Work Permits in Singapore
Everything you need to know about employing a Foreign Domestic Worker — plus how to skip the paperwork entirely.
The DIY Headache vs. The Vibrant Solution
A Work Permit application touches MOM portals, medicals, SIP bookings, insurance, and a security bond. Here's what changes when Vibrant Employment takes over.
Doing it yourself
- Read the MOM website, guess what applies to your situation
- Sit the EOP, submit the Work Permit application yourself
- Chase the IPA, medical booking, and SIP slot
- Shop around for insurance and the S$5,000 bond on your own
- Track every renewal and six-monthly medical manually
- Figure out mediation alone if something goes wrong
With Vibrant Employment
- One WhatsApp chat — we confirm your eligibility in minutes
- We file the permit and chase the IPA so you don't have to
- Medical and SIP scheduled for you — no portal wrangling
- Best-rate insurance & bond arranged through trusted providers
- Renewal reminders 6 weeks ahead — you never miss a deadline
- Post-placement mediation + replacement guarantee included
What Is a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Work Permit?
In Singapore, any household that wishes to hire a foreign domestic helper must first obtain a valid Work Permit from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This permit legally authorises the helper to live and work in Singapore under the sponsorship of the employer.
The Work Permit is tied to a specific employer and a specific helper. This means that a helper cannot simply transfer between households without going through the proper application or transfer procedures with MOM.
The permit is typically valid for up to two years and must be renewed before it expires if the employer wishes to continue the employment arrangement.
Who Is Eligible to Hire an FDW?
Employer Requirements
- Must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a valid Employment Pass / S Pass / Work Permit
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have a household income of at least S$3,000 per month (or provide a bank guarantee of S$3,000 in lieu)
- Must not have previously been barred from employing an FDW
- Must not currently be under investigation or have prior offences related to FDW employment
FDW Requirements
- Must be female and between 23 to 50 years old (for first-time FDWs in Singapore)
- Must hold a passport from an approved source country (e.g. Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, and others)
- Must pass a medical examination conducted by a Singapore-registered clinic
- Must not have any existing immigration issues or past violations in Singapore
- Must attend and complete the Settling-In Programme (SIP) within the first three days of arrival if it is her first time working in Singapore
How the Application Process Works
Employer Orientation Programme (EOP)
First-time employers are required to complete the Employers' Orientation Programme. This online module educates employers on their responsibilities, the rights of FDWs, and the terms of the employment relationship. It must be completed before the Work Permit application can be submitted.
Submit Work Permit Application
The Work Permit application is submitted through MOM's online portal, either by the employer directly or through a licensed employment agency like Vibrant Employment. The application includes the employer's personal details, the FDW's passport and biodata, and a declaration of the agreed terms.
In-Principle Approval (IPA)
Once MOM reviews and approves the application, an In-Principle Approval letter is issued. The IPA allows the FDW to enter Singapore and is valid for a limited period. The helper must arrive and begin work within the timeframe specified in the IPA.
Medical Examination
Within 14 days of the FDW's arrival, a medical examination must be completed at a Singapore-registered clinic. The check covers general health, infectious diseases, and pregnancy. The FDW must be declared medically fit before the Work Permit card is issued.
Settling-In Programme (SIP)
First-time FDWs in Singapore must attend a one-day Settling-In Programme within three working days of arrival. The SIP covers safety awareness, adapting to life in Singapore, the FDW's rights and responsibilities, and how to seek help if needed.
Work Permit Card Issuance
After the medical results are cleared, MOM issues the official Work Permit card. This card must be kept by the FDW at all times and serves as proof of legal employment in Singapore.
Feeling overwhelmed by MOM regulations?
Skip the paperwork. We handle all 6 steps for you — EOP, Work Permit submission, IPA, medical, SIP, and card issuance — so you can focus on welcoming your helper home.
Costs and Levies
The numbers below are the statutory costs MOM sets for every employer. They can feel heavy at first — so here's how we keep them predictable for you.
Monthly Levy
Employers are required to pay a monthly FDW levy to the government. The standard levy rate is S$300 per month. However, households with eligible members — such as a child below 16, an elderly person aged 67 and above, or a person with disabilities — may qualify for a concessionary rate of S$60 per month.
