I've been following this posting because I'm in a similar situation, but we arrived a week and a half ago, and I have about a month before I start work. Here's what I've found out since arriving.
1. There is a sequenced order of things that you need to get in order to hire a foreign domestic worker who will live with you. While you are waiting for things to process, you can be looking for and interviewing women who are looking to transfer either because their expat families are leaving Singapore or because they don't like the families they are working for.
2. You and/or your spouse will need an employment pass / dependent pass because this will be required for you to get a Singpass, and you will need to get a Singpass in order to apply for the required course you have to take before you hire a domestic worker.
3. To get the employment pass or dependent pass, the workplace submits the application in advance of your arrival and you receive a preliminary approval from the government with your pass number on it. Then, all members of your family must be present at the Employment Pass Services Center when you submit this information as well as your passport information. The Employment Pass Services Center is centrally located across from the Clarke Quay MRT at The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, fourth floor, #04-01/02.
http://www.mom.gov.sg/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx Scroll down to where it says “Employment Pass Services Center.â€Â