Short answerNo. MOM has said it is not considering live-out options for domestic helpers, so a helper works at the residential address you declare to MOM and you must give her acceptable accommodation. If you only need part-time or temporary help, MOM points families to companies on the Household Services Scheme instead.
What MOM says about live-out helpers
In a written answer to Parliament on 3 October 2023, MOM said it is not considering live-out options for migrant domestic workers, as this would make it harder for employers to maintain oversight of their well-being and safety. It said households that need help only at certain times of day can engage companies on the Household Services Scheme instead.
Where a helper works
- She needs a valid work permit.
- She can only work for you, at the residential address declared to MOM (your NRIC-registered address).
- She can only do domestic chores, and cannot take on work for other employers.
- She cannot help with your business, such as a food stall, online shop or home-based business, even if she offers or you pay her extra.
- She cannot clean your parent's home or another property, even occasionally and even if you pay her for it.
- Illegal deployment can bring a financial penalty of up to SGD 10,000, and you may be barred from employing helpers.
Caring for family at a relative's home
MOM allows your helper to look after your child or parent at a relative's home if you notify MOM first. Before you do, you need her written agreement, she must not do the full load of housework in both homes, and if she stays overnight there, her accommodation must meet MOM's requirements. You remain responsible for her accommodation, food and medical treatment.
The accommodation you must provide
- Shelter from sun, rain and strong winds.
- Basic amenities: at least a mattress, pillow, blanket, bathroom amenities and toiletries.
- Ventilation, with a fan if natural ventilation is not enough.
- Safety: she must not sleep near dangerous equipment or structures.
- Modesty: she must not share a room with a male adult or teenager. Tell her about any cameras at home, and never place them where she sleeps, changes or bathes.
- Space and privacy: MOM says you should give her a separate room; if that is not possible, make sure she has adequate space and privacy.
Food and rest
Provide three meals a day and respect food she cannot or prefers not to eat, for example for religious reasons. She is entitled to a weekly rest day and may choose to spend it at home or go out. MOM suggests setting clear house rules, such as when she should be back on her rest days, and encouraging her to stay in touch with her family.
If live-in help is not right for you
- Household Services Scheme (HSS). Approved companies provide part-time home cleaning, grocery shopping, car washing and pet-sitting, and selected companies offer basic elder-minding. The HSS company is the worker's legal employer, and you do not need to provide accommodation. MOM says it can be more cost-effective than hiring a helper. MOM notes that from March 2026, basic child-minding is no longer supported with manpower concessions under the scheme. You can also use HSS services alongside a live-in helper. For elder-minding, MOM advises asking the company about the worker's experience and training, and having a family member present the first time.
- Day care. Childcare or senior day care centres can cover the working day.
- Home Personal Care. Trained care staff can help a family member with daily activities such as bathing and medication.
If a live-in helper does suit your family, see how to hire a maid, hiring for elderly care, or browse licensed agencies.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM written answer to PQ, 3 Oct 2023; MOM, Employment rules for MDWs; MOM, MDW eligibility; MOM FAQ, Care at a relative's house; MOM, Rest days, health and well-being; MOM FAQ, Household Services Scheme; MOM, Thinking of hiring an MDW; MOM press reply, 1 Jan 2026; MOM, Your MDW must not work for your business; MOM, Eight steps to hiring a helper.
Common questions
Can a maid live out in Singapore?
No. MOM said in October 2023 that it is not considering live-out options for domestic helpers. She works at the residential address declared to MOM, and you must provide acceptable accommodation.
Can my helper stay overnight at my parents' home to care for them?
Yes, if you notify MOM first, have her written agreement, she does not do the full housework in both homes, and her accommodation there meets MOM's requirements.
Must I give my helper her own room?
MOM says you should provide a separate room. If that is not possible, she must have adequate space and privacy, and must not share a room with a male adult or teenager.
Is there part-time help instead of a live-in maid?
Yes. Companies on MOM's Household Services Scheme provide part-time cleaning, grocery shopping, car washing, pet-sitting and, at selected companies, basic elder-minding. You do not provide accommodation.
Can my helper also work for my relative or my business?
No. She can only do domestic work for you at the address declared to MOM, even if she offers or is paid extra. The one exception is caring for your child or parent at a relative's home after you notify MOM. Illegal deployment can bring a financial penalty of up to SGD 10,000.
Can I get a temporary maid for a few weeks?
For part-time or temporary help with household chores, MOM points households to companies on the Household Services Scheme. The company employs the worker, so you do not provide accommodation.