What "Part-Time Helper" Means in Singapore
In Singapore, there are two completely different categories of domestic help:
1. Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) — Always Full-Time
Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) are migrant helpers from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, or Sri Lanka who hold a Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Under Singapore law:
- An FDW can only work for one employer — the person named on their work permit
- An FDW cannot be shared between two families, even if both families only need part-time help
- An FDW cannot legally work at any address other than the one registered with MOM
This means that an FDW cannot legally work as a "part-time maid" for multiple households. If you want FDW coverage, it must be a full-time arrangement with you as the sole employer.
2. Part-Time Cleaners and Cleaning Services — Truly Part-Time
The true "part-time helper" option in Singapore is:
- Local part-time cleaners: Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, or certain work pass holders who are legally permitted to work part-time
- Licensed cleaning companies: Services that send staff to your home for set hours
These workers come to your home a few hours a week, clean, and leave. No work permit, no levy, no insurance obligation on your part. You pay for hours or sessions.
Costs: Part-Time Cleaner vs Full-Time FDW
| Option | Typical Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time cleaner (independent) | SGD 15–25/hour | Labour only |
| Cleaning company (per session) | SGD 60–150/session (3–4 hrs) | Labour + supplies sometimes |
| Full-time FDW (monthly) | SGD 680–880/month salary + levy | Live-in, all household duties |
Total monthly cost for a full-time FDW (including levy, insurance, food, and other requirements) typically runs SGD 1,200–1,800/month depending on the helper's experience and nationality.
Total monthly cost for part-time cleaning (e.g., 2 sessions per week): approximately SGD 480–1,200/month depending on frequency and provider — and this covers cleaning only, not childcare, cooking, or other household duties.
MOM Levy: A Key Cost for Full-Time FDWs
One of the most significant costs unique to hiring an FDW in Singapore is the Foreign Domestic Worker Levy. This is a monthly tax paid by the employer directly to the government. The rate in 2026 depends on your household eligibility:
- Standard rate: SGD 300/month
- Concessionary rate (for households with young children, elderly, or persons with disabilities): SGD 60/month
The concessionary rate is a significant saving — many families apply for it through MOM's FDW eService.
There is no levy for hiring a local part-time cleaner or a cleaning company.
Other Mandatory Requirements for Full-Time FDWs
If you decide to hire a full-time FDW rather than a part-time cleaner, MOM requires:
Medical Examinations
- Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PME): Required before the helper starts work. Must be conducted at a MOM-approved clinic.
- Six-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME): Required every 6 months throughout the contract. Failure to complete this can result in the work permit being cancelled.
Mandatory Insurance
Employers must purchase maid insurance covering:
- Personal accident: Minimum SGD 60,000
- Hospitalization and surgery: Minimum SGD 15,000
- Security bond: SGD 5,000 (typically included in the insurance policy)
Basic policies start from around SGD 200–300/year. Comprehensive plans including outpatient coverage cost more but offer greater protection.
Rest Days
Your FDW is entitled to one rest day per week. If she agrees to work on her rest day, you must pay at least one extra day's salary as compensation. MOM also requires that at least one rest day per month cannot be compensated away — she must actually have the day off.
Accommodation
FDWs in Singapore must live in the employer's residence. You must provide suitable accommodation.
Part-Time Cleaner: What to Check
For local part-time cleaners, there are fewer legal obligations on the employer side — but you still want to hire responsibly:
- Verify legal right to work: Singaporean and PR cleaners can work freely. Employment Pass holders may have restrictions. Don't hire someone who is not legally permitted to work in Singapore.
- Use a reputable agency or company: Licensed home cleaning companies vet their workers and carry their own insurance.
- Written agreement: Even for informal arrangements, agree in writing on frequency, duties, payment, and notice period.
- Your home, your responsibility: Unlike FDW insurance, you are not legally required to insure a local part-time cleaner — but check whether your home insurance covers accidents involving visitors.
When to Choose Part-Time vs Full-Time
| Choose Part-Time If... | Choose Full-Time FDW If... |
|---|---|
| You live alone or with one other adult | You have children, elderly relatives, or pets |
| You only need cleaning 1–3x per week | You need daily cooking, childcare, or care |
| Your apartment is small (studio to 2BR) | You live in a larger home with heavy upkeep |
| Budget is a priority | You need consistent, reliable daily support |
| You travel frequently | Someone at home needs daily supervision |
Many families start with part-time help and switch to a full-time FDW when they have a baby or elderly parent who needs more regular care.
How to Find a Part-Time Helper in Singapore
For Local Part-Time Cleaners
- Online platforms: Platforms like Helpling, Kaodim, or similar services connect homeowners with vetted local cleaners by the hour
- Facebook community groups: Singapore expat or neighbourhood groups often have recommendations
- Personal referrals: Ask friends or neighbours who their cleaner is
For Full-Time FDWs
- Licensed maid agencies: Handle all MOM paperwork, medical exams, and insurance (agency fees typically SGD 1,000–3,000)
- Online direct-hire platforms: Platforms like HelperEx let you search helper profiles directly, contact candidates, and manage the hiring process yourself at a fraction of the agency fee cost. HelperEx covers Singapore and lets you filter by nationality, experience, skills, and availability.
- Transfer maids: If you need help urgently, transfer maids are already in Singapore and can often start within a few days
Conclusion
In Singapore, "part-time helper" means two different things. Local part-time cleaners are a flexible, low-commitment option for households that just need regular cleaning without the full obligations of FDW employment. Full-time FDWs offer comprehensive household support but come with significant MOM requirements, costs, and responsibilities.
If you are leaning toward hiring a full-time FDW, the most affordable way to find one is through a direct-hire platform. If part-time cleaning is all you need, a vetted local cleaner or a licensed cleaning company is the simpler, more flexible path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a FDW (foreign domestic worker) work part-time for two families in Singapore? No. Under MOM rules, an FDW can only work for the employer listed on their work permit, at the registered residential address. An FDW cannot legally work for multiple households, even on different days.
What does a part-time cleaner cost in Singapore? Independent local cleaners typically charge SGD 15–25/hour. Licensed cleaning companies charge SGD 60–150 per session (usually 3–4 hours). Costs vary by frequency and scope of work.
Do I need to pay the FDW levy for a part-time cleaner? No. The Foreign Domestic Worker levy only applies to FDWs holding Work Permits. Local part-time cleaners and company cleaning services do not attract the levy.
What is the FDW levy in Singapore in 2026? The standard levy is SGD 300/month. Households with young children, elderly members, or persons with disabilities may qualify for the concessionary rate of SGD 60/month.
Is maid insurance mandatory in Singapore? Yes, for FDWs. Employers must provide insurance covering at least SGD 60,000 personal accident, SGD 15,000 medical, and a SGD 5,000 security bond. This does not apply to local part-time cleaners.
