Renewing Your Maid’s Contract in Singapore: Home Leave, Salary Increment & Next Steps
A practical guide for employers on how to renew your helper’s contract — including when to start, how to plan home leave, what salary increment to consider, and the paperwork needed for Work Permit and insurance renewal.
At a glance
A standard FDW employment term in Singapore is usually two years. As the end date approaches, employers have to decide whether to:
- Renew the current helper for another term, or
- End the contract and hire a new helper
This guide walks you through how to:
- Assess whether renewal is the right choice for your family
- Plan home leave and flight arrangements
- Discuss salary increments and benefits fairly
- Handle the Work Permit, insurance and bond renewal
- Reset expectations for a smoother second term
Should you renew or hire a new helper?
Before committing to renewal, take an honest look at the past term:
When renewal usually makes sense
- Your helper gets along well with children, elderly and other family members
- She has shown reliability, honesty and willingness to learn
- Your routines (school, work, medical) are stable with her support
- Any issues that arose were addressed and improved over time
When you might consider a fresh start
- Frequent conflict or serious trust issues
- Repeated disregard for house rules or safety
- Consistent poor performance despite coaching
Step-by-step: How to renew a maid’s contract
Review performance and discuss intentions
Start the conversation 2–3 months before the contract end date. Share your feedback and ask:
- Does she want to continue working with your family?
- Does she wish to go home first, or renew immediately?
- Are there things she hopes can improve in the next term?
Check dates, expiry and MOM requirements
Look at:
- Work Permit expiry date
- Insurance policy end date
- Security bond validity
Renewal processes and timelines can change. Always refer to the latest guidelines on MOM’s official website or consult your agency so you do not miss key deadlines.
Align on home leave, salary and new term length
Before you proceed with paperwork, discuss:
- How long she will go home for (if any home leave is planned)
- Her revised monthly salary and any additional benefits
- Expected start date of the renewed term and its duration
Engage your maid agency to process renewal
Most employers prefer to let an agency handle:
- Work Permit renewal submission
- New maid insurance and personal accident plan
- Security bond arrangements
- Any required forms or declarations
At Honest Recruiter, this is handled via a fully digitalised process with clear updates at each stage.
Issue and sign the updated employment contract
Put all agreed terms into a written contract:
- New salary and rest day arrangements
- Home leave and airfare terms (if any)
- Scope of duties (especially if it changed)
Both employer and helper should review and sign before the new term begins.
Plan the first month of the renewed term
Use the first few weeks to:
- Reconfirm expectations and schedules
- Give feedback early and calmly if habits slip
- Affirm her efforts and show appreciation for improvements
Home leave, flights & time back home
Many helpers hope to visit their families at the end of a contract. Common arrangements (subject to mutual agreement) include:
- 7–14 days of home leave before the new term starts
- Return air ticket or agreed contribution towards airfare
- Taking leave immediately, or a few months into the renewed term
Talk openly about:
- How long she wishes to stay home
- When your family can cope without her
- What you can reasonably afford for flights and leave
Salary increments & benefits at renewal
While not legally compulsory, it is common and fair to review your helper’s salary at renewal. Consider:
- Her overall performance and attitude
- Any increase in workload (e.g. new baby, more elderly care)
- Market salaries for similar profiles
Many employers offer:
- A salary increment (for example, $50–$100 or more depending on circumstances)
- Small bonuses to recognise loyalty and good performance
- Non-cash benefits, such as phone data or an extra rest day occasionally
A thoughtful increment sends a clear signal: “We value you and want you to stay.”
Paperwork: Work Permit, insurance & security bond
When you renew a contract, you also need to ensure all official documents are updated. Typically, this includes:
- Work Permit renewal – applying within MOM’s stated timeframe before expiry
- Maid insurance & personal accident policy – renewed for the new term with at least MOM’s minimum coverage
- Security bond – extended or reissued as required by your insurer
- 6-monthly medical checks – up-to-date before renewal
Honest Recruiter assists employers by coordinating all of the above via a fully digitalised workflow, so you do not have to handle each step alone.
Managing expectations in the new term
Renewal is a good time to “reset” and strengthen your working relationship. You can:
- Clarify duties if your family situation has changed (new baby, moving house, etc.)
- Revisit house rules, privacy and phone usage
- Discuss her personal goals (savings, skills, courses she wants to attend)
Encourage two-way feedback:
- Share what she is doing well, not just what needs improvement
- Ask what support she needs to do her job better
- Agree on how to raise issues early before they become serious conflicts
Frequently asked questions
- Review your situation and advise if renewal or replacement is more suitable
- Handle Work Permit, insurance and bond renewals digitally
- Provide updated contract templates reflecting agreed terms
- Help mediate expectations between you and your helper for the new term
