Step-by-Step Breakdown of Maid Agency Fees in Singapore

When planning to hire a domestic helper, many employers first look at the maid agency fee. However, the total cost of hiring a helper in Singapore goes beyond just one fee.

If you are hiring for the first time, this can feel confusing. A clear breakdown helps you budget properly and avoid surprises. Here is a simple guide to the usual maid agency fee structure and the other costs employers should expect in Singapore.

The maid agency fee is the service fee charged by a licensed agency to support the entire hiring process.

This typically includes:

There is no fixed standard fee set by authorities, so the maid agency fee in Singapore may vary depending on the services included.

Tip: Always review what is included in the package instead of choosing based on price alone.

The first cost most people look at is the agency fee. This is the service fee charged by the agency for helping you source, shortlist, arrange interviews, handle paperwork, and guide you through the hiring process. MOM does not fix one standard employer-facing agency fee, so this amount can vary from one agency to another.

This is why it is important to compare what is actually included. A lower quote may not always mean better value if important services are excluded. When employers ask us about pricing, we always encourage them to look at the full package, not just the headline number.

On top of the agency fee, there are government fees for the Work Permit application process. MOM charges an application fee of S$35 for the Work Permit application. There is also a separate fee when the Work Permit is issued. MOM’s own hiring checklist for FDWs lists the issuance fee as S$30.

These are small compared with the overall hiring cost, but they are still part of the full amount you need to prepare. Employers should also plan ahead for future costs such as maid work permit renewal, which will be required to continue employment.

Insurance is a compulsory part of hiring a helper in Singapore. MOM requires employers to buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance for their migrant domestic workers. The medical insurance must provide at least S$60,000 in annual claim limit.

The premium you pay depends on the insurer and the level of coverage. Some employers only budget for the minimum, but it is worth checking the benefits carefully. Better coverage can make a big difference if your helper needs treatment or hospital care.

Another major cost is the monthly FDW levy. The standard levy is S$300 per month, but households that qualify for the concessionary rate pay S$60 per month for one eligible helper. The concession usually applies when there is a young child, an elderly person, or a person with disability in the household, subject to MOM’s criteria.

This is one of the most commonly overlooked costs because it is ongoing, not one-time. If you are budgeting for a helper, always include the levy in your monthly calculation.

If your helper is non-Malaysian, you must also buy a S$5,000 security bond. This is a requirement from MOM, and it is usually arranged through an insurer or bank as a guarantee rather than paid as cash directly to the government. Malaysian helpers are exempt from this bond requirement.

Some first-time employers miss this because they assume insurance and a bond are the same thing. They are related, but they are not the same cost item.

There may also be training-related costs depending on your situation. First-time employers must complete the Employers’ Orientation Programme before applying for a Work Permit. MOM states that the online EOP costs S$35, while classroom sessions cost S$35 to S$60.

If your helper is a first-time MDW in Singapore, she must attend the Settling-in Programme within 7 days of arrival. MOM’s FDW hiring checklist lists this at S$75.

There are several additional costs that many employers may overlook when planning their budget. While these may seem small at first, they can add up over time.

Common additional fees include:

Under MOM regulations, employers are responsible for the helper’s well-being, including medical care and repatriation. Depending on the agency package, some of these costs may already be included, while others are charged separately.

That is why it is always important to request a full cost breakdown before making a decision.

Understanding the full maid agency fee structure helps you plan better and avoid hidden surprises. Beyond the agency fee itself, employers in Singapore should also budget for insurance, levy, Work Permit fees, and other practical costs that come with hiring a helper.

If you are comparing packages and want a clearer breakdown of what you may actually need to pay, speak with us. Our team can walk you through the costs step by step and help you choose an arrangement that fits your household and budget.