How to Hire a Helper in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Employers

How to Hire a Helper in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Employers

There comes a moment in many Singaporean households when you realize you need a little help. Not just someone to tidy the edges, but a steady presence to help keep things running—especially if you have young children, elderly parents, or a demanding job. That’s when hiring a domestic helper becomes part of the conversation.

But if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel confusing, even overwhelming. This guide will gently walk you through the steps of hiring a helper in Singapore, answering the questions you didn’t know you had, and maybe even making the whole thing feel a little less daunting.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Help You Need

Start with a cup of tea and an honest conversation—what do you really need help with?

  • Childcare?
  • Elderly care?
  • Housekeeping and cooking?

Each household has its own rhythm and needs, and knowing yours helps determine the kind of helper you should look for.

Tip: Write down a list of daily and weekly tasks. This will come in handy later when matching with the right candidate.

Step 2: Choose Between Direct Hiring or an Agency

In Singapore, you can either:

  • Hire through a licensed employment agency, or
  • Use direct hiring if you already have a candidate in mind.

Employment Agency:

Agencies handle everything from paperwork to sourcing and training. They charge a fee but offer convenience and support.

Direct Hiring:

If you know someone (a referral or a former maid returning), you can hire them directly, but you'll need to manage the documentation with MOM (Ministry of Manpower) yourself.

Step 3: Understand the Legal Requirements

In Singapore, you must:

  • Be 21 years old or above
  • Not be an undischarged bankrupt
  • Have the financial means to hire and support a helper

You’ll need to apply for a Work Permit through MOM and complete the Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP) if you're a first-time employer.

Apply via MOM website →

Step 4: Interview Candidates

Whether through an agency or referrals, interview your candidates thoughtfully. Consider their:

  • Experience with similar households
  • Communication skills
  • Comfort with children or elderly
  • Cooking or cleaning strengths

It’s not just about skills—it’s about fit. You’ll be sharing your home with this person.

Essential Interview Questions:

Experience & Background:

  • How many years have you worked as a helper?
  • Which countries have you worked in?
  • What kind of jobs did you do before? (cleaning, cooking, baby care, elderly care)
  • Why did you leave your last employer?

Skills & Capabilities:

  • Can you cook? What food do you know how to cook?
  • Do you know how to wash and iron clothes?
  • Have you taken care of children or elderly people before?
  • Can you follow a recipe (from book or phone)?

Singapore-Specific:

  • Do you know about MOM requirements for helpers?
  • What is your expected salary range?
  • Are you comfortable with the rest day arrangement? (MOM requires at least 1 rest day per week)
  • Do you prefer to work on your rest days for extra pay?

Communication:

  • Do you understand English?
  • If you don't understand something, what will you do? (ask again, write it down)
  • Are you okay to use a phone app to see your daily tasks?

Pro Tip: For a complete list of interview questions, check out our guide on Domestic Worker Interview Questions.

Step 5: Prepare Your Home and Contract

You’ll need to provide:

  • A private space or sleeping area
  • Weekly rest days
  • Adequate meals and medical care
  • A written employment contract

The standard contract includes salary, rest days, duties, and notice period. Clarity now avoids confusion later.

Essential House Rules Checklist

Before your helper arrives, establish clear house rules to prevent misunderstandings:

Work Schedule:

  • [ ] Define work hours (e.g., 7 AM - 7 PM)
  • [ ] Specify break times and lunch duration
  • [ ] Confirm rest days (at least 1 per week per MOM requirements)
  • [ ] Set overtime policy and compensation

Privacy & Boundaries:

  • [ ] List off-limits areas (master bedroom, home office)
  • [ ] Policy on using family items (TV, phone, computer)
  • [ ] Guest policy (visitors, phone calls during work hours)
  • [ ] Privacy expectations for family members

Household Routines:

  • [ ] Meal preparation times and preferences
  • [ ] Cleaning standards for different areas
  • [ ] Laundry procedures and folding preferences
  • [ ] Dietary restrictions and allergies

Safety & Security:

  • [ ] Door and window locking procedures
  • [ ] Emergency contact information
  • [ ] Safety guidelines for appliances
  • [ ] Child safety rules (if applicable)

Communication:

  • [ ] Daily check-in procedures
  • [ ] How to report completed tasks
  • [ ] Process for asking questions
  • [ ] Feedback and concern reporting

Pro Tip: Document all house rules in HelperTask so your helper can reference them anytime. This eliminates confusion and ensures consistency.

Step 6: Build a System That Works—for Everyone

Once your helper arrives, life might feel easier, but it still needs structure. That’s where communication and task management come in.

We know from experience that one of the biggest stress points for both employer and helper is missed expectations. You might say it once, even twice, but things can still slip through.

This is where HelperTask can truly make a difference. It's a simple app designed just for households like yours, where you can set clear, recurring tasks, write step-by-step instructions—all in one place. It removes the need for constant reminders, and helps your helper stay confident and on track every day.

Step 7: Maintain a Good Working Relationship

Like any relationship, it takes empathy and communication. Check in regularly. Show appreciation. Be clear, but also kind. Helpers are people, too—far from home, doing their best in yours.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is more than a practical decision—it’s a shared journey. With the right planning, mutual respect, and tools to support the relationship, it can be one of the most helpful and human partnerships in your daily life.

So take a breath. You’ve got this. And if you ever feel like you're saying the same thing again and again, well—there’s an app for that.