Can Two Family Members Jointly Employ One Domestic Helper?

Families often ask whether a helper can be shared, for example between a couple and their parents living nearby. MOM's rules are built around one employer and one registered address, so it helps to understand what is possible before you plan.

How MOM's rules work

MOM's employment rules state that a helper:

Needs a valid Work Permit, which names one employer.
Can only work for her employer, at the residential address declared to MOM.
Can only perform domestic chores.
Cannot take on work with other employers.

So one family member is the employer on record, and the helper works at that person's registered home.

Caring for a child or parent at a relative's home

MOM recognises that families sometimes need the helper to care for a child or parent at a relative's house. This is possible if you notify MOM first and meet the conditions:

You have your helper's written agreement.
She does not do the full housework load in both households.
If she stays overnight there, the accommodation meets MOM's requirements.

You remain responsible for her upkeep: accommodation, food and medical treatment.

Sharing the admin, not the employment

Family members can still help. MOM lets an employer appoint one family member to act on their behalf for levy transactions, pass extensions and renewals through FDW eService. Eligible relatives include a spouse, sibling, child, grandchild, niece or nephew. Both of you complete a consent form, and approval takes up to 3 working days.

Options for two households

Each household hires its own helper, with its own Work Permit and address.
One household hires and uses the relative's-house arrangement for childcare or eldercare, after notifying MOM.
Part-time cleaning for the second household through a cleaning company.

Decide who should be the employer by looking at where the helper will live, who qualifies for any levy concession, and who will manage salary and records. Our MDW levy and concession guide explains how concessions depend on the household.

Official source: MOM's employment rules for migrant domestic workers.

A worked example

A couple live in a condominium with their toddler, and the husband's mother lives in an HDB flat nearby. They want help for both homes. The couple become the employer, and the helper lives with them. On weekdays she looks after the toddler at the grandmother's flat while the couple are at work. Before starting, they get the helper's written agreement, confirm she will not do the full housework of both homes, and notify MOM. The grandmother's cleaning is handled by a fortnightly cleaning service instead.