Short answerYou can hire an Indian maid in Singapore because India is one of MOM's approved source countries. She must meet the same MOM rules as every helper: aged 23 to below 50 when you apply, with at least 8 years of formal education and a recognised certificate. Singapore is not on the Indian government's list of countries that need emigration clearance, but check with the High Commission of India before she travels.
India is one of the countries MOM accepts helpers from, and an Indian helper follows the same Singapore rules as every other helper. This page adds what official Indian sources say that matters for a job in Singapore: emigration clearance, renewing her passport here, and where she can get help. To compare nationalities side by side, see helpers by nationality.
MOM rules for an Indian helper
- India is on MOM's list of approved source countries.
- She must be aged 23 to below 50 when you apply, with at least 8 years of formal education and a recognised certificate. A helper aged 50 or above can only renew her permit, until she is 60.
- She must not be in Singapore while you apply. She can come in only after you receive the in-principle approval letter and buy the SGD 5,000 security bond.
- She works at your NRIC-registered address and must not be related to you.
- A first-time helper attends the Settling-In Programme, which MOM says is conducted in her native language.
- MOM's safety agreement comes in English paired with one of seven languages, including Tamil. Ask your agency which version suits her.
The full process is in how to hire a maid and the work permit guide.
India's emigration rules and Singapore
Under India's emigration rules, a person whose passport is marked "Emigration Check Required" (ECR) needs emigration clearance from the Protector of Emigrants before going to work in one of the ECR countries. Singapore is not on the Ministry of External Affairs' list of ECR countries, and MEA's "Emigration and You" booklet lists Singapore among the countries that do not need emigration clearance.
MEA does not grant emigration clearance to women below 30 with ECR passports going to work in ECR countries. MEA says this ban does not apply to women going to the other countries, the ECNR countries. For a job in Singapore, MOM's own age rule of 23 to below 50 is the one that applies.
These lists can change. MOM asks employers to check with the helper's embassy whether she needs anything extra to leave her country, such as a visa or an overseas government letter, so check with the High Commission of India, or on India's eMigrate portal, before she travels.
Her Indian passport while she works here
- Renewing in Singapore: the High Commission of India says passport renewals are made in person at its authorised passport application centres, run by BLS International. She brings her existing passport, a recent photo, and her Work Permit card with photocopies. It normally takes 7 to 10 working days, and an urgent Tatkal service is also offered.
- Tell MOM: when she has a new passport, update her passport number and expiry date in MOM's FDW eService.
- At the end of her job: MOM asks you to make sure she has a valid passport before she goes home.
Where she can get help
The High Commission of India is at 31 Grange Road. Its website has sections on the welfare of Indian nationals and on its One Stop Centre. For problems with her job or salary in Singapore, she or you can contact MOM.
Salary and costs
MOM does not set a minimum wage for helpers of any nationality, but you must pay at least the salary you declare to MOM. If you want to know whether India has its own requirements for Indian domestic workers in Singapore, ask the High Commission of India or your agency. Her other costs, such as the levy, insurance and the bond, are the same as for any helper: see the cost of hiring a maid.
Finding an agency for an Indian helper
Our directory lists agencies licensed by MOM. It does not show which nationalities each agency places, so ask each agency directly:
- Do you place Indian helpers now, and is she a first-time helper or already working in Singapore?
- Which documents will she need from India, and who arranges them?
- What is in your fee, item by item? See agency fees.
A helper already in Singapore can be a transfer helper. Whoever you consider, check her employment history and read how to choose an agency. Her experience, languages and work history tell you more about fit than her nationality.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM, MDW eligibility; MOM, Apply for a Work Permit; MOM, Settling-in Programme; MOM, Contracts and safety agreement; MOM, Notify MOM of changes; MOM, Sending an MDW home; MOM FAQ on minimum wage; MEA, Guidelines for Emigration Clearance System; MEA, FAQ on issues of intending emigrants; MEA, Emigration and You; eMigrate, Government of India; High Commission of India, Singapore; High Commission of India, FAQ.
Common questions
Can I hire an Indian maid in Singapore?
Yes. India is one of MOM's approved source countries. She must be aged 23 to below 50 when you apply, with at least 8 years of formal education and a recognised certificate, like every helper.
Does an Indian maid need emigration clearance to work in Singapore?
Singapore is not on the Indian Ministry of External Affairs' list of countries that need emigration clearance for ECR passport holders. Lists can change, so check with the High Commission of India or the eMigrate portal before she travels.
Must an Indian maid be at least 30?
Not for Singapore. India's ban on emigration clearance for women below 30 applies to jobs in ECR countries, and Singapore is not one. MOM's rule is 23 to below 50 when you apply.
How do I find an Indian maid agency in Singapore?
Ask agencies licensed by MOM whether they place Indian helpers now, which documents she needs from India, and what their fee covers. Our directory lists licensed agencies but not the nationalities each one places.
Is there a minimum salary for an Indian maid in Singapore?
MOM does not set a minimum wage for helpers. You must pay at least the salary you declare to MOM. Ask the High Commission of India or your agency about any requirements from India.
How does my Indian helper renew her passport in Singapore?
In person at a passport application centre authorised by the High Commission of India, with her existing passport, a recent photo and her Work Permit card. It normally takes 7 to 10 working days. Then update her passport details in MOM's FDW eService.
Where can an Indian helper get help in Singapore?
The High Commission of India at 31 Grange Road, whose website covers the welfare of Indian nationals and its One Stop Centre, or MOM for problems with her job or salary.