A fresh maid is, in MOM's terms, a first-time helper: someone who has never worked in Singapore as a helper. An experienced maid has worked as a helper before, here or abroad; note that a helper with only overseas experience is still first-time for MOM. MOM treats the two differently in only a few ways: a first-time helper must attend the 1-day Settling-in Programme within 7 days of arrival before she can start work. The levy, bond, insurance and medical rules are the same for both. The real differences are in training time, availability and what you can verify about past work.
Fresh vs experienced maid at a glance
| Fresh (first-time) maid | Experienced maid | |
|---|---|---|
| MOM definition | Never worked in Singapore as a helper, or has an MOM record but never actually worked here | Has worked as a helper in Singapore, or abroad |
| Settling-in Programme | Required, within 7 days of arrival; employer pays | Not required if she has worked in Singapore as a helper. A helper with only overseas experience still counts as first-time and must attend |
| Levy start | 5th day after arrival (counting arrival day) | Day after arrival |
| Checking past work | Home-country references only | Singapore history in FDW eService; former employers may volunteer as referees |
| Levy, bond, insurance, 6ME | Same rules for both | |
Sources: MDW eligibility (first-time helper criteria), Settling-in Programme and Paying levy.
What a fresh maid involves
- She attends the SIP within 7 days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays, and cannot start work until she has. MOM lists provider fees of $76.40 to $92.65, paid by the employer.
- MOM notes that new helpers, especially from rural areas, may struggle with your language, modern appliances, high-rise living and different childcare practices, and need time and training.
- She comes from overseas, so you wait for the Work Permit (MOM aims for 1 week in FDW eService), then her travel, then the arrival steps.
What an experienced maid involves
- If she has worked in Singapore, you can check her employment history in FDW eService with her FIN and nationality. MOM says this in its hiring guide.
- Former employers can register as referees with MOM, and their contact details show in FDW eService during the application.
- If she is already in Singapore, she may be a transfer. Her permit must have more than 30 days left when you apply and her 6ME must be done.
- Experience abroad, for example in Malaysia, Hong Kong or Taiwan, is recorded on her biodata. Ask the agency how it was verified.
Sources: MOM: Eight steps to hiring a helper, Notify MOM of changes (referees) and Transfer to a new employer.
Which suits your household
- A fresh maid may suit you if you have time to train her your way and can wait for overseas processing.
- An experienced maid may suit you if you need someone to manage on her own quickly, for example with a newborn or an elderly parent, and you want past work you can check.
Experienced helpers already in Singapore are covered in transfer maid vs new hire from overseas, and the fresh-versus-transfer choice in fresh maid versus transfer maid. You can also browse helpers by work experience.
Related guides
- Transfer maid vs new hire from overseas
- Maid salary and total cost in Singapore
- Settling-in Programme scheduling
This is a practical guide, not MOM. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on mom.gov.sg before you act. Last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
