Filipino Maids in Singapore: What Families Should Know
Filipino maids are highly sought after in Singapore for their communication skills and warm, family-oriented nature. This guide explains their typical strengths, language abilities, common job scopes and key considerations, so you can decide if a Filipino FDW is suitable for your home.
At a glance
As with any nationality, each helper is an individual. The best match comes from reviewing the person’s experience, temperament, communication style and willingness to learn — not just their country of origin.
At Honest Recruiter, we focus on clear expectations and ethical recruitment so that both families and helpers start off on the right foot.
Why some families choose Filipino maids
Filipino FDWs are a popular choice in Singapore because:
- Strong English communication: Many can communicate comfortably in English from Day 1.
- Childcare experience: A large number have looked after children or infants in previous jobs.
- Confident & independent: Often able to manage routines and tasks with less micro-managing.
- Adaptable: Familiar with city living and overseas work culture.
This makes Filipino helpers especially attractive for families who prioritise smooth communication and active support with kids’ routines and homework.
Language & culture
Filipino helpers typically speak:
- English (often at a conversational level).
- Tagalog and/or other Filipino dialects as their native language.
Because of their English ability, many families find it easier to:
- Explain detailed instructions and routines.
- Leave notes or schedules in English.
- Rely on the helper to communicate with children or elderly who prefer English.
Typical experience & skills of Filipino helpers
Filipino FDWs often bring a wide range of experience:
1. Childcare & infant care
- Caring for babies and young children (feeding, bathing, changing, putting to sleep).
- Supervising older children, homework time and school routines.
- Accompanying children to classes or activities when required.
2. Housekeeping
- Cleaning, laundry, ironing and maintaining a neat, organised home.
- Comfortable with appliances like washing machines, dryers and vacuum cleaners.
3. Cooking
- Filipino dishes and simple Western-style meals.
- Can learn Chinese, Malay or other cuisines with guidance and recipes.
4. Overseas work history
- Many have worked previously in Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East or other countries.
- Familiar with expectations of overseas employers and structured households.
Cost & salary expectations
Salary for Filipino FDWs tends to be:
- Higher than some other nationalities at entry level, due to demand and English ability.
- Further adjusted based on experience, skills and job complexity.
In addition to salary, you should budget for:
- MOM levy.
- Insurance and security bond.
- Food, accommodation and daily essentials.
Is a Filipino maid suitable for your family?
A Filipino helper may be a good fit if:
- You value strong English communication from the start.
- You need reliable help with childcare or infant care.
- You prefer a helper who can manage routines more independently once trained.
You may wish to compare other options if:
- You have a tighter budget and are more price-sensitive.
- You are comfortable with simpler English or non-English communication and can invest more time in training.
How Honest Recruiter screens & supports Filipino helpers
To support a fair and stable working relationship, we:
- Work with trusted partners in the Philippines who follow ethical recruitment practices.
- Review each candidate’s background, references where available, and motivation to work in Singapore.
- Assess communication, attitude and trainability during interviews.
- Brief helpers on Singapore’s expectations, house rules and cultural differences before deployment.
- Provide after-placement support to guide communication and resolve issues early when they arise.
