What's Actually in the MOM FDW Contract? A Plain English Translation

Jul 19

3 min read

Updated: Aug 13

You Signed It, But Do You Actually Know What You Agreed To?

Every single employer in Singapore signs MOM's standard Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) employment contract. Most people nod along and sign without reading the fine print — until something goes wrong.

Terms like “security bond,” “medical insurance coverage,” and “repatriation costs” get thrown around without explanation. Let's translate the MOM FDW contract into plain English so you know exactly what you're signing.

An employer about to sign an MOM FDW employment contract in a Singapore living room, surrounded by annotation points. A thought bubble above his head asks, 'WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? IS THIS IN PLAIN ENGLISH?' Red arrows point to contract terms like 'SECURITY BOND: $5,000?', 'MEDICAL INSURANCE: $60,000 MINIMUM', and 'REPATRIATION COSTS'. The background shows a domestic helper seated patiently on a sofa.

At a glance: what's in the MOM FDW contract?

The MOM FDW contract is the standard employment agreement every helper employer signs. It covers: salary (from $570+/month for first-time FDWs), rest days, the $5,000 security bond, medical insurance (minimum $60,000/year), accommodation standards, and repatriation costs. Here's how to read it without legal jargon.

The 3 Things Most Employers Get Wrong

1. The Security Bond

This is the #1 most misunderstood term. MOM requires a $5,000 security bond for every FDW. This is NOT a fee you pay upfront — it's a bank guarantee. You only lose it if you breach the contract, so it's not a cost you should budget for as a loss.

2. Medical Insurance Coverage

The contract requires you to buy medical insurance for your helper with a minimum coverage of $60,000 per year. But here's what most employers miss: this is the MINIMUM — serious illness or hospitalisation can exceed it, so consider a higher plan.

3. Repatriation Costs

The contract states that the employer bears the cost of repatriation when the employment ends. This includes the air ticket back to her home country — budget for it from day one, because it's a contractual obligation, not an optional courtesy.

Key Contract Terms Decoded

Salary & Rest Days

The contract specifies a monthly salary (currently $570+ for first-time FDWs from most countries), which must be paid by the 7th of each month. It also guarantees a weekly rest day — usually Sunday, unless both parties agree in writing to change it.

Accommodation Standards

The employer must provide acceptable accommodation: a separate room or shared room with privacy, a bed with mattress, proper ventilation, and reasonable living conditions. This is a contractual requirement, not a nice-to-have.

Medical Expenses

The employer must bear all necessary medical costs, including COVID-19 testing, hospitalisation, and dental treatment. This is why insurance matters so much — the contract makes you financially responsible either way.

What FDW Means and How the Contract Works

FDW refers to Foreign Domestic Worker — the official MOM term for a domestic helper in Singapore. The reason the contract matters is because it's a legal document, not a formality: every term in it is enforceable, and breaches can cost you your bond or more.

Yes, you can amend the contract, but only in writing: any change must be signed by both you and your helper. Verbal agreements are not recognised by MOM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FDW in Singapore?

FDW stands for Foreign Domestic Worker — the official MOM term for a domestic helper in Singapore. There are over 250,000 FDWs in Singapore, and every one is employed under MOM's standard FDW contract.

What is a MOM FDW contract?

The MOM FDW contract is the standard employment agreement between a Singapore employer and a foreign domestic worker. It covers salary, rest days, the $5,000 security bond, medical insurance, accommodation, and repatriation costs.

How much is the FDW security bond in Singapore?

The FDW security bond is $5,000 for most employers, or $10,000 if the FDW is not covered by medical insurance. It's a bank guarantee, not an upfront fee — you only forfeit it if you breach the contract.

Where can I find the MOM FDW contract template?

The official MOM FDW employment contract template is available free on the Ministry of Manpower website. Your maid agency should also provide it — iHome Singapore guides every client through the contract step by step.

Can the contract terms change after I sign?

Any changes must be mutually agreed and documented. Both you and your helper need to sign amendments. Verbal agreements are not recognised by MOM.

What happens if I breach the contract?

MOM can take action including: forfeiting your security bond, barring you from hiring another FDW, fines up to $10,000, or even imprisonment for serious breaches.

Don't Sign It Alone

iHome Singapore guides every client through the MOM contract step by step. We don't just match you with a helper — we make sure you understand every clause before you sign.

Ready to find the help your home deserves? Check out our guide on which nationality suits you best.

Contact iHome Agency:

📲 WhatsApp: 8042 6581

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📍 Punggol & Northshore Specialist