Short answerMOM encourages every employer to sign a written employment contract with their helper, agreed by both of you, covering salary, any placement loan, rest days per month, pay for working on a rest day, the notice period and pay in lieu of notice. Separately, you must sign a safety agreement with her before she starts work.
Why a written contract matters
Domestic helpers are not covered by the Employment Act, because MOM says it is not practical to regulate parts of domestic work such as hours and public holidays. That makes the contract the place where you and your helper agree the terms. MOM encourages one to avoid disputes, and the terms must be agreed by both of you.
What MOM says to include
- Salary. At least the salary you declared to MOM, paid every month within 7 days of the end of the salary period. If she asks, pay into her own bank account, and never keep her salary, bank book or bank card. See salary rules.
- Placement loan, if any, and how it is repaid. MOM caps the placement fee an agency can charge a helper; see the fee cap.
- Rest days per month. She is entitled to one a week, and at least one a month cannot be paid away. See rest days.
- Pay for working on a rest day: at least one day's salary, on top of her basic salary.
- Notice period.
- Pay in lieu of notice.
MOM also suggests that employers consider raising salary periodically for good work and loyalty, and a contract gratuity paid when the contract ends, if you both agree.
Match the in-principle approval
Her in-principle approval letter states her salary, number of rest days and employer's name, in English and her native language. Make sure the contract matches it, so there is no confusion later.
Templates and drafting
MOM says your employment agency can draft the contract for you and your helper. Whatever template you use, check it covers the six items above and that she has her own copy. Since 1 Oct 2026, agencies must explain every document, make sure it is complete and give you time to review before you sign. Their advice must be communicated in a language you understand.
Home-country contract rules
- Filipino helpers. The Philippine Migrant Workers Office requires the contract to follow the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers' Standard Employment Contract, including a salary of at least SGD 650 a month for contracts from 21 October 2025, a weekly rest day, accommodation, food and medical care. Your agency submits it to the Migrant Workers Office for verification, and for a new hire, a video call between you and the helper is required before the contract is finalised.
- Indonesian helpers. MOM's refund rules mention fees payable for the employment contract required by Indonesia. Ask your agency what applies.
- Other countries. Ask your agency, and check with the helper's embassy.
Ending the contract
MOM allows early termination, so either of you can end the contract by giving the notice period in it. If notice cannot be given, the party ending it pays salary in lieu of notice. You can both agree to waive notice. Settle her salary and other outstanding matters, then cancel her work permit or help her transfer. If an agency placed her within the last six months, tell it first, because of the 50% refund rule.
The safety agreement
Separate from the contract, you must sign a safety agreement with your helper. It sets out the restrictions on cleaning the outside of windows and records her acknowledgment of your instructions. When you hire through an agency, the agency arranges it. It is signed by you, the agency and the helper, and each of you keeps a copy. Her copy is in her native language: MOM provides versions in English with Bahasa Indonesia, Burmese, Khmer, Sinhalese, Tagalog, Tamil or Thai.
- First-time helper: sign after she attends the Settling-In Programme and before she starts work.
- Any other helper: sign before she is deployed to you.
- Not needed when you renew your own helper's contract.
When you renew
When you renew her work permit, review the contract together and record any changes in writing. Update her number of rest days in FDW eService if it changes. Looking for an agency to help draft the contract? See our directory of licensed agencies.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM, Contracts and safety agreement; MOM, Eight steps to hiring a helper; MOM, Paying salary; MOM, Rest days, health and well-being; MOM, Refund of EA service fee; MOM FAQ, How much workers pay an EA; MOM, Cancel a Work Permit; MOM EA Alert, 28 Sep 2026; Philippine Migrant Workers Office.
Common questions
Is an employment contract compulsory for a maid in Singapore?
MOM encourages a written employment contract to avoid disputes, with terms agreed by both of you. The safety agreement is compulsory and must be signed before she starts work.
What should a maid employment contract include?
MOM lists salary, placement loan, number of rest days per month, compensation for working on a rest day, notice period and compensation in lieu of notice.
Where can I get an FDW contract template?
MOM says your employment agency can draft the contract for you and your helper. Check that any template covers MOM's six items and matches her in-principle approval letter.
Is there a standard employment contract for FDWs in Singapore?
MOM's guidance lists what the contract should cover and says your agency can draft it. For Filipino helpers, the Philippine Migrant Workers Office requires the Philippine Standard Employment Contract and verifies it.
Is a domestic helper covered by the Employment Act?
No. MOM says it is not practical to regulate aspects of domestic work such as hours and public holidays, so terms are set in your contract and in work permit rules.
How do I end my maid's contract early?
Give the notice period in the contract, or pay salary in lieu of notice. Notice can be waived if you both agree. Then cancel her work permit or arrange a transfer.
What is the maid safety agreement?
A document signed by you, your agency and your helper on the rules for cleaning the outside of windows. A first-time helper signs after the Settling-In Programme and before starting work; it is not needed when you renew your own helper's contract.