Singapore has a high demand for household and domestic workers due to its aging population, dual-income families, and busy urban lifestyle. This creates steady job opportunities for workers from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and others.
Domestic workers in Singapore typically receive a monthly salary that is often higher than what they might earn in their home countries. In addition to wages, they are usually provided with free accommodation, meals, and medical care.
Singapore has implemented laws and guidelines to protect domestic workers, such as the mandatory weekly rest day, employment contracts, and access to dispute resolution through the Ministry of Manpower. Employers are also required to provide proper working conditions and medical insurance.
Many domestic workers in Singapore receive training in areas such as elderly care, child care, housekeeping, and cooking. Some agencies and NGOs also offer personal development courses and financial literacy programs, helping workers to upgrade their skills and plan for the future.
Working in Singapore allows domestic workers to send remittances to their families, supporting education, housing, and daily expenses. This is one of the key motivations for many workers seeking employment abroad.
Living and working in Singapore gives domestic workers exposure to a multicultural environment. This experience can improve their communication skills and broaden their understanding of different cultures, which may benefit them in future employment opportunities.
Today’s household and domestic workers in Singapore are increasingly taking on creative and specialized roles. Beyond basic chores, many are now skilled in areas like meal planning, early childhood education, elderly care, and even managing smart home systems. This opens up more diverse job scopes for international candidates.
Families in Singapore are seeking domestic workers who can offer more than just routine support. Candidates with backgrounds in nursing, child psychology, culinary arts, or even creative activities like music and art therapy for children or seniors are highly valued.
Domestic workers are often required to manage household schedules, plan nutritious meals, organize events, or create engaging activities for children—all requiring creativity and initiative. Employers appreciate workers who can adapt and contribute thoughtful solutions to daily challenges.
Singapore offers many training programs through accredited agencies and NGOs that focus on skill development in childcare, elderly support, cooking, and language proficiency. These programs empower international candidates to become more versatile and professionally competitive.
With experience and training, creative domestic workers can advance to supervisory roles, become personal assistants, or specialize in caregiving or early education. Some may even transition into other professional sectors in Singapore or abroad.
Working in Singapore gives international domestic workers the chance to interact with families from diverse backgrounds. This fosters cross-cultural communication, broadens worldviews, and enhances personal growth—benefits that go beyond the workplace.
Creative domestic workers are seen as partners in family life. Whether they’re organizing educational playtime, assisting with school projects, or supporting elderly family members, their role contributes meaningfully to the overall well-being and harmony of the household.
General housekeepers are responsible for overall household cleanliness and maintenance. Their tasks include sweeping, mopping, laundry, ironing, and ensuring the home is organized and hygienic.
Nannies focus on the care and supervision of children. Duties may include feeding, bathing, preparing school bags, assisting with homework, and engaging children in educational or recreational activities.
These workers assist elderly family members with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, taking medication, and mobility support. Some caregivers also have basic medical knowledge to handle special needs or chronic conditions.
Live-in helpers reside with the employer and take on a combination of duties, including housekeeping, cooking, childcare, and caregiving. This is the most common arrangement in Singapore.
Some families hire domestic workers who specialize in cooking. These workers prepare meals according to dietary preferences, plan menus, handle grocery shopping, and maintain kitchen hygiene.
Households with pets may require domestic workers who are comfortable with animal care. Responsibilities can include feeding, grooming, walking pets, and cleaning up after them.
Experienced domestic workers may take on advanced roles as personal assistants or household managers. Their tasks include scheduling appointments, managing household budgets, supervising other staff, and coordinating errands.
Although most domestic workers in Singapore are live-in, some part-time helpers are hired through licensed agencies for specific tasks like weekly cleaning or caregiving on a scheduled basis. These roles typically do not involve living with the employer.
These domestic workers are trained to assist individuals with physical or developmental disabilities. Their job requires patience, understanding, and in some cases, specialized caregiving training.
