Renew before expiry
The renewal letter normally arrives about eight weeks before expiry; renew online after receiving it. Employers, sponsors or authorised agents can renew for S$35 with an immediate outcome. Reprint the letter if missing. Renew before a planned pre-expiry overseas trip. Late renewal leaves levy payable and may incur levy penalties or overstaying fines; request an extension if unable to complete in time. A refusal appeal needs new information; a transfer or part-time household help may be considered instead.
Measles immunity and agency authorisation
From 1 September 2025, households with children below seven who are not fully vaccinated against measles must ensure the helper has measles immunity. Agencies must obtain employer authorisation in FDW eService before any transaction.
Prepare records and insurance
Upload passport particulars and amendments and ensure MOM has the latest passport record. Check page two of the renewal notification for any medical examination requirement and upload the doctor-signed form. A non-Malaysian needs a new security bond transmitted before renewal, taking up to three working days; its effective date can be set up to one day after current-permit expiry. An agency should obtain the employer’s Renewal Declaration Form. Extend or replace medical and personal-accident insurance. If a new card is needed, provide a delivery address and names and mobile numbers for up to three recipients.
Submit and handle the card
Follow the letter and upload documents online, paying S$35 by Visa, Mastercard or PayNow. Print the Temporary Work Permit. Retain the existing card if instructed; returning it unnecessarily costs S$65.40 including GST. If a new card is issued, cut and discard the old one. Newly issued helper cards no longer display the employer’s name and address. Help the worker use Singpass and SGWorkPass.
Duration and the MDW passport exception
Renewal usually lasts two years. If the insurance package is shorter than 26 months, validity ends two months before it expires. For a helper approaching 60, it ends on the 60th birthday. Unlike the migrant-worker renewal rule, this MDW page states the passport is no longer tied to permit duration: renewal can proceed even with an expired passport or less than two years’ validity. A valid passport is nevertheless necessary for overseas travel, and embassy renewal requirements still apply.
Official source
Written independently from official MOM source material.