How to Renew Your Domestic Helper’s Contract & Work Permit in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renewing your Migrant Domestic Worker’s (MDW) contract and Work Permit in Singapore is straightforward if you follow the right timeline. . Handling the process yourself saves on agency fees while ensuring your helper remains legally employed without lapse. We've also included a contract template for your reference.

Renewal Timeline at a Glance

Timeframe	Key Action Item
8 Weeks Before Expiry	Receive MOM Renewal Notification Letter & check requirements
6–8 Weeks Before Expiry	Discuss contract terms (salary, rest days) & check helper’s passport validity
4 Weeks Before Expiry	Complete 6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME) if required
2 Weeks Before Expiry	Buy mandatory Maid Insurance & Security Bond
1 Week Before Expiry	Submit Work Permit renewal online via MOM's eService

1. Align on Contract Terms & Passport Validity

Start 6-8 weeks prior to expiry.

Sit down with your helper to discuss contract terms for the next 2 years. Re-issue or update the employment contract covering:

• Salary & Rest Days: Confirm any increment or paid compensation in lieu of rest days.
  
  
• Home Leave / Travel Plans: Agree on home leave timing or off-in-lieu allowances if travel isn't taken immediately.
  
  
• Passport Check: Ensure her passport is valid. While MOM allows renewals even with shorter passport validity, a passport valid for at least 25 months avoids a shortened Work Permit duration.

You can use this contract template as a guide to draft the renewal contract.

2. Complete Medical Checks & Requirements

Check page 2 of your MOM renewal letter.

Review MOM's renewal letter (accessible on WP Online if it hasn't arrived by mail):

• If a 6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME) is due, send your helper to an authorized clinic promptly.
  
  
• Ensure results are uploaded by the clinic before proceeding with online renewal.

3. Purchase Insurance & Security Bond

Allow at least 3 working days for bank processing.

MOM requires employers to maintain continuous insurance coverage. Purchase a package that includes:

• Medical Insurance: Minimum coverage of S$60,000/year.
  
  
• Personal Accident Insurance: Minimum coverage of S$60,000/year.
  
  
• Security Bond: S$5,000 bond for non-Malaysian helpers.

We bought insurance here.

Note: Insurers take up to 3 working days to transmit security bond details directly to MOM.

4.Submit Work Permit Renewal Online

MOM FDW eService (Singpass required).

Log in to MOM's FDW eService (WP Online) using Singpass:

1. Select your helper's profile and click Renew.
2. Upload required documents (scanned passport details page, signed medical forms if requested).
3. Pay the S$35 renewal fee via Visa, Mastercard, or PayNow.
4. Processing is immediate. Print the Temporary Work Permit (TWP) upon confirmation.

5.Handle Card Re-issuance & App Setup 

Final administrative steps.

Check the instructions on the Temporary Work Permit:

• Existing Card: If instructed to keep the existing card, your helper continues using it.
  
  
• New Card: If a new card is issued, MOM will deliver it within 4 working days. An authorized recipient must sign for it.
  
  
• SGWorkPass App: Have your helper log in to the SGWorkPass app to verify her active digital pass status.

Country Embassy Endorsements (If Applicable)

Once the MOM Work Permit is renewed, check if your helper's home country embassy requires contract verification or endorsement:

• Philippines (MWO / POLO): Requires contract verification and OWWA membership renewal before home leave. MWO Singapore does not require contract verification for every contract renewal if your helper stays with the same employer and her DMW records are already up to date.
  
  
• Indonesia (KBRI): May require e-KBRI online contract endorsement.
  
  

Keeping these embassy records current ensures smooth immigration clearance when your helper travels home for leave.