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Published on 30 Jun 2025 by Xyla P.
Hiring a domestic worker in Singapore can be life-changing for many households, offering essential support in daily chores, childcare, elderly care, and more.
Whether you're a first-time employer or looking to replace your current helper, understanding how maid agencies work, and what your other options are, can help you make an informed and cost-effective decision.
1. How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore?
The total domestic worker payment goes beyond just salary. On average, maid salary in Singapore ranges from $550 to $800 per month, depending on the helper's experience, nationality, and skillset. However, agency-related costs can add a significant upfront expense.
Let’s break down what you typically pay through a domestic maid agency:
- Maid agency service fee: $1,000–$2,000+
- Maid transfer fee: $300–$600 (if hiring a transfer maid)
- Medical and work permit costs: Varies
- Insurance and security bond: $250–$500
- Airfare and onboarding expenses
In total, how much to hire a maid in Singapore can be between $2,000 to $5,000 initially, depending on the agency and type of maid you hire.
2. Direct hiring vs. agency hiring
While many families go through a MOM maid agency (licensed by the Ministry of Manpower), direct hiring is increasingly popular among employers who want to cut down on costs and have more control over the selection process. With platforms like Ministry of Helpers, you can hire a domestic worker (MDW Singapore) directly, no placement fee, no hidden charges, and no debt for the helper.
This creates a win-win situation:
- Employers save on maid agency fees
- Helpers get to keep their earnings from day 1
3. Singapore maid rules and regulations you should know
Whether you're hiring through a recommended maid agency in Singapore or directly, you must comply with Singapore maid rules and regulations:
- Helpers must be aged 23 to 50 years old at the time of application
- Employers must attend the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) (if hiring for the first time)
- You must purchase medical and personal accident insurance
- A $5,000 security bond is required (unless helper is Malaysian)
- Adhere to mandatory weekly rest days or provide compensation
Make sure your chosen domestic maid agency or platform is transparent about these rules and assists you with all documentation.

4. What is a transfer maid and how much is the transfer maid agency fee?
A transfer maid is a helper already in Singapore who is switching employers. Hiring a transfer maid is usually faster and slightly cheaper. The transfer maid agency fee can range between $300 to $800, depending on the agency’s services.
It’s essential to work with a trustworthy transfer maid agency that ensures the helper is legally allowed to transfer and that all MOM procedures are followed correctly.
5. Choosing the right support: Agency or platform?
When deciding whether to go with a domestic maid agency or a digital hiring platform like Ministry of Helpers, consider the following:
When choosing between a traditional domestic maid agency and a modern hiring platform like Ministry of Helpers, it's important to weigh the key differences. Traditional agencies often come with high upfront costs and varying levels of transparency, depending on the agency. The speed of hiring also depends on the agency’s availability, and employers may have limited control over the selection process, often relying on the agency to shortlist candidates. Post-hire support can vary and may not always be consistent.
In contrast, Ministry of Helpers offers a more transparent and flexible approach. We work closely with reliable agencies but keep the process open and accessible to employers. You benefit from low or no placement fees, access to detailed helper profiles, and the ability to personally connect and interview potential domestic workers. After hiring, we provide ongoing support through digital tools for scheduling, task management, and contract generation, helping you manage your household with greater ease and confidence.
6. Why Ministry of Helpers is the smarter Choice
Ministry of Helpers is not a maid agency, we are a trusted platform that partners with reliable, MOM-licensed agencies to offer a smarter, more transparent way to hire a domestic worker in Singapore. We simplify and humanise the hiring journey for both employers and helpers by working hand-in-hand with vetted agencies to provide:
- Digital tools for scheduling, contracts, and task management
- Access to trained, verified domestic workers from reputable agencies
- Clear guidance on all MOM regulations and hiring requirements
Our mission is to build a future of fair, empowered domestic work in Singapore, starting with ethical hiring, agency collaboration, and ongoing support for all parties.
You might be interested in:
Agency Red Flags: What to Watch Out for When Hiring a Helper in Singapore
Things to Know About New Helpers in Singapore
A Complete Guide to Hiring Filipino Helpers in Singapore
Hiring a domestic worker in Singapore can be life-changing for many households, offering essential support in daily chores, childcare, elderly care, and more.
