Updated as of 17 October 2025
Looking for a stay-out helper in Singapore? You’re not alone. Many families today prefer a domestic helper who doesn’t stay in their home, but is that legal in Singapore? What are your real options?
Let’s break it all down, so you can make a confident, legal, and informed decision that also supports a more sustainable future.
What Is a Stay-Out Helper in Singapore?
A stay-out helper is someone who assists with household tasks, such as cleaning and decluttering, without living in your home.
This is different from a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW), who is typically required to stay in.
Is a Stay-Out Helper Legal in Singapore?
Not Allowed for FDWs (Foreign Domestic Workers)
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
An FDW must reside at the employer’s home. Employers are not allowed to arrange for the helper to live elsewhere.
Source: MOM.gov.sgEmployers who allow their FDW to live out can face severe penalties from MOM, including fines of up to S$10,000, and may be permanently banned from hiring any domestic helpers in the future. It is not worth the risk.
Legal If Hired as a Local Part-Time Helper
If you’re hiring a part-time maid through a licensed cleaning company like Auntie Cleaner, stay-out arrangements are 100% legal and MOM-compliant, because they are not considered foreign domestic workers.
Pros and Cons of Stay-Out Helpers in Singapore
To give you a balanced perspective, here’s a clear look at the advantages and limitations of hiring a stay-out helper.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More privacy at home | Not suitable for 24/7 needs |
| No need to provide lodging or meals | Hourly costs may be higher over time |
| Legal when hired through agencies | Limited availability during peak seasons |
| Flexible scheduling (weekly or ad-hoc) | Need to plan around cleaner’s schedule |
| Supports sustainable, part-time work | Not ideal for large households needing full-time help |
| Eco-friendly cleaning available | May require coordination with your own schedule |
Why Families Want Stay-Out Helpers in Singapore?
Here’s why more Singaporeans are choosing this flexible arrangement:
- Privacy: Families prefer to have their space to themselves
- Space limitations: Smaller HDBs or condos may not have spare rooms
- Cost control: You only pay for hours worked
- Less commitment: No need to manage accommodation, food, or insurance
- Sustainable lifestyle: Aligns with modern values of minimalism and eco-conscious living
| Cost Factor | Full-Time FDW (Estimate) | Auntie Cleaner (Twice a Week) | Your Savings |
| Salary | ~S$650 | – | |
| MOM Levy | S300 | Included | |
| Food & Utilities | ~S$200 | Included | |
| Insurance/Medical | ~S$30/month | Included | |
| Total Monthly Cost | ~S$1,180 | S$958 | ✅ You save over S$220/month! |
| Privacy | Shared living space | Full privacy | ✅ Priceless |
- Reclaiming Family Privacy: Enjoy your personal space without feeling like you have a constant houseguest. Walk around your own home freely in the evenings and on weekends.
- Reducing Management Stress: No need to manage daily schedules, meals, or personal issues. You get a professional service only when you need it, and we handle all the HR.
- Flexibility for Modern Life: Your needs might change. With a part-time service, you’re not locked into a 2-year contract. Scale up or down as you need.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Clean Your Home, Not the Earth
We believe in cleaning with care, not just for your home, but also for our earth and planet.
Our part-time helpers use eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are gentle on surfaces and safe for children, pets, and our environment.
By reducing single-use plastics, harsh chemicals, and unnecessary water waste, our cleaning practices are aligned with NEA’s sustainability goals.
When you choose a stay-out helper from a licensed eco-conscious company, you’re not only making a smart legal choice, you’re supporting a cleaner, greener Singapore.
Why Is the Live-In Rule So Strict?
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) enforces the live-in requirement primarily to protect the well-being of Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs). It ensures employers provide proper accommodation, prevents FDWs from being exploited by illegal side-jobs (moonlighting), and helps maintain a clear line of accountability for the worker’s welfare and safety.
Legal Alternatives to Stay-Out Helpers
| Option | Legal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Domestic Worker | Yes, only if she stays in your home | Full-time, lives with you |
| Part Time Maid Agency | Yes, MOM-compliant | Hired hourly, does not live with you |
| Illegal “live-out” FDW | No | Risk of fines, permit cancellation |
Need help understanding which arrangement suits you best? Visit our Live Out Helper Guide.
Pricing Table (Auntie Cleaner Packages)
| Package | Frequency | Total Hours | No. of Helpers | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Once/week | 4 hrs/session × 4 | 1 | $478/month |
| Most Loved | Twice/week | 4 hrs/session × 8 | 1 | $958/month |
| Extra Safe | Thrice/week | 4 hrs/session × 12 | 1 | $1,426/month |
Case Study 1: Mr Tan Yong Sheng from Toa Payoh
Mr Tan Wei Sheng and his mother live in a 3-room HDB. They didn’t have space for a live-in maid but needed regular help with household chores, such as floor mopping, toilet cleaning, and changing bedsheets.
They engaged a part-time helper from Auntie Cleaner every Tuesday and Saturday.
Our helper is punctual, reliable, and very respectful of my mum. I no longer worry about keeping the home clean.
Case Study 2: Ms Farah Nuraini from Queenstown
As a full-time working mother, Ms Farah Nuraini struggled to maintain her home while caring for two young children. A live-in maid was not an option due to space constraints.
Instead, she opted for the twice-a-week part-time maid service with Auntie Cleaner.
The service is consistent, professional, and very reasonably priced. Now I have peace of mind, and more time with my kids.
Common Questions About Stay-Out Helpers in Singapore
What are the penalties if I let my FDW stay out?
MOM may revoke your helper’s permit, blacklist you as an employer, or impose heavy fines.
How can I legally get stay-out help?
Hire a part-time maid from licensed agencies like Auntie Cleaner. It’s fully legal and hassle-free.
Are these part-time helpers reliable?
Yes. Licensed companies train their cleaners, allowing you to request the same helper for consistency.
Do you offer spring cleaning services?
Yes, we do. You can explore our spring cleaning services for one-time deep cleaning sessions.
Why Choose a Legal Part-Time Helper Instead?
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| MOM-Compliant | No legal risks |
| Eco-Friendly Option | Choose green cleaning solutions |
| Hourly or Monthly | Pay only for what you need |
| Trained & Insured | Professional and consistent |
Testimonials (Our Real Clients)
Lim Wei Rong, Bedok
The team at Auntie Cleaner was very responsive. I didn’t want to deal with legal risks, and this gave me peace of mind. The service is dependable and discreet.
Gerald Chan, Punggol
I’ve used many cleaning services before, but Auntie Cleaner stands out. Their team is punctual, polite, and always leaves my home spotless.
Summary: Stay-Out Helper in Singapore? Yes, but only if done legally.
In Singapore, a Foreign Domestic Worker must stay in your home. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.
With legal, part-time stay-out helpers from Auntie Cleaner, you get the help you need, the eco-friendly way, no permit issues, no stress, and no compromise on your lifestyle or values.
Whether you live in an HDB, condo, landed home, or Good Class Bungalow GCB, we’re here to support your household with peace of mind and a greener touch.
About the Author
This article was written by Jasmine Tan, passionate marketing director of Auntie Cleaner. With over a decade of hands-on experience in the Singapore cleaning services industry, she built Auntie Cleaner marketing on the foundation of reliability, trust, and a deep understanding of household needs. She is a strong advocate for ethical practices and is committed to educating Singaporean families on legal and safe ways to manage their home care. When she’s not leading the team, she enjoys creating helpful guides and spending time with her own family.