Short answerTo hire a maid in Singapore, use a licensed agency or hire directly, then apply for her work permit through MOM's FDW eService (SGD 35 to apply, SGD 35 to issue), with first-time employers attending the Employers' Orientation Programme first. Before she arrives you buy a security bond and insurance, and in her first two weeks she has a medical exam and, if she is new to Singapore, the Settling-In Programme.
This follows MOM's own eight-step guide, with links to the detail.
- Agency or direct. A licensed agency handles admin and sourcing, for a fee. Hiring directly can cost less but takes more of your time. It is an offence to use an unlicensed agency: check the licence, and see how to choose an agency.
- Find the right fit. Think about what she will do: cleaning, cooking, children, elderly care, lifting. Cultural fit, religious practice and languages matter too. Check her employment history, and interview her, in person if you can.
- Prepare. First-time employers attend the Employers' Orientation Programme. Then apply for the work permit, buy the bond and insurance (if you use an agency, ask it to explain what its standard insurance package covers), set up GIRO for the levy, prepare safe, private accommodation for her and send her the in-principle approval letter before she travels.
- First week. Settling-In Programme within 7 days (first-timers), medical exam within 14 days, and get the work permit issued.
- Contract and safety agreement. Agree salary, rest days and termination terms in writing, and sign the safety agreement together. See what to put in the contract.
- Salary. Pay on time and in full. Never withhold salary or make unauthorised deductions, for example for food or medicine. Pay rules.
- Clear instructions. Show her how you like things done, set house rules and give her emergency numbers.
- Check in. Expect agency post-placement checks, MOM interviews for first-time helpers, medical exams every six months and random house visits. Ask her often how she is settling in.
Who can hire a helper
- You must be 21 or older, not an undischarged bankrupt, and have the mental capacity to carry out an employer's responsibilities.
- MOM considers your caregiving needs, such as young children or elderly family members, and your ability to support her in acceptable accommodation.
- Married couples can combine incomes in the application. Low-income employers or seniors living alone may be able to apply under a special scheme or using personal savings.
- If children below 7 in your home are not fully vaccinated against measles, your helper must have immunity against measles.
What it costs: MOM fees and requirements
| Item | What MOM states |
|---|---|
| Employers' Orientation Programme (first-time employers) | Classroom SGD 35 to 76; online SGD 29 to 36 |
| Work permit | SGD 35 to apply, SGD 35 to issue, SGD 35 to renew |
| Settling-In Programme (first-time helpers) | SGD 76.40 to 92.65 including GST, paid by the employer |
| Monthly levy | SGD 300 for the first helper, SGD 450 for each additional helper, or SGD 60 at the concessionary rate for households with a young child, an elderly member or a person with disability |
| Security bond | SGD 5,000 for each non-Malaysian helper, as a banker's or insurer's guarantee |
| Insurance | Medical insurance with an annual claim limit of at least SGD 60,000, and personal accident cover of at least SGD 60,000. Premiums vary by insurer. |
| Medical exams | The employer pays for the six-monthly medical examination and any medical costs arising from it |
| Salary | MOM does not set a minimum wage; you must pay at least the salary you declared to MOM. The Philippines sets SGD 650 a month for Filipino helpers on contracts processed from 21 October 2025. |
| Agency fee | Not capped by MOM for employers. If her employment ends within six months and conditions are met, the agency must refund at least 50% of service fees (the rule; typical fees) |
MOM also lists repatriation costs, three meals a day and her medical needs as part of the cost of employing a helper. We do not add these into one total, because premiums, agency fees and salary vary.
Hiring directly, without an agency
MOM says direct hiring could be more affordable, but takes more effort, which may not suit you if you are pressed for time. With Singpass you can do everything yourself in FDW eService: check her employment history, apply for the work permit and get it issued. You handle the sourcing, interviews and paperwork, and first-time employers still attend the Employers' Orientation Programme. If she already works in Singapore, you can transfer her directly with her current employer's consent.
If a live-in helper is not the right fit
A helper must work at your NRIC-registered address, and MOM is not considering live-out options. If you need help for only part of the day, MOM suggests the Household Services Scheme, day care centres or Home Personal Care services. See live-out and part-time options, and for a parent, hiring for elderly care.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM, Eight steps to hiring a helper; MOM, Apply for a Work Permit; MOM, Employer requirements; MOM, Employers' Orientation Programme; MOM, Settling-in Programme; MOM, Paying levy; MOM, Insurance requirements; MOM, Six-monthly medical examination; MOM, Rest days, health and well-being; MOM, Thinking of hiring an MDW; MOM written answer to PQ, 3 Oct 2023; MOM, Paying salary; MOM FAQ on minimum wage; MOM, Refund of EA service fee; Philippine Migrant Workers Office; MOM, MDW eligibility.
Common questions
How do I hire a maid in Singapore?
Choose a licensed agency or hire directly, select a helper, apply for her work permit through MOM, buy the bond and insurance, then complete the Settling-In Programme (first-timers), medical exam and work permit issuance after she arrives.
How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore?
MOM fees include SGD 35 to apply and SGD 35 to issue the work permit, a monthly levy of SGD 300 for a first helper (SGD 60 if you qualify for the concession), a SGD 5,000 security bond for non-Malaysian helpers, and insurance with at least SGD 60,000 medical and SGD 60,000 personal accident cover. Salary, agency fees and premiums vary.
How much does a maid cost per month in Singapore?
Her salary plus the monthly levy. MOM sets no minimum wage, but you must pay at least what you declared; the Philippines requires SGD 650 for Filipino helpers on contracts from 21 October 2025. The levy is SGD 300 for a first helper, or SGD 60 at the concessionary rate. You also provide her meals, accommodation and medical care.
Can I hire a maid without an agency?
Yes. MOM allows direct hiring. It can cost less, but you handle sourcing and paperwork yourself through FDW eService.
What are the criteria to hire a maid in Singapore?
You must be 21 or older, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to carry out an employer's responsibilities. First-time employers must attend the Employers' Orientation Programme. Your helper must be 23 to below 50 when you apply, with at least 8 years of formal education, from an approved source country.
How long does it take to hire a maid?
Through FDW eService, MOM usually decides a work permit application within 1 week. First-time employers must finish the Employers' Orientation Programme at least 2 working days before applying. After she arrives, the permit must be issued within 2 weeks.
Do first-time employers need training?
Yes. First-time employers must attend the Employers' Orientation Programme at least 2 working days before applying for a work permit.