Paperwork first — timeline and path choice are separate pages
Transfer maid paperwork checklist (Singapore) is the document-and-coordination list for hiring a helper already in Singapore. For how long until she can start, use #7. For transfer vs overseas new hire, use #83.
General guidance only. Soft MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace. Licensed EAs place helpers and process employment steps. Platform ≠ agency. Your EA confirms the exact forms and sequence for your case.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Transfer maid timeline (unique #7)
- Transfer vs overseas new hire (unique #83)
- Handover between employers (unique #60)
- Work Permit application checklist (unique #19)
- How Smart Maid differs from a maid agency (unique #82)
- How to choose a maid agency (unique #105)
- Search transfer maids
- This article: transfer paperwork checklist
Step 1 — Confirm transfer path with a licensed EA
Before collecting files, lock that you are hiring a transfer (helper already in Singapore) through a licensed EA. Marketplace shortlists on SmartMaid are not placement. If you are still choosing an EA, see #105.
Step 2 — Employer-side documents to prepare
Typical employer pack (verify live list with your EA / soft MOM guidance):
- Identity / residential details your EA requests for the application
- Household brief (duties, rest day, language) in writing
- Agreement in principle on rest day and salary discussion process (no $ figures on this page)
- Authorisations the EA needs to act on Work Pass steps
Keep copies of everything you sign.
Step 3 — What the licensed EA usually coordinates
Ask your EA to confirm ownership for:
- Transfer / Work Pass submission steps
- Medical examination timing if required for your case
- IPA / approval notices and what you must action
- Safety awareness / SIP-related items if they apply to your hire path
- Start-date alignment with the outgoing employer’s end date
General WP employer checklist themes: #19. Timing expectations: #7.
Step 4 — Handover paperwork between employers
If the helper is moving from another Singapore employer, plan a clean handover: keys, passwords you choose to rotate, appliance notes, medical appointment cards she holds, and open issues. Practical handover guide: #60.
Step 5 — Day-one file pack at home
Before she starts under your WP:
- Written house rules / duty list
- Emergency contacts (family, EA, GP)
- Rest-day agreement in the form your EA uses
- Copies of key employment documents your EA says you should keep on hand
Soft MOM
Follow soft MOM rules for Work Pass and employment of MDWs via a licensed EA. Marketplace ≠ agency. No invented $. Confirm current forms on mom.gov.sg and with your EA — do not treat this checklist as a substitute for official instructions.
Checklist
- Licensed EA engaged for transfer path
- Employer docs prepared (IDs, brief, authorisations)
- EA confirmed who owns each WP / medical step
- Handover plan with outgoing employer (#60)
- Day-one house file ready
- No invented $; no nationality ranking; platform ≠ agency
Scripts
To EA: Please send a written paperwork list for our transfer hire: what you need from us, what you file, and which notices we must action. We will not assume timelines from blogs.
To co-employer: Shortlist on SmartMaid is done. Next is EA paperwork and handover — not more browsing.
Bottom line
Use this transfer paperwork checklist with your licensed EA; use #7 for timing and #83 for path choice. Browse on SmartMaid; place through a licensed EA under soft MOM rules.
