What Happens When Your Maid's Work Permit Expires?
A step-by-step guide to renewing your helper's work permit before it lapses: timelines, costs, and what AJS handles for you.
Work permits for foreign domestic workers in Singapore are valid for up to 2 years. When the permit nears its end, you must renew it before the expiry date if you wish your helper to keep working for you.
Renewal is straightforward when you start early, but a missed deadline can lead to fines and a helper who cannot legally work. This guide walks you through the timeline, the steps, and the common pitfalls.
When to start the renewal
MOM sends a renewal notification about 8 weeks before the permit expires. Do not ignore it. The notification is your cue to begin, and the earlier you act, the more room you have if something needs fixing.
- ●Check the expiry date printed on your helper's work permit card.
- ●Watch for the MOM email or SMS and the notice in your MOM account.
- ●Note the date in your calendar with a reminder at least 3 months ahead.
The renewal timeline
Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before expiry. If there are no issues, approval usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, but anything unexpected, such as a medical follow-up, can add time.
- ●Around 12 weeks before: AJS reminder and preparation.
- ●About 8 weeks before: MOM notification, begin the online application.
- ●6 to 8 weeks before: latest recommended point to apply and book the medical check.
- ●Expiry date: renewed permit should be in place.
What can trigger a rejection
Most renewals are approved, but a few issues can cause delays or rejection:
- ●Medical check failure, for example a failed pregnancy or infectious disease screening.
- ●Outstanding levy arrears with CPF Board.
- ●Complaints or investigations on record against the employer.
- ●Missed requirements such as the required settling-in or employer orientation steps for first-time employers.
What you need to do
The renewal itself is done online and has three main steps:
- ●Initiate the renewal through the MOM WP Online portal using your SingPass.
- ●Arrange the required medical check at an approved clinic for your helper.
- ●Pay the renewal fee and confirm that your levy GIRO is active.
What AJS handles for you
Our clients do not have to navigate this alone. For helpers placed through AJS, we take the admin stress out of renewal.
- ●We remind you 3 months before expiry.
- ●We assist with the MOM submission so nothing is missed.
- ●We arrange the medical check for your helper.
- ●We track approval and confirm once the new permit is issued.
What happens if the permit lapses
If a work permit expires, your helper must stop work immediately. Employing a foreign worker without a valid work permit is an offence in Singapore, and employers can face significant fines and other penalties.
Your helper may also need to be sent home, and you could have to restart the hiring process. Avoiding a lapse is far easier and cheaper than fixing one, so treat the renewal date as a firm deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start the work permit renewal?
Start at least 8 weeks before expiry. AJS will remind you at 3 months as a buffer.
Do I need a new medical check at renewal?
Yes, MOM requires a new medical examination at each renewal.
Can my helper continue working while the renewal is being processed?
Yes, as long as the renewal application is submitted before the current permit expires.
Need help with your helper's work permit renewal?
Talk to our team and we will guide you through the renewal from reminder to approval.