Who Can Hire a Domestic Helper in Singapore?
Hiring a Migrant Domestic Worker isn’t automatically available to anyone who wants help around the house — MOM sets specific eligibility criteria you need to meet as the employer before an application can even be considered.
The Core Requirements
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You cannot be an undischarged bankrupt at the time of application
- You must have a steady source of income, sufficient to cover her salary, levy, insurance, and upkeep — MOM may request documents like an IRAS Notice of Assessment, CPF statements, or overseas income tax statements as proof
- You must have the mental capacity to fully understand and fulfil your responsibilities as an employer
A Specific Note on Mental Capacity
This requirement is more concrete than it might first sound. MOM’s own application documentation specifically flags conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, or schizophrenia as relevant to this eligibility criterion. This doesn’t mean a diagnosis automatically disqualifies someone, but it does mean MOM assesses this dimension seriously, rather than treating it as a formality — since the employer role carries real legal and financial responsibility for another person’s welfare.
If You’re a Single Applicant
If you’re applying as a single person, MOM will specifically assess both your eligibility and your actual need for an MDW, rather than approving single-applicant cases automatically. This isn’t a blanket restriction, but it is an additional layer of assessment compared to a household applying jointly.
Hiring a Second Helper
You may be eligible to hire a second MDW if your household includes either:
- At least 2 children below 18 years old, or
- A parent or parent-in-law aged 60 or above living with you
What If You’re on a Long Term Visit Pass?
You can still be eligible to hire an MDW, provided your Long Term Visit Pass is valid at the time you apply for her Work Permit, and you meet all the other standard criteria above. Holding this particular pass type doesn’t disqualify you on its own.
Why MOM Sets These Employer Eligibility Criteria
Employing an MDW is a genuine financial and legal commitment — her salary, the monthly levy, mandatory insurance, food, accommodation, and medical care are all the employer’s responsibility for as long as she’s employed. These eligibility checks exist to confirm an applicant can realistically sustain that commitment, not just to add administrative friction.
Options If You Don’t Meet the Standard Eligibility Criteria
If you’re facing financial constraints specifically, options like a joint income application (combining your income with a spouse’s, for instance) may be available rather than being automatically disqualified. This is worth raising directly with MOM or your agency if straightforward eligibility isn’t clearly met on your own.
As with every regulatory topic in this series: eligibility criteria, required documentation, and assessment processes are set by MOM and can be updated. Always confirm current requirements directly with MOM rather than relying solely on this guide.
We Help You Understand Where You Stand
Before you go through the work of shortlisting candidates, it’s worth confirming your own eligibility first. We help walk through this with prospective employers early, so there are no surprises partway through the process.
Get in touch to check your eligibility →
