Short answerAn agency that places confinement nannies for a fee must hold an MOM employment agency licence, so check it first. The nanny must be Malaysian, aged 23 to below 70, and her work permit lasts up to 16 weeks from the birth. You pay a levy of SGD 60 a month if the baby is a Singapore citizen, or SGD 300 if not.
Check the agency
Look up the licence in MOM's employment agency directory before paying anything. Ask for every fee in writing, and ask what happens if the nanny cannot come.
The work permit rules
- You must be 21 or older, with a newborn under 4 months old.
- The nanny must be Malaysian, aged at least 23 and below 70, and work at your home.
- The permit lasts up to 16 weeks from your child's birth. Apply after the birth and it is shorter.
- Levy: SGD 60 a month if the baby is a Singapore citizen, SGD 300 if not.
- MOM says you should buy medical insurance; the minimum coverage is SGD 60,000 a year for policies starting from 1 July 2023.
More on the permit itself: confinement nanny work permit.
Questions to ask
- What is her experience with newborns?
- Which dates is she booked for, and what is the backup?
- Who applies for the work permit?
- What are the fees and the refund terms?
Sources, checked 14 Oct 2026: MOM, Confinement nanny eligibility; MOM, Confinement nanny key facts; MOM, Employment Agency Directory.
Common questions
Do confinement nanny agencies need a licence?
An agency that places workers for a fee in Singapore needs an MOM employment agency licence. Check it in MOM's directory.
How long can a confinement nanny work in Singapore?
Up to 16 weeks from the baby's date of birth on a confinement nanny work permit.
What is the levy for a confinement nanny?
SGD 60 a month if the newborn is a Singapore citizen, SGD 300 a month otherwise.
Can the confinement nanny be from any country?
No. The confinement nanny work permit is for Malaysians aged 23 to below 70.