Short answerTo renew a maid (FDW) work permit, wait for MOM's renewal letter, which comes about 8 weeks before the permit expires. Get a new security bond and extend her medical and personal accident insurance (your bank or insurer takes up to 3 working days to send MOM the details), then renew online in FDW eService for SGD 35. The outcome is immediate, and the renewed permit usually lasts 2 years.
If you and your helper want to continue working together, you renew her work permit with MOM before it expires. This page is the full renewal checklist, using only MOM's own pages. For a first application, see how to apply for a maid work permit.
When to renew
MOM sends you a renewal letter about 8 weeks before her work permit expires, and you can renew online once it arrives. If you did not receive it, you can print a copy. If you need to renew earlier, you can submit a request to MOM. If she plans to travel overseas just before the expiry date, renew before she leaves Singapore.
You, a sponsor, or an employment agency you have authorised can renew. MOM says it considers factors such as your ability to hire, maintain and upkeep your helper, and her age. Since 1 September 2025, if children below 7 in your household are not fully vaccinated against measles, your helper must have immunity against measles.
What you need to renew
- Her passport. A scan of the personal particulars page, including amendments. If her passport was renewed, MOM must have the latest one on record.
- A medical examination form, if required. Page 2 of the renewal letter says whether she needs one. Upload the doctor's signed form when you renew.
- A new security bond for a non-Malaysian helper. Ask your bank or insurer to send MOM the bond details before you renew; this takes up to 3 working days. The bond can start up to 1 day after the current permit expires.
- Personal accident and medical insurance. Extend her current policies or buy new ones. You can buy them where you place the bond. See our insurance and bond guide for MOM's minimums.
- Card delivery details, only if the new Temporary Work Permit says she is getting a new card: a delivery address and the names and mobile numbers of up to 3 people who can sign for it.
How to renew
- Log in to MOM's FDW eService, submit the renewal and upload the documents. The renewal letter has the specific instructions.
- Pay SGD 35 by Visa, Mastercard or PayNow. The outcome is immediate.
If an agency renews for you, you first authorise it in FDW eService, and it should ask you to complete a Renewal Declaration Form.
After the renewal
Print the new Temporary Work Permit and check what it says about her card:
- Continue using the existing card: she keeps it. Do not return it; replacing a card returned by mistake costs SGD 65.40 including GST.
- Getting a new card: cut the old card in half and throw it away. New cards no longer show the employer's name and address.
Help her set up the SGWorkPass app with her Singpass account, so she can see her digital work pass and employment details.
How long the renewed permit lasts
Usually 2 years. It is shorter if her insurance package lasts less than 26 months (the permit then ends 2 months before the package expires) or if she turns 60 sooner (it ends the day she turns 60).
Her passport no longer limits the permit, so you can renew even if her passport has expired or has less than 2 years left. She still needs a valid passport to travel out of Singapore, and her embassy may have its own rules for renewing it. Our Indian, Indonesian, Filipino, Myanmar and Sri Lankan helper guides cover passport renewal for each country.
Late renewals and short extensions
- If you renew late, you still owe the levy after the permit expires, and levy penalties or an overstaying fine may apply.
- If you need more time, for example to buy the bond or insurance, you can request a 4-week extension in FDW eService. You must ask within 2 months before the permit expires.
- If you are waiting for a new helper to arrive, MOM's FAQ says you can extend your current helper's permit for up to one month, if it is within 30 days of expiry and eligible for renewal.
- If you will not keep employing her, cancel her permit before the extended expiry date, or your security bond may be forfeited.
If you are not renewing
If she is not eligible for renewal, you can appeal, but MOM says an appeal is unlikely to succeed unless you give new information. MOM also suggests part-time help with household chores as an alternative. If you no longer need her, you can transfer her to another employer, or see how to cancel a work permit.
Renewing her contract
Renewal is a good time to talk with her about the terms for the next period. MOM encourages a written employment contract, with terms you both agree on. It suggests covering salary, any placement loan, rest days per month, compensation in lieu of a rest day, the notice period and compensation in lieu of notice. Your agency can draft the contract. You do not sign a new safety agreement when you renew your existing helper's contract. If she is Filipino, our Filipino helper guide covers the Philippine rules for renewed contracts.
Using an agency
You can renew yourself online, or authorise an agency to do it. If you want help, ask what the agency's renewal service covers and what it charges, and get it in writing. Start with our directory of licensed agencies or read about agency fees.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM, Renew a Work Permit for an MDW; MOM FAQ, Renewing early; MOM, Short Work Permit extension; MOM FAQ, Extending until a new MDW arrives; MOM, Written answer on MDW work permit renewals (24 Feb 2026); MOM FAQ, Her passport; MOM, Contracts and safety agreement.
Common questions
How do I renew my maid's work permit in Singapore?
After MOM's renewal letter arrives, about 8 weeks before expiry, get a new security bond and extend or renew her medical and personal accident insurance. Then renew online in FDW eService, uploading her passport page and any medical form the letter asks for. It costs SGD 35 and the outcome is immediate.
How much does it cost to renew an FDW work permit?
MOM charges SGD 35 for each renewal, paid by Visa, Mastercard or PayNow. You also need a new security bond and her insurance, which you buy from a bank or insurer.
Can I renew my helper's work permit early?
You can renew once MOM's letter arrives, about 8 weeks before expiry. If you need to renew earlier, you can submit a request to MOM.
How long is a renewed work permit valid?
Usually 2 years. It is shorter if her insurance package lasts less than 26 months, or if she turns 60 before then.
Can I renew if her passport is expiring?
Yes. Her passport no longer limits the work permit, so you can renew even if it has expired or has less than 2 years left. She still needs a valid passport to travel out of Singapore.
What if I cannot renew on time?
Request a 4-week extension in FDW eService, within 2 months before the permit expires. If you renew late, you still owe the levy after expiry, and penalties or an overstaying fine may apply.
Do we sign a new safety agreement when renewing?
No. MOM does not require a new safety agreement when you renew your existing helper's contract.