Short answerMOM caps the fee an agency can collect from a helper at one month of her fixed monthly salary for each year of service, up to two months' salary. There is no cap on what an agency charges employers. If her employment ends within six months, the agency must refund at least 50% of your service fees when the refund conditions are met.
The cap protects the helper
An agency may collect from a helper no more than one month of her fixed monthly salary (basic salary plus fixed allowances) for each year of service, capped at two months' salary in total. MOM explains why it caps helper fees but not employer fees: employers have more bargaining power, while workers often know less and have little say over which agency they use.
No cap on what you pay
MOM removed the cap on fees agencies charge employers. Compare agencies and ask for an itemised quote. See typical agency fees.
The 50% refund rule
For contracts signed with an agency on or after 1 June 2022, the agency must refund at least 50% of your service fees if the helper's employment ends within the first six months and the refund conditions are met.
- Agencies cannot pro-rate it or set their own terms.
- Some costs are excluded, such as government fees for the work permit, medical exam and Settling-In Programme, costs set by her home country, third-party training you asked for, and her placement loan.
- Tell the agency before you cancel, transfer or repatriate her. The agency must pay within 14 working days of your written request or the work permit cancellation, whichever is later.
Filipino helpers
The Philippine Migrant Workers Office states that no placement fee may be charged to Filipino domestic workers, and no salary deductions may be made to recover recruitment costs.
Sources, checked 15 Oct 2026: MOM FAQ, How much workers pay an EA; MOM forum reply on EA fees (2024); MOM FAQ on employer fees; MOM, Refund of EA service fee; Philippine Migrant Workers Office, Singapore.
Common questions
Is there a cap on maid agency fees in Singapore?
Only on fees charged to the helper: at most one month of her fixed monthly salary per year of service, capped at two months' salary. MOM does not cap the fees agencies charge employers.
Can I get my maid agency fee back?
If the helper's employment ends within six months and refund conditions are met, the agency must refund at least 50% of your service fees, within 14 working days. This applies to agency contracts from 1 June 2022.
What is not covered by the agency fee refund?
Government and home-country costs such as work permit and medical fees, third-party training you requested, and the helper's placement loan.