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Many families in Singapore turn to domestic helpers when work, childcare and looking after elderly become difficult to manage on their own. For parents balancing long working days with young children, having someone to help at home can make daily life more manageable. The same goes for households caring for an elderly family member who needs extra support.
Domestic helpers are a familiar part of life in Singapore. According to figures from the Ministry of Manpower, there were 286,300 migrant domestic workers in the country in December 2023. That figure gives an idea of how many households depend on this kind of help.
Having a helper can ease the pressure at home, but it also means taking on regular expenses and a few sizable payments at the start. The monthly salary is only one part of the cost. Agency charges, a maid placement loan, government fees and insurance all need to be considered before you hire.
Here is a breakdown of the main upfront costs to help you plan your budget.
How much should you put aside? The answer depends on the helper you hire and whether you use an agency. There is also a difference between the amount you pay at the beginning and what you spend each month. This guide explains maid agency fees and the other costs of hiring a maid in Singapore, so you can ask the right questions before agreeing to a placement.
The figures in this guide are based on Singapore’s published government rates as of October 2026. They provide a useful starting point for planning your 2027 budget, although some charges may change before you hire.
Upfront hiring expense Estimated amount (S$)
- Agency Fees 1,000–1,500
- Helper placement loan (where applicable) 3,000 – 3900
- Work Permit application and issuance 70
- Settling-In Programme (if required) 75
- Medical Checkup, Transport, Lodging & Visa 500
- Basic Insurance Plan 425.1
Estimated total: 5,000+
These totals are illustrative and include a S$3,000 placement loan only where one applies. SIP applies only when the helper is new to Singapore. Confirm the full quotation before hiring in 2027.
Understanding Maid Agency Fees
A maid agency charges for helping an employer recruit a domestic helper. The work may include finding candidates, arranging interviews, preparing documents and coordinating arrival arrangements. What is included varies, even between packages offered by the same agency.
Ask for a written quotation rather than relying on the price in an advertisement. A low headline fee is not especially useful if you later discover that insurance, transport or processing services are charged separately. Find out whether the quotation is for a new helper coming from overseas or a transfer helper already in Singapore.
One point causes particular confusion: an agency service fee and a placement loan are not the same thing. The service fee pays the agency for its work. A placement loan, where applicable, is an advance towards the helper’s recruitment expenses. If you are asked to pay such a loan upfront, ask how repayment will work and what happens if employment ends early. The terms should be clear to both employer and helper.
What You May Pay Before Employment Starts
Work Permit Fees
A migrant domestic worker needs a Work Permit from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The published application fee is S$35, and issuance costs another S$35. That is S$70 in government fees, before any separate charge an agency may make for handling the application.
Security Bond
For migrant domestic workers, employers must arrange a S$5,000 security bond. This figure can look alarming on a cost list, but it is a guarantee, not necessarily S$5,000 handed over
in cash. Employers commonly arrange the bond through a bank or insurer and pay the applicable fee or premium. Ask your provider what you will actually pay and what the guarantee covers. The medical insurance normally will include this 5k security bond that means you don’t have to take out $5000 cash to pay
Insurance
Employers must buy medical insurance for the MDW. MOM requires medical insurance with an annual claim limit of at least S$60,000 for inpatient care and day surgery, and personal accident insurance coverage of at least S$60,000. Prices vary between insurers and policies. Check the benefits and exclusions, not just the premium, because an inexpensive
policy may leave you with higher expenses when medical care is needed. The basic insurance plan from Singlife starts from S$425.10
Medical Checks and Arrival Arrangements
A newly arrived helper must complete a medical examination within 14 days of arrival. First-time helpers must also attend the required Settling-In Programme. Travel, local transport and other arrival arrangements may add to the bill. Some agencies bundle these items; others do not. Ask which costs are included before you pay a deposit.
An Example of Upfront Charges
To compare two agencies fairly, ask each for the same information: its service fee, any placement loan, Work Permit charges, insurance, medical examination costs, travel expenses and any additional administration charges. Compare the total amount of the package fees to see which agency is more reasonable.