Job Profile |
Monthly Salary (SGD) |
Approx. USD |
Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Housekeeper |
600 – 750 |
444 – 555 |
36,600 – 45,750 |
|
Nanny / Childcare Helper |
650 – 800 |
481 – 592 |
39,650 – 48,800 |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
700 – 850 |
518 – 629 |
42,700 – 51,850 |
|
Live-in Domestic Helper |
600 – 750 |
444 – 555 |
36,600 – 45,750 |
|
Cook / Kitchen Helper |
650 – 800 |
481 – 592 |
39,650 – 48,800 |
|
Special Needs Caregiver |
800 – 1,000 |
592 – 740 |
48,800 – 61,000 |
|
Household Manager / Supervisor |
900 – 1,200 |
666 – 888 |
54,900 – 73,200 |
|
Personal Assistant to Employer |
850 – 1,100 |
629 – 814 |
51,850 – 67,100 |
|
Pet Care Helper |
600 – 750 |
444 – 555 |
36,600 – 45,750 |
|
Driver with Household Duties |
900 – 1,200 |
666 – 888 |
54,900 – 73,200 |
|
House Cleaner (Part-time) |
15 – 20/hour |
11 – 15/hour |
915 – 1,220/hour |
|
Tutor/Helper for Children |
700 – 900 |
518 – 666 |
42,700 – 54,900 |
|
Infant Care Helper |
700 – 900 |
518 – 666 |
42,700 – 54,900 |
|
Live-out Maid (Through Agencies) |
800 – 1,000 |
592 – 740 |
48,800 – 61,000 |
|
Garden Maintenance Helper |
600 – 750 |
444 – 555 |
36,600 – 45,750 |
|
Elderly Companion (Non-medical) |
650 – 800 |
481 – 592 |
39,650 – 48,800 |
|
Cleaning Supervisor (Large Homes) |
800 – 1,100 |
592 – 814 |
48,800 – 67,100 |
|
Multi-task Domestic Worker |
700 – 850 |
518 – 629 |
42,700 – 51,850 |
|
Language Tutor for Kids (Helper) |
750 – 950 |
555 – 703 |
45,750 – 57,950 |
|
Event & Errand Support Staff |
700 – 900 |
518 – 666 |
42,700 – 54,900 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Nationality Requirement |
Must be from MOM-approved countries: Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, or others allowed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). |
|
Age Requirement |
Minimum age: 23 years; Maximum age: 50 years (at the time of application). |
|
Gender Requirement |
Typically female (most domestic worker permits are for women). |
|
Education Level |
Must have completed at least 8 years of formal education (proof required). |
|
Work Permit Requirement |
Must obtain a valid Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW) issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). |
|
Medical Examination |
Must pass a medical exam upon arrival in Singapore (HIV, pregnancy, general fitness). |
|
Pre-Employment Training (if required) |
Must complete the Settling-In Programme (SIP) upon first arrival in Singapore. |
|
Language Skills |
Basic English proficiency is required for communication and safety purposes. |
|
No Prior Work Ban |
Applicant must not have any previous employment bans or violations in Singapore. |
|
Employment through Licensed Agencies |
Most workers must be hired via MOM-licensed employment agencies to ensure legal compliance and fair treatment. |
|
Passport Validity |
Must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended employment start date. |
|
Good Conduct and Background Check |
Should have no criminal record or pending legal issues in the home country. |
|
Training Certification (Optional) |
Certified skills in childcare, elderly care, cooking, or housekeeping are preferred but not mandatory. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. General Housekeeper |
Cleaning, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, laundry, ironing, and maintaining household hygiene. |
|
2. Nanny / Childcare Helper |
Supervising children, feeding, bathing, engaging in educational play, preparing for school. |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
Assisting with mobility, bathing, feeding, administering medication, companionship, and appointments. |
|
4. Live-in Domestic Helper |
Combination of housekeeping, cooking, childcare, and elderly care; available on-site full-time. |
|
5. Cook / Kitchen Helper |
Preparing meals, following dietary requirements, grocery shopping, kitchen organization, and cleaning. |
|
6. Special Needs Caregiver |
Assisting individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, providing emotional and physical support. |
|
7. Household Manager |
Supervising household staff, scheduling maintenance, managing supplies, and overseeing daily operations. |
|
8. Personal Assistant |
Managing schedules, booking appointments, handling personal errands, and administrative tasks. |
|
9. Pet Care Helper |
Feeding, grooming, walking pets, cleaning litter boxes or cages, and attending vet appointments. |
|
10. Driver with Domestic Duties |
Transporting family members, running errands, minor housekeeping when not driving. |
|
