Eligibility by Residency Status
Requirements vary depending on your residency status in Singapore
Singapore Citizens
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must earn a minimum monthly household income of $800 (net)
- Can employ up to 2 FDWs per household
- Must be residing in Singapore
Permanent Residents
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must earn a minimum monthly household income of $800 (net)
- Can employ up to 2 FDWs per household
- Must be residing in Singapore
Employment Pass Holders
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Employment Pass must be valid
- Must have fixed monthly salary of at least $5,000
- Can employ 1 FDW only
S Pass Holders
- Must be at least 21 years old
- S Pass must be valid
- Must have fixed monthly salary of at least $5,000
- Can employ 1 FDW only
Joint Income Scheme
Combine household incomes to meet the minimum requirement
How It Works
If you don't meet the $800/month income requirement on your own, you can combine your income with other household members. Up to 4 persons living at the same address can pool their incomes.
Married Couple
Combined income of both spouses can be used to meet the $800/month requirement
Single Parent with Child
Income of the single parent plus any working adult child living in the same household
Extended Family
Up to 4 persons living in the same household can combine their incomes to meet requirements
Example: If you earn $500/month and your spouse earns $400/month, your combined household income of $900/month meets the minimum requirement of $800/month.
Sponsorship Scheme
For those who do not meet the eligibility criteria on their own
Who Needs a Sponsor?
- Those below 21 years old who need to hire a helper (for child/elderly care)
- Those who do not meet the minimum income requirements
- Special circumstances where MOM approval is required
Sponsor Requirements
- Must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must meet the income requirements on their own
- Must be willing to be jointly responsible for the FDW
Sponsor Responsibilities
The sponsor becomes jointly responsible for the FDW along with the employer. This includes responsibility for the helper's well-being, compliance with MOM regulations, and repatriation. Both employer and sponsor can be held accountable for any violations.
Who Cannot Hire a Helper
Certain categories of persons are not eligible to employ FDWs
- Persons below 21 years of age (without a sponsor)
- Foreigners on visit passes or short-term passes
- Work Permit or S Pass holders earning below $5,000/month
- Persons who have been debarred by MOM
- Bankrupt individuals (in most cases)
How to Apply for a Work Permit
Steps to hire an FDW once you meet the eligibility requirements
Engage a Licensed Agency (Recommended)
Work with a MOM-licensed employment agency to help you find a suitable helper and handle the paperwork. Agencies can submit applications on your behalf. Learn about our placement services
Complete Employer Orientation Programme (EOP)
The Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) is a short MOM course that first-time employers must complete before a Work Permit can be issued. It covers your legal responsibilities, the helper’s rights and well-being, safety, and how to manage the working relationship. You can take it online or in a classroom, and it must be completed before you apply for the Work Permit (allow a few working days for it to register with MOM). Upwill arranges your EOP along with the rest of the paperwork.
Submit Work Permit Application
Apply through MOM's FDW eService or through your agency. You'll need to provide supporting documents for eligibility verification.
Arrange Insurance and Security Bond
Purchase the required medical insurance ($60,000 coverage) and security bond ($5,000) for non-Malaysian helpers before your helper arrives.
Ready to hire a helper?
Our team can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the entire hiring process.