Where to Get an FDW Security Bond in Singapore: Key Requirements and Application Steps

Hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore comes with real responsibilities — one of which is the security bond.

It’s not optional, and getting it wrong can cost you.

Whether you’re a first-time employer or renewing your helper’s work permit, understanding how the helper security bond works, what it covers, and where to get it quickly is essential before your maid arrives.

Key Takeaways

• Every employer hiring an FDW in Singapore must post a $5,000 security bond with MOM — but you don’t have to pay cash upfront if you go through a licensed insurer.
• An insurance guarantee bond (also called an insurance guarantee) replaces the cash deposit with a Letter of Guarantee from an approved insurer.
• Bond forfeiture can happen for reasons as simple as an expired work permit — keeping your maid insurance active is the simplest way to stay protected.
• HL Assurance issues the MOM security bond as part of its Maid Protect360 PRO plans — no separate application needed.

What Exactly Is the FDW Security Bond (And Why Should You Care)?

The security bond is a mandatory financial guarantee that every employer must post with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) when hiring a foreign domestic worker. It holds the employer financially accountable for repatriating the FDW when required and ensuring that the terms of employment comply with MOM regulations.

The bond amount is S$5,000 and covers the duration of the work permit. If the employer fails to comply with MOM’s conditions — for example, failing to send the helper home when the work permit expires — MOM can make a demand against the bond.

Here’s where most employers get confused: You don’t have to deposit S$5,000 in cash. Instead, you can fulfil this obligation through an insurance guarantee bond, issued by a licensed insurer like HL Assurance on your behalf.

Cash Deposit vs. Insurance Guarantee: What’s the Difference?

Most employers don’t realise they have a choice. Here’s how they compare:

• Cash Security Bond: You deposit S$5,000 directly with MOM. The money is tied up for the duration of the employment — typically 2 years — and is only returned when the work permit ends and all conditions are satisfied.
• Insurance Guarantee Bond: A licensed insurer issues a Letter of Guarantee to MOM on your behalf. You pay a premium as part of your maid insurance plan — not S$5,000 upfront. If MOM makes a demand, the insurer pays first, then recovers the amount from you.

The insurance route is by far the more practical option for most families. With HL Assurance’s Maid Protect360 PRO, the MOM security bond is bundled into your maid insurance policy — no extra paperwork, no separate application.

So, Where Can You Buy an FDW Security Bond in Singapore?

You can buy an FDW security bond in Singapore through a licensed general insurer. HL Assurance (HLAS) offers this as part of its Maid Protect360 PRO maid insurance plans, which include the MOM Insurance Guarantee Bond. You can purchase it fully online, with the Letter of Guarantee transmitted directly to MOM.

Other options include purchasing through a licensed bank and directly from a licensed insurer.

How Much Does the Helper Security Bond Cost?

The MOM-mandated bond amount is fixed at S$5,000 regardless of nationality or employer. However, the cost to you depends on how you fulfil it:

• Cash deposit: S$5,000 locked for the work permit period
• Insurance guarantee: Included in your maid insurance premium — no large upfront sum

With HL Assurance’s Maid Protect360 PRO, the security bond is part of your plan. There’s also an optional Waiver of Counter Indemnity add-on: for an additional premium, your liability is capped at just S$250 even if MOM makes a demand — instead of the full S$5,000. This is especially useful if you want predictable, capped exposure.

What Happens If the Bond Is Forfeited?

Bond forfeiture occurs when an employer breaches the conditions set by MOM. Common situations include:

• Failing to repatriate the FDW when the work permit expires or is cancelled
• Not paying the FDW’s salary
• The FDW absconding and the employer failing to report it within the required timeframe

If MOM makes a demand, your insurer pays first. Under the standard policy, the insurer then recovers the full S$5,000 from you via Counter Indemnity. If you’ve purchased the Waiver of Counter Indemnity, you only pay the excess of S$250 — provided the cause isn’t a deliberate breach of bond conditions.

This is why keeping your maid insurance current and understanding your obligations under the work permit matters. Prevention is far cheaper than forfeiture.

MOM Compliance: What Employers Must Know

MOM’s requirements around FDW employment go beyond just the security bond. As an employer, you’re also required to:

• Purchase medical insurance with a minimum coverage of S$60,000 per year for hospitalisation and surgery
• Ensure the FDW undergoes six-monthly medical examinations
• Pay the Foreign Domestic Worker Levy monthly
• Provide one rest day per week. If the MDW agrees to work on her rest day, compensate her with at least 1 day’s salary, while ensuring she has at least one rest day per month that cannot be compensated away

HL Assurance’s Maid Protect360 PRO is designed to meet MOM’s medical insurance requirements — and goes well beyond the minimum, with hospitalisation and surgical coverage of up to S$80,000, depending on the plan chosen.

Maid Insurance and the Security Bond: Better Together

The security bond is just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive maid insurance plan protects you on multiple fronts — from the helper’s hospitalisation costs to your own liability if something goes wrong.

HL Assurance’s Maid Protect360 PRO covers:

• Personal accident benefits up to S$100,000
• Hospitalisation and surgical expenses up to S$80,000
• Waiver of 25% co-payment (Enhanced plan and above)
• Alternative maid services when your helper is hospitalised
• MOM Insurance Guarantee Bond — included in all plans
• Optional: Waiver of Counter Indemnity (limits your liability to S$250)

Why HL Assurance Is a Trusted Choice for FDW Security Bonds in Singapore

HL Assurance’s Maid Protect360 PRO offers Singaporeans a comprehensive maid insurance plan. It handles the MOM helper security bond, transmits the Letter of Guarantee to MOM on your behalf, and provides award-winning digital convenience.

For first-time FDW employers navigating MOM requirements, or for experienced employers seeking better coverage and capped liability on the bond, HLAS is a straightforward, trusted starting point.

Get your FDW security bond and maid insurance with us. Explore HL Assurance’s Maid Protect360 PRO insurance or contact our service team at service@hlas.com.sg or +65 6702 0202 to find a plan that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a helper security bond?

A helper security bond is a S$5,000 financial guarantee that employers must post with MOM when hiring an FDW. It ensures compliance with work permit conditions and covers repatriation obligations.

Where can I buy an FDW security bond in Singapore?

Through a licensed general insurer like HL Assurance. The bond is bundled into their Maid Protect360 PRO plans — buy online, and the Letter of Guarantee goes straight to MOM.

How does maid insurance work in Singapore?

Maid insurance covers the FDW for hospitalisation, personal accidents, and other events. It also fulfils the MOM security bond obligation via an insurance guarantee. It’s mandatory under MOM regulations.

What happens if the security bond is forfeited?

Your insurer pays MOM first, then recovers the amount from you. With HL Assurance’s optional Waiver of Counter Indemnity, your out-of-pocket is capped at S$250.

How do I calculate the cost?

The bond obligation is fixed at S$5,000. Your actual cost is the insurance premium — which varies by plan — plus any optional add-ons.

Author Bio:

HL Assurance (HLAS) is a licensed general direct insurer in Singapore and a member of the General Insurance Association (GIA). Backed by the Hong Leong Group — a diversified conglomerate spanning banking, financial services, and investments across Asia, Europe, and beyond — HLAS offers a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products, including travel, motor, home, maid, and personal accident insurance. With a track record of award-winning service and a focus on digital accessibility, HLAS is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses in Singapore protect what matters most.