Maid Cost Singapore (2026): Complete Hiring Guide
Planning to hire a domestic helper in Singapore? Understanding the cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore helps you set a realistic budget before choosing a candidate. Besides the monthly salary, you need to account for the foreign domestic worker levy, insurance, Work Permit fees, food and accommodation, and possible recruitment expenses.
This guide breaks down the upfront and ongoing costs for employers, explains the difference between hiring directly and using an agency, and shows how to estimate your household budget. All amounts are in Singapore dollars (S$).
1. What Is the Monthly Cost of Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore?
The recurring cost of employing a helper includes more than salary. You should budget for the following:
| Expense | Amount or basis | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Helper's salary | Agreed between employer and helper; subject to applicable requirements | Monthly |
| MDW levy (first helper) | S$300 normal rate, or S$60 concessionary rate if eligible | Monthly |
| MDW levy (subsequent helpers) | S$450 normal rate; concession may apply if eligible | Monthly |
| Food and household necessities | Depends on household arrangements | Ongoing |
| Insurance | Depends on insurer and coverage; budget for renewals | Policy-based |
| Medical care and examinations | Depends on medical needs and applicable requirements | As required |
Unlike the levy, the helper's salary is not a universal fixed amount. Employers should agree on salary and employment terms clearly and pay at least the amount declared to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Official sources: MOM levy rates and MOM salary guidelines.
2. How Much Is the Domestic Helper Levy in Singapore?
The levy is a monthly payment to MOM for employing a migrant domestic worker (MDW). The published rates are:
Who may qualify for the S$60 levy?
Qualifying households may include those with an eligible Singapore citizen child below 16, an eligible elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities who meets the criteria. Additional citizenship, household and documentation conditions can apply. Concessions are limited to one helper per eligible person and up to two helpers per household.
Review the official MOM levy concession rules before including the lower rate in your budget.
3. What Are the Upfront Costs of Hiring a Helper?
Upfront expenses depend on whether you hire a transfer helper already in Singapore or recruit a new helper from overseas.
| Item | Cost / consideration |
|---|---|
| Work Permit application | S$35 per application |
| Work Permit issuance | S$35 per issuance |
| Medical and personal accident insurance | Premium varies by insurer and coverage |
| Security bond (non-Malaysian helper) | S$5,000 guarantee, usually arranged through a bank or insurer; not automatically a S$5,000 cash expense |
| Medical examinations | Charges vary by clinic and required examinations |
| Travel and required programmes | May apply, particularly for overseas recruitment and first-time helpers |
| Employment agency fees | Depend on agency and package, if you choose to use one |
See MOM Work Permit application fees and security bond requirements.
4. Example Monthly Budget for a Domestic Helper
Here is a hypothetical example using an agreed salary of S$700. It is an illustration, not a market salary benchmark or a quote.
| Example expense | Normal levy household | Concessionary levy household |
|---|---|---|
| Illustrative agreed salary | S$700 | S$700 |
| Levy for first helper | S$300 | S$60 |
| Subtotal | S$1,000/month | S$760/month |
| Food, insurance, medical and other costs | Additional | Additional |
This subtotal excludes significant expenses and is not the full monthly cost. Add your own estimated food, insurance, medical and household expenses, plus a reserve for unexpected costs.
Monthly budget = agreed salary + applicable levy + estimated food and household costs + monthly allowance for insurance, medical care and other expenses.
5. Is Direct Hiring Cheaper Than Using a Maid Agency?
Hiring directly may reduce or avoid some employment agency service fees. However, it does not remove your responsibilities for the helper's salary, levy, insurance, Work Permit procedures, accommodation or medical needs.
Using an agency may provide additional recruitment or administrative services, but costs and inclusions vary. When comparing options, ask for a clear itemised breakdown rather than relying only on a headline package price.
DirectHelpers is a marketplace, not an employment agency. It helps employers discover and contact helpers directly. Employers remain responsible for complying with MOM requirements and arranging the necessary employment procedures.
Read our step-by-step guide to hiring a domestic helper in Singapore or guide to directly hiring a transfer helper.
6. Costs to Consider When Hiring a Transfer Helper
A transfer helper is already working in Singapore and may have local household experience. Some overseas recruitment expenses may not apply, but the employer still needs to follow MOM's transfer process and budget for the required employment costs.
- Agree on salary and employment conditions before proceeding.
- Check the required transfer steps and approval from the current employer.
- Confirm applicable insurance, Work Permit and levy arrangements.
- Plan for the helper's start date and any transition expenses.
Browse transfer helpers in Singapore to explore available profiles.
7. How to Budget Before Hiring
- Decide what support your household needs. Childcare, elderly care, cooking and general housekeeping may require different experience.
- Agree on a realistic salary. Consider the role, candidate's experience and expectations.
- Check levy concession eligibility. Do not assume the concession applies automatically in every case.
- Get insurance quotations. Compare coverage and total premium, not just the lowest price.
- List one-time expenses. Include permit fees, medical examinations, travel and any agency charges.
- Build a contingency buffer. Allow for medical bills, changes in household needs and unexpected expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a domestic helper in Singapore?
There is no single fixed amount. Employers pay the agreed salary, applicable levy and other expenses such as insurance, food, medical care and permit fees. Upfront costs vary depending on the hiring route.
What is the monthly maid levy in Singapore?
MOM lists S$300 for the first helper under the normal rate, S$450 for subsequent helpers, and S$60 for eligible concessionary cases. Check the latest MOM rules before applying.
Is the S$5,000 security bond a fee?
No. For a non-Malaysian helper, it is a S$5,000 financial guarantee rather than an automatic S$5,000 cash payment. The cost of arranging a bond depends on the bank or insurer.
How much are Work Permit fees?
MOM lists S$35 for a Work Permit application and S$35 for issuance, where applicable. Other hiring-related costs are separate.
Can I hire a domestic helper without an agency?
Yes, eligible employers can hire directly while following MOM requirements. Direct hiring may avoid some agency service fees, but mandatory employer obligations still apply.
Is there a fixed minimum salary for all domestic helpers?
There is no single universal MOM minimum salary for every migrant domestic worker. Salary arrangements may also be affected by applicable source-country requirements. Employers must pay at least the salary declared to MOM.
Find a Domestic Helper with DirectHelpers
Now that you understand the potential costs, explore helper profiles and find candidates whose experience and availability match your household's needs. Connect directly through the DirectHelpers marketplace.
Browse Helper Profiles โLast reviewed: October 2026. Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal or financial advice. Government requirements, rates and provider prices may change. Verify current rules on MOM's official website before making hiring decisions.