Security Bond
A security bond of S$5,000 is required for non-Malaysian FDWs. This bond ensures that both the employer and FDW comply with the conditions of the Work Permit. It can be purchased as an insurance-backed guarantee through authorised providers, which is far more affordable than a cash deposit.
Medical Insurance
Employers must maintain medical insurance coverage of at least S$15,000 per year for their FDW throughout the duration of the work permit. This covers hospitalisation and surgical expenses incurred by the helper during her employment.
Personal Accident Insurance
Employers must also purchase personal accident insurance with a minimum coverage of S$60,000 for the FDW. This covers accidental death or permanent disability that may occur during the employment period, whether on or off duty.
Transparent Pricing — No Sticker Shock
Best-rate insurance & bond
We negotiate competitive rates with trusted providers for your S$15,000 medical, S$60,000 personal accident, and S$5,000 bond coverage — often well below what employers pay going solo.
Filed correctly the first time
Bond and insurance documents submitted right on the first try, so you avoid rework, government penalties, and processing delays that cost real money.
Zero hidden placement fees
You get one consolidated written quote before signing anything. What's on the quote is what you pay — no surprise add-ons halfway through onboarding.
Levy-relief eligibility check
We review whether your household qualifies for the S$60 concessionary levy and the FDW Levy Relief at tax time — so you keep every dollar you're entitled to.
Your Responsibilities as an Employer
Basic Welfare
- Provide adequate food, rest, and acceptable living conditions
- Ensure the FDW has her own room or an acceptable sleeping area with reasonable privacy
- Grant at least one rest day per month (or compensate if mutually agreed to work)
- Pay the agreed salary on time each month, no later than 7 days after the salary period ends
Safety & Health
- Ensure the FDW's safety — do not allow her to perform dangerous tasks like cleaning exterior windows at height
- Bear the cost of all medical treatment when the FDW falls ill or is injured
- Send the FDW for six-monthly medical examinations as required by MOM
- Maintain valid medical and personal accident insurance at all times
Documentation & Compliance
- Keep the FDW's Work Permit card accessible to her at all times
- Do not deploy the FDW to work at any location other than the registered residential address
- Notify MOM of any change of address within 5 days
- Ensure timely renewal of the Work Permit before its expiry date
- Arrange and pay for the FDW's repatriation when employment ends
Renewal, Transfer & Cancellation
Renewing a Work Permit
Work Permits are typically valid for two years. Employers should apply for renewal at least four weeks before the permit expires. Renewal requires a passed medical examination and continued compliance with all employer obligations. MOM may reject a renewal if there are unresolved issues.
Transferring a Helper
If a helper wishes to change employers (or vice versa), a transfer can be arranged. The current employer must cancel the existing permit, and the new employer submits a fresh Work Permit application. Transfer helpers are popular because they are already familiar with living and working in Singapore.
Cancelling a Work Permit
When the employment ends — whether the contract has concluded, the employer no longer requires help, or either party wishes to terminate — the employer must cancel the Work Permit within 7 days. The employer is responsible for repatriating the FDW to her home country unless she is being transferred to a new employer.
How Vibrant Employment Helps You
Navigating the permit process can feel overwhelming. That's where we step in.
Full Application Handling
We manage the entire Work Permit application from start to finish — preparing documents, submitting forms, and tracking approval status so you don't have to.
Renewal & Transfer Support
Whether you're renewing an existing permit or hiring a transfer helper, we handle the paperwork and coordinate timelines to keep everything smooth.
Medical & SIP Coordination
We arrange your helper's medical examination and Settling-In Programme, making sure all requirements are met within the required timeframes.
Insurance & Bond Arrangement
We help you secure the required security bond, medical insurance, and personal accident coverage at competitive rates from trusted providers.
Ongoing Advisory
Have questions about your obligations, levy payments, or permit conditions? Our team is always available to advise and support you throughout the employment.
Licensed & Compliant
As a licensed agency (EA License 24C2146), we ensure every step is carried out in full compliance with MOM regulations and Singapore law.
Ready to Skip the Paperwork?
Send us a quick WhatsApp and we'll handle every MOM form, bond, insurance, and deadline from here. Same-day reply during business hours.