each stage, and how long each one realistically takes.

Reviewed by Yvonne, Placement Consultant at Upwill Employment Services (MOM EA Licence 24C2628). Last updated May 2026.

The typical 4-12 week timeline

Transfer helpers (already in Singapore on existing Work Permits) compress this to roughly 2-3 weeks total because there is no source-country processing and no inbound flight to arrange.

Step 1: Check your eligibility as employer

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be a Singapore citizen, PR, or work pass holder
• Be mentally sound and able to discharge employer duties
• Have a household income that allows you to maintain and pay your helper. MOM assesses your ability to maintain and pay the helper rather than publishing a fixed minimum income
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt

If anyone in your household is a Singapore Citizen aged 67 or above, you have young children, or there is a person with disabilities, you may also qualify for the Levy Concession (S$60/month vs S$300).

Step 2: Complete the Employer's Orientation Programme (EOP)

If this is your first time hiring a helper, or you haven't hired one in the past 5 years, you must complete the EOP before submitting your Work Permit application. Cost: around SGD 30-40, 3 hours online or classroom. Practical tip: do the EOP as soon as you decide to hire. Agencies cannot submit your application without it.

Step 3: Choose an MOM-licensed Employment Agency

How to verify an agency is legitimate:

1. Look up their licence number on MOM's EA Directory
2. Check their star rating and retention rate. See our MOM agency ratings guide
3. Read the service agreement carefully: what is included, what is extra, refund/replacement terms

See our EA selection guide for what to look for. Agency fees typically S$1,500-3,500.

Step 4: Select your candidate (nationality + interview)

Your agency will send biodatas. Shortlist 3-5, then conduct video interviews, 20-30 minutes each. Ask scenario questions, not just yes/no.

Step 5: Submit Work Permit application

• NRIC/FIN of employer
• EOP completion record (auto-pulled from MOM)
• Household details
• Helper's biodata and passport scan
• Signed employment contract terms

The application fee is SGD 35. MOM typically issues a decision within 1-7 working days.

Step 6: Receive IPA, verify everything

When approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. Cross-check every field. A typo in the helper's name or passport number can delay arrival by days. Learn how to verify it independently in our IPA check guide.

Step 7: Insurance + security bond purchase

1. Security bond: SGD 5,000 to MOM. Usually purchased as a bond insurance policy costing around SGD 65-75 per year. Details: security bond guide.
2. Medical insurance + Personal Accident Insurance: minimum SGD 60,000 inpatient coverage and SGD 60,000 personal accident. Typical cost: SGD 280-450 for 26 months. Compare plans in our insurance comparison.

Step 8: Helper arrives, SIP + medical, permit issued

Soon after arrival she must complete several first-time steps, each with its own MOM deadline:

1. Attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP) within 7 days of arrival (excluding Sundays and public holidays), a 1-day course, around SGD 70-80
2. Complete a medical examination within 2 weeks of arrival, about SGD 100-160 (see our cheapest medical guide)
3. Have her biometrics captured at MOM's Employment Pass Services Centre

Once these are done MOM issues the physical Work Permit card. Plan a proper onboarding in her first 30 days. Our first-month settling-in guide walks you through it.

Total cost across all 8 steps

Full month-by-month calculator in our comprehensive cost guide.

First-time hire checklist

• Confirmed I meet MOM employer eligibility
• Completed EOP and have certificate
• Shortlisted 2-3 MOM-licensed EAs and checked their EA Directory listing
• Signed transparent service agreement with chosen EA
• Conducted at least 3 video interviews
• Reviewed and agreed candidate's biodata, salary, off-day
• Work Permit application submitted via WPOL
• Received IPA, all fields verified correct
• Security bond purchased
• Medical + PA insurance policy bought
• Helper's flight booked, arrival date confirmed
• Booked SIP slot and medical exam clinic
• Prepared helper's room, basic toiletries, work phone

Reviewed by Yvonne, MOM-licensed Employment Agency Personnel, Upwill Employment Agency (EA Licence 24C2628). Yvonne specialises in matching first-time employers with the right candidate profile.