If an agency quotes one total figure, request an itemised version. You should be able to identify which payments are government charges, which go to the agency and which relate to the helper’s recruitment.
Monthly Costs: Salary, Levy and Living Expenses
The monthly salary is normally the largest regular payment, but it is not the only one. There is no single MOM-set minimum salary for all domestic helpers. Pay is agreed between
employer and helper, subject to any applicable requirements from the helper’s home country. Experience, language skills and the duties involved can affect expectations.
Country Basic Salary
- Myanmar from S$520
- Indonesia from S$550
- Philippines from S$650
For a simple illustration, suppose you agree on a salary of S$500 a month. You then need to add the migrant domestic worker levy. The published levy is S$300 monthly for a
household’s first helper and S$450 for subsequent helpers. Eligible households can receive a concessionary rate of S$60. Conditions apply, including those relating to qualifying children, older people and persons with disabilities.
Your helper must also receive adequate food and suitable accommodation. Groceries, toiletries and utility use are not usually billed as separate employment fees, but they still affect the family budget. A household might allow S$200 a month for these items; another household could spend more or less.
Here is what one illustrative budget looks like:
Monthly expense Amount
- Helper’s salary S$500
- Concession levy for first helper S$60
- Food and household essentials S$200
Estimated total: S$750
Over a year, that comes to S$9,000 before recruitment costs, insurance renewals and occasional medical or travel expenses.
Rest days should also be discussed before employment starts. Domestic helpers are entitled to weekly rest days, and at least one rest day each month must be taken rather than exchanged for compensation. If the helper agrees to work on a rest day, the employer must provide the compensation.
Costs That Can Appear Later
Employers pay for the regular six-monthly medical examinations required by MOM. Insurance must remain valid, and Work Permits need renewing when due. There may also be costs if a helper changes employers or a placement ends earlier than expected.
When employment ends, the employer is generally responsible for the helper’s return travel in accordance with MOM requirements. It is sensible to keep some money aside for costs that are not part of your normal monthly spending.
Agency Hiring or Direct Hiring?
A Singapore maid agency can take care of much of the recruitment process. That can be helpful when you are hiring for the first time, need assistance interviewing candidates or do not have time to manage paperwork and arrival arrangements yourself.
Direct hiring may reduce the amount paid for agency services, particularly if you already know a transfer helper in Singapore. But it does not remove the employer’s obligations. You still need to follow the Work Permit process and arrange insurance, levy payments and proper living conditions.
Rather than choosing solely on price, consider how much support you need. If you use an agency, ask who will handle questions after the helper starts work and what happens if the arrangement is not suitable.
Ways to Avoid Unnecessary Charges
Start by comparing full quotations, not just agency fees. Ask when each payment is due and whether any part is refundable. Check the replacement terms and how they apply to your particular package. Under MOM’s rules, employment agencies must refund at least 50% of eligible employer-paid service fees if employment ends within the first six months and the relevant conditions are met.
Check whether you qualify for the concessionary levy. A reduction from S$300 to S$60 makes a noticeable difference over twelve months. It is also worth interviewing candidates carefully. Discuss the actual work involved, your household routine, salary, rest days and expectations. A suitable match is more valuable than saving a small amount upfront only to recruit again soon afterwards.
Need Help? Speak to First Maid Pte Ltd
First Maid Pte Ltd has provided maid agency services in Singapore since 2021. If you are considering a helper for childcare, elderly care or household duties, you can contact the agency to discuss your needs and ask about available recruitment arrangements.
Before making a decision, request an itemised quotation covering the agency’s charges and any other payments. You should also ask about replacement arrangements and what support is included after placement. Visit firstmaid.sg to enquire.
Conclusion
The costs of hiring a maid include more than a monthly salary. Government fees, insurance, agency charges, the levy and everyday living expenses all affect what your household will spend. The amount will differ from one family to another.
If you plan on hiring a maid in Singapore in 2027, use current figures as a starting point, then confirm the applicable rates and agency quotation before you commit. A clear breakdown now can prevent misunderstandings later.
You can ask your chosen maid agency for an updated quotation. This will give you a clearer idea of what you’ll actually need to spend in 2027.
