So your maid’s work permit is coming up for renewal and you are not quite sure where to start? You are definitely not alone. Work permit renewal is one of the most common things employers ask their JB maid agency about, and it is one of those processes that sounds more complicated than it actually is once you know what is involved.
The good news is that with a bit of preparation and the right guidance, work permit renewal is a very manageable process. This guide walks you through everything you need to know in 2026, from when to start and what documents to prepare, to the fees involved and what to watch out for along the way.
When Should You Start the Renewal Process?
This is probably the most important piece of advice any JB maid agency can give you: start early. We recommend beginning the renewal process at least 3 months before your maid’s current work permit expires. This gives you plenty of buffer for any delays in document collection, government processing, or FOMEMA scheduling.
A lapsed work permit puts your maid in an illegal working situation, which can create serious consequences for you as an employer. Do not leave it until the last few weeks. Mark the expiry date in your calendar and set a reminder 3 months ahead so you never get caught out.
Step 1: Check Your Maid’s Permit Expiry Date
The expiry date is printed on your maid’s work permit card. If you are unsure, you can also check via the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s online portal using your maid’s passport number. Your JB maid agency can assist you with this check if you need help.
While you are at it, also check your maid’s passport expiry date. Her passport needs to be valid for the full duration of the renewed work permit. If her passport is expiring within the renewal period, she will need to renew her passport first through her home country’s embassy before the work permit renewal can proceed.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Most JB maid agency offices will guide you through the exact documents needed, but here is a general checklist to get you started:
- Employer’s MyKad (copy front and back)
- Maid’s current passport (must be valid for the full renewed permit period)
- Maid’s existing work permit card
- Recent payslips or EPF statement showing you still meet the income requirement
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- FOMEMA medical examination results (if renewal is due)
- Updated maid insurance certificate
Your JB maid agency will confirm the exact list based on your maid’s nationality and the current requirements at the time of your renewal. Requirements can be updated by the government, so always confirm the latest list with your agency rather than relying on older information.
Step 3: Complete the FOMEMA Medical Examination
FOMEMA is the Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency, and this health screening is a compulsory part of the work permit renewal process. Your maid needs to undergo the examination and receive a pass result before the renewal can be finalised.
The FOMEMA examination typically costs around RM180 to RM220 and needs to be done at an approved FOMEMA clinic. Your JB maid agency can help you locate the nearest approved clinic and schedule the appointment. The results are usually processed within a few days to a couple of weeks, so factor this into your timeline.
If your maid’s FOMEMA result comes back as unfit, there is a review and appeal process available. Your agency will be able to guide you through the next steps in that situation.
Step 4: Renew the Government Levy
The annual foreign worker levy must be paid to the government as part of the renewal process. As of 2026, the levy for domestic helpers is approximately RM410 per year. This is the employer’s responsibility and is paid directly to the government, not the agency.
Your JB maid agency will typically handle the levy payment on your behalf as part of the renewal service, or guide you through how to make the payment yourself via the official portal. Always keep your payment receipt as proof.
Step 5: Renew Your Maid’s Insurance
Malaysian law requires all employers to maintain valid insurance coverage for their foreign domestic helpers. As part of the renewal process, make sure your maid’s insurance policy is also renewed or a new policy is purchased. Coverage typically includes hospitalisation, personal accident, and repatriation.
Insurance premiums generally range from RM120 to RM250 per year depending on the policy and provider. Some employers use the same insurer each year for simplicity, while others shop around for better rates. Your JB maid agency can recommend trusted providers if needed.
Step 6: Submit the Renewal Application
Once all documents are ready, FOMEMA is cleared, and payments are in order, the work permit renewal application is submitted to the Immigration Department. If you are working with a JB maid agency, they will typically handle the submission process on your behalf, which saves you from having to navigate the immigration system yourself.
Processing times vary but generally take 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, your maid should continue working normally. Your agency will notify you once the new permit card is ready for collection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the mistakes that trip up the most employers during work permit renewal:
- Waiting too long to start and ending up in a panic as the expiry date approaches
- Forgetting to check the maid’s passport expiry date alongside the work permit
- Not keeping copies of all documents submitted during the renewal process
- Skipping the FOMEMA examination thinking it is optional (it is not)
- Letting the insurance policy lapse without renewing it on time
- Not informing the agency of any changes in employer address or household details
What Happens If the Work Permit Expires Before Renewal Is Done?
If the renewal process is delayed and the work permit expires before the new one is issued, your maid is technically in an overstay situation, which is a serious legal issue. In this case, contact your JB maid agency immediately. They may be able to assist with a special pass or advise on the appropriate steps to take with the Immigration Department.
This is exactly why starting the renewal process 3 months ahead is so important. Having that buffer means even if there are delays, you are unlikely to end up in an expired permit situation.
Can My JB Maid Agency Handle the Entire Renewal for Me?
Yes, and this is one of the best reasons to maintain a good relationship with your maid agency. Most established JB maid agency offices offer a renewal service that handles the paperwork, FOMEMA coordination, levy payment, and permit submission on your behalf. This saves you a significant amount of time and reduces the chance of errors or missed steps.
There is usually a service fee for renewal assistance, which is worth it for the peace of mind and time saved. Ask your agency about their renewal service package early so you know exactly what is covered.
AP Fomas Makes Maid Work Permit Renewal Easy
At AP Fomas, we help Johor Bahru employers handle work permit renewals smoothly and on time every year. Our team keeps track of renewal schedules, reminds you when it is time to start, and manages the full process from document preparation to permit submission. If your maid’s permit renewal is coming up or you want to get ahead of the schedule, reach out to our JB maid agency team today. We are always happy to help!
