How to Renew Your Maid's Work Permit in Singapore

Introduction - Renew Maid's Work Permit (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

Renewing your maid's work permit is one of the most critical compliance tasks for employers in Singapore. Missing the renewal deadline doesn't just mean paperwork delays—it can lead to penalties, overstaying fines, and potential loss of employment rights for your domestic helper. With MOM's streamlined online system, the renewal process has become more efficient, but there are still important steps and deadlines you must follow.

Whether you're a first-time employer facing your first renewal or someone looking for the latest 2025 updates, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step to ensure a smooth, compliant renewal process.

Updated Renewal Timeline (2025)

Understanding the renewal timeline is crucial for staying compliant with MOM regulations:

8 Weeks Before Expiry: You should receive the renewal letter from MOM about 8 weeks before your helper's Work Permit expires. This gives you plenty of time to prepare all necessary documents.

Immediate Processing: The outcome is immediate once you submit your complete application online.

Grace Period: While there's no formal grace period, if you renew a Work Permit late, you are still liable for levy after it expires and may face levy penalties or overstaying fines.

New Requirements for 2025

Important Update - Measles Immunity Requirement: From 1 September 2025, if there are children in your household below 7 years old who are not fully vaccinated against measles, you must ensure that your helper has immunity against measles. This is a significant new requirement that affects families with young children.

Renewal Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Receive MOM Renewal Notice

You should receive the renewal letter from MOM about 8 weeks before the Work Permit expires. If you don't receive it, you can print a copy from the MOM portal.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Before starting the online renewal, gather these essential documents:

Passport Information:

• Scanned copy of the personal particulars page of the helper's passport (including amendments)

• Note that the helper's passport is no longer tied to her Work Permit duration, so you can renew even if her passport has expired

Medical Requirements:

• Medical examination form (if required) - Check page 2 of the renewal notification letter to see if she needs a medical examination

• New measles immunity documentation (if applicable for households with young children)

Step 3: Secure Insurance and Bond Coverage

This is often the most time-consuming part of the renewal process:

Security Bond (Non-Malaysian helpers): Get a new security bond and ask your bank or insurance company to send MOM the new security bond details before you renew the permit. This will take up to 3 working days.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Extend existing coverage or purchase new policy with minimum $60,000 coverage.

Medical Insurance: Extend existing medical insurance or get new policy with minimum $60,000 annual coverage.

Pro tip: The effective date of the security bond can be post-dated up to 1 day after the expiry date of the existing Work Permit, giving you slight flexibility in timing.

Step 4: Submit Online Renewal Application

• Log in to the MOM FDW eService portal

• Upload all required documents as specified in your renewal letter

• Pay $35 for each renewal using Visa, Mastercard or PayNow

• Submit application for immediate processing

Step 5: Download and Print New Work Permit

After the Work Permit is renewed, print and check the Temporary Work Permit to verify all details are correct and note any special conditions.

Step 6: Arrange Secure Card Delivery (If Required)

Only if the Temporary Work Permit states that your helper will be getting a new card, MOM will ask for an address and names/mobile numbers of up to 3 authorised recipients.

Renewal Costs (2025 Breakdown)

Understanding the full cost structure helps you budget properly for renewal:

MOM Fees:

• Work Permit Renewal Fee: $35 per renewal

Insurance and Bond Costs:

• Medical Insurance: $400-600 for 2-year coverage (varies by age and provider)

• Personal Accident Insurance: Usually bundled with medical insurance

• Security Bond: $5,000 (refundable, but needs renewal)

Ongoing Monthly Costs:

• Levy: Continue paying monthly levy (standard $300 or concessionary $60)

• Six-monthly medical examinations: $100-150 per visit

Total Renewal Investment: Expect to spend $900-1,200+ for the complete renewal package, excluding the refundable bond.

Work Permit Duration Rules

The Work Permit is usually valid for 2 years. However, it may be shorter in these situations:

Insurance Package Validity: If the validity of the insurance package is less than 26 months, duration will be until 2 months before the insurance package expires

Age Limitations: If the helper is approaching 60 years old, duration will be until the day the helper turns 60 years old

Common Renewal Mistakes to Avoid

Documentation Errors:

• Failing to update passport information if renewed

• Missing medical examination requirements

• Incomplete insurance coverage documentation

Timing Issues:

• Starting the insurance renewal process too late (remember the 3-working-day processing time)

• Not accounting for weekend processing delays

• Missing the measles immunity requirement deadline

Payment Problems:

• Using expired credit cards for online payment

• Not having PayNow properly set up

• Forgetting the $35 renewal fee

Late Renewal Consequences

If you miss the renewal deadline, here's what happens:

• You are still liable for levy after the permit expires

• Levy penalties or overstaying fine may be imposed

• Your helper's legal status becomes compromised

• Potential complications for future renewals or transfers

Expert Tips for Smooth Renewals

Start Early: Begin the insurance renewal process as soon as you receive the MOM notice, don't wait until the last minute.

Keep Records: Maintain a renewal calendar and keep copies of all documents for future reference.

Use Authorized Agents: Employment agencies need the employer's authorization using MOM's FDW eService before performing any transactions.

Travel Considerations: If your helper plans to travel overseas just before the expiry date, you should renew the Work Permit before she leaves Singapore.

Many employers rely on a right maid agency in Singapore to handle renewals. Choosing a right agency is impoprtant.

Do note that renewals require valid maid insurance in Singapore.

When to Consider Transfer Instead of Renewal

If you no longer need your helper, you can consider transferring her to another employer. This option can be more cost-effective than renewal if you're planning to change helpers soon. For more context, see our employer’s guide on Consideration To Hiring A Domestic Helper In Singapore.

Conclusion

Renewing your maid's work permit is a straightforward but critical process that requires careful attention to timing and documentation. With 2025's new measles immunity requirement and enhanced insurance coverage, staying informed about current requirements is essential for compliance.

The key to successful renewal lies in early preparation—start gathering documents and coordinating insurance coverage as soon as you receive the MOM renewal notice. Remember that the outcome is immediate once you submit a complete application, so proper preparation leads to instant peace of mind.

By following this comprehensive guide and maintaining organized records, you can ensure your domestic helper's legal status remains uninterrupted, protecting both your family and your helper from compliance issues.

Need assistance with your maid's work permit renewal? Immersion KAS Pte Ltd provides comprehensive renewal services, handling everything from insurance coordination to document preparation, ensuring your renewal process is smooth and compliant with all 2025 MOM requirements.