First-Time Employer Guide to Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore

Hiring a domestic helper for the first time is a major household decision. You are not only choosing a helper profile; you are becoming an employer with legal, financial, and day-to-day responsibilities. A clear checklist helps you avoid rushed decisions and missed requirements.

Quick answer

First-time employers should complete the Employers Orientation Programme where required, define the helper role, shortlist suitable biodata, interview carefully, compare agency terms, apply for the Work Permit, buy required insurance and bond, budget for levy and salary, and prepare a written onboarding plan before the helper starts.

Check first-time employer requirements

MOM requires many first-time migrant domestic worker employers to attend the Employers Orientation Programme before submitting a Work Permit application, unless an exemption or representative arrangement applies. Do this early so paperwork does not delay your preferred helper.

Choose by household fit

First-time employers often focus on nationality or salary first. Those matter, but household fit is more important. Write down your daily routine, main care need, expectations around cooking and cleaning, language needs, rest-day preferences, and how much training time your family can provide.

• Infant or childcare experience if young children are the main priority
• Eldercare, mobility support, or medication reminder experience for seniors
• Cooking comfort for your household cuisine and dietary rules
• Communication ability for daily instructions
• Realistic salary, rest days, and start date alignment

Understand the main costs

Budget for agency service fees, helper salary, monthly levy, Work Permit items, insurance, security bond arrangements, medical checks, travel or repatriation costs, and household living expenses. MOM publishes current levy information on its MDW levy page.

Prepare insurance, bond, and Work Permit steps

Before the helper arrives or starts under your employment, the Work Permit process and required insurance must be handled properly. MOM requires medical insurance and personal accident insurance for migrant domestic workers. A security bond is also required for most non-Malaysian helpers. Agencies usually guide employers, but the obligations still matter to you as the employer.

Rest days and salary should be clear

Discuss salary, payment date, rest days, and rest-day compensation before the helper accepts the placement. MOM states that migrant domestic workers are entitled to a weekly rest day, with at least one rest day each month not compensated away. See MOM guidance on rest days and well-being.

First month onboarding checklist

• Show the helper how appliances, locks, alarms, and waste disposal work
• Write down children, senior, medication, food, and pet routines
• Agree on phone use, privacy, rest time, and emergency contacts
• Start with essential tasks before adding more responsibilities
• Hold short weekly check-ins during the first month
• Keep agency contact details available if support is needed

Start by browsing maid biodata in Singapore and comparing agencies before interviews. A clearer shortlist makes the formal hiring steps easier.

Sources used

Primary references: MOM EOP requirements, MOM Work Permit for migrant domestic workers, MOM insurance requirements, MOM security bond requirements, MOM levy rates, and MOM rest days and well-being.