Hiring a new transfer helper in Singapore can be challenging, often taking a month or more. However, with a Singapore transfer maid, you can secure assistance within a week, providing a swift solution to your domestic needs.
What is a Transfer Maid?
A transfer maid is a foreign domestic helper who is already working in Singapore and is seeking a new employer. Unlike new hires who must travel from their home countries, transfer maids are already based in Singapore, making them immediately available for placement.
There are several reasons why a maid may be looking for a transfer — her previous employer may be relocating, completing a contract, or there may have been a mutual agreement to part ways. In most cases, these helpers have valuable hands-on experience in local households and a proven understanding of Singapore’s living standards, routines, and expectations.
Because transfer maids are already accustomed to local lifestyles and work environments, they often require less adjustment time and can integrate smoothly into a new household. This makes them an ideal choice for families seeking experienced, dependable help without long waiting periods or complex paperwork.
At Best Housekeeper, we carefully screen every transfer maid we represent — reviewing her work history, references, and interview performance — so you can hire with full confidence and peace of mind.
So if a transfer maid is what you are looking for, you have come to the right place! Here at Best Housekeeper, we strive to bring you the very best that we can, and to get you your new help in as little time as possible, all while providing you with potentially the best service you can find in Singapore!
Wondering how to hire a transfer maid in Singapore? Here’s a concise step-by-step guide to assist you in the process.
Benefits of Hiring a Transfer Helper in Singapore
Prompt Availability
Since transfer maids are already in Singapore, the hiring and onboarding process is much faster. Many can begin work within days once the paperwork is approved.
Proven Local Experience
They’ve already adapted to Singapore’s lifestyle, culture, and housekeeping standards — which means less training and a smoother adjustment period.
Verified Work History
Employers can review the maid’s employment record and references before hiring, offering valuable insight into her skills, attitude, and reliability.
Cost-Effective Option
Hiring a transfer maid can help you save on overseas recruitment fees, airfares, and lengthy processing costs associated with new hires.
Better Communication
Most transfer maids are already comfortable speaking English or local dialects, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring smoother day-to-day interactions.
Lower Risk, Higher Confidence
With firsthand performance records and feedback available, you can make a confident, informed decision — unlike with first-time helpers who have no local track record yet.
Steps to Transferring Your Domestic Helper
Responsibilities During a Maid Transfer
Here’s a simple overview of what each party needs to take note of during the transfer process:
| If You Are the Current Employer | If You Are the New Employer |
| ✅ Send your helper for her 6-monthly medical check-up (if not yet completed). | ✅ Confirm that the helper has completed her 6-monthly medical check-up and her Work Permit is valid for at least 30 days. |
| ✅ Approve the transfer request via MOM’s FDW eService once you receive the email notification. | ✅ Request consent from the current employer through MOM’s FDW eService before applying for the new Work Permit. |
| ✅ Continue to pay the monthly levy until the new Work Permit is issued. | ✅ Once consent is given, submit the new Work Permit application through MOM’s FDW eService. |
| ✅ After transfer, cut the old Work Permit card in half and discard it securely. | ✅ Upon receiving MOM’s In-Principle Approval (IPA), purchase the security bond, medical, and personal accident insurance. |
| ✅ MOM will discharge your security bond one week after the helper starts work with her new employer. | ✅ On the agreed transfer date, issue the new Work Permit and upload the signed declaration form. Provide the helper with a Temporary Work Permit so she can start working immediately. |
Note: For employers who want to learn more about MOM’s official transfer procedures, you can refer to these pages:
- Transfer a migrant domestic worker (MDW) directly to a new employer
- Transfer an MDW to a new employer through an employment agency
These resources provide full details on employer responsibilities, required authorisations, and EA obligations during a transfer.
How to Hire a Transfer Maid via Best Housekeeper
We make the entire process simple, transparent, and fast — so you can focus on what matters most: finding the right fit for your home.
Visit our Singapore transfer maid agency to explore a curated list of pre-approved domestic helpers already in the Lion City. Each profile is verified and matched to specific household needs — from childcare to elderly care and general housekeeping.
Shortlist your preferred candidates and we’ll help you arrange interviews, either in person or online. This gives you the opportunity to assess their experience, communication style, and compatibility with your family.
Once you’ve chosen your helper, simply sign the documents and place a deposit. Our team will manage the full transfer process — from In-Principle Approval (IPA), medical checks, and maid insurance to liaising with the current employer for a smooth, MOM-compliant handover.
As soon as approval is granted, we’ll notify you to complete the final documents and collect your new helper. Your transfer maid is ready to start supporting your household.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Transfer Maid
Overlooking Background and Reference Checks
A helper’s previous experience can reveal a lot about her reliability and work ethic. Always review her employment history, verify references where possible, and ask your agency for a transparent assessment before confirming the hire.
