Singapore Settling-In Programme (SIP) for new helpers 2026: within 7 days of arrival, cost, content and what to bring
A helper (maid) working in Singapore for the first time must attend the 1-day Settling-In Programme (SIP) within 7 days of arriving (excluding Sundays and public holidays), and can only start work after it. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the SIP is taught in her native language and covers working safely and living in Singapore. The employer pays; the three providers MOM lists charge $76.40–92.65. If she does not attend within 7 days, she will not be issued a Work Permit and will be sent home.
Who must attend, and when
From MOM's “Settling-in Programme (SIP)” page (updated 1 September 2025):
| Question | MOM's rule |
|---|---|
| Who | Helpers working in Singapore for the first time |
| When | Within 7 days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays; not on the day she arrives |
| How long | 1 day |
| After the SIP | She can start work only after attending |
| Who registers and pays | The employer pays; MOM advises registering her early, online or directly with a provider |
| If she misses it | She will not be issued a Work Permit and will be sent home (MOM FAQ, updated 14 March 2024) |
Good practice: book the SIP before she arrives, and agree the dates for pickup, class and arrival at your home with your agency.
Where to attend and how much it costs
MOM lists three providers. Fees include GST (updated 1 September 2025; check when you register):
| Provider | Address | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Kinetics Consultancy | 31, 33, 35 Hillview Terrace; 1 Harrison Road | $76.40 |
| NTUC LearningHub | 260 Sims Avenue, ECM Building | $77.00 |
| Grace Management & Consultancy Services | 198 Geylang Road | $92.65 |
What she needs to bring
- The in-principle approval (IPA) letter, full set;
- Her passport;
- A copy of her educational certificate;
- A copy of her digital arrival card issued by ICA.
What the SIP covers
MOM describes the SIP as a 1-day orientation on safety precautions and living in Singapore, conducted in her native language. Topics include:
- Adapting to working and living in Singapore;
- Conditions of employment;
- Working safely;
- Getting along with others and coping with stress.
In a written parliamentary reply in October 2025, MOM said helpers are taught how to do common household chores safely, especially cleaning windows and hanging laundry in high-rise buildings (MOM). For the window-cleaning rules, see window cleaning and laundry safety rules for helpers in Singapore.
The course content MOM lists doesn't include skills like cooking or eldercare. We do not run courses ourselves.
After the SIP, before she starts: the safety agreement
From MOM's “Contracts and safety agreement” page (updated 23 April 2026):
- For a first-time helper, your agency arranges for you and her to sign a safety agreement after she attends the SIP and before she starts work at your home;
- It is signed by three parties: you, the agency and the helper, and each keeps a copy;
- Her copy is in her native language;
- It sets out the conditions for cleaning window exteriors; you state whether she needs to clean any, and which ones.
In MOM's template, the employer also confirms receiving the SIP's advisory letter and the trainer's assessment form.
At home: explain your household's way again
The SIP teaches general practices. At your home, how to use the washing machine, where to hang clothes and whether to clean window exteriors all need explaining again. Don't cover everything on day one; start with the few things she does every day. See how to brief a new helper in her first week.
With Yiru, you can:
- Write it as a house guide: write your household's way once, and she reads it in her own language: Burmese, Indonesian, Filipino and more, 9 languages in all.
- Add photos to each step: which button on the washing machine, where the clothes go; take a photo and add it to that step.
- Let her ask: she taps “I have a question” on an item and asks in her own language; you read it in yours.
FAQ
Does every new helper have to attend the SIP?
Every helper working in Singapore for the first time must attend within 7 days of arrival (excluding Sundays and public holidays), and can start work only after it.
How much does the SIP cost, and who pays?
The employer pays. The three providers MOM lists charge $76.40, $77.00 and $92.65 (including GST, as of September 2025); check when you register.
What happens if she misses the SIP?
MOM says a first-time helper who does not attend within 7 days will not be issued a Work Permit and will be sent home.
What language is the SIP taught in?
Her native language.
Does a helper who has worked in Singapore before need to attend again?
MOM's rule covers helpers working in Singapore for the first time. If unsure, ask your agency or check MOM's page.
Sources
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM): Settling-in Programme (SIP)
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM): What if my MDW does not attend the Settling-in Programme (SIP)?
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM): Contracts and safety agreement
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM): written answer to PQ on safety protocols and training for MDWs (14 October 2025)
Checked in October 2026. Rules and fees may change; MOM's website is the authority.