11. Part-time Cleaner |
Weekly or scheduled cleaning, ironing, and organizing tasks; typically does not stay with employer. |
|
12. Tutor / Homework Assistant |
Helping children with homework, basic tutoring, and supporting learning routines. |
|
13. Infant Care Helper |
Feeding, changing diapers, sterilizing bottles, and ensuring the infant’s comfort and safety. |
|
14. Live-out Domestic Helper |
Works full-time or part-time without staying in the employer’s home; handles similar tasks as live-in. |
|
15. Garden Maintenance Helper |
Watering plants, mowing lawn, trimming hedges, and outdoor cleaning and maintenance. |
|
16. Elderly Companion |
Providing emotional support, conversation, reminders for medication, light assistance with tasks. |
|
17. Cleaning Supervisor |
Leading a team of cleaners, assigning tasks, ensuring cleaning standards and supplies management. |
|
18. Multi-task Domestic Worker |
Handles varied duties including cleaning, cooking, childcare, shopping, and elderly support. |
|
19. Language Tutor (Helper) |
Teaching children a second language (e.g., English, Mandarin), supporting cultural or language learning. |
|
20. Event & Errand Support Staff |
Assisting with hosting events, preparing guest areas, shopping, organizing, and post-event cleanup. |
Job Profile |
Minimum Education |
Age Requirement |
Special Skills Required |
Language Requirement |
Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Housekeeper |
8 years basic education |
23 – 50 years |
Basic cleaning knowledge |
Basic English |
Medical fitness, no criminal record |
|
2. Nanny / Childcare Helper |
10 years preferred |
23 – 45 years |
Childcare experience, patience |
Basic English |
Childcare training preferred |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
8 – 10 years |
25 – 50 years |
Elder care, mobility assistance |
English or Mandarin (preferred) |
Basic medical care knowledge, compassion |
|
4. Live-in Domestic Helper |
8 years basic education |
23 – 50 years |
Multi-tasking across household duties |
Basic English |
Must live with employer |
|
5. Cook / Kitchen Helper |
8 – 10 years |
23 – 50 years |
Cooking skills, dietary awareness |
Basic English |
Culinary training is a plus |
|
6. Special Needs Caregiver |
10+ years preferred |
25 – 50 years |
Care for disabled or special needs |
English |
Certification in caregiving preferred |
|
7. Household Manager |
High school or above |
30 – 50 years |
Leadership, organization |
Good English |
Prior experience in supervision |
|
8. Personal Assistant |
High school or diploma |
25 – 45 years |
Admin, scheduling, time management |
Fluent English |
Trustworthy and detail-oriented |
|
9. Pet Care Helper |
8 – 10 years |
23 – 45 years |
Animal care experience |
Basic English |
No allergies, comfortable with pets |
|
10. Driver with Domestic Duties |
10 years + valid license |
30 – 50 years |
Valid driver’s license, local driving knowledge |
English |
Safe driving record, may need local license conversion |
|
11. Part-time Cleaner |
8 years basic education |
23 – 50 years |
Cleaning and organizing skills |
Basic English |
Usually hired through agencies |
|
12. Tutor / Homework Assistant |
High school or above |
25 – 45 years |
Academic subject knowledge, tutoring |
Fluent English |
Teaching background preferred |
|
13. Infant Care Helper |
10 years preferred |
23 – 45 years |
Baby handling skills |
English |
Infant care certification is a plus |
|
14. Live-out Domestic Helper |
8 years basic education |
23 – 50 years |
Same as live-in helper |
Basic English |
Must have daily commute option, MOM approval required |
|
15. Garden Maintenance Helper |
8 years basic education |
23 – 50 years |
Basic gardening and landscaping |
Basic English |
Physically fit |
|
16. Elderly Companion |
8 – 10 years |
25 – 50 years |
Conversational and emotional support |
English or Mandarin (preferred) |
Patience, empathy |
|
17. Cleaning Supervisor |
High school or above |
30 – 50 years |
Team management, inventory handling |
Good English |
Experience as housekeeper or cleaner |
|
18. Multi-task Domestic Worker |
8 – 10 years |
23 – 50 years |
Versatile in multiple household roles |
Basic English |
Adaptability and willingness to learn |
|
19. Language Tutor (Helper) |
High school + fluency |
25 – 45 years |
Fluency in second language (e.g., English, Mandarin) |
Fluent in teaching language |
Experience with children preferred |
|
20. Event & Errand Support Staff |
10 years preferred |
25 – 45 years |
Event prep, logistics, time management |
Good English |
Must be organized and flexible with work hours |
Job Profile |
Recommended Experience |
