How Much Do Maid Agencies Cost in Singapore? (2026 Guide)

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore involves more than a single agency fee. Employers pay a combination of one-off placement costs and ongoing monthly expenses, including the helper’s salary, the monthly foreign domestic worker levy, maid insurance, and a security bond. The total first-year cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore typically ranges from SGD $6,000 to over $10,000 once all mandatory expenses are factored in, depending on the helper’s nationality, experience, and the agency you choose.

Costs vary significantly because agencies differ in what they include within their placement fee. Some bundle documentation, the Settling-In Programme (SIP), and work permit applications into one price. Others quote a low headline fee and charge separately for each component. The helper’s country of origin also plays a role, since Filipino, Indonesian, and Malaysian domestic helpers each come with different salary expectations, levy rates, and documentation requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

What Do Maid Agencies Cost in Singapore?

The agency placement fee itself typically runs between SGD $1,000 and $3,500. Budget agencies handling transfer helpers (domestic workers already in Singapore switching employers) often charge SGD $800 to $1,200. Agencies placing new helpers from the Philippines or Indonesia generally charge SGD $1,500 to $2,800. Premium agencies offering dedicated matching, background checks, and post-placement support can charge SGD $3,000 to $4,500 or more. On top of the agency fee, employers must budget for a security bond of SGD $5,000 (waived for Malaysian helpers and covered by insurance for non-Malaysians at roughly SGD $70 to $100 per year), maid insurance starting at around SGD $300 per year, and the monthly MOM levy of SGD $300 per month (or SGD $76 per month if you qualify for the concessionary rate).

The helper’s monthly salary adds the largest ongoing cost. Filipino helpers typically earn SGD $650 to $800 per month as a starting salary, while Indonesian helpers generally earn SGD $550 to $700. Malaysian helpers, who are fewer in number, often command SGD $700 to $900. The minimum salary benchmarks are set by the respective home country embassies and MOM regulations, and employers are legally required to pay at least the stipulated minimum wage. Adding salary, levy, insurance, and food and accommodation bills, most Singapore households budget SGD $1,200 to $1,600 per month in total ongoing costs once a helper is placed.

Price Breakdown by Service Level

Service Level	What You Get	Typical Price Range (Agency Fee)	Best For
Basic	Transfer helper placement, minimal documentation support, standard MOM application	SGD $800 – $1,200	Employers with prior experience hiring helpers who want low-cost transfers
Standard	New helper from Indonesia or Philippines, full MOM work permit application, SIP registration, basic matching	SGD $1,500 – $2,200	First-time employers hiring a new helper from overseas
Premium	Curated matching, thorough background checks, full documentation handling, post-placement follow-up, replacement guarantee	SGD $2,500 – $3,500	Households with elderly care needs, young children, or specific requirements
High-End / Full-Service	Dedicated account management, trial placements, extended free replacement periods (up to 12 months), skills-matched helpers, employer-side advisory	SGD $3,500 – $4,500+	Busy households or employers who want hands-off, fully managed placement and ongoing support

What Affects the Cost of Maid Agencies in Singapore?

Helper’s Country of Origin

Filipino, Indonesian, and Malaysian domestic helpers come with different minimum salary requirements and levy structures. Filipino helpers are subject to a minimum salary set by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, which tends to be higher than the Indonesian equivalent. The MOM levy for non-Malaysian helpers is SGD $300 per month at the standard rate. Malaysian helpers attract a lower levy and no security bond requirement, making them cheaper to hire administratively, though they are significantly less common in the market.

New Hire Versus Transfer

Hiring a new helper directly from her home country involves airfare (paid by the employer agency or the helper depending on the agreement), home country documentation, a medical examination, and the SIP fee (currently SGD $75). Transfer helpers are already in Singapore, which removes travel costs and reduces processing time. Agencies charge less for transfers because the administrative workload is lower, but the pool of available helpers is smaller and employers have fewer details about the helper’s prior working history.

Placement Fees and What They Include

Some agencies bundle all one-off costs into a single placement fee, covering the MOM work permit application fee (SGD $35 per application), the SIP registration, maid insurance for the first year, and the security bond arrangement. Others list a low agency fee and add each component separately. When comparing agencies, always request an itemised breakdown. The true cost difference between a SGD $1,200 fee with add-ons and a SGD $2,000 all-inclusive fee can be minimal once all charges are tallied.

Replacement Guarantees and Aftercare

Agencies that offer a free replacement period (typically 3 to 6 months, and up to 12 months at the premium end) charge more upfront because they bear the cost risk if a placement does not work out. This can be worth paying for, particularly for households that have had previous mismatches or have complex care requirements such as elderly relatives or children with special needs. Agencies with no replacement guarantee may look cheaper initially but can cost more if a second placement is needed.

