Can EP, S Pass or LTVP Holders Hire a Helper in Singapore?

A foreign professional or long-term resident can have the same practical need for household help as a Singapore citizen: infant care, school routines, elder support, a demanding work schedule or recovery at home. Holding an Employment Pass, S Pass, Personalised Employment Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass does not automatically prevent an application. The important questions are whether the pass is valid, whether the applicant meets MOM’s employer criteria and whether the evidence shows a genuine, sustainable household arrangement.

Quick answer: these pass holders may apply

MOM confirms that Employment Pass and S Pass holders can apply for an MDW Work Permit. It gives the same answer for Personalised Employment Pass holders. An LTVP holder is eligible if the pass is valid when applying and the other employer conditions are met. Eligibility to apply is not a guarantee of approval.

Start with the pass and household, not the helper shortlist

Meet the general employer requirements too

Pass-holder eligibility sits on top of MOM’s general MDW employer requirements. The applicant must be at least 21, cannot be an undischarged bankrupt and must have the mental capacity to understand and discharge the employer’s responsibilities. MOM also considers caregiving needs, financial ability and acceptable accommodation. A medical condition that prevents adequate supervision may affect eligibility.

Prepare the pass and income documents

MOM’s pass-holder FAQs list copies of the applicant’s passport and work pass, or the spouse’s Long-Term Pass where applicable. Depending on the household and pass, supporting documents may include a child’s birth certificate or Student’s Pass, and the applicant’s and spouse’s income tax Notice of Assessment for the current or previous assessment year. The application may instead ask for consent for MOM to verify income with IRAS.

If a requested Notice of Assessment is unavailable, MOM says to give the reason in writing and provide an employer letter on company letterhead stating the employment start date and monthly salary. Its FAQs also mention possible alternative proof such as an overseas tax assessment or a fixed-deposit statement with a local bank. These are possible supporting documents, not an automatic route to approval; submit what the current form asks for and answer any follow-up accurately.

You must live in Singapore, but need not be present on submission day

MOM says the employer must be living in Singapore, although the employer does not have to be physically present when the application is submitted. The employer must remain contactable. If your posting, pass or residential address may change soon, resolve that timing before hiring rather than leaving the helper’s status and accommodation uncertain.

Complete the normal Work Permit process

Pass holders use the same core MOM Work Permit application process. At the time of review, MOM lists a S$35 application fee and S$35 issuance fee. The employer, sponsor or authorised employment agency can apply. The process also covers written consent, insurance and any security bond, arrival, the required medical examination and permit issuance. Check the page again before payment because fees and timelines can change.

A first-time employer generally needs to complete the Employer Orientation Programme before applying. Decide whether to apply directly or use a licensed employment agency, and verify any agency in MOM’s directory. Agency assistance does not transfer the legal employer duties away from you.

Shortlist only after the role is stable

Give candidates the real household address, family composition, essential care tasks, working routine, salary, rest-day proposal, accommodation and likely start date. If the family may relocate or the employer’s pass is near expiry, disclose the uncertainty. Compare verified experience and interview evidence rather than assuming a nationality or a polished introduction guarantees fit.

How this guide avoids overlap

This page owns EP, S Pass, PEP and LTVP employer eligibility and supporting-document intent. The single-person eligibility guide covers marital-status questions, while the first-time employer guide explains the wider hiring journey. Use those pages for their separate questions rather than repeating this pass-holder checklist.

Sources and review note

Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Primary references are MOM’s EP/S Pass, PEP and LTVP eligibility FAQs, general employer criteria, residence FAQ, EOP page and Work Permit application guide, linked above and listed below. MOM determines each application.