A map of Work Pass steps — not a substitute for MOM or your EA
MOM Work Pass steps: employer overview (Singapore) is the lifecycle map for migrant domestic worker (MDW) Work Passes. Use it to see the stages and who usually owns each step. For the application checklist, go to Work Permit Application for Domestic Helpers: Employer Checklist. For the renewal calendar, go to Work Permit Renewal Timeline for MDWs. Always verify current rules on mom.gov.sg and with your licensed EA.
General guidance only. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace. Licensed EAs place helpers and process employment steps.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Work Permit application checklist
- Work Permit renewal timeline
- Employer Orientation Programme (EOP)
- Settling-In Programme (SIP)
- Arrival / pre-employment medical timing
- 6ME employer checklist
- Insurance and security bond basics
- Levy overview
- Transfer paperwork checklist
- First-time hire guide
- This article: MOM Work Pass stage map
Stage 1 — Before you apply
- Confirm you need a licensed EA for placement / processing
- Complete EOP if required for your case (What Is the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) and Who Must Attend?)
- Align insurance / security bond basics (Maid Insurance & Security Bond Singapore | Employer Guide)
- Understand levy orientation at a high level (FDW Levy Singapore | Employer Overview) — no rates on this page
Stage 2 — Application / transfer filing
- New hire / overseas path: follow the application checklist (Work Permit Application for Domestic Helpers: Employer Checklist)
- Transfer path (helper already in Singapore): use the transfer paperwork list (Transfer Maid Paperwork Checklist (Singapore)) plus EA guidance
- Watch for IPA / approval notices your EA says you must action
Stage 3 — Start of employment
- Arrival or transfer medical timing as applicable (Pre-Employment Medical Check: Timing After Your Helper Arrives)
- SIP when she is new to Singapore work (Settling-In Programme (SIP): Preparing for a First-Time Helper in Singapore)
- Keep employer copies of key notices your EA flags
Stage 4 — Ongoing compliance while she works for you
- 6ME cadence (Six-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME) for Domestic Helpers: Employer Checklist)
- Levy / GIRO hygiene (structure only — check MOM for live amounts)
- Insurance / bond kept valid through the WP period (Maid Insurance & Security Bond Singapore | Employer Guide)
Stage 5 — Renew, transfer out, or end
- Renewal timeline and decision fork (Work Permit Renewal Timeline for MDWs)
- Ending employment / sending home themes: follow MOM + EA process (do not invent cancellation fees here)
Who usually owns what
| Step theme | Typical owner |
|---|---|
| Placement shortlist browse | Employer on SmartMaid marketplace |
| Placement + WP filing | Licensed EA + employer inputs |
| Official rules / approvals | MOM (verify live) |
| House settling-in | Employer household |
MOM rules
This page is a soft overview. It does not invent deadlines, fees, bond amounts, levy rates, or medical prices. Confirm every live requirement on mom.gov.sg and with your licensed EA.
Checklist
- Know which stage you are in (before apply / filing / start / ongoing / renew-or-end)
- Deep page opened for that stage (#19 / #106 / #20 / #13 as relevant)
- EOP / SIP checked if they apply (#18 / #17)
Scripts
To EA: Please map our hire to the Work Pass stages — what you file, what we must action, and which MOM notices to watch. We will verify details on mom.gov.sg.
To co-employer: SmartMaid is for shortlist. Work Pass steps run through our licensed EA under MOM rules.
Bottom line
Use this overview to navigate Work Pass stages; use #19, #20, and related checklists for depth. Browse on SmartMaid; place through a licensed EA under MOM rules.