Whether you're a first-time employer or looking to replace your current helper, understanding how maid agencies work, and what your other options are, can help you make an informed and cost-effective decision.
1. How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore?
The total domestic worker payment goes beyond just salary. On average, maid salary in Singapore ranges from $550 to $800 per month, depending on the helper's experience, nationality, and skillset. However, agency-related costs can add a significant upfront expense.
Let’s break down what you typically pay through a domestic maid agency:
- Maid agency service fee: $1,000–$2,000+
- Maid transfer fee: $300–$600 (if hiring a transfer maid)
- Medical and work permit costs: Varies
- Insurance and security bond: $250–$500
- Airfare and onboarding expenses
In total, how much to hire a maid in Singapore can be between $2,000 to $5,000 initially, depending on the agency and type of maid you hire.
2. Direct hiring vs. agency hiring
While many families go through a MOM maid agency (licensed by the Ministry of Manpower), direct hiring is increasingly popular among employers who want to cut down on costs and have more control over the selection process. With platforms like Ministry of Helpers, you can hire a domestic worker (MDW Singapore) directly, no placement fee, no hidden charges, and no debt for the helper.
This creates a win-win situation:
- Employers save on maid agency fees
- Helpers get to keep their earnings from day 1
3. Singapore maid rules and regulations you should know
Whether you're hiring through a recommended maid agency in Singapore or directly, you must comply with Singapore maid rules and regulations:
- Helpers must be aged 23 to 50 years old at the time of application
- Employers must attend the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) (if hiring for the first time)
- You must purchase medical and personal accident insurance
- A $5,000 security bond is required (unless helper is Malaysian)
- Adhere to mandatory weekly rest days or provide compensation
Make sure your chosen domestic maid agency or platform is transparent about these rules and assists you with all documentation.
4. What is a transfer maid and how much is the transfer maid agency fee?
A transfer maid is a helper already in Singapore who is switching employers. Hiring a transfer maid is usually faster and slightly cheaper. The transfer maid agency fee can range between $300 to $800, depending on the agency’s services.
It’s essential to work with a trustworthy transfer maid agency that ensures the helper is legally allowed to transfer and that all MOM procedures are followed correctly.
5. Choosing the right support: Agency or platform?
When deciding whether to go with a domestic maid agency or a digital hiring platform like Ministry of Helpers, consider the following:
When choosing between a traditional domestic maid agency and a modern hiring platform like Ministry of Helpers, it's important to weigh the key differences. Traditional agencies often come with high upfront costs and varying levels of transparency, depending on the agency. The speed of hiring also depends on the agency’s availability, and employers may have limited control over the selection process, often relying on the agency to shortlist candidates. Post-hire support can vary and may not always be consistent.
In contrast, Ministry of Helpers offers a more transparent and flexible approach. We work closely with reliable agencies but keep the process open and accessible to employers. You benefit from low or no placement fees, access to detailed helper profiles, and the ability to personally connect and interview potential domestic workers. After hiring, we provide ongoing support through digital tools for scheduling, task management, and contract generation, helping you manage your household with greater ease and confidence.
6. Why Ministry of Helpers is the smarter Choice
Ministry of Helpers is not a maid agency, we are a trusted platform that partners with reliable, MOM-licensed agencies to offer a smarter, more transparent way to hire a domestic worker in Singapore. We simplify and humanise the hiring journey for both employers and helpers by working hand-in-hand with vetted agencies to provide:
- Digital tools for scheduling, contracts, and task management
- Access to trained, verified domestic workers from reputable agencies
- Clear guidance on all MOM regulations and hiring requirements
Our mission is to build a future of fair, empowered domestic work in Singapore, starting with ethical hiring, agency collaboration, and ongoing support for all parties.
You might be interested in:
Agency Red Flags: What to Watch Out for When Hiring a Helper in Singapore
Things to Know About New Helpers in Singapore
A Complete Guide to Hiring Filipino Helpers in Singapore