Employers with Singpass and employment agencies can apply using the FDW eService for a faster outcome.
Otherwise, you can submit an application form online.
Submit using the FDW eService
Processing time: within 1 week. Some cases will take more time.
You will need this information for applying:
- Helper’s passport details
- Your and your family members’ personal particulars
- Your income information
To submit an application:
- Get a written consent from the helper to apply for a Work Permit.
- Log in to fill up the application.
- Pay $35 for each application. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, PayNow or eNETS Debit.
- Log in to check the status of your application after 1 week.
It takes about 1 week to process the application. It may take longer if additional information is required. We will email you the application outcome.
This option is
only for employers who cannot log in to our
FDW eService to submit a Work Permit application as they
do not have a Singpass.
Employment agents are not allowed to use this option and must use our FDW eService to submit all applications.
Processing time: within 3 weeks. Some cases will take more time.
To submit:
- Get a written consent from the helper to apply for a Work Permit.
- Download the Work Permit application form (for online submission).
- Complete the application form as a softcopy to get the bill reference number. Do not print the form out.
- Pay the $35 fee for each application by PayNow or FAST (Fast and Secure Transfers).
- Submit your application online and upload the following:
- Completed application form
- Screenshot of banking page confirming your payment
- Supporting documents listed in the application form
It takes around 3 weeks to process the application. It may take longer if additional information is required. We will email you the application outcome.
If your application is approved
We will email the in-principle approval (IPA) letter and declaration forms for you and your helper to sign.
Send your helper her copy of the IPA. She needs it to enter Singapore. If she needs more time to arrive, use our FDW eService to extend her IPA validity.
Make sure the helper's IPA particulars match her passport details. If you made an error (e.g. helper's name is incorrect), you need to
correct the error. Otherwise, the helper will be denied entry into Singapore.
You need to complete these steps to prepare for your helper’s arrival in Singapore.
Before your helper arrives
After your helper arrives
You need to:
- (Only for first-time helpers) Send her for the SIP within 7 days, excluding Sunday and public holidays.
- (For all helpers) Send her for a medical examination within 14 days.
When: Within 2 weeks from helper's arrival
Processing time: Immediate
To get the Work Permit issued:
- Log in to make the request.
- Provide a home or office address where the card will be delivered.
- Nominate up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card, and provide their NRIC, FIN or passport number, mobile numbers and email address.
- Pay $35 by Visa, Mastercard, PayNow or eNETS Debit for each Work Permit issued.
- After the Work Permit is issued, print the Temporary Work Permit.
During issuance, you can apply for your helper to get a
POSB account to receive salary.
The Temporary Work Permit:
- Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. Request to extend the validity if you have a change of travel plans.
- Must be given to your helper. It allows her to work, stay, and travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the Work Permit card.
- States if your helper needs to register her fingerprints and photo at MOM Services Centre.
When: Within 1 week after pass is issued (if required)
Check the Temporary Work Permit for whether your helper needs to register her fingerprints and photo at MOM Services Centre – Hall C. If it is required, your helper needs to register within 1 week of issuing the Work Permit.
You must make an appointment for your helper to register. It is optional for you to accompany your helper for the appointment.
For the appointment, your helper should bring:
- Original passport
- Appointment letter
- Temporary Work Permit
When: Within 5 working days after registration or document verification
We will deliver the Work Permit card to the given address within 5 working days after your helper registers and has her documents verified.
If your helper does not need to register, we will deliver the card within 5 working days after verifying her documents.
The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 working day before delivery.
You can also check your card delivery status using WP Online.
If card delivery fails
After two unsuccessful card delivery attempts, you’ll have to collect the card at the service desk of MOM Services Centre – Hall C.
You can collect it 3 working days after the second attempted delivery. You don't need an appointment for collection. You can also authorise a representative or employment agent to collect the card on your behalf.
Bring along these documents for card collection:
- Helper's original passport
- Temporary Work Permit
If you authorise someone to collect it on your behalf, make sure they bring these along:
- An authorisation letter from the employer
- NRIC or passport for verification