What the Work Permit for a domestic worker is
The Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker (MDW), sometimes still called a foreign domestic worker permit, is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It allows an eligible Singapore employer to hire a foreign woman to carry out household work at the employer’s home. The employer applies for and holds the permit; the worker does not apply on her own.
This is a Work Permit, the pass framework used for lower-wage and semi-skilled foreign workers. It comes with a defined set of employer obligations set by MOM, including a monthly levy, a security bond for non-Malaysian workers, medical and personal accident insurance, a settling-in programme for first-time workers, mandatory rest days, and regular medical examinations. The exact figures are set by MOM and change, so confirm the current amounts on the official MOM page.
It is important to be honest about the longer term from the outset: a Work Permit is not the usual route to Singapore Permanent Residence. We explain why in our honest look at the Work Permit to Singapore PR reality.
Key facts at a glance
Here is the shape of the domestic worker Work Permit in one view. Figures are set by MOM and change, so treat these as orientation and confirm the current position before you hire.
| Feature | Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker |
|---|---|
| Who holds the permit | The Singapore employer (the worker does not apply herself) |
| Worker’s age | Generally at least 23 years old at first application, within MOM’s limits |
| Monthly levy | A concessionary rate for eligible households and a higher standard rate, as set by MOM |
| Security bond | Required for non-Malaysian workers (a banker’s or insurer’s guarantee), as set by MOM |
| Insurance | Medical insurance and personal accident insurance to MOM’s minimum coverage |
| Rest days | A weekly rest day, or compensation in lieu by agreement |
| Issuing agency | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
The employer's responsibilities
Because the employer holds the permit, most obligations fall on the employer, not the worker. In broad terms an employer is responsible for:
Eligible households, for example those with young children, elderly members or persons with disabilities, may qualify for the concessionary levy. Confirm the current levy rates, bond and insurance minimums on the official MOM website before hiring, as these are the figures most likely to change.
How the application works
The employer drives the process, often with a licensed employment agency, while the worker provides required documents. In outline:
The employer checks they meet MOM's criteria to hire a domestic worker.
The employer, or an appointed agency, applies through MOM's official channel and pays the fee.
The employer puts the security bond in place for a non-Malaysian worker and buys the required insurance.
The worker completes medical checks and, if a first-timer, the Settling-in Programme; the permit is issued.
The levy runs monthly for as long as the worker is employed, so factor it into the ongoing cost, not just the up-front application.
Does this Work Permit lead to PR?
Honestly, generally no. A Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker is not a route to permanent residence. PR in Singapore is a separate, selective assessment that generally favours skilled, higher-wage, longer-term employment, and Work Permit holders are, as a rule, outside that track.
We say this plainly because it is kinder than a false promise. Our honest guide to the Work Permit to Singapore PR question sets out the reality, and our overview of why PR is not easy to get puts it in context. Life can change over the years, and some people do move into skilled roles and stronger passes over time; it is that later, settled footing, not the domestic-worker permit itself, that would ever count toward PR.
Common questions employers get wrong
A few points trip up first-time employers.
What people get wrong
- Assuming the worker applies, when the employer applies and holds the permit.
- Budgeting only for the application and forgetting the ongoing monthly levy.
- Overlooking the security bond for non-Malaysian workers and the insurance minimums.
- Skipping the Settling-in Programme for a first-time worker.
- Forgetting the weekly rest day and the six-monthly medical examination.
- Assuming the permit is a step to PR for the worker, which it generally is not.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for a domestic worker's Work Permit?
The Singapore employer applies for and holds the Work Permit, not the worker. The employer is responsible for the levy, security bond, insurance and the worker's proper employment.
What does it cost to employ a domestic worker?
Beyond the application fee there is a monthly levy, at either a concessionary rate for eligible households or a higher standard rate, plus a security bond for non-Malaysian workers and required insurance. Confirm the current amounts on the official MOM website.
What are the main employer obligations?
Meeting MOM's eligibility criteria, paying the levy, the security bond for non-Malaysians, medical and personal accident insurance, the Settling-in Programme for first-timers, a weekly rest day and the six-monthly medical examination.
Can a migrant domestic worker apply for PR?
Generally no. A Work Permit for a domestic worker is not a route to PR, which is a separate, selective assessment that generally favours skilled, longer-term employment.
Where do I find the current levy, bond and insurance figures?
On the official MOM website, since these are set by MOM and change over time.
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