Young Child or Grandchild
A Singapore Citizen child or grandchild aged 16 or younger. You must be their parent or grandparent.
FDW Levy Singapore 2026
The Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy is a monthly fee all employers in Singapore must pay when hiring a domestic helper. Understanding the rates, concession eligibility and payment process can save you up to $2,880 per year.
FDW Levy Rates in Singapore (2026)
There are two levy tiers. The concessionary rate applies to households that meet MOM eligibility criteria. Always verify the current rates on the MOM website as rates may be updated by policy.
| Levy Type | Monthly Rate | Annual Cost | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Levy | S$300 | S$3,600 | All employers |
| Concessionary Levy | S$60 | S$720 | Eligible households (see below) |
The levy is pro-rated if the Work Permit starts or ends mid-month.
Who Qualifies for the Concessionary Levy?
Your household qualifies if you have at least one of the following Singapore Citizens living with you:
Elderly Family Member
A Singapore Citizen aged 67 or older. You must be their spouse, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent or great-grandparent.
Person with Disability
A Singapore Citizen (any age) who requires assistance with daily tasks. A doctor's certification of at least 6 months' disability is required.
How to apply: MOM automatically reviews concession eligibility when you apply or renew your helper's Work Permit. Ensure all family members' details are accurately declared in the application. If not auto-approved, log in to MOM FOWMS to apply manually.
How to Pay the FDW Levy
Payment is due by the 10th of each month. Late payment results in penalties and may lead to Work Permit cancellation.
1
GIRO (Recommended)
Set up GIRO and the levy is automatically debited around the 10th each month - no risk of late payment. Download the GIRO form from MOM's website and submit to your bank.
2
AXS Machine / e-Station / m-Station
Pay at any AXS machine islandwide, on the AXS website, or via the AXS mobile app.
3
Internet Banking
Most Singapore banks support direct MOM levy payment via their internet banking portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the levy if I change my domestic helper?
The levy for your previous helper stops on the date her Work Permit is cancelled. The levy for your new helper starts from the date her Work Permit is issued. MOM adjusts the amount automatically.
Can I deduct the levy from my helper's salary?
No. The FDW levy is entirely the employer's responsibility. Singapore law strictly prohibits deducting any part of the levy from your helper's salary.
What if my household situation changes - will I lose the concession?
If the qualifying family member (e.g. a child turns 17, or an elderly parent passes away) is no longer eligible, you must update MOM. Your concession will be adjusted accordingly at the next renewal.
Does the levy apply during a helper's home leave or hospitalisation?
The levy continues to be charged as long as the Work Permit remains valid, even when the helper is on home leave, sick leave or hospitalisation.
Related Resources
Looking to Hire a Domestic Helper?
Sunrise Link is a MOM-licensed agency (Licence 25C3065) that handles all Work Permit paperwork, levy setup and insurance for you. Contact us for a free consultation.
WhatsApp Us Now+65 82935678 · info@sunriselink.sg · Licence No. 25C3065