Short answerYou can hire a Malaysian confinement nanny on a work permit for up to 16 weeks from your baby's birth. Apply from 4 weeks before the due date. It costs SGD 35. The monthly levy is SGD 60 if the baby is a Singapore citizen, or SGD 300 if not.
Who qualifies
- You: 21 or older, with a newborn under 4 months old.
- The nanny: Malaysian, aged 23 to below 70 when you apply, working at your home.
Key facts
- Apply from 4 weeks before the expected delivery date, up to 16 weeks after the birth. Later than that, apply for a domestic helper work permit instead.
- Valid up to 16 weeks from the birth, and not renewable. Apply after the birth and it will be shorter.
- SGD 35 to apply. Outcome usually within a week.
- Levy: SGD 60 a month for a Singapore citizen baby, SGD 300 otherwise.
- Medical insurance is required. For policies starting from 1 July 2023, MOM's minimum is SGD 60,000 a year.
Sources, checked 14 Oct 2026: MOM, Confinement nanny eligibility; MOM, Apply for a confinement nanny permit; MOM, Key facts.
Common questions
How long can a confinement nanny work in Singapore?
Up to 16 weeks from the baby's date of birth. The permit cannot be renewed.
What is the levy for a confinement nanny?
SGD 60 a month if the newborn is a Singapore citizen, SGD 300 a month if not.