Experience Details |
|---|---|---|
|
1. General Housekeeper |
1 – 2 years |
Experience in home cleaning, laundry, and basic household maintenance. |
|
2. Nanny / Childcare Helper |
1 – 3 years |
Prior work with children; includes feeding, bathing, and educational play. |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
2 – 4 years |
Experience with elder care, including mobility assistance, hygiene, and medication. |
|
4. Live-in Domestic Helper |
1 – 2 years |
Multi-tasking in cleaning, cooking, and/or childcare in a live-in setting. |
|
5. Cook / Kitchen Helper |
2 – 3 years |
Experience in preparing meals, dietary planning, and kitchen hygiene. |
|
6. Special Needs Caregiver |
2 – 5 years |
Previous experience with persons with disabilities or special care needs. |
|
7. Household Manager |
3 – 5 years |
Supervisory experience in managing household staff and schedules. |
|
8. Personal Assistant |
2 – 4 years |
Admin support, scheduling, and errands for household or personal tasks. |
|
9. Pet Care Helper |
1 – 2 years |
Experience in feeding, walking, grooming, and caring for pets. |
|
10. Driver with Domestic Duties |
3+ years (driving) |
Safe driving experience, with additional household help experience preferred. |
|
11. Part-time Cleaner |
1 – 2 years |
Basic domestic cleaning experience, often in multiple homes. |
|
12. Tutor / Homework Assistant |
2 – 3 years |
Experience tutoring school-aged children or assisting with studies. |
|
13. Infant Care Helper |
1 – 3 years |
Hands-on experience with newborns or infants; includes feeding, changing, sleeping. |
|
14. Live-out Domestic Helper |
1 – 2 years |
Similar to live-in helper but with ability to work full-day shifts. |
|
15. Garden Maintenance Helper |
1 – 2 years |
Gardening, landscaping, or outdoor cleaning experience. |
|
16. Elderly Companion |
1 – 3 years |
Providing social and emotional support to seniors; light assistance. |
|
17. Cleaning Supervisor |
3 – 5 years (cleaning) |
Supervisory experience in residential or commercial cleaning. |
|
18. Multi-task Domestic Worker |
2 – 3 years |
Proven ability to handle varied household responsibilities. |
|
19. Language Tutor (Helper) |
2 – 4 years (teaching/tutoring) |
Experience teaching a second language, especially to children. |
|
20. Event & Errand Support Staff |
1 – 3 years |
Handling event setup, errands, guest prep, and post-event cleanup. |
Agency / Company Name |
Specialization |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
|
Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd |
Filipino, Indonesian, and Myanmar domestic helpers |
One of the most established agencies with over 30 years of experience. |
|
Nation Employment Pte Ltd |
Full range of domestic workers |
Recruits from Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines; MOM-licensed agency. |
|
JForce Employment Service |
Specializes in Indonesian and Myanmar helpers |
Known for training and post-placement support. |
|
Island Maids Pte Ltd |
Domestic helpers, eldercare, and childcare |
Offers free replacement and training programs. |
|
Homekeeper Maid Agency |
All-in-one domestic staffing solutions |
Recruits from approved source countries; has strong after-placement support. |
|
1 Assist Agency |
Infant care and eldercare specialists |
Focuses on caregivers and domestic workers with medical or childcare skills. |
|
Reliable Maids Pte Ltd |
Budget-friendly domestic helper placements |
Matches employers with helpers based on specific needs. |
|
A1 Employment Agency Pte Ltd |
Wide range of FDWs from Asia |
Offers video interviews and direct hiring support. |
|
Best Home Employment Agency |
Live-in and trained domestic helpers |
Provides helpers with experience and language skills. |
|
APAC Employment Management |
FDWs and caregivers for eldercare & childcare |
Known for personalized matching and ethical recruitment. |
Job Profile |
Monthly Salary (SGD) |
Basic Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Agencies / Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Housekeeper |
600 – 750 |
Min. 8 years education, basic English, 1–2 years experience |
Cleaning, laundry, ironing, household maintenance |
Universal Employment, Island Maids |
|
Nanny / Childcare Helper |
650 – 800 |
Experience with children, English proficiency, childcare skills |
Feeding, bathing, play supervision, school prep |
Homekeeper, Nation Employment |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
700 – 850 |
2–4 years eldercare experience, some medical knowledge, patience |
Assist with hygiene, mobility, medication, companionship |
JForce, 1 Assist Agency |
|