Agency Accreditation and MOM Licensing

All employment agencies placing domestic helpers in Singapore must be licensed by MOM and are rated under the CAS (Code of Practice for Employment Agencies) star rating system. Agencies with higher star ratings have demonstrated compliance records and lower dispute rates. Many reputable licensed agencies charge a mid-to-premium price. Choosing an unlicensed or very low-rated agency to save money can result in MOM regulatory issues, problematic placements, and no legal recourse if something goes wrong.

How to Get Accurate Quotes

1. List your specific requirements before contacting agencies. Note whether you need care for young children, elderly family members, or general household work, your preferred helper nationality, and whether you are open to a transfer or want a new helper. This lets agencies give you a relevant quote rather than a generic range.
2. Request a full itemised cost breakdown from at least three licensed agencies. Ask for the agency fee, work permit application cost, SIP fee, security bond arrangement cost, maid insurance premium, and any first-month salary advance or deposit the agency collects. Compare total first-year costs, not headline fees alone.
3. Check each agency’s MOM licence and CAS star rating on the MOM website before requesting quotes. Only engage agencies with an active licence. A two or three-star rating indicates a stronger compliance track record.
4. Ask specifically about the replacement policy. Find out the conditions under which a free replacement is offered, how long the period lasts, and whether you pay additional fees for a replacement placement. Get this in writing before signing any agreement.
5. Clarify ongoing responsibilities. Confirm what the agency handles after placement, including assistance with levy payments, work permit renewal (due every two years, at SGD $35 per application), and support if disputes arise between you and your helper.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Agencies that cannot provide their MOM licence number on request, or whose licence cannot be verified on the MOM employment agency directory. Operating through an unlicensed agent is illegal and leaves employers without recourse.
• Quotes with no itemisation. A single lump-sum fee with no breakdown makes it impossible to know what is included, and can conceal additional charges that appear later in the process.
• Agencies that ask employers to pay the helper’s placement loan on top of the agency fee. MOM regulations cap the amount a helper can be charged by her home country agent, and employers are not required to pay off a helper’s debt to a third party.
• Promises of unusually low helper salaries below the mandated minimums set by home country embassies. Paying below the minimum wage is illegal and can result in MOM penalties for employers.
• No written contract or service agreement before payment. Reputable agencies provide a contract covering the agency fee, replacement terms, and obligations of both parties before any money changes hands.
• Pressure to decide quickly or place a deposit before reviewing a helper’s profile. High-pressure tactics around a decision that involves a long-term working relationship and significant financial commitment are a consistent indicator of poor agency practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do maid agencies cost in Singapore on average?

The agency placement fee averages SGD $1,500 to $2,500 for a standard new helper placement. When combined with the mandatory security bond insurance (around SGD $70 to $100), maid insurance (from SGD $300 per year), the MOM work permit application (SGD $35), and the SIP fee (SGD $75), total one-off hiring costs typically land between SGD $2,000 and $3,500 before the helper’s salary and monthly levy begin. The levy is SGD $300 per month at the standard rate, bringing the total first-year expense to roughly SGD $6,600 to $8,600 for most households.

Why are some maid agencies prices so much cheaper?

Lower-priced agencies often specialise in transfer helpers already in Singapore, which cuts out airfare and home country documentation costs. Some also offer minimal aftercare, no replacement guarantees, and limited matching support, which reduces their operational costs. A very low fee can also indicate that the agency collects a larger commission directly from the helper or her home country agent, which shifts the financial burden onto the worker. Always ask what is excluded from a low quote before assuming it represents genuine savings.

Is it worth paying more for maid agencies in Singapore?

For households with specific needs such as infant care, eldercare, or a previous unsuccessful placement, paying for a premium agency with a thorough matching process and a 6 to 12-month replacement guarantee often saves money over time. A second placement through a cheap agency with no replacement policy can cost another SGD $1,500 to $2,500 in agency fees alone, plus the administrative disruption. For employers who have hired successfully before and are comfortable managing the process, a mid-range or even basic-tier agency may be entirely adequate.

Budgeting accurately for a domestic helper in Singapore means looking past the agency fee to the full picture: salary, levy, insurance, bond, and renewal costs every two years. Choosing an MOM-licensed agency with a clear written agreement and an itemised fee structure protects both employer and helper, and gives you a reliable starting point for what is a significant and ongoing household commitment.

For a curated list of top-rated providers, see our guide: Best Maid Agencies in Singapore (2026).