Your helper has landed and the paperwork feels finished, but several MOM steps fall within her first two weeks. Planning them before she arrives keeps everything on track.
Before she lands
MOM expects these to be in place before arrival:
- The security bond for a non-Malaysian helper, taking effect when she arrives. Your bank or insurer needs up to 3 working days to send MOM the details.
- Medical and personal accident insurance.
- For a first-time helper, a booking for the Settling-In Programme (SIP).
- Her printed in-principle approval (IPA) letter, which she shows at immigration.
Days 1 to 7: the Settling-In Programme
A first-time helper must attend the SIP within 7 days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays, but not on the day she arrives. It is a 1-day programme in her native language covering adapting to life in Singapore, conditions of employment, working safely, and relationship and stress management. She can start work only after attending. Bring her full IPA letter, passport, a copy of her educational certificate and her digital arrival card.
After the SIP, sign the safety agreement with her and your agency before she starts work, if she is a first-time helper. Each of you keeps a copy.
By day 14: medical examination
Every newly arrived helper must have a medical examination within 14 days at a Singapore clinic. Book it early, alongside the SIP.
Within 2 weeks: get the Work Permit issued
MOM asks you to request the Work Permit within 2 weeks of arrival. When you do:
- Give a home or office address for card delivery.
- Nominate up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card.
- Print the Temporary Work Permit and give it to her. It is valid for 1 month and lets her work, stay and travel while waiting for the card.
- You can apply for a POSB account for her salary during issuance.
Check the Temporary Work Permit: if she must register her fingerprints and photo at the MOM Services Centre, book an appointment and go within 1 week of issuance. Read our card collection guide for delivery steps.
Home tasks in the first two weeks
- Show her the home, safety features and emergency numbers.
- Agree her rest day and daily routine.
- Set up salary payment, ideally by bank transfer, and a record for each payment.
- Show her where she sleeps and where any cameras are.
- Plan her first levy bill: for first-time helpers, levy starts from the fifth day after arrival.
A simple tracker
Write the arrival date on a calendar and count forward: SIP deadline, medical examination by day 14, Work Permit issuance by day 14, and fingerprint registration if required. Tick each off as you go.
Read our first-time employer guide, MDW levy and concession guide and security bond guide.
Official source: MOM's apply for a Work Permit page.
Common questions
What if she cannot attend the SIP within 7 days?
Contact the SIP provider and MOM as early as possible. The 7-day window excludes Sundays and public holidays, so book the session before she arrives.
Does a transfer helper need the SIP?
The SIP is for first-time helpers. A transfer helper already working in Singapore follows the steps for her new Work Permit instead.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Procedures change, so confirm the current steps on mom.gov.sg or with your licensed employment agency.
