MOM does not set a minimum salary for a migrant domestic worker, so salary is agreed between you and your helper. The rules apply after you agree: she must be paid at least the salary declared to MOM, every month, no later than 7 days after the salary period ends. You can raise her pay at any time without telling MOM. To reduce it, you need her written consent and must update MOM in FDW eService first.
What MOM fixes and what it leaves to you
- No minimum salary: MOM's key facts list "no minimum required" for the Work Permit.
- Declared salary is the floor: the salary must not be lower than what you declared to MOM.
- What counts: basic monthly salary plus any fixed monthly allowances. Pay for working on a rest day is separate and does not count.
Sources: Key facts on Work Permit for MDW, Paying the salary of an FDW and What can be counted into an MDW's monthly salary.
A fair negotiation, step by step
- Agree the whole package, not just the number. Settle the basic salary, any fixed allowances, rest days and whether she works on any of them, and leave arrangements.
- Put it in the contract. MOM encourages employers and helpers to agree terms at the start and in writing, including items like overseas leave and travel costs.
- Declare the agreed salary to MOM in the Work Permit application, since it becomes the minimum you must pay.
- Decide how she is paid. MOM encourages paying into her own bank account, not a joint account with you, and you must pay by bank transfer if she asks.
Changing the salary later
- Increase: no need to inform MOM. MOM suggests employers consider raising salary periodically for good performance and loyalty, and consider a contract gratuity paid when the contract ends.
- Decrease: get her written consent, then update her new salary in FDW eService before you reduce it. See Notify MOM of changes.
Lines you must not cross
- Do not deduct the levy, security bond or insurance cost from her pay. MOM says recovering levy or other employment costs from her is an offence.
- Do not keep her salary, money, bank book or bank card, even if she asks. This has applied since 1 January 2019.
- If you pay in cash, keep salary records that both of you sign for each payment.
For what the full monthly cost looks like once salary is settled, see maid salary and total cost in Singapore.
Related guides
- Maid salary and total cost in Singapore
- Standard employment contract: what each clause means
- Foreign worker levy for domestic helpers
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.
