How Many Rest Days Does a Maid Get in Singapore?
A domestic helper in Singapore is entitled to one rest day a week, about four a month, on any weekday you both agree in advance (it need not be a Sunday). A rest day is normally a continuous 24 hours. Since January 2023, at least one rest day each month must be taken as an actual day off and cannot be paid away. A rest day is the weekly legal entitlement; an off day is the same day, or any extra time off you grant by mutual agreement.
Important Regulation Update
From January 1, 2023, all employers must ensure their domestic workers have at least one rest day each month that cannot be compensated away. This is a mandatory requirement, and employers who fail to comply may face enforcement action.
Rest Day Entitlement
Your domestic worker is entitled to one rest day per week. You and your worker must mutually agree on which day of the week she should take the rest day.
Rest days can be taken as:
- One full day (24 hours)
- Two half days (12 hours each)
- Your worker may choose to spend her rest day at home
Rest Day Deferment
If your helper is unable to take her rest day in a particular month, it can be deferred by up to one month. This means the helper should take her rest day by the end of the subsequent month.
Important notes:
- Deferment should be a temporary arrangement, not a regular practice
- You must ensure your helper has at least one rest day each month
- Update the FDW eService with your helper's rest day arrangement
Rest Day Compensation
Guidelines for compensating your helper if she agrees to work on rest days
Compensation Formula
If your helper agrees to work on her rest days (except for the mandatory one per month), you must compensate her with at least 1 day's salary for each rest day she works.
How to calculate:
1 day's salary = Monthly salary ÷ 26 working days
(There are typically 4 weeks and therefore 4 rest days in a month)
Example:
Helper's monthly salary: S$700
1 day's salary: S$700 ÷ 26 = S$26.92
If she works on 3 rest days: S$26.92 × 3 = S$80.76
Total payment: S$700 + S$80.76 = S$780.76
Note: Rest day compensation is an additional payment and is not counted into the helper's basic salary.
Rest Day Compensation Calculator
Calculate how much to compensate your helper when she works on her rest days.
Rest Day Violations & Penalties
What MOM treats as a rest day breach, and what it can cost you
What counts as a violation
- Not giving the helper at least one rest day each month that cannot be compensated away (mandatory since 1 January 2023).
- Requiring her to work on a rest day without her agreement.
- Having her work a rest day but not paying the required compensation of at least one day's salary.
- Failing to keep written records of rest day arrangements.
What it can cost you
Rest day requirements are conditions of the Work Permit under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, so breaching them is an offence. Depending on severity, MOM can impose financial penalties, suspend or revoke your Work Permit privileges, and bar you from employing a foreign domestic worker in future. Serious or repeated cases can be prosecuted.
Helpers who are denied rest days can report the matter to MOM. For the full penalty schedule and other employer obligations, see our MOM compliance guide.
Documentation Requirements
MOM requires employers to maintain written records of rest day arrangements
Mandatory Written Records
From January 2023, employers must maintain written documentation of rest day arrangements. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action from MOM, including fines up to $5,000. See our compliance guide for all penalty details.
Required Documentation
- Written rest day schedule showing the agreed day each week
- Signed agreement if your helper agrees to work on rest days
- Records of compensation paid for working on rest days
- Update FDW eService with rest day arrangements
When to Update Records
- Immediately when rest day arrangements change
- Each time your helper agrees to work on a rest day
- When rest days are deferred (record original and replacement dates)
- At least monthly to ensure records are current
Best Practices
Recommendations for managing rest days effectively
Plan in Advance
Discuss and plan rest days in advance with your helper. Create a monthly calendar that clearly shows her rest days and any special arrangements.
Document Agreements
Keep written records of any agreements about working on rest days, including the compensation provided. This helps prevent misunderstandings.
Respect Privacy
If your helper chooses to spend her rest day at home, respect her privacy and personal time. Avoid asking her to perform work duties during this time.
Rest Day & Off Day FAQ
Common questions on off day timing, mandatory rest days, deferment, and pay rates.
Need more guidance?
Our team is ready to help you understand and implement rest day requirements in compliance with MOM regulations.