How to Hire a Live-In Caregiver

From first consultation to deployment — a step-by-step process. Typically 1–2 weeks for local transfers, or 3–4 weeks for overseas recruitment.

The Process

Four Steps, Start to Finish

Every placement follows the same structured process.

STEP 01:

Consultation

Free, no-obligation needs assessment
Assess care recipient's medical conditions & daily needs
Discuss language and personality preferences
Full cost breakdown: salary, fees, levy, insurance
First-time employers: MOM's 3-hour Employer's Orientation Programme (EOP)

STEP 02:

Selection

STEP 03:

Processing

STEP 04:

Deployment & Settling-In

Regulatory Compliance

MOM Requirements — What Employers Need to Know

Live-in caregivers in Singapore are hired under MOM’s Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) scheme. Here’s what MOM requires of the employer. All the processing and paperwork is undertaken by us.

Application: $35 application fee. Approval typically within 1 week via the FDW eService (3 weeks by paper form).
Before arrival: Non-Malaysian MDWs require a security bond and mandatory medical + personal accident insurance, arranged before the caregiver arrives.
First-time helpers: If it's the caregiver's first time working as an MDW in Singapore, she needs to attend MOM's Settling-In Programme (SIP) within 7 days of arrival (
Medical. A pre-employment medical is required within 14 days for every caregvier.
Issuance: $35 issuance fee. The Work Permit is generally issued within 2 weeks of arrival — first as a temporary 1-month permit, followed by the physical card.
Validity: Work Permits are valid for up to 2 years, and renewable — we can handle the renewal paperwork.

Source: Ministry of Manpower, Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Worker (mom.gov.sg). Requirements and fees are set by MOM and may change.

After Your Caregiver Arrives

Communicating Well From Day One

Set expectations early — discuss during the interview and document them i
Daily check-ins for day-to-day updates, plus a weekly sit-down for bigger concerns
Create an open environment — their observations matter for the care recipient's wellbeing
Address conflicts early and constructively, using "I feel..." statements rather than accusations
Include the care recipient in conversations where possible — it preserves their dignity and gives you better insight

Something not working out? See our FAQ for how we handle issues after placement, or contact us directly.

Ready to Hire a Caregiver?

Reach out for a free consultation and we’ll walk you through every step.