Singapore Domestic Helper (MDW/FDW) Maid Levy & Employer Guide 2026

Complete official 2026 guide to hiring a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW/FDW) in Singapore. Explains $60 concessionary vs $300 standard monthly levy, MOM medical insurance, rest days, & GIRO payments.

Statutory Overview & Government Framework

Hiring a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW, formerly Foreign Domestic Worker / FDW) in Singapore is governed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA). Employers hiring a domestic helper must pay a monthly Foreign Domestic Worker Levy (Maid Levy) via GIRO. In 2026, the standard MOM maid levy is S$300 per month for the first helper (S$450 for subsequent helpers). However, Singapore households with eligible family members—such as young children under 16, elderly seniors aged 67 or older, or persons with disabilities (PWD)—qualify for the Concessionary Levy Rate of S$60 per month. This guide details MOM employer eligibility, Security Bond requirements, mandatory S$60,000 medical insurance, Six-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME), and weekly rest day regulations.

Key Benefit Criteria & Legal Rules

S$60 Concessionary vs S$300 Standard Monthly Maid LevyMaid Levy Rates

Concessionary rate (S$60/mo) for households with kids under 16, seniors 67+, or PWDs; standard rate is S$300/mo.

S$5,000 Security Bond & S$60,000 Medical InsuranceBond & Insurance

MOM mandates S$5,000 Security Bond and S$60,000 annual inpatient medical plus S$60,000 personal accident insurance.

Weekly Mandatory Rest Day & Compensation PolicyRest Day Rules

Entitled to 1 rest day/week; at least 1 rest day per month CANNOT be compensated with pay and must be taken.

Six-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME) Health Screening6ME Exam

Compulsory medical screening every 6 months for pregnancy, infectious diseases, and blood pressure at GP clinic.

Eligibility & Income Thresholds

Applies to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Employment Pass holders with household income > S$30,000.

First-time employers must complete MOM's online Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) before Work Permit submission.

Employers must pay monthly maid levy automatically via Interbank GIRO on the 17th of every month.

Employers are 100% legally responsible for all medical costs, lodging, food, and repatriation airfare.

Statutory Application & Verification Checklist

Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) Employer Regulations

MOM Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) Completion Certificate

MOM MDW Work Permit Issuance & Security Bond Documents

S$60,000 Medical & Personal Accident Insurance Policy Schedule

Interbank GIRO Application Form for Monthly Levy Deductions

Step-by-Step Claim & Disbursal Process

Complete MOM Employer Orientation Programme (EOP)

First-time employers complete 3-hour online EOP course on MOM portal.

Select Domestic Helper via EA or Direct Hire

Hire through MOM-accredited employment agency or direct transfer helper.

Purchase S$5,000 Security Bond & S$60k Medical Insurance

Buy MOM-compliant maid insurance and security bond package before Work Permit filing.

Submit MDW Work Permit Application on MOM Portal

Submit Work Permit application online; MOM automatically applies S$60 concession if eligible.

Set Up GIRO for Levy & Issue Monthly Pay Slip

Maintain monthly salary payments, allow weekly rest days, and ensure 6ME doctor visits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The standard monthly maid levy is S$300 for your first helper and S$450 for a second helper. If your household qualifies for the Concessionary Rate, the levy is reduced to S$60 per month.

A Singapore household qualifies for the S$60/month concessionary levy if they have a Singapore Citizen family member living at the same address who is a child under 16, a senior citizen aged 67 or older, or a person with disabilities (PWD).

The maid levy is paid automatically via monthly Interbank GIRO from the employer's Singapore bank account on the 17th of every month.

MOM requires employers to purchase at least S$60,000 per year in inpatient medical insurance and S$60,000 in Personal Accident Insurance coverage for their helper.

Yes. If a helper agrees to work on her rest day, the employer must pay at least 1 day's basic salary as compensation. However, at least 1 rest day per month CANNOT be compensated with pay and must be taken.

FMLR is an IRAS income tax relief for married female taxpayers or divorcees with children. It allows eligible taxpayers to deduct TWICE the total amount of maid levy paid in the preceding year from their taxable income.