Who Can Work as a Domestic Helper in Singapore?
To get a new work permit as a domestic helper in Singapore, you must be a woman aged 23 to under 50, from a country approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), with at least 8 years of school and a recognised certificate. We Are Caring helps you apply for free, from Singapore or from your home country.
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By David Bensadon, Founder and Managing Director · EA personnel reg. no. R1552212
Published 27 October 2026 · Last checked 27 October 2026 · 1 min read
The Ministry's rules
To get a new work permit as a domestic helper, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) asks that you:
- are a woman
- are 23 to under 50 years old when the application is made
- come from an approved country: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan or Thailand
- have at least 8 years of school, with a recognised certificate
- are not related to your employer
If you already work in Singapore, your work permit can be renewed after you turn 50, until you are 60.
If this is your first job in Singapore
- Your documents depend on your country. From the Philippines, for example: your NC II certificate, your school certificate and a photo of your passport page.
- You attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP) within 7 days of arriving: a one-day course, paid by your employer.
How to apply with We Are Caring
- Download the We Are Caring Find Jobs app and create your profile, for free.
- Tell us where you are, so we can tell you which documents you need.
- We check your profile and publish it. Families contact you, and you choose your job.
- We do the paperwork. You pay nothing, ever.
Sources
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM): Migrant domestic worker eligibility, page updated 14 March 2024, checked 27 October 2026
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM): Settling-in Programme (SIP) for first-time MDWs, page updated 1 September 2025, checked 27 October 2026
FAQ
Can I work in Singapore if I am 50 or older?
Not with a new work permit: you must be under 50 when you apply. If you already work in Singapore, your work permit can be renewed until you are 60.
Do I pay anything to apply with We Are Caring?
No. You pay no placement fee and have no salary deduction, in Singapore or in your home country. Our partner agencies abroad charge you nothing either.
Can I apply from my home country?
Yes. Download the We Are Caring Find Jobs app and tell us where you are. Our partner agency in your country helps you with your documents and your medical check-up, for free.
