FDW LEVY SINGAPORE
FDW Levy Singapore: What You Need to Know in 2025
Hiring a Foreign Domestic Worker in Singapore (FDW Singapore) is a common and often essential solution for families needing extra help at home. Whether it’s to care for young children, support elderly family members, or manage household chores, FDWs provide indispensable assistance to thousands of households.
One of the most frequently asked questions when hiring a helper is about the FDW Levy Singapore—a fee imposed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This levy is a key financial consideration and an important part of understanding your obligations as an employer. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the FDW Levy Singapore, how it works, what concessions are available, and how to choose the best maid agency in Singapore to guide you through the process.
What is the FDW Levy in Singapore?
The FDW Levy Singapore is a monthly fee paid by employers of foreign domestic workers. It is a pricing mechanism introduced by the Singapore government to regulate the number of foreign workers in the country.
Current FDW Levy Rates (As of 2025)
Type of Employer Monthly Levy Standard Levy $300 Concessionary Levy $60 Employers who meet certain criteria may qualify for the Concessionary Levy, which significantly reduces the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore.
Who is Eligible for the FDW Concessionary Levy?
You may be eligible for the concessionary levy rate of $60 per month if your household includes:
➡️ A child below 16 years old
➡️ An elderly person (aged 67 or older)
➡️A person with disabilities
Other eligibility criteria include:
➡️ The employer or the eligible family member must be a Singapore citizen.
➡️ You can only enjoy the concession for one FDW at a time, even if your household employs multiple helpers.
Applications for the concession can be submitted via the MOM FDW eServices portal or your maid agency.
When Do You Start Paying the FDW Levy?
Once your helper’s Work Permit is issued, the levy begins from the next day—even if the FDW hasn’t physically started working yet. The levy is paid monthly through GIRO, and deductions are automatically made from the bank account you registered with MOM.
Failure to pay the levy on time can lead to penalties, revocation of the helper’s permit, and even restrictions on hiring future FDWs.
How Can You Pay the FDW Levy?
The FDW levy Singapore is collected through a GIRO account, and MOM sends employers a monthly notification or statement of account. You can also check your payment status and history through the MOM website or the myMOM portal.
How to Reduce FDW Costs Besides the Levy?
In addition to levy concessions, employers can consider:
i. Government Grants: Households with seniors or persons with disabilities can apply for schemes like the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) or Caregiver Training Grant.
ii. Tax Relief: Working mothers may qualify for foreign domestic worker levy tax relief, which allows you to claim twice the amount of the levy paid in a year as tax relief, capped at $720 annually.
How to Reduce FDW Costs Besides the Levy
In addition to levy concessions, employers can consider:
Government Grants: Households with seniors or persons with disabilities can apply for schemes like the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) or Caregiver Training Grant.
Tax Relief: Working mothers may qualify for foreign domestic worker levy tax relief, which allows you to claim twice the amount of the levy paid in a year as tax relief, capped at $720 annually.
Choosing the Best Maid Agency in Singapore
The maid agency you choose can have a significant impact on your FDW hiring experience. A reputable agency will not only help you find a reliable domestic worker but also assist with levy applications, renewals, training, and counseling if needed.
What Makes the Best Maid Agency?
Look out for:
➡️MOM licensing and accreditation
➡️Transparent fees
➡️Clear employment contracts
➡️After-sales support
➡️Good reviews and ratings
Choosing the best maid agency in Singapore ensures you stay compliant with MOM regulations, including timely levy payments and proper documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FDW Levy Singapore
1. What happens if I miss an FDW levy payment?
You may be fined, and your FDW’s work permit may be revoked. Persistent non-payment can lead to a ban from hiring domestic workers in the future.
2. Can I get a refund on the levy if my FDW returns home early?
You will stop paying the levy once the work permit is cancelled or expires. However, no partial refunds are given for the days the worker was not employed within a paid month.
3. Is the levy the same for all employers?
No. Standard rate is $300/month, but if you’re eligible for a concession, it’s only $60/month.
4. Can I apply for the FDW concessionary levy through a maid agency?
Yes. Most maid agencies in Singapore provide this as part of their service. They can help ensure that all documentation and eligibility criteria are correctly submitted to MOM.
5. Can I change my GIRO account for FDW levy payment?
Yes, but you need to inform MOM and fill in the appropriate forms. You may do this through the myMOM portal or with the help of your maid agency.
6. Do I still pay the levy when my FDW is on home leave?
Yes. The levy applies as long as the work permit is active, regardless of whether your FDW is physically in Singapore or not.
7. What is the difference between the FDW levy and the helper’s salary?
The FDW levy is a monthly tax paid to the Singapore government, whereas your helper’s salary is a separate employment agreement. The levy does not go to the helper.
8. Can I pay the levy in cash at the bank?
No. The FDW levy must be paid via GIRO. Ensure the linked account always has sufficient funds to avoid penalties.
9. Do I have to pay levy if my helper is on maternity leave or hospitalized?
Yes, the levy continues as long as the FDW’s Work Permit is active, unless special approval is granted by MOM.
10. Can I get levy relief during my helper’s home leave?
No. The levy remains applicable even if your helper is overseas, as long as the work permit is valid.
11. What happens if I change helpers mid-month?
Levy is calculated daily. You may be charged a pro-rated amount for each helper if there is an overlap. Your maid agency can help clarify this during the transition.
12. What if I’m hiring more than one FDW?
You can only enjoy the concessionary levy for one FDW per household at any time, regardless of eligibility (e.g., having multiple children or seniors).
13. Do PRs or foreigners qualify for concessionary levy?
No. The FDW concessionary levy is only available to Singapore Citizens with eligible dependents.
14. Can I switch my levy payment account?
Yes, but you’ll need to submit a new GIRO application form. Most maid agencies can help you with this process.
Case Analysis: Real-Life Scenarios of Levy Impact
📚Case Study 1: Dual-Income Family with Young Children
Family Profile: Mr. and Mrs. Tan, both full-time working parents, have two children aged 4 and 7.
Maid Needs: General household chores, school drop-offs, light cooking, and after-school supervision.
Levy Impact:
👉The family qualifies for the concessionary levy ($60/month) as they have a child under 16.
👉Over 12 months, this amounts to $720/year, compared to $3,600/year at the standard rate—a significant savings.
👉The Tans chose to go through a top-rated maid agency in Singapore which helped them apply for the levy concession and arrange all the paperwork.
Conclusion:
With the help of a licensed maid agency, the Tans maximized cost savings and secured a reliable FDW who fit their family’s lifestyle.
📚
Case Study 2: Elderly Couple with Health Needs
Family Profile: Mr. Lim (72) and his wife (68), who suffers from mild dementia.
Maid Needs: Elder care, daily medication reminders, light housekeeping.
Levy Impact:
👉Mr. Lim applied for the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) and was also eligible for the concessionary levy due to his wife’s condition.
👉The family worked with one of the best maid agencies in Singapore, which helped them navigate both the HCG and levy concession processes.
👉They now pay only $60/month in levy and receive additional government support, easing the financial load.
Conclusion: Strategic use of government support and a good maid agency can lead to substantial long-term financial and caregiving benefits.
Tips to Manage FDW Levy Effectively
♦️ Apply for concessions early through MOM’s FDW eService or your chosen maid agency.
♦️ Use GIRO payment mode to avoid missing deadlines and incurring fines.
♦️ Keep track of MOM emails and payment statements.
♦️ If your helper leaves early or goes on home leave, contact MOM for clarification on levy applicability.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the FDW Levy Singapore system is crucial for every employer looking to hire a domestic helper. The levy is not just a cost, but a regulatory tool to manage foreign manpower sustainably. Make sure you’re fully informed of the rates, your eligibility for concessions, and your responsibilities to avoid unnecessary complications.
Whether you’re hiring for the first time or looking to switch agencies, it’s always advisable to consult the best maid agency in Singapore for expert guidance. The right agency can help you navigate the FDW process smoothly, from levy management to selecting the right helper for your home.
Conclusion: Plan Smart with the Right Support
The FDW Levy Singapore framework is part of a responsible employment ecosystem. By understanding how the levy works, exploring concessions, and planning your finances accordingly, you can make the most of your FDW experience.
Partnering with a reliable maid agency in Singapore makes this even easier. From selecting the right helper to assisting with paperwork and levy management, a professional agency ensures you’re supported every step of the way.
So if you’re ready to hire or just doing your homework, reach out to one of the best maid agencies near you today—and build a supportive, sustainable home environment for you and your loved ones.
Need Help Finding a Maid?
If you’re currently exploring your options, reach out to a licensed and top-rated Best Maid Agency in Singapore today. The right partner can make all the difference in your FDW hiring journey—from helping with levy applications to ensuring your household needs are met.
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For employers who want premium coverage, eTiQa’s Platinum Plan ($794.07) provides higher accident coverage ($100,000), full hospitalization benefits, and unlimited repatriation expenses.
Selecting the right maid insurance in Singapore is crucial for protecting your domestic helper’s well-being while minimizing employer liability. Whether you prioritize affordability, comprehensive medical coverage, or additional benefits, plans from Tokio Marine, China Taiping, and eTiQa offer various options to meet different employer needs. With the right plan, you can feel confident that you are providing the best protection for your domestic helper.
For a seamless experience, consider consulting with Ready Employment, a reliable agency that can help you compare policies and find the best maid insurance coverage at the most competitive rates.
By investing in the right maid insurance plan, you not only comply with MOM regulations but also ensure peace of mind for yourself and your domestic helper. This responsible action demonstrates your commitment to the well-being of your domestic helper.
Please refer to the below website to learn about more maid insurance plan from various insurer in Singapore.
Tokio Marine maid insurance Website