How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Maid in Singapore? 2026 Guide

Hiring a maid in Singapore involves more than the monthly salary.

If you are hiring a domestic helper for the first time, it is easy to look at the agency fee and salary and forget about the other costs involved.

There is the monthly maid levy, insurance, medical examination, Work Permit fees and other expenses to consider.

So, how much should you budget?

Here is a simple breakdown of the main costs involved in hiring a maid in Singapore in 2026.

1. Maid agency fee

If you hire through a maid agency, there will be an agency fee for the services provided.

The fee varies between agencies and depending on the services included. When comparing agencies, look beyond the headline price.

Ask what is included in the fee. For example:

• Helper sourcing and selection

• Interviews

• Documentation

• Work Permit application

• Insurance arrangements

• Pre-arrival support

• Replacement policy

• After-placement support

A lower agency fee does not always mean lower overall cost. It is worth understanding exactly what you are paying for and what support you receive after your helper starts work.

1. Your maid's monthly salary

Your helper's salary is one of the biggest ongoing expenses.

The amount depends on factors such as her nationality, previous experience, skills and the salary agreed between employer and helper.

There is no single salary that applies to every domestic helper.

If you are looking for a helper with specific experience, such as infant care, elderly care or cooking, you might need to consider candidates with more relevant experience.

When deciding on salary, think about the responsibilities of the job and the experience you are looking for rather than focusing only on finding the lowest cost.

1. Monthly maid levy

Employers need to pay a monthly levy for their migrant domestic worker.

The current normal levy for a first helper is $300 per month. The rate for a subsequent helper is $450 per month. Eligible households receive a concessionary rate of $60 per month. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

The $60 concessionary levy applies to households that meet MOM's qualifying criteria, such as having a Singapore Citizen child below 16, an elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities living in the household. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

For many Singapore families with young children or elderly parents, this concession makes a significant difference to the monthly cost.

1. Medical insurance

Employers need to purchase medical insurance for their helper before she arrives in Singapore.

MOM requires medical insurance with an annual claim limit of at least $60,000 for inpatient care and day surgery. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

The cost of the insurance depends on the insurer and the plan you choose.

Some insurance packages also include additional coverage, so compare the benefits rather than looking only at the premium.

1. Personal accident insurance

Personal accident insurance is also required.

The policy must provide at least $60,000 in coverage and meet MOM's requirements. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

As with medical insurance, the price varies depending on the plan.

The cost of purchasing the required insurance cannot be passed on to your helper. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

1. Security bond

For a non-Malaysian helper, employers need to purchase a $5,000 security bond.

This is a guarantee to the Singapore Government rather than a payment to your helper.

The bond needs to be in place before your helper arrives in Singapore. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

You should also know that the $5,000 is not the same as a fee you automatically lose.

It is a bond. The liability is discharged when the relevant conditions are met, including cancellation of the Work Permit and the helper returning home, provided there are no breaches of the bond conditions. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

1. Work Permit fees

There are government fees involved in applying for and issuing the Work Permit.

The current MOM fees are:

• Work Permit application: $35

• Work Permit issuance: $35

This means the basic Work Permit application and issuance fees total $70. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

If you use an employment agency, ask whether these government fees are included in the quoted service package.

1. Medical examination

Your helper needs to undergo a medical examination after arriving in Singapore.

For all helpers, the examination needs to be completed within 14 days of arrival. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

The medical examination fee is separate from the Work Permit fee.

1. Settling-In Programme

First-time migrant domestic workers need to attend the Settling-In Programme within seven days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

The programme helps new helpers understand working and living in Singapore.

1. Other household expenses

There are also everyday expenses that are easy to overlook when calculating the cost of hiring a maid.

These include:

• Food

• Personal toiletries

• Transport

• Mobile phone expenses

• Household items

• Medical expenses not covered by insurance

• Airfare when she returns home

• Renewal-related expenses

These costs vary from one household to another.

What is the total cost of hiring a maid in Singapore?

There is no single figure because every household is different.

Your total cost depends on:

• Your helper's salary

• Agency fees

• Whether you qualify for the $60 levy concession

• Insurance plan

• Medical expenses

• Work Permit fees

• Household expenses

• Other services you choose

For this reason, it is better to look at the full cost of employing a helper rather than comparing agency fees alone.

What is the cheapest way to hire a maid in Singapore?

It is tempting to look for the lowest agency fee. But cost should not be the only consideration.

Think about what your family needs from your helper. If you have young children, elderly parents or specific household requirements, finding someone with the right experience and personality matters.

A good match also matters after the helper arrives.

Ask the agency about its matching process, support and replacement policy before making your decision.

How can I reduce the cost of hiring a maid?

There are a few things worth looking into.

• First, check whether your household qualifies for the concessionary levy.

• Second, compare what different agencies include in their fees.

• Third, be clear about your household requirements before starting your search. This helps you focus on helpers who are genuinely suitable rather than interviewing many candidates who do not match your needs.

Most importantly, do not choose based on cost alone. The right helper should suit your family's needs and the responsibilities of the job.

Hiring a domestic helper is a long-term commitment.

The agency you choose should give you clear information about the costs involved and help you understand what you are paying for.

Look at the agency's experience, service, matching process, customer reviews and support after placement.

Fairmaid Agency is one of the longest-serving and trusted maid agencies in Singapore, established in 1988.

We help families find suitable Filipino, Indonesian and Myanmar domestic helpers through personalised matching and support.

Our approach starts with understanding your family.

1. What kind of help do you need?

2. Do you have young children?

3. Are you caring for an elderly parent?

4. Do you need someone with cooking experience?

5. What type of personality would fit your household?

These details matter when finding the right match.

Looking for a maid agency in Singapore?

Speak to Fairmaid about your family's needs and we will guide you through the hiring process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore?

The total cost depends on the agency fee, helper's salary, levy, insurance, government fees, medical expenses and other household costs. The amount varies between families.

How much is the maid levy in Singapore in 2026?

The normal levy is $300 per month for the first helper and $450 for a subsequent helper. Eligible households pay a concessionary rate of $60 per month. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

How much is the Work Permit fee for a maid?

MOM charges $35 for the Work Permit application and another $35 when the Work Permit is issued. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

Do I need insurance for my maid?

Yes. Employers need to purchase medical insurance and personal accident insurance that meet MOM's requirements before the helper arrives. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

Is a security bond required?

For a non-Malaysian helper, employers need a $5,000 security bond. Malaysian helpers are exempt from this requirement. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

Can I get a lower maid levy?

Eligible households qualify for the concessionary $60 monthly levy. The criteria include having a qualifying young Singapore Citizen child, an elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities living in the household. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

Is the cheapest maid agency the best choice?

Not necessarily. Compare the full service, matching process, experience, support and replacement policy rather than looking at the agency fee alone.

The cost of hiring a maid is important, but finding the right person for your household matters too.

Start by understanding what your family needs. Then compare the costs, services and support available before making your decision.