MOM only issues Work Permits to helpers from approved source countries and regions. If you are browsing profiles or talking to an agency, knowing the list saves time and avoids applications that cannot proceed.
The approved list
MOM's eligibility page lists approved sources including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand. Check MOM's page before you apply, as the list can be updated.
Other eligibility rules that apply to every nationality
- Age: from 23 to below 50 at the time of the Work Permit application. Helpers aged 50 and above can only renew their Work Permits until they are 60.
- Education: at least 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate.
- Relationship: she must not be related to you.
- Location: she must not be in Singapore while the application is processed, and she can only enter after you receive the in-principle approval (IPA) and buy the security bond. Malaysian helpers are exempt from the bond.
- Workplace: she works at your NRIC-registered address.
- First-time helpers attend the Settling-in Programme; the IPA letter tells you if this applies.
What this means when you shortlist
In practice most helpers in Singapore come from a few countries. On SmartMaid you can filter by nationality, then compare profiles side by side:
Some nationalities have home-country processes as well, such as embassy verification of contracts or pre-departure training. Your licensed employment agency will know the current steps for each country.
Choosing between nationalities
Nationality alone does not tell you much about a helper's fit. Language, experience with children or elderly care, cooking and dietary needs, and her own preferences usually matter more. Read each biodata closely, ask the agency about her work history, and interview two or three shortlisted helpers before you decide.
Official source: MOM's migrant domestic worker eligibility page. New to hiring? Start with our first-time employer guide.
Questions to ask about a helper's background
- Has she worked in Singapore before, or would she be a first-time helper who attends the Settling-in Programme?
- Which languages does she speak, and how comfortable is she with English?
- Has she cared for babies, children or elderly people, and for how long?
- Does she have dietary or religious needs your household should plan for?
- What documents does her home country require before she can leave, and how long do they usually take?
Your agency can answer the last question for her specific country; the others are best asked in the interview.
Common questions
Can I hire a helper from a country not on the list?
MOM only approves Work Permits for helpers from its approved source countries and regions, so check the list before you start an application.
Do Malaysian helpers need a security bond?
MOM exempts Malaysian helpers from the security bond. The other eligibility rules, such as age and education, still apply.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Procedures change, so confirm the current steps on mom.gov.sg or with your licensed employment agency.
