Summary:
- Hiring a maid in Singapore costs around $1,200 per month on average, with first-year totals typically ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 once agency fees and setup costs are included.
- Upfront costs include agency fees ($1,000 to $3,000), a $5,000 security bond, maid insurance, Work Permit fees ($70), and the Settling-In Programme fee ($76.40) for first-time helpers.
- Monthly costs cover salary (from $500 for new helpers, depending on nationality), the $300 standard levy or $60 concessionary rate for qualifying households, and daily living expenses.
- Costs families often miss include 6-monthly medical exams, rest day compensation, Work Permit renewal fees, and the home-leave air ticket at the end of contract.
- A MOM-licensed agency with transparent fees and genuine after-placement support helps families avoid hidden costs.
Hiring a domestic helper is a significant household decision, and cost is a big part of that. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), there were 316,900 migrant domestic workers in Singapore as of December 2025 — making helpers a familiar part of daily life for many local families.
But the monthly salary is only one piece of the picture. Beyond that, families need to account for levy payments, insurance, agency fees, medical examinations, and daily expenses that come with employing someone in your home.
What Does It Really Cost to Hire an FDW in Singapore?
The cost of hiring a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) — also referred to as a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) — usually falls into 3 areas: upfront one-time costs, recurring monthly expenses, and smaller costs that tend to catch families off-guard.
Based on current market figures, most households spend around $1,200 per month once salary, levy, insurance, and daily living expenses are added up. In the first year, after one-off costs such as agency fees, the security bond, and the Settling-In Programme, the total typically ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. This is an approximate figure — the actual amount depends on the helper’s nationality, experience, and whether the household qualifies for the concessionary levy.
Upfront Costs: Maid Agency Fees and Documentation
Before your helper starts work, there are several one-time costs to settle. Whether you are bringing someone over from overseas or hiring a transfer maid already in Singapore, most of these apply in both cases.
| Cost Item | Typical Amount |
| Maid Agency Fee | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Work Permit Application + Issuance | $70 ($35 at submission + $35 on issuance) |
| Settling-In Programme (SIP) | $76.40 (first-time helpers from overseas only) |
| Security Bond (non-Malaysian helpers) | $5,000 |
| Pre-Employment Medical Examination | $30–$60 |
| Maid Insurance (2-year plan) | $500–$750 |
Agency fees cover candidate sourcing, documentation, Work Permit application, and basic post-placement support. Always ask for a written cost breakdown before committing — a good agency provides this without hesitation.
The $5,000 security bond is required by MOM for all non-Malaysian helpers, typically arranged as an insurance guarantee. The Settling-In Programme is compulsory for first-time helpers; the $76.40 fee is paid by the employer. Transfer maids do not need to attend.
Placement Loan Explained: What Employers Need to Know
A placement loan covers the costs your helper incurs before arriving — overseas agency fees, training, and medical screening. Under MOM rules, deductions are capped at 2 months’ salary for a 2-year contract and should not exceed 25% of one month’s pay. A reliable agency explains the loan amount and repayment schedule to both parties before the contract begins.
Not getting straight answers on costs? Reach out to us for a full written breakdown before you commit. Let us handle the Work Permit application from start to finish.
Monthly Costs That Include Salary, Levy, and Insurance
Once your helper starts work, the following costs recur throughout the contract.
What Is a Fair Maid Salary Range to Pay in 2026?
Singapore does not set a minimum wage for MDWs. Each helper’s home country sets its own embassy-mandated minimum, which serves as the baseline employers are expected to meet.
| Nationality | Embassy Minimum | Typical Market Range |
| Myanmar | $500 | $500–$550 (entry-level); $550–$650 (experienced) |
| Indonesian | $550 | $550–$600 (entry-level); $600–$700 (experienced) |
| Filipino | $600 | $600–$650 (entry-level); $650–$750+ (experienced) |
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) sets the $600 floor for Filipino helpers; the Indonesian Embassy enforces the $550 minimum; the Myanmar Embassy has historically set the $500 baseline. Helpers with specialist skills — infant care, eldercare, or disability care — typically earn above these ranges, as do transfer maids with existing Singapore experience. Whatever salary is agreed, it must be declared to MOM and paid in full each month.
Maid Levy in Singapore 2026: Rates and Concessions
The maid levy is a monthly government fee paid directly to MOM, separate from the helper’s salary. The 2026 rates are:
| Levy Type | Monthly Rate |
| Standard rate (first MDW) | $300 |
| Standard rate (second MDW) | $450 |
| Concessionary rate | $60 |
Households qualify if they live with a Singapore citizen who is a child below 16, an elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities — a saving of $240 per month, or $2,880 a year. Check your eligibility before the Work Permit is issued.
What Is the Maid Insurance Cost, and What Is Recommended
MOM requires 2 types of insurance before your helper begins work: medical insurance with minimum coverage of $60,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery, and personal accident insurance with minimum coverage of $60,000 per year.
Basic plans meeting both requirements typically cost around $500 for a 26-month period; more comprehensive plans range from $600 to $750.
Which Costs Do Families Usually Miss?
Beyond salary, levy, and insurance, several smaller costs surface regularly throughout a two-year contract. Accounting for them at the start prevents the kind of quiet budget creep that catches many first-time employers out.
| Often-Overlooked Cost | What to Know |
| Daily living expenses | Food, toiletries, mobile data, and transport for your helper’s day-to-day needs |
| Rest day compensation | Required by MOM when a helper works on her rest day; at least one rest day per month must be taken and cannot be compensated under any arrangement |
| 6-monthly medical examination | Mandatory throughout employment; typically $30–$50 per visit |
| Work Permit renewal | $70 per renewal, due every 2 years |
| Home-leave air ticket | A return ticket to the helper’s home country, usually at the end of contract as agreed in the employment terms |
| Replacement or transfer fees | May apply if the placement does not work out for either party |
How Do You Choose the Right Maid Agency in Singapore?
A good maid agency does more than find a candidate — it screens helpers, manages paperwork, and stays available after placement. When comparing agencies, look out for:
- MOM Licensing: Check the agency’s licence number directly on MOM’s website before committing. This is non-negotiable.
- Transparent Fee Breakdown: Reliable agencies provide written quotations covering every cost — not just the headline placement fee. If a breakdown is not offered upfront, ask for one.
- MOM Customer Service Rating: MOM publishes customer ratings for employment agencies that place MDWs, based on employer feedback. These are worth reviewing when shortlisting.
- Replacement Policy: Find out how replacements are handled if the placement does not suit your household, and whether any fees apply.
- After-Placement Support: The best agencies remain available after your helper starts work. A good placement is built on more than paperwork — having someone to call when questions arise makes a real difference.
Cheaper is not always better. The right agency finds a helper who fits and stays — and that is always more cost-effective than managing a transfer.
Plan Your Budget with Confidence — Speak to Jayamaids Today
At Jayamaids, we help Singapore families plan their helper budget with transparent fees, honest advice, and experienced helpers matched to your household — whether you need support with childcare, eldercare, cooking, or housekeeping.
Get in touch with us for a full cost breakdown or to arrange a helper interview at your convenience.
