How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Maid in Singapore? (2025 Guide)

Introduction

One of the most common questions from first-time employers is: "How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore?" If you're expecting a simple answer, you might be surprised. The true cost goes well beyond just the monthly salary—it includes agency fees, government levies, insurance premiums, medical checkups, and several other expenses that can add up quickly.

Understanding these costs upfront is crucial for proper budgeting and avoiding financial surprises. Whether you're hiring a new domestic helper or considering a transfer maid, this comprehensive guide breaks down every expense you'll encounter in 2025.

You may read our blog on the complete guide - Considerations Before Hiring a Maid / Domestic Helper in Singapore

Breakdown of Costs (Hire a maid)

1. Maid Agency Fees

Maid agency fees in Singapore typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the services provided and the helper's nationality. These fees usually cover screening and interviewing potential helpers, arranging for medical examinations, and handling work permit applications and insurance.

What's included in agency fees:

• Recruitment and matching services

• Background verification and interviews

• Work permit application processing

• Medical examination arrangements

• Documentation and paperwork handling

• Initial orientation and training

Pro tip: If a maid agency advertises fees below $100 or even free, be aware that the agency will need to make up for this cost somehow. Always ask for transparent pricing to avoid hidden charges later.

2. Transfer Fee

For transfer maids (helpers switching employers), expect to pay $300–500 in transfer fees. Transfer maids can be a more economical option as they already have experience working in Singapore and may require less orientation.

3. Maid Levy

The standard levy is $300 per month, but you can qualify for a concessionary rate of $60 per month if you meet specific criteria. The concessionary rate applies to households with:

• Elderly persons (aged 67 and above)

• Young children (below 16 years old)

• Persons with disabilities

This levy is paid monthly to MOM and is separate from your helper's salary.

4. Maid Insurance

Based on quotes from various insurance companies, you can expect to pay around $400 to $600 under the current medical requirements. This covers the mandatory medical and personal accident insurance with minimum coverage of $60,000 each, typically valid for 2 years.

5. Security Bond

A refundable $5,000 security bond is required for all non-Malaysian foreign domestic workers. This bond ensures compliance with work permit conditions and is refundable upon successful completion of the employment contract.

6. Medical Check-ups

MOM requires you to send your MDW for a six-monthly medical examination (6ME) to detect signs of abuse. Budget around $100–150 annually for these mandatory health screenings.

Salary Expectations (2025)

The salary of a domestic helper in Singapore ranges from about $400 to $650 per month, depending on the nationality of your maid and the agency through which you hire her.

Current salary ranges by nationality:

• Myanmar Maid – $500–650/month

• Indonesian Maid – $550–700/month

• Philippine Maid – $600–750/month

• Transfer Maids – May request 10-20% higher due to local experience and proven track record

Remember that these are base salaries before overtime pay, which must be paid for work beyond normal hours at rates specified in the employment contract. Expenses may differ between a Myanmar maid vs Indonesian maid.

Hidden Costs Employers Often Forget

Beyond the obvious expenses, several smaller costs can catch first-time employers off guard:

Mandatory Programs and Renewals:

• Settling-In Programme (SIP) for new helpers: $75

• Work permit renewal fee: $35 (every 2 years)

• Replacement of lost work permit: $60

Travel and Repatriation:

• Airfare for repatriation (if contract ends early or helper requests to return home)

• Airport pickup costs for new arrivals

• Potential costs for emergency travel documents

Household Integration:

• Initial clothing and personal items

• Mobile phone or allowance for communication

• Training materials or courses for specialized care (elderly care, infant care)

Replacement Costs:

• Agency fees for finding replacement helpers if the current one leaves

• Potential overlap period where you're paying two helpers during transition

Additional Considerations for 2025

Enhanced Insurance Requirements: With recent changes to insurance requirements, the coverage limits have increased, providing better protection but also slightly higher premiums. The good news is that age-differentiated premiums mean younger helpers (50 and below) may qualify for lower insurance rates.

Agency Service Evolution: Many agencies now offer comprehensive packages that include post-placement support, training programs, and 24/7 helplines. While these services increase the upfront agency fee, they often provide better value through reduced turnover and improved helper performance.

Digital Processing: More agencies are digitizing their processes, which can reduce processing time and sometimes lower administrative costs. This efficiency may translate to competitive pricing in a crowded market.

Budgeting for Your Maid: Total First-Year Costs

For a new maid from overseas:

• Agency fees: $1,000–3,000

• Security bond: $5,000 (refundable)

• Insurance (2 years): $400–600

• Levy (12 months): $3,600 standard / $720 concessionary

• Medical checkups: $150

• Miscellaneous (SIP, permits): $150

• First-year salary: $6,000–8,400

Total upfront investment: $11,300–20,900 (excluding refundable bond)

For a transfer maid:

• Transfer fee: $300–500

• Security bond: Usually transferred

• Insurance: May need renewal

• Potentially lower total costs due to reduced agency fees and no initial setup requirements

Conclusion

Hiring a maid in Singapore is a significant financial investment that extends well beyond the monthly salary. Understanding both the fixed costs (levy, insurance, agency fees) and variable costs (salary, medical expenses, potential replacement fees) is crucial for making an informed decision.

The key to managing these costs effectively is working with reputable agencies that provide transparent pricing and comprehensive support. While the upfront investment may seem substantial, the peace of mind and household support a reliable domestic helper provides often justifies the expense for busy families.

When budgeting, always factor in a contingency fund for unexpected costs like medical emergencies, early contract termination, or replacement scenarios. This preparation ensures you can maintain consistent household help without financial strain.

Looking for transparent pricing with no hidden charges? Immersion KAS Pte Ltd provides comprehensive maid placement services with clear, upfront cost breakdowns to help you budget effectively for your domestic helper needs.