Being Vague About Job Scope and Expectations
Unclear instructions can lead to confusion and mismatched expectations. Take time to discuss the helper’s daily duties, rest days, and household routines before she starts work. Clarity at the start leads to smoother cooperation later on.
Rushing the Interview Process
Even if you need help urgently, it’s worth taking time to interview shortlisted candidates properly. Ask about their past responsibilities, strengths, and preferences — this helps ensure a good fit for your family’s lifestyle and needs.
Overlooking Legal and Administrative Details
From insurance to work permits, every step of the hiring process must comply with MOM regulations. Working with a licensed maid agency like Best Housekeeper ensures that all documentation is handled correctly and your helper’s transition is smooth and lawful.
Not Considering Personality and Compatibility
Skills matter, but so does compatibility. A helper who gets along well with your family will be more likely to stay long-term. Use our Match Me system to find someone whose personality and experience align with your household dynamics.
Our Available Singapore Transfer Maids
Carmela R. Dela Cruz Carmela is a seasoned transfer helper skilled in childcare, cooking, and housekeeping. Having worked with both Chinese and Indian families, she’s reliable, adaptable, and experienced in managing homes with children, teenagers, and pets. |
Elen Lisriani Elen is an experienced helper skilled in infant and childcare, cooking, and general housekeeping. Having completed two long-term contracts with Malay and Indian-Muslim families, she’s patient, dependable, and attentive. Available end November. |
Gina L. Delos Santos Gina is a dependable helper with 15 years in one household, handling childcare, cooking, housekeeping, and pet care. Experienced in managing landed homes, she’s loyal, trustworthy, and ready to support a new family in Singapore. |
Kuswati Kuswati is a dependable and experienced helper skilled in childcare, cooking, and housekeeping. With 19 years in Singapore, she has served diverse families and is known for her long-term commitment, reliability, and calm professionalism. |
Pramestini Pramestini is a patient and reliable helper with 3 years of experience in Singapore handling childcare, cooking, and general housekeeping. She has cared for newborns to school-aged children and is available for transfer in December. |
Reymalyn A. Agbayani Reymalyn is skilled in infant and childcare, with over 10 years’ experience serving expatriate families. Confident in baby care, cooking, and housekeeping, she’s dependable, adaptable, and trusted by employers relocating overseas. Available mid-January. |
Amelia Solung Amelia has years of experience caring for both children and elderly. Skilled in cooking and general housework, she’s known for her reliability, patience, and ability to adapt to diverse household needs. |
Louela F. Merilos Louela is an experienced caregiver skilled in infant and childcare, cooking, and general housekeeping. Having worked with Chinese and Middle Eastern families, she’s patient, reliable, and well-adapted to newborn routines. Available immediately till 8 November. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have sent your transfer maid to an employment agency (EA) to find a new employer, you are responsible for paying the levy only until the EA officially takes over her responsibilities. Once the EA assumes responsibility, they will manage her upkeep, insurance, and any applicable costs until she is deployed or returned home.
The transfer process for a transfer maid typically takes 1 to 2 weeks if all paperwork and approvals are in order. Factors that may affect timing include waiting for the current employer’s consent, medical check-ups, and processing of the new Work Permit.
If your transfer maid’s Work Permit is nearing expiry, the new employer can submit a transfer request at least 30 days before the expiry date. This ensures that the transfer can be completed on time without incurring fines for overstaying.
Hiring a transfer maid is often more cost-effective than hiring directly from overseas. Costs include the helper’s monthly salary, insurance, security bond, and any agency service fees if applicable. Best Housekeeper provides transparent pricing to help you plan without surprises.
Yes. You can interview your transfer maid either in person or virtually. This allows you to assess her experience, skills, and suitability for your household before making a commitment.
Absolutely. Transfer maids have prior work experience in Singapore, which means they are familiar with local customs, household routines, and regulations. Their experience allows them to adapt quickly to new employers’ needs.
Best Housekeeper offers a replacement guarantee. If the transfer maid does not meet your expectations within the stipulated period, we will assist you in finding a suitable replacement without additional placement fees.
Many transfer maids are trained and experienced in childcare, infant care, and elderly care. You can specify your household’s needs, and Best Housekeeper will match you with a transfer maid whose skills align with your requirements.
Yes, one of the advantages of hiring a transfer maid is her immediate availability. Since she is already in Singapore and familiar with local work requirements, she can begin work once all transfer paperwork and approvals are completed.
You can request references from the transfer maid’s previous employers, which may include details of her duties, reliability, and skills. Best Housekeeper also reviews and pre-screens all transfer maids to ensure verified work history.
Your next Transfer Helper is Just One Click Away!
Incidentally, here at Best Housekeeper, we have a Match Me Service, where we can match a helper to best suit your needs.