Cost of Hiring a Maid in Singapore: Full Breakdown for Employers

At a glance

When you plan properly, hiring an FDW can be a cost-effective solution for families that need consistent help with childcare, eldercare or household chores. This guide will help you see the full picture clearly, so you can decide if it fits your long-term budget.

At Honest Recruiter, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden charges. All fees are clearly itemised and explained before you commit.

Main cost categories

Broadly, the cost of hiring an FDW falls into four groups:

• One-time costs – agency fees, entry tests, initial medical checks, travel, documentation.
• Monthly recurring costs – salary, levy, food, utilities and ongoing medical needs.
• Compulsory protections – insurance and security bond.
• Living & welfare costs – daily essentials, personal items and occasional allowances.

Understanding each category helps you compare agencies fairly and avoid underestimating your budget.

One-time costs when you first hire a maid

These are costs you usually pay once at the start of hiring your helper. Depending on your chosen agency and helper profile, the exact amounts can differ, but the components are similar.

1. Agency fees

Agency fees cover the work done to:

• Source and screen suitable candidates
• Arrange interviews and match you to the right helper
• Handle paperwork and MOM submissions
• Coordinate insurance, security bond and travel arrangements

2. Maid insurance & security bond (initial)

Maid insurance is compulsory and must meet MOM’s minimum coverage (including personal accident coverage and hospitalisation). Most plans are bought for 14 or 26 months and include the security bond.

While this is paid upfront, it is really a protection for both you and your helper in case of serious illness, accident or unexpected situations.

3. Medical checks and Settling-In Programme (SIP)

For new helpers, there may be:

• Pre-departure medical checks in her home country
• Arrival medical examination in Singapore
• Settling-In Programme (for first-time FDWs in Singapore)

These are usually included in the overall package if you go through an agency. Always ask for them to be shown clearly in your quotation.

4. Travel & documentation

This can include:

• Air ticket to Singapore
• Work permit application and issuance fees
• Passport renewal or documentation, if required

Ongoing monthly costs of hiring an FDW

Once your helper starts work, you commit to several monthly recurring costs for as long as she is employed under you.

1. Monthly salary

The salary depends on nationality, experience and job scope. In general:

• Fresh helpers with no prior experience in Singapore are at the lower range.
• Experienced helpers or those with specialised skills (infant care, eldercare) are higher.
• Transfer helpers with good references may also command higher pay.

Honest Recruiter will advise you on a fair, market-appropriate salary range for your chosen profile, in line with MOM guidelines and ethical practices.

2. Monthly levy

The levy is a fee paid to MOM every month for employing an FDW. Some households may qualify for a concessionary levy if they have:

• Young children (below a certain age), or
• Elderly family members or persons with disabilities who meet MOM criteria.

Your agency can guide you on how to apply for levy concessions if you are eligible.

3. Food, utilities and daily essentials

As an employer, you are responsible for providing:

• Daily meals for your helper
• Reasonable use of utilities (water, electricity, Wi-Fi)
• Basic toiletries and household items needed for her work

While this is not always tracked as a separate “cost line”, it is important to factor it into your monthly budget.

4. Ongoing medical expenses

In addition to the compulsory 6-monthly medical examinations (6ME) required by MOM, you should also be prepared for:

• Clinic visits if she falls sick
• Medication that is not fully covered by insurance

Commonly overlooked costs

Many first-time employers only look at salary and agency fees. Here are some costs that are easy to underestimate:

• Rest day arrangements: Transport or small allowances if she goes out on her off days.
• Personal items: Occasional clothing, footwear or personal care items.
• Public holidays: If she works on a rest day or public holiday, you should compensate her fairly.
• Repatriation costs: Air ticket home when the employment ends, if required under your agreement.
• Replacements: If the match does not work out and you change helpers, there may be additional costs depending on your agency’s policy.

How to budget & compare maid agency quotations

When comparing agencies, don’t just look at the final package price. Use these steps to make a fair comparison:

1. Ask for a fully itemised quotation

Request that all costs be broken down into:

• Agency’s service fee
• Insurance and bond
• Medical, SIP and documentation
• Air ticket and transport
• Any placement-related costs or deductions involving the helper

This makes it easier to see what you are actually paying for and whether it is reasonable.

2. Calculate your realistic monthly commitment

Add up:

• Salary
• Levy (with or without concession)
• Estimated food and utilities
• Average medical and welfare costs

This gives you a more accurate picture of your monthly cash outflow with a live-in helper.

3. Consider value, not just the cheapest option

A very low package may mean:

• Poor support if issues arise later
• Unclear or unfair arrangements for the helper
• Hidden charges that show up only when problems occur

An agency that invests in proper matching, fair treatment and after-sales support can actually save you money in the long run by reducing failed placements and replacements.

Frequently asked questions about FDW costs