Live-in Domestic Helper |
600 – 750 |
Multi-tasking skills, basic English, ability to live with employer |
Combination of cleaning, cooking, childcare, eldercare |
Nation Employment, Reliable Maids |
|
Cook / Kitchen Helper |
650 – 800 |
Cooking skills, dietary knowledge, experience in Asian or Western cuisines |
Meal prep, grocery shopping, kitchen cleaning |
Universal Employment, Best Home Agency |
|
Special Needs Caregiver |
800 – 1,000 |
Medical or caregiving training, 2–5 years of related experience |
Supporting individuals with disabilities, medication, hygiene |
1 Assist Agency, APAC Employment |
|
Household Manager |
900 – 1,200 |
High school education, 3+ years domestic experience, management ability |
Oversee home staff, supplies, appointments, schedules |
Best Home Agency, Universal Employment |
|
Personal Assistant |
850 – 1,100 |
Admin skills, fluent English, organized, 2+ years experience |
Managing schedules, errands, documentation |
Nation Employment, A1 Employment |
|
Pet Care Helper |
600 – 750 |
Animal care knowledge, no pet allergies, comfortable with dogs/cats |
Feeding, walking, cleaning, vet appointments |
Reliable Maids, Island Maids |
|
Driver + Domestic Duties |
900 – 1,200 |
Valid driving license, safe record, general household help |
Driving family members, shopping, cleaning |
Universal Employment, Nation Employment |
|
Part-time Cleaner |
15–20/hour |
Cleaning experience, flexible schedule |
General house cleaning and organizing |
Island Maids, Reliable Maids |
|
Tutor / Homework Helper |
700 – 900 |
Fluent in English, subject knowledge, 2–3 years tutoring experience |
Homework help, reading sessions, school prep |
Homekeeper, Best Home Agency |
|
Infant Care Helper |
700 – 900 |
Infant care skills, gentle nature, hygiene knowledge |
Feeding, diaper changing, baby safety, sleep schedule |
JForce, Homekeeper |
|
Live-out Domestic Helper |
800 – 1,000 |
Similar to live-in but with daily commuting arrangement |
Housekeeping, childcare, errands |
A1 Employment, Nation Employment |
|
Garden Maintenance Helper |
600 – 750 |
Physically fit, knowledge of basic gardening equipment |
Watering, mowing, trimming, outdoor cleaning |
Reliable Maids, Universal Employment |
|
Elderly Companion |
650 – 800 |
Patient, caring, experience with elderly preferred |
Conversational support, light assistance, companionship |
APAC Employment, 1 Assist Agency |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
800 – 1,100 |
Prior cleaning experience, leadership and planning skills |
Overseeing cleaning team, training, supply management |
Best Home Agency, Universal Employment |
|
Multi-task Domestic Worker |
700 – 850 |
Versatile, 2+ years general domestic experience |
Combines cleaning, cooking, childcare, and errands |
Island Maids, Reliable Maids |
|
Language Tutor (Helper) |
750 – 950 |
Fluency in second language (e.g., English, Mandarin), teaching experience preferred |
Teaching children a second language, reading, interactive lessons |
Homekeeper, Nation Employment |
|
Event & Errand Support Staff |
700 – 900 |
Organizational skills, flexible hours, time management |
Help with party setup, errands, guest prep, clean-up |
Universal Employment, A1 Employment |
Visa Type |
Description |
Eligibility Criteria |
Duration |
Issued By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) |
The main visa type for household and domestic workers in Singapore. Required for all foreign maids. |
Female, aged 23–50 |
Up to 2 years (renewable) |
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
|
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) |
Not a work visa, but occasionally used for family dependents. Not valid for domestic work. |
For spouses, parents, or children of Singaporeans or PRs. |
6 months – 2 years |
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) |
|
Employment Pass / S Pass |
For professionals and skilled workers. Not applicable for domestic jobs. |
Degree/diploma holders earning higher salaries. |
1 – 2 years (renewable) |
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
|
Training Work Permit (TWP) |
Temporary pass for domestic workers undergoing training in Singapore(via licensed agency). |
Sponsored by an employer/agency; valid only during training. |
Up to 6 months |
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
|
Direct Hiring (Under FDW Work Permit) |
Employers can apply directly to hire a known domestic worker (e.g., relatives) under strict conditions. |
Must meet MOM criteria and have prior employment or personal link to the employer. |
Up to 2 years |
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |