How to Apply for a Work Permit for Your Confinement Nanny in Singapore

How to Apply for a Work Permit for Your Confinement Nanny in Singapore (2025 Guide)

Hiring a confinement nanny in Singapore can be a great help during your postpartum recovery. However, if the nanny is not a Singaporean or Permanent Resident—especially if she is a Malaysian—you’ll need to apply for a Work Permit from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-confinement-nanny/apply-for-permit

This complete guide walks you through the eligibility, application process, costs, and key requirements of legally hiring a confinement lady in Singapore.

Who Needs a Work Permit for a Confinement Nanny?

If you’re engaging a Malaysian confinement nanny, you must apply for a Work Permit for confinement nanny https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-confinement-nanny/apply-for-permit via MOM’s eService. This ensures both legality and protection for employer and nanny.

Eligibility Criteria

For Parents (Employer)

• Must be Singaporean, PR or EP holder, aged 21 years and above.
• Your baby must be below 4 months old.
• You can apply for the Work Permit:
  • Up to 4 weeks before the EDD, or
  • Within 16 weeks after delivery.

For Confinement Nanny (Employee)

• Must be a Malaysian citizen.
• Aged between 23 to 70 years old.
• Can only work at your residence and only in confinement care.
• The Work Permit is valid for a maximum of 16 weeks from baby’s date of birth.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Confinement Nanny Work Permit in Singapore

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• Employer’s NRIC/FIN/Employment Pass.
• Nanny’s Malaysian passport copy.
• Baby’s Date of Birth
• Details of both parents and the nanny (names, DOBs, passport numbers).
• Signed consent from the nanny to work for you.

If you’re engaging STAR Confinement Nanny Agency, we’ll handle everything including document collection, MOM submissions, and follow-ups.

✅ Step 2: Submit Application via MOM eService

• Log in with your Singpass.
• Select “Apply for Work Permit for Confinement Nanny”.
• Fill in employer and nanny details, upload all required documents.
• Pay the non-refundable application fee of S$35 via Visa, Mastercard, or PayNow.
• Indicate the intended start date if urgent deployment is required.

✅ Step 3: Wait for Approval & Issue In-Principle Approval (IPA)

• MOM typically processes within 7 working days.
• You’ll receive an IPA letter – give a copy to your nanny so she can show it at Singapore Immigration upon arrival.
• Use FDW eService to update MOM with actual start date once the nanny begins work.

💰 Costs to Expect When Applying for Work Permit

🔹 Note: If you already have a helper under your name, levies will be combined and auto-deducted by GIRO or else if not, you have to go here check and pay levy https://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/check-and-pay-levy

🛂 What Happens When Your Confinement Nanny Arrives?

• She receives a Visit Pass with a stamped validity period.
• Nanny will not receive a physical Work Permit Card, but a Work Permit Letter.
• Her salary in Singapore is taxable income.
• If her service ends early, you must cancel the Work Permit via MOM portal once she leaves to avoid additional levies.

Why Let STAR Confinement Nanny Handle It for You?

Hiring a confinement nanny and managing MOM regulations can feel overwhelming for new parents. That’s why STAR Confinement Nanny offers a one-stop solution:

🌟 What We Offer:

• ✔️ Complete Work Permit Application & Submission
• ✔️ MOM Compliance & Liaison
• ✔️ Employment Contract Review
• ✔️ Nanny Insurance & Medical Check-Up Coordination
• ✔️ Document Filing for Easy Reference
• ✔️ Annual Nanny Screening & Conduct Check

Our experienced team ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience so you can focus on what matters most — caring for your newborn and recovering well.

📞 Need Help?

Let us take care of the admin work so you can enjoy peace of mind.
Contact STAR Confinement Nanny today to assist with your nanny’s work permit, insurance, contract and more.