What to prepare for a new maid

At a Glance

Before she flies in: security bond (non-Malaysian helpers), medical insurance and personal accident insurance
Insurance minimums: S$60,000 a year medical claim limit; S$60,000 personal accident sum assured
First-time helpers: Settling-in Programme within 7 days of arrival (excl. Sun and PH)
All helpers: medical exam within 14 days; Work Permit issued within 2 weeks
Her space: mattress, pillow, blanket, toiletries, ventilation, no sharing with a male adult or teenager
3 meals a day, plus time to settle in and learn your home

Friends,

A new helper is about to land.

Most of us spend weeks choosing her... and about one evening getting the house ready for her.

I am guilty of this too. My idea of preparing is usually clearing one shelf and calling it a wardrobe.

So here is the full prep list: the MOM must-dos, the room, the toiletries, and a gentle plan for her first week.

What must I do before my new helper arrives in Singapore?

MOM lists these as the steps before arrival:

Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.

Task	Who	Key detail
Security bond	Employer	For non-Malaysian helpers. S$5,000. Must take effect when she arrives, or immigration will not let her in.
Medical insurance	Employer	Inpatient and day surgery, annual claim limit at least S$60,000.
Personal accident insurance	Employer	Sum assured at least S$60,000 a year.
SIP registration	Employer	First-time helpers only. Book early to get a slot within 7 days.
Print IPA letter	Helper	She shows it to the immigration officer on arrival.
Employers' Orientation Programme	First-time employer	Complete at least 2 working days before the Work Permit application.

Source: MOM: Apply for a Work Permit and MOM insurance requirements, checked 15 Oct 2026.

What happens in the first 2 weeks after she lands?

7 days

Settling-in Programme

First-time helpers only. 1 day, in her native language. She can start work only after attending. Not on arrival day.

14 days

Medical exam

For all helpers. After that, six-monthly medical exams are on you too.

2 weeks

Issue the Work Permit

S$35 per permit. Print the Temporary Work Permit for her. You can also apply for her POSB account here.

Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.

SIP provider	Fee (incl. GST)
Absolute Kinetics Consultancy	S$76.40
Grace Management & Consultancy Services	S$92.65
NTUC LearningHub	S$77.00

Indicative fees from MOM SIP page, checked 15 Oct 2026. Paid by the employer.

What are MOM's rules for a helper's room?

Shelter

Protected from sun, rain and strong winds.

Basic amenities

At least a mattress, pillow, blanket, bathroom amenities and toiletries.

Ventilation

Enough airflow. Give her a fan if natural ventilation is poor.

Safety

She must not sleep near dangerous equipment or structures.

Modesty

She must not share a room with a male adult or teenager.

Space and privacy

A separate room is preferred. If not possible, give her enough space and privacy.

Got CCTV at home? Tell her where the cameras are. Never put them where she sleeps, changes or bathes.

Source: MOM: Rest days and well-being, checked 15 Oct 2026.

What should I buy for my new helper's room?

Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.

Area	Have ready on Day 1
Bed	Mattress, pillow, blanket, bedsheets (MOM minimum is the first three)
Bathroom	Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste (MOM's own examples), towel
Room	Fan if airflow is weak, a place for her clothes, a light
Contact	A way to call home (MOM suggests teaching her how to contact her family)
Food	3 meals a day, as MOM requires

Items beyond MOM's minimum are SearchMaid suggestions.

How do I help my helper settle in during the first week?

MOM notes a new helper may find these hard at first: your language, modern appliances, high-rise living, and different childcare practices.

Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.

Day	Focus
Day 1	Rest. Show her room, the bathroom, meal times. Share your phone number.
Day 2-3	Walk her round the neighbourhood: market, supermarket, clinic, bus stop, school.
Day 3-5	Show appliances one at a time. Hand over a written duty list with times.
Day 5-7	Agree her rest day. Ask what is confusing. Correct mistakes calmly.
Within 7 days	SIP (first-timers) - and she starts work only after it.

A suggested plan from SearchMaid. Adjust it to your home.

Write the duties down

She may forget spoken instructions. A written list with times (breakfast by 8am, and so on) helps both of you.

Plan the menu

A simple weekly menu lets her shop a day ahead.

Give her privacy

After the day's work, let her rest in her room.

Train with patience

Mistakes in the first weeks are normal. Teach, then encourage.

What do I owe my helper on pay and rest?

Salary paid within 7 days after each salary period.
Rest day: 1 a week. At least 1 a month cannot be swapped for pay.
Medical costs, including hospital stays and six-monthly exams, are the employer's.

What is the full checklist before my helper arrives?

☑ EOP done (first-time employers)
☑ Security bond in place, starting on arrival day
☑ Medical and personal accident insurance bought
☑ SIP booked (first-time helpers)
☑ Room ready: mattress, pillow, blanket, fan, privacy
☑ Toiletries in the bathroom
☑ Medical exam booked within 14 days
☑ Written duty list and first-week plan

A ready room and a clear first week let your new helper arrive and feel welcome.

Still looking for the right helper?

Browse helper profiles and contact them directly.

Browse Searchmaid

Happy hiring, Friends.

P.S. Clear more than one shelf. Ask me how I know.