Considerations Before Hiring a Maid / Domestic Helper in Singapore

Considerations

Hiring a domestic helper is a life-changing decision for many families in Singapore. Whether you need help with childcare, elderly care, or household chores, the process involves strict Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, financial commitments, and employer responsibilities. This complete guide explains everything employers need to know — from choosing a maid agency, complying with MOM rules, to managing costs and expectations.

Point 1: Understand MOM’s Legal Requirements

Before hiring a maid (Foreign Domestic Worker, FDW), every employer must comply with MOM’s guidelines:

✅ Employer Eligibility — You must be at least 21 years old, not an undischarged bankrupt, and have the financial ability to support a maid’s upkeep.

✅ Approved Source Countries — You can only hire FDWs from MOM-approved countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand.

✅ Mandatory Insurance & Bond — Employers must purchase maid insurance Singapore (medical + personal accident coverage) and, for non-Malaysian helpers, provide a $5,000 security bond.

✅ Medical Examination — Helpers must pass a medical check within 2 weeks of arrival and every 6 months thereafter.

✅ Work Permit — FDWs must have a valid Work Permit before they can start work. Employers cannot employ them on social visit passes.

✅ Rest Days & Welfare — Employers must provide at least 1 rest day per week (can be compensated with extra pay if helper agrees).

Point 2: Decide Between New Maid vs Transfer Maid

When engaging a maid agency or home maid agency, you’ll typically have two options:

A) New Maid — directly from overseas, such as from Myanmar or Indonesia, offers employers a wider selection and a fresh start, often with the possibility of lower salary expectations. However, this option usually comes with higher agency fees and longer processing times, and may also require additional effort for cultural adjustment.

B) Transfer Maid — who is already in Singapore and looking to change employers, can often be hired more quickly since she is already familiar with the local culture and work environment, and in some cases may even be more affordable. However, the selection of transfer maids is usually limited, and employers may need to address issues carried over from previous employment, as well as bear the cost of a transfer fee.

To understand the process of hiring a transfer maid - https://www.immersion-maids.com.sg/post/transfer-maid-in-singapore-is-it-the-right-choice-for-you

Point 3: Costs Employers Must Budget For

Hiring a domestic helper is not just about salary. Employers should expect:

• Maid Agency Fees — S$1,000–3,000 (depending on new or transfer maid).

• Transfer Fee — Admin/service fees if hiring through a transfer maid agency.

• Maid Levy — Monthly levy payable to MOM:

• Standard levy: S$300/month

• Concessionary levy: S$60/month (if living with young children under 16, elderly above 67, or family member with disabilities).

• Maid Insurance Singapore — Typically S$250–400 depending on coverage. Read more here: A Detailed Understanding of Maid Insurance in Singapore - What every employer must know.

• Security Bond — S$5,000 for non-Malaysian helpers.

• Medical & Settling-In Costs — Initial medical exam, Settling-In Programme (SIP) for first-time maids (~S$75).

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the cost involve, check out our 2025 cost guide here: Cost to Hire a Maid in Singapore (v. 2025).

Point 4: Hiring Through a Maid Agency

A licensed maid agency in Singapore makes the process smoother. Here’s what they usually handle:

• Sourcing candidates (Myanmar maid, Indonesia maid, etc.).

Read our blog on - A Comparative Review: Myanmar Maids vs. Indonesian Maids

• Interview arrangements (in person or video).

• Work permit application and approval.

• Insurance and bond purchase.

• Pre-employment medical exams.

• Flight and arrival logistics (for new maids).

• Contract drafting and MOM documentation.

  
  

💡 Tip: Always choose a licensed agency and avoid unlicensed operators promising “cheapest maid agency” deals without compliance.

Point 5: Employer Responsibilities After Hiring

Once your helper begins work, MOM holds you accountable for her welfare and compliance:

• Timely Salary Payment — Pay full salary (as agreed in contract) on time, usually monthly.

• Rest Days — Provide 1 rest day per week, unless mutually agreed to compensate with additional pay.

• Proper Accommodation — Ensure safe, private, and adequate living space.

• Medical Care — Cover all medical expenses not paid by insurance.

• Respectful Treatment — No abuse, confiscation of passports, or illegal deployment.

• Record Keeping — Keep all contracts, payment records, insurance renewals, and levy payments updated.

  
  

Point 6 : Renewal, Replacement, or Termination

• Renew Maid Work Permit — Renew online before expiry (MOM usually sends reminders 8 weeks prior). Fee: S$35. Ensure insurance and bond are also renewed. Read this Step By Step Guide on Renew of Maid's Work Permit.

• Replacement — If your maid leaves during the guarantee period, most agencies provide a replacement at no or reduced fee.

• Termination — If ending employment, you must cancel the Work Permit and arrange for repatriation (air ticket).

Common Mistakes Employers Should Avoid

• Hiring from unlicensed or cheapest maid agency without checking legitimacy.

• Forgetting levy and insurance renewals.

• Not providing medical checks within the required 2-week window.

• Ignoring rest day rights (can lead to complaints and penalties).

• Assuming transfer maids have no extra costs (there are still transfer fee, levy, insurance).

Quick Employer Checklist

• Check if you qualify for concessionary maid levy.

• Choose between new maid or transfer maid (Myanmar maid, Indonesia maid, etc.).

• Budget for maid agency fees, transfer fee, maid insurance, levy, security bond.

• Hire only through a licensed home maid agency or transfer maid agency.

• Provide safe accommodation, fair salary, and proper rest days.

• Track work permit expiry and renew on time.

(How to Choose the Right Maid Agency in Singapore )

Conclusion

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore comes with great benefits — but also serious legal responsibilities. From MOM regulations to financial obligations like maid levy, maid insurance, and transfer fee, employers must be well-informed before making a decision. By partnering with a transparent and licensed maid agency, you can ensure a smooth, compliant, and stress-free hiring process.

Whether you are looking for a Myanmar maid, Indonesia maid, or a transfer maid, remember: the key is to balance cost, compliance, and care. A responsible employer not only secures reliable help at home but also builds a positive, long-lasting working relationship.

Partnering With Immersion KAS Pte Ltd 

Immersion KAS Maid Agency, is a licensed and transparent maid agency based in Singapore. We go beyond standard maid agency services. Our team provides:

• Personalized matching with Filipino, Myanmar, and Indonesian helpers

• MOM-compliant processing of permits, medical checks, and insurance

• Continuous support for both employers and helpers

We ensure a smooth, transparent, and hassle-free hiring experience tailored to your family’s needs. Partner with us today for a trusted, professional approach that prioritizes both household harmony and worker welfare. visit https://www.immersion-maids.com.sg/ to find the right helper for your family.