You renew a domestic helper’s Work Permit online, for $35, after MOM sends you a renewal letter about 8 weeks before it expires. The outcome is immediate. You need a new security bond and medical and personal accident insurance, and sometimes a medical examination. A renewed permit is usually valid for up to 2 years.
When does the renewal letter come?
MOM sends the letter about 8 weeks before the permit expires, and you can renew online as soon as you have it. If you do not receive it, you can print a copy through MOM’s keepmyhelper service. If she is travelling overseas just before the expiry date, renew before she leaves Singapore.
Who can renew. You, a sponsor, or an authorised employment agency. An agency must first get your authorisation through MOM’s FDW eService.
What you need
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Her passport | Upload a scan of the personal particulars page, with any amendments. |
| Security bond | Buy a new one for a helper who is not from Malaysia. Your bank or insurer needs up to 3 working days to tell MOM. The bond’s start date can be set up to 1 day after the current permit expires. |
| Personal accident insurance | Extend the existing policy or buy a new one. |
| Medical insurance | Extend the existing policy or buy a new one. |
| Medical examination | Page 2 of the renewal letter says whether one is needed. If so, upload the form signed by the doctor. |
| Measles immunity | Since 1 September 2025: if there are children under 7 at home who are not fully vaccinated against measles, she must be immune. |
| Card delivery | Only if the Temporary Work Permit says a new card will be issued: an address and the names and mobile numbers of up to 3 authorised recipients. |
You can buy the insurance from the same bank or insurer as the bond. The rules and prices are in the levy and bond and maid insurance.
How long will the new permit be valid?
Usually 2 years. It is shorter if:
- the insurance package has less than 26 months left to run: the permit then ends 2 months before the insurance expires; or
- she is near 60: the permit ends on the day she turns 60.
The passport does not limit the permit, so you can renew even if it has expired. She must still have a valid passport to travel home.
The age limit
A helper aged 50 or older can only renew her Work Permit until she is 60. Helpers aged 50 and above do not need the six-monthly medical examination, but they need a medical examination when the permit is renewed.
After renewing
Print and check the Temporary Work Permit. It says whether her existing card stays valid or a new one will be issued.
- If the existing card stays valid, she must keep it. Sending it back unnecessarily costs $65.40 (including GST) to replace.
- If a new card is issued, cut the old card in half and discard it. New cards no longer show the employer’s name or address.
Help her set up the SGWorkPass app with a Singpass account, so she can show her digital work pass.
If you are late
An overstaying fine applies if the renewal is not completed when required, the levy is still payable after the permit expires, and levy penalties may apply. If you cannot renew in time, you can request a short extension.
If MOM refuses a renewal, you can appeal, but MOM says an appeal is unlikely to succeed unless you give new information. The alternative is part-time help with household chores.
A short checklist
- Watch for the letter about 8 weeks before expiry.
- Book her medical examination if the letter asks for one.
- Arrange the bond and insurance a week or two ahead.
- Renew online and print the Temporary Work Permit.
- Help her set up the SGWorkPass app, and keep the Temporary Work Permit with her papers.
Source: MOM, renew a Work Permit and six-monthly medical examination. If you placed your helper through us, we can renew it for you.
General information as of the date above. MOM's current rules and your own service agreement are what apply.