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Published on 19 Sep 2025 by Daniel K
When hiring a domestic helper in Singapore, one of the first questions many employers ask is: “What exactly am I paying for with agency fees?”
It’s a great question and an important one. Hiring a helper is an investment in your household, and knowing where your money goes helps you make better, more confident decisions.
What do agency fees usually cover?
Hiring a domestic helper involves multiple steps and services, which are usually bundled into agency fees. These may include:
- Recruitment & matching – Agencies spend time sourcing and screening helpers to ensure they are suitable for your family’s needs.
- Paperwork & processing – From work permits to contracts, agencies handle the administrative details so employers don’t have to.
- Training & orientation – Many agencies provide training sessions to prepare helpers for life and work in Singapore.
- Medical & insurance arrangements – Helpers must undergo medical checks and employers must purchase insurance policies. Agencies often manage these requirements.
In other words, agency fees are designed to save employers time, effort, and stress.
Why costs vary
Not all agencies charge the same. Some may focus on premium services with higher fees, while others may provide more basic support. As an employer, it’s important to understand whether the fees you pay are truly delivering value or if there are hidden costs you weren’t expecting.
The value of transparency
Hiring a helper is more than a transaction; it’s about building a lasting relationship of trust at home. When fees are clear and services are transparent, employers can feel confident that every dollar spent is creating value for their household.
You might be interested in:
Understanding Maid Transfer Fees in Singapore: What Employers and Helpers Should Know
How to Create a Monthly Budget as a Domestic Helper
Top 5 Qualities Indian Helpers Bring to Your Home
Why More Employers Are Hiring Indian Helpers in Singapore
Maid Levy for Elderly in Singapore: What Employers Need to Know
When hiring a domestic helper in Singapore, one of the first questions many employers ask is: “What exactly am I paying for with agency fees?”
It’s a great question and an important one. Hiring a helper is an investment in your household, and knowing where your money goes helps you make better, more confident decisions.
What do agency fees usually cover?
Hiring a domestic helper involves multiple steps and services, which are usually bundled into agency fees. These may include:
- Recruitment & matching – Agencies spend time sourcing and screening helpers to ensure they are suitable for your family’s needs.
- Paperwork & processing – From work permits to contracts, agencies handle the administrative details so employers don’t have to.
- Training & orientation – Many agencies provide training sessions to prepare helpers for life and work in Singapore.
- Medical & insurance arrangements – Helpers must undergo medical checks and employers must purchase insurance policies. Agencies often manage these requirements.
In other words, agency fees are designed to save employers time, effort, and stress.
Why costs vary
Not all agencies charge the same. Some may focus on premium services with higher fees, while others may provide more basic support. As an employer, it’s important to understand whether the fees you pay are truly delivering value or if there are hidden costs you weren’t expecting.
The value of transparency
Hiring a helper is more than a transaction; it’s about building a lasting relationship of trust at home. When fees are clear and services are transparent, employers can feel confident that every dollar spent is creating value for their household.
You might be interested in:
Understanding Maid Transfer Fees in Singapore: What Employers and Helpers Should Know
How to Create a Monthly Budget as a Domestic Helper
Top 5 Qualities Indian Helpers Bring to Your Home
Why More Employers Are Hiring Indian Helpers in Singapore
Maid Levy for Elderly in Singapore: What Employers Need to Know