WP — Work Permit (Foreign Domestic Worker)

Singapore•Asia

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WP — Work Permit (Foreign Domestic Worker)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 week

Estimated Cost

SGD $70

Stay Duration

Up to 2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Singapore

Cost of Living

30% more than United States

Avg SalarySGD 64,000

Quality of Life

148/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Work permit for migrant domestic workers (FDW/MDW) employed in Singapore households for domestic work. Limited to workers from pre-approved countries meeting specific age and education requirements.

Singapore's Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers, also called the Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) scheme, is an employer-sponsored permit for migrant women hired to do live-in household duties such as childcare, eldercare, and cleaning under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

Valid up to 2 years and renewable while the employer stays qualifying. Applicants must be 23 to below 50, from an approved source country, and meet health and education rules. Employers pay SGD 35 application and SGD 35 issuance fees, a SGD 5,000 bond (non-Malaysians), plus housing and insurance. No PR or dependents.

This visa is ideal for women from approved Asian source countries seeking regulated live-in domestic work with a Singapore household sponsor.

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Cost Breakdown

Application FeeSGD $35

Pass Issuance FeeSGD $35

TotalSGD $70

Eligible Nationalities (13)

Bangladesh

Cambodia

Hong Kong SAR China India

India

Indonesia

Macao SAR China

Malaysia

Myanmar (Burma)

Philippines

South Korea

Sri Lanka

Taiwan

Thailand

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Singapore

S Pass

Validity2 to 3 years

Processing2 weeks

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Employer must be at least 21 years old.

Employer must not be an undischarged bankrupt.

Employer must have the financial ability to hire and maintain the MDW.

MDW must meet age (23 to below 50 years old), nationality, and education requirements.

MDW must not be related to the employer.

Employer must provide acceptable accommodation, medical insurance, and personal accident insurance.

Employer must pay a $5,000 security bond (for non-Malaysian MDWs).

MDW must not be in Singapore during the application.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Medical examination

Proof of identity

Employment contract

Employer identification (sponsor)

Work permit application (sponsor)

Security bond (sponsor)

Insurance policy (sponsor)

Proof of residence (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal employment of domestic help in a household setting
No minimum salary requirement for the worker
Provides a structured framework for employer and worker responsibilities

Worth Knowing

Employer is legally responsible for the MDW's upkeep, maintenance, and medical expenses.
Strict compliance with MOM regulations is required to avoid penalties or forfeiture of the security bond.
Mandatory Settling-in Programme (SIP) for first-time helpers.
Monthly foreign worker levy applies.