Maid Agency Singapore: 15 FAQs Every Expat Should Know

If you've just relocated to Singapore and are trying to figure out how a maid agency actually works, you're not alone. Almost every expat family we speak to at KakiList has the same string of questions — how much does it cost, what's this MOM levy everyone talks about, and what happens if the helper doesn't work out? This FAQ deep dive answers the questions we hear most often, with real SGD figures so you can budget properly before you sign anything.

In Singapore, a live-in domestic helper (locally called a 'maid' or 'helper', though many now prefer 'helper') is one of the most common household arrangements — far more so than in the US, UK, or Australia. Roughly 1 in 5 households here employs one, so the industry is mature, but the paperwork is very local and can feel overwhelming at first.

Costs and Fees

1. How much does it cost to hire a helper through a maid agency?

Budget SGD 1,000 to SGD 2,500 in agency fees for a fresh transfer helper (one already in Singapore, changing employers), and SGD 3,000 to SGD 6,000 if you're recruiting a new helper directly from Indonesia, Philippines, or Myanmar, which includes her flight, training, and placement costs. On top of that, monthly salary ranges from SGD 550 to SGD 800 depending on experience and nationality, plus the government levy (see below). Compare this to the UK or Australia, where live-in help is rare and nannies cost SGD 3,000+ a month — Singapore's system is genuinely more affordable for full-time household support.

2. What is the Foreign Domestic Worker levy, and how much is it?

The levy is a monthly fee paid to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for the right to employ a foreign domestic worker. As of 2026, it's SGD 300/month for your first helper, or SGD 60/month if you qualify for the concessionary rate (you have a child under 16, an elderly parent aged 67+, or a family member with a disability living with you). It's separate from her salary and is paid directly to MOM via GIRO — most agencies help you set this up during onboarding.

3. Are there other hidden costs I should budget for?

Yes — a few line items surprise first-timers. You'll need Security Bond insurance (from SGD 5 for the full two-year period with most insurers), medical insurance covering at least SGD 15,000 in inpatient care (around SGD 90–200/year), and a mandatory six-monthly medical check-up (around SGD 50–90 each visit). Add in a settling-in programme fee if she's new (about SGD 75, paid once), and her home leave flight if her contract includes it. All-in, first-year costs including agency fee typically land between SGD 6,000 and SGD 9,000.

Process and Paperwork

4. What's the actual process from signing up to the helper starting work?

For a transfer helper already in Singapore, expect 1–2 weeks: you interview candidates, sign the service agreement, apply for the Work Permit online via MOM's portal (agencies usually do this for you), and once approved, she can start immediately. For a new overseas hire, it's 6–10 weeks, since it involves her flying in, a settling-in orientation, and sometimes quarantine-equivalent onboarding depending on source country protocols. Find Maid Agency providers on KakiList who can walk you through the exact timeline for your situation.

5. Do I need to be present for the whole hiring process?

Not entirely — many agencies allow video interviews, which is helpful if you're still overseas finalising your relocation. However, MOM requires the employer (you, the actual person named on the Work Permit) to attend a short in-person or online Employer's Orientation Programme (EOP) before her permit is issued if this is your first time hiring a helper. It takes about 3 hours and covers your legal responsibilities.

6. What documents do I need as the employer?

You'll need your NRIC or passport plus valid Employment Pass/work visa (if you're an expat, you must hold a valid pass with at least 12 months' validity remaining, or be a PR/citizen), proof of income (payslips or IR8A), and your residential address matching where she'll live. If you're renting, some agencies also ask for your tenancy agreement to confirm you have a legitimate household.

Qualifications and Matching

7. Can I request a helper with specific skills, like infant care or eldercare?

Yes, and you should be specific. Agencies categorise helpers by experience — infant care, eldercare, cooking (and cuisine type), pet handling, and housekeeping-only. If you have a newborn or an elderly parent with mobility needs, ask specifically for candidates with documented experience or completed relevant modules under the Settling-In Programme. Expect to pay a slight premium (SGD 50–100 more per month) for helpers with specialised eldercare or infant care training.

8. What if I want someone who speaks English well?

Filipina helpers are generally strongest in English fluency, which is why many expat families from English-speaking countries prefer them, though it comes with slightly higher salary expectations (SGD 650–800). Indonesian and Myanmar helpers are often more budget-friendly (SGD 550–650) with growing English proficiency, especially those who've worked in Singapore for a few years already.

Contracts, Transfers, and Problems

9. What's the standard contract length?

Two years is standard, matching the Work Permit validity, renewable in two-year blocks. Both employer and helper can mutually agree to end it earlier, but you'll need to follow proper repatriation or transfer procedures through MOM — you can't just let her go without paperwork.

10. What happens if the helper doesn't work out in the first few weeks?

Most reputable agencies offer a replacement guarantee — typically a free replacement within 3 to 6 months if things genuinely don't work out (personality mismatch, skill gaps, etc.), though this varies by contract, so read the fine print before signing. This is one of the biggest reasons to use a licensed agency rather than a private arrangement, since informal hires rarely come with this safety net.

11. Can I 'transfer' a helper from another employer instead of hiring fresh?

Yes, and it's often faster and cheaper. A transfer helper is someone currently in Singapore whose previous employment has ended (relocation, family circumstances, etc.) and who is eligible to work for a new employer without leaving the country. Agencies maintain databases of transfer candidates, and since she's already MOM-registered and often has 1–3 years of local experience, the whole process is quicker and agency fees are typically lower than fresh overseas recruitment.

12. What if my helper wants to go home for good, or I'm relocating out of Singapore?

You're responsible for booking and paying for her return flight home at the end of contract, or earlier if employment ends prematurely (unless she resigns voluntarily for personal reasons, in which case terms vary by agreement). If you're leaving Singapore permanently, notify your agency early — they can help arrange either repatriation or, if she wishes to stay in Singapore, facilitate a transfer to a new employer before your own departure date.

13. Are there rest day requirements I should know about?

Yes — MOM mandates at least one rest day per week (usually Sunday), though you can mutually agree to compensate in cash instead of a day off, provided it's documented and she consents. Many expat households in areas like Bukit Timah or Holland Village give Sundays off and helpers gather at void decks, parks, or nearby malls like Serene Centre — a normal and important part of the local rhythm.

14. Do maid agencies help with disputes or salary complaints?

Licensed agencies (check for a valid MOM Employment Agency licence number) are required to assist with mediating disputes and are your first call if there's a disagreement over duties, salary, or conduct. If it escalates, MOM's Foreign Domestic Worker helpline is a free public service that can step in directly.

Final Thoughts

Hiring through a proper maid agency in Singapore isn't complicated once you understand the moving parts — levy, insurance, contract length, and the transfer option. The key is choosing a licensed agency that's transparent about fees upfront and offers a genuine replacement guarantee, rather than the cheapest quote you find online.

Get free quotes from verified providers on KakiList and compare agency fees, helper profiles, and contract terms side by side before you commit.