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MDW Domestic Helper

Singapore Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) Levy & Employer Guide 2026

Complete guide to Singapore Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) levy rates. Standard S$300/mo, 2nd MDW S$450/mo, S$60 concession rate, S$5,000 security bond, & insurance.

Overview & Statutory Background

The Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) Work Permit is administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to allow Singapore households to employ foreign domestic helpers. Employers pay monthly levies via GIRO (Standard S$300/month; Concessionary S$60/month for families with young children, elderly parents, or persons with disabilities).

Key Pass Highlights & Statutory Criteria

Concession Levy Rate

S$60 / month

Verified

Standard 1st MDW Levy

S$300 / month

Verified

2nd MDW Levy Rate

S$450 / month

Verified

Security Bond

S$5,000 (Non-Malaysian)

Verified

Evaluation Criteria & Points Breakdown

1. Concessionary Levy Rate (S$60/mo)

S$60 Concession

Applies to households with a Singapore Citizen child under 16, elderly parent aged 67+, or family member needing help with daily living activities.

2. Employer Age & Income Requirement

Age 21 & Fixed Income

Employer must be at least 21 years old, financially capable of employing an MDW, and not an undischarged bankrupt.

3. Settling-in Programme (SIP) & EOP

Mandatory Courses

First-time employers must complete the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP); first-time MDWs must attend the Settling-in Programme (SIP).

4. Mandatory Medical Insurance

S$60,000 Coverage

Employers must purchase medical insurance with coverage of at least S$60,000/year and personal accident insurance of S$60,000.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

Employer must be at least 21 years old and not an undischarged bankrupt.

First-time MDW employers must complete the online Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) at least 2 working days before applying.

Must purchase a S$5,000 security bond (for non-Malaysian helpers) and medical insurance policy prior to arrival.

Must provide 1 rest day per week (or 1 mandatory non-compensable rest day per month) and suitable accommodation.

Step-by-Step Application & Issuance Process

EOP Course Completion

First-time employer completes 3-hour Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) online.

Submit MDW Work Permit via FDW eService

Employer or maid agency submits Work Permit application online with S$35 fee.

Security Bond & Insurance Purchase

Upon In-Principle Approval (IPA), purchase S$5,000 security bond and S$60,000 medical insurance.

Arrival, SIP & Card Issuance

MDW arrives in Singapore, completes medical checkup and 1-day SIP course, and receives physical Work Permit card (S$35 fee).

Required Document Checklist

•Employer & Household Members NRIC Copies

•IRAS Income Tax Assessment Notice or CPF Contribution History (to prove income capability)

•Proof of Relationship / Birth Certificate (if claiming S$60 concession levy for children or elderly parents)

•MDW Passport Copy & Educational Certificates

•S$5,000 Security Bond & Medical Insurance Policy Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Households qualify for the S$60/month concession levy if they have a Singapore Citizen child under 16, a Singapore Citizen parent or grandparent aged 67 or older, or a family member certified by a doctor as requiring assistance with daily activities.

The standard monthly levy is S$300 for the first MDW and S$450 for the second MDW employed by the same household.

Yes. Employers must purchase a S$5,000 security bond for all non-Malaysian MDWs before their arrival in Singapore.

Employers must provide medical insurance with minimum coverage of S$60,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery, plus S$60,000 personal accident coverage.

No. An MDW is legally permitted to perform domestic chores ONLY at the residential address stated on her Work Permit card. Working at a commercial business or relative's home is an offense under MOM regulations.

Employers must provide 1 rest day per week. At least 1 rest day per month CANNOT be compensated with pay and must be taken as physical rest.