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Apply for a Work Permit for foreign domestic worker

You can apply for a Work Permit for a foreign domestic worker (FDW) either on your own or through an employment agency. You also need to take certain steps to prepare for your worker's arrival.

Already know the process? Log in to apply online.

At a glance

Who can apply Employer or appointed employment agent (EA).
How much it costs When you submit the application: $30 for each pass.
When the pass is issued: $30 for each pass.
How long it takes
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Note:

  • Check with the FDW’s embassy on whether there are additional requirements for her to leave her country, such as a visa or overseas government letter.
  • If you are hiring a second FDW, you need to meet the criteria.
  • If you are hiring a transfer FDW, find out what you need to do.
  • If you are married, you and your spouse can combine your incomes when applying for a Work Permit.
  • Low income employers or senior citizens living alone may be able to apply under a special scheme.

These are the steps for applying:

Step Who does this Result
Submit an application Employer or EA In-principle approval or rejection letter
Prepare for FDW's arrival Employer or EA Security bond, insurance, etc.
Get the permit issued Employer or EA Temporary Work Permit
Register fingerprints and photo (if required) Candidate Acknowledgment of card delivery
Receive the card Employer or EA Work Permit card
Return the old pass card Employer Use WP Online to confirm MOM received the old pass card

Submit an applicationShow

You can:

  • Submit online (fastest method)
  • Submit manually at a SingPost branch

Submit online

Processing time: within 1 week. Some cases will take more time.

You will need this information for applying:

  • FDW’s passport details.
  • You and your family’s personal particulars.
  • Your income information.

To submit an application online:

  1. Get a written consent from the FDW to apply for Work Permit.
  2. Log in to fill out the application.
  3. Pay $30 for each application. You can pay by Visa, MasterCard or eNets Debit.
  4. Log in to check the status of your application after 1 week.

You can view the outcome online. If your application is approved, print the in-principle approval (IPA) letter (or the letter of notification for first-time FDWs).

Send the FDW's copy of the IPA or letter of notification to her. She will need it to enter Singapore.

It takes around 1 week to process the application. It may take longer if additional information is required.

Submit manually

Processing time: within 3 weeks. Some cases will take more time.

To submit an application manually:

  1. Get a written consent from the FDW to apply for Work Permit.
  2. Download and complete the Work Permit application form.
  3. Submit the completed application along with the supporting documents over the counter at any SingPost branch.
  4. Pay the $30 fee for each application. You can pay by cash, NETS or CashCard. Keep the payment advice slip given to you as proof of your submission.

It takes around 3 weeks to process the application. It may take longer if additional information is required. The outcome will be posted to you.

If your application is approved, we will post the in-principle approval (IPA) letter, (or the letter of notification for first-time FDWs) to you.

Send the FDW's copy of the IPA or letter of notification to her. She will need it to enter Singapore.

Prepare for FDW's arrivalShow

You need to complete these steps to prepare for your helper’s arrival in Singapore.

Before the helper arrives:

  1. Buy a security bond (for a non-Malaysian FDW).
  2. Buy medical and personal accident insurance for the FDW.
  3. Register a first-time FDW for the Settling-In Programme (SIP).

After the helper arrives:

  1. Send your first-time FDW to attend the SIP – within the first 3 working days of arrival (including Saturdays).
  2. Send your helper for a medical examination – within 2 weeks of arrival.
  3. If you submitted manually instead of online, print and complete the Security Bond Form.

Get the permit issuedShow

When: After FDW enters Singapore and within 2 weeks of arrival

Processing time: Immediate

To get the Work Permit issued:

  1. Log in to make the request.
  2. Provide a home or office address where the card will be delivered.
  3. Nominate up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card, and provide their NRIC, FIN or passport number, mobile numbers and email address.
  4. Pay $30 by Visa, Master Card or eNets for each Work Permit issued.
  5. After the Work Permit is issued, print the Temporary Work Permit.

If you are submitting your helper’s work permit application from 7 Oct 2018, you can set up her POSB account and free Centre for Domestic Employees membership when you get her permit issued.

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.

Register fingerprints and photoShow

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

Receive the cardShow

When: 4 working days after registration

We will deliver the Work Permit card to the given address 4 working days after your helper registers and has her documents verified.

If your helper does not need to register, we will deliver the card 4 working days after verifying her documents.

The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 day before delivery.

You can also check the card delivery details in WP Online.

Download SGWorkPass to scan QR code on your new card to check status, expiry date and more.

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:

  • Candidate’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.  

Return the old pass cardShow

If your helper was already holding a pass for working or long-term stay in Singapore, you must return the old pass card.

For a work pass or long term pass issued by MOM, post it back to:

Work Pass Division
Ministry of Manpower
18 Havelock Road
Singapore 059764

You can use the “card return” function in WP Online to check if:

  • We have received the card.
  • Tell us why you are unable to return the card.

For a Special Pass or long term pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), return it to ICA. These include the Long Term Visit Pass and Student Pass.

You don’t need to return a Disembarkation/Embarkation card (immigration white card) to ICA.

Last Updated: 8 October 2018