Short answerA transfer maid is a helper already working in Singapore who is changing employer. Her current employer must give consent through MOM's FDW eService, and you must apply at least 30 days before her work permit expires. MOM gives an outcome within 1 week. She can start work only once the new work permit is issued in your name.
A "transfer" helper is already working in Singapore and is moving to a new employer. Many families look for transfer helpers because they already know how a Singapore household runs. You can arrange a transfer directly with her current employer, or through a licensed agency from our agency directory.
Before you apply
- Consent. Her current employer must agree. You request their consent through FDW eService. MOM has confirmed that a helper who wishes to transfer needs her current employer's consent.
- The 30-day rule. Her work permit must be valid for more than 30 days when you apply. If it is expiring, her current employer can ask MOM to extend it.
- Medical check. She must have completed her 6-monthly medical examination. Ask the current employer to confirm.
- Work history. Check her employment history with MOM.
Direct transfer, step by step
- Apply. At least 30 days before her work permit expires, request consent in FDW eService, then apply for her work permit. MOM gives an outcome within 1 week and emails the in-principle approval (IPA) to you and the current employer. You can also download the IPA and declaration form in FDW eService.
- Prepare. Buy a security bond and medical and personal accident insurance. You and the helper both sign the declaration form.
- Agree the date. Arrange the transfer date with her current employer.
- Transfer day. In FDW eService, get the new work permit issued, upload the declaration form and print the Temporary Work Permit. Give it to her so she can start work. Her old permit is cancelled automatically.
The new work permit must be issued by the earlier of these dates: 21 days from the work permit approval, or her current permit's expiry date. Miss it and an overstaying fine is imposed. If you and the current employer both agree, you can move the transfer date by extending the IPA in FDW eService.
What the current employer does
- Sends her for her 6-monthly medical examination if it is due.
- Approves your transfer request in FDW eService once MOM emails it.
- Pays the levy until the day the new work permit is issued. Their levy billing then stops.
- Cuts the old work permit card in half. MOM discharges their security bond 1 week after she starts working for you.
- If an agency placed her with them within the last six months, tells that agency before the transfer, as MOM's refund rules require.
Transfer through an agency
MOM's first step is to check that she agrees to be transferred. If an agency then agrees to take her on, the current employer authorises the agency to cancel her work permit. The agency is then responsible for her until she starts with a new employer. That includes acceptable accommodation, adequate food and medical treatment, and medical insurance of at least SGD 60,000. If she does not find a new employer before her Special Pass expires (it is issued with up to 30 days' validity), the agency pays for her journey home. As the new employer, you authorise the agency in FDW eService to apply for her work permit. MOM advises the current employer and the agency to record their agreement on the handover (for example, by email) and keep a copy. If no agency will take her on, the current employer can transfer her directly, or cancel her permit and send her home, staying responsible for her care until she leaves.
MOM does not cap the fees agencies charge employers, so ask for the transfer fee in writing (see agency fees). If you use an agency and her employment ends within six months, the 50% refund rule may apply.
What to look at in her profile
Under MOM's licence conditions for agencies (see the rules agencies follow), a public profile may show previous employment history as recorded in MOM's work pass system, skills and experience, languages and food handling preferences. Ask the agency or the current employer about each past employer (dates, household, duties) and the reason for leaving.
Questions worth asking
- Why is she leaving her current employer, and is she happy to transfer to you?
- What did each past job involve: household size, home type, duties?
- Is she comfortable with your household's needs, such as elderly care, young children or pets?
- Which rest-day arrangement suits her? See rest day rules.
Before she starts
Do not let her start work until the new work permit is issued in your name. MOM encourages you to sign an employment contract with her. You must sign the safety agreement before she is deployed to you. MOM only waives the safety agreement when an employer renews their own helper's contract.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM, Transfer an MDW directly; MOM, Transfer through an employment agency; MOM written answer to PQ, 3 Oct 2023; MOM, Eight steps to hiring a helper; MOM, Contracts and safety agreement; MOM, Refund of EA service fee; MOM FAQ, EA fees for employers.
Common questions
How long does a maid transfer take in Singapore?
MOM gives an outcome within 1 week of the application. She starts on the agreed transfer date, once the new work permit is issued.
Can I transfer a maid without an agency?
Yes. You can do a direct transfer through MOM's FDW eService, with her current employer's consent.
Does a transfer maid need her current employer's consent?
Yes. MOM states that a helper who wishes to transfer needs her current employer's consent. The new employer requests it through FDW eService.
What is the 30-day rule for a maid transfer?
You must request consent and apply at least 30 days before her current work permit expires. If her permit is expiring, her current employer can ask MOM to extend it.
Who pays the levy during a maid transfer?
The current employer pays the levy until the day the new work permit is issued. Their levy billing then stops.
When can a transfer helper start work?
Only after the new work permit is issued in your name. Her old permit is then cancelled automatically.
What does an agency do in a maid transfer?
Once the current employer authorises it to cancel her work permit, the agency provides her accommodation, food, medical treatment and medical insurance of at least SGD 60,000 until she starts with a new employer, and pays for her journey home if no new employer is found before her Special Pass expires.