Before applying
The employer, sponsor or authorised agent applies, independently or through an agency. Check the helper’s embassy requirements for leaving her country, second-helper criteria and transfer rules where relevant. Married applicants can combine spouses’ income; eligible low-income employers or seniors living alone may use special schemes or personal savings. Part-time household help is an alternative. If the household has children below seven not fully measles-vaccinated, ensure the helper has measles immunity. An agency must obtain employer authorisation through FDW eService before conducting transactions.
FDW eService submission
Employers with Singpass and employment agencies use FDW eService for a result normally within one week. Obtain the helper’s written consent and prepare her passport, employer/family particulars and income information. Submit and pay S$35 by Visa, Mastercard or PayNow. Check status after one week and await the emailed outcome; extra evidence can extend processing.
Online form for employers without Singpass
Only employers unable to use FDW eService because they lack Singpass may use the online application-form route. Agencies must use FDW eService. Obtain consent, download and complete the application in electronic form without printing it, then submit it and the listed supporting documents. Pay S$35 by PayNow, Visa, Mastercard or Amex. Most cases take approximately three weeks, longer if further information is required.
Approval and pre-arrival safeguards
MOM emails the IPA and declaration forms for employer and helper signatures. Send the helper her IPA for entry, correct passport mismatches and request an IPA extension in FDW eService if more arrival time is needed. A non-Malaysian needs a security bond effective on arrival. Allow up to three working days for insurer/bank transmission; a new helper’s FIN is assigned within three working days of approval and appears on the IPA. An ineffective bond results in entry refusal and immediate repatriation; MOM cannot change the effective date to enable entry. Buy medical and personal-accident insurance and register a first-time helper for SIP. She must print the IPA and meet current travel requirements.
Arrival and issuance
First-time helpers attend SIP within seven days, excluding Sundays and public holidays; every helper needs a medical examination within 14 days. Issue the permit within two weeks of arrival, with immediate processing. Supply the delivery address and identification, mobile and email details of up to three authorised recipients. Pay S$35 by Visa, Mastercard or PayNow and print the Temporary Work Permit. During issuance a POSB salary account can be requested. Give the temporary permit to the helper: it lasts one month, permits work, stay and travel pending the card and states whether biometrics are required. Request a validity extension if travel plans change.
Registration and digital work pass
If required, book Hall C registration within one week of issuance. Employer attendance is optional. The helper brings her passport, appointment letter, temporary permit and a local-number phone with Singpass and SGWorkPass. MOM registers fingerprints, photo and Singpass, assisting app setup. On registration day sign into SGWorkPass to access digital status and employment information; helpers exempt from attendance should also set it up.
Delivery and collection
The current application page states delivery within five working days after registration/document checks, while the 2023 overview states four. Recipients receive SMS/email details at least one working day beforehand. The helper presents a passport or digital pass, and authorised recipients NRIC, FIN or passport. If delayed, check uploads and WP Online delivery status. After two failed attempts, collect at Hall C three working days later without appointment. Bring the helper’s original passport or digital pass and temporary permit. An authorised representative or agent also needs the employer authorisation, their NRIC/passport, the helper’s original passport and temporary permit.
Official source
Written independently from official MOM source material.