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FDW Security Bond Singapore: Complete Guide 2025

Everything you need to know about the S$5,000 security bond for hiring foreign domestic workers in Singapore. Requirements, costs, and how to avoid forfeiture.

What is the Security Bond?

The security bond is a S$5,000 financial guarantee required by MOM for employers of non-Malaysian domestic helpers. You don't pay this amount upfront - instead, you pay an annual premium (S$40-80/year) to an insurance company that provides the guarantee.

Critical Timing Requirement

The security bond must be active before your helper arrives in Singapore. If the bond is not in place, your helper will be denied entry at immigration. Ensure you purchase the bond at least 2-3 days before your helper's scheduled arrival to allow for processing time.

Security Bond Requirements by Nationality

Helper NationalityBond Required?Amount
IndonesianRequiredS$5,000
FilipinoRequiredS$5,000
MyanmarRequiredS$5,000
IndianRequiredS$5,000
Sri LankanRequiredS$5,000
MalaysianNot RequiredNot Required

How to Purchase Security Bond

Through Maid Agency

Most maid agencies include security bond purchase as part of their service package. This is the easiest option as they handle all paperwork.

Insurance Companies

Purchase directly from MOM-approved insurers. You pay an annual premium instead of the full S$5,000 amount.

Banker's Guarantee

Alternatively, obtain a banker's guarantee from approved banks. This requires depositing funds with the bank.

Cost Comparison

S$40-80/year
Insurance Guarantee (Recommended)

Pay a small annual premium. Most affordable option for most employers.

S$5,000
Banker's Guarantee

Requires full deposit with bank. Funds are returned when bond is discharged.

Security Bond Forfeiture Conditions

Important

Understanding forfeiture conditions helps you avoid losing your security bond. Most forfeitures can be prevented by following MOM regulations and reporting issues promptly.

Condition
Helper goes missing
Consequence
Full forfeiture if not reported within 7 days
How to Prevent
Report to MOM and police within 7 days of discovering absence
Condition
Failure to repatriate
Consequence
Full or partial forfeiture
How to Prevent
Arrange repatriation within 7 days of permit cancellation
Condition
Helper works illegally
Consequence
Full forfeiture
How to Prevent
Ensure helper only works for you at your registered address
Condition
Breach of permit conditions
Consequence
Partial or full forfeiture depending on severity
How to Prevent
Follow all MOM regulations and work permit conditions

Bond Discharge Timeline

The security bond is automatically discharged approximately 1 week after your helper returns to her home country, provided there are no outstanding violations.
Avoiding liability: You may avoid bond forfeiture if you can prove you informed your helper of all work permit conditions and she violated them despite being informed.
Keep all documentation of your helper's acknowledgment of work permit conditions as evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers

The FDW security bond is a S$5,000 financial guarantee required by MOM for employers hiring non-Malaysian domestic helpers. It ensures employers fulfill their obligations, including repatriating the helper when employment ends and complying with work permit conditions.

No, employers hiring Malaysian domestic helpers are exempt from the security bond requirement. The S$5,000 bond only applies to helpers from other countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, India, and Sri Lanka.

You can purchase a security bond through insurance companies or banks approved by MOM. Most maid agencies include security bond purchase as part of their service package. The bond can be purchased as a banker's guarantee or insurance guarantee.

The security bond amount is S$5,000, but you don't pay this upfront as cash. Instead, you pay a premium (typically S$40-80 per year) to an insurance company that provides the guarantee on your behalf. This is much more affordable than depositing the full amount.

The bond can be forfeited if: (1) the helper goes missing and you fail to report within 7 days, (2) you fail to repatriate the helper when required, (3) the helper is found working illegally, or (4) you breach work permit conditions. Partial or full forfeiture depends on the violation severity.

If your helper goes missing, you must report to MOM and the police within 7 days. As long as you report promptly and cooperate with authorities, your bond typically won't be forfeited. Failure to report can result in full bond forfeiture.

The security bond must remain valid throughout the helper's employment and until the work permit is cancelled. It's typically purchased for 2 years (matching the work permit duration) and renewed when the permit is renewed.

Security bond insurance premiums are generally non-refundable once the policy is issued. However, if you cancel before the helper arrives in Singapore, some insurers may offer partial refunds. Check with your insurance provider for their specific refund policy.

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Our team handles all security bond arrangements as part of our hiring service. We ensure you're fully compliant with MOM requirements.