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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.

To protect Singapore’s public health, employers or agencies must obtain MOM’s entry approval before FDWs arriving from overseas can enter Singapore. As we are restricting the entry of foreigners, the chance of getting an entry approval is very slim. Employers are strongly urged to hire FDWs who are already in Singapore or renew the Work Permits of existing FDWs, instead of hiring those from overseas.

Do also note that upon arrival in Singapore, FDWs from overseas must serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice. Thus, there could be significant delays before they can work. These measures take into account that FDWs live with families and many look after young children and the elderly.

At a glance

Who can apply Employer or appointed employment agent (EA).
How much it costs

When you submit the application:

  • $35 for each pass

When you get the pass issued:

  • $35 for each pass

Note: From 1 April 2019, we adjusted the application and issuance/renewal fees for Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit and other passes.
How long it takes
Related eServices

more eServices and forms

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

Submit an applicationShow

Employers with SingPass and employment agencies can submit online for a faster outcome.

Otherwise, you can submit a manual application.

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 members’ 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 $35 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.

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.

If your application is approved

We will email the in-principle approval (IPA) letter and the declaration forms for you and your FDW to sign.

Send the FDW’s copy of the IPA to her. She needs it to enter Singapore.

If she needs more time to arrive, you can extend the validity of the IPA.

Make sure the FDW’s IPA particulars match her passport details. If you make an error, such as wrong spelling of name, you need to correct the error, or the FDW will be denied entry into Singapore.

Submit manually

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

From 3 April 2020, you must submit all applications electronically as SingPost branches will no longer collect payments and accept applications for MOM.

You should switch to the electronic mode now so that you’ll be familiar with it.

Electronically

To submit electronically:

  1. Get a written consent from the FDW to apply for Work Permit.
  2. Download the FDW Work Permit application form (for electronic submission).
  3. Complete the application form as a softcopy to get the bill reference number. Do not print the form out.
  4. Pay the $35 fee for each application by PayNow or FAST (Fast and Secure Transfers).
  5. Submit your application electronically and upload the following:
    • Completed application form
    • Screenshot of banking page confirming your payment
    • Supporting documents listed in the application form
At SingPost
  1. Get a written consent from the FDW to apply for Work Permit.
  2. Complete the FDW Work Permit application form (for SingPost submission).
  3. Submit the following at any SingPost branch:
    • Completed application form
    • Copy of the supporting documents listed in the application form
    • Copy of the front and back of your NRIC, work pass card or passport
  4. Produce your original NRIC, work pass card or passport at the SingPost counter for verification.
  5. Pay the $35 fee for each application by cash, NETS or CashCard.
  6. Keep the payment advice slip from SingPost as proof of your submission.

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 FDW to sign.

Send the FDW’s copy of the IPA to her. She needs it to enter Singapore.

If she needs more time to arrive, you can extend the validity of the IPA.

Make sure the FDW’s IPA particulars match her passport details. If you make an error, such as wrong spelling of name, you need to correct the error, or the FDW will be denied entry into Singapore.

Prepare for FDW's arrivalShow

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

Before your helper arrives

You need to:

  1. Request for MOM's approval before she can enter Singapore.
  2. Buy a security bond for a non-Malaysian helper:
    • Please ensure your insurer sends us the security bond details. It takes up to 3 working days.
    • The security bond must also take effect when she arrives. Otherwise, she will be refused entry into Singapore and you will have to pay to send her home immediately.
  3. Buy medical and personal accident insurance for your her.
  4. (Only for first-time helpers) Register her for the Settling-In Programme (SIP).

After your helper arrives

  1. She needs to complete a mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon arrival in Singapore. We will automatically extend the validity of her Short-Term Visit Pass and in-principle approval by 14 days and notify employers of the extension.
  2. (Only for first-time helpers) Within 3 working days (including Saturdays) after the SHN, send her for the SIP.
  3. Within 2 weeks after the SHN, send her for a medical examination.

Get the permit issuedShow

When: Within 2 weeks after the FDW has completed her 14-day Stay-Home Notice

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 $35 by VISA, Master Card or eNets for each Work Permit issued.
  5. 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 and a free Centre for Domestic Employees membership.

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 working 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.