Hiring a maid in Singapore is a big decision.
For many families, it is the first time they are becoming an employer, so there is quite a bit to arrange before your helper arrives.
From choosing the right helper to applying for her Work Permit, insurance and medical check-up, there are several steps involved.
The good news is that the process becomes much easier when you know what to expect.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to hiring a maid in Singapore.
Understand what your family needs
Before looking at helper profiles, start with your own household. Think about what you need help with on a daily basis.
Do you have young children?
Do you need help caring for an elderly parent?
Will your helper need to cook?
Do you need someone with experience in childcare, elderly care or household work?
What are your expectations around cooking, cleaning and daily routines?
It is also worth thinking about the type of personality and communication style that would suit your family.
The right helper is not always the person with the longest list of experience. What matters is whether her skills, experience and expectations fit your household.
This is why we believe the matching process matters.
At Fairmaid, we take the time to understand each family's needs before recommending suitable helpers.
Read more: How to Choose a Domestic Helper Who Fits Your Family
Decide whether to use a maid agency or hire directly
In Singapore, you have the option of hiring a domestic helper yourself or working with a licensed employment agency.
If you hire directly, you will need to handle more of the process yourself, including finding a suitable helper and managing the necessary paperwork.
A licensed employment agency can help with areas such as sourcing suitable candidates, checking documents, arranging interviews and handling administrative matters.
For families hiring a maid for the first time, having someone guide you through the process can make things much simpler.
If you choose an agency, make sure it is licensed and take some time to look at its track record and services. MOM provides an employment agency directory where employers can check licensed agencies and registered EA personnel.
Shortlist suitable helpers
Once you know what your family needs, you can start looking at suitable helper profiles.
Look beyond nationality and age. Consider:
• Previous employment experience
• Childcare experience
• Elderly care experience
• Cooking skills
• Household experience
• Language ability
• Length of previous employment
• Reason for leaving previous employment
• Personality and communication style
If you are hiring through an agency, tell them clearly what your household is like.
For example, a family with two young children may need a helper with childcare experience. A household caring for an elderly parent may need someone who is comfortable with mobility assistance and daily care.
Being clear about your needs from the start helps narrow down the right candidates.
Interview your shortlisted helpers
Once you have shortlisted a few helpers, arrange an interview.
This is an important part of the process. A biodata sheet gives you information about a helper's experience, but a conversation gives you a better sense of the person behind the profile.
Ask about her previous work. You might want to ask:
What were your main duties in your previous job?
How old were the children you cared for?
What type of food do you know how to cook?
Have you cared for an elderly person before?
What household chores are you comfortable doing?
Why did your previous employment end?
What are your expectations for your next employer?
Keep the conversation comfortable and give the helper an opportunity to ask questions too.
The aim is to see whether both sides feel comfortable with the arrangement.
Check the helper's employment history
Before making your final decision, take the time to check the helper's employment history and relevant information.
If you are working with an employment agency, ask questions if something in the biodata is unclear.
MOM also allows employers to check a prospective helper's employment history through FDW eService using Singpass.
This is one reason we encourage families not to rush the selection process.
A few extra questions at the beginning can make a big difference later.
Complete the Employer's Orientation Programme
If you are hiring a maid for the first time, you need to attend the Employers' Orientation Programme, also known as the EOP.
The programme helps first-time employers understand their responsibilities and what to expect when employing a migrant domestic worker.
You need to complete the EOP at least two working days before submitting the Work Permit application.
Apply for the Work Permit
Once you have selected your helper and completed the required steps, you or your employment agency can apply for her Work Permit.
The application requires information such as the helper's passport details and your personal and income information.
MOM states that applications submitted through the FDW eService are generally processed within one week, unless more information is required.
If the application is approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval, or IPA, letter.
The helper needs the IPA letter to enter Singapore, so make sure she receives it before travelling.
Arrange the required insurance and security bond
Before your helper arrives in Singapore, there are a few important arrangements to make.
For a non-Malaysian helper, you need to purchase a security bond. You also need to purchase medical insurance and personal accident insurance for your helper.
MOM currently requires medical insurance with at least $60,000 annual coverage for inpatient care and day surgery. Personal accident insurance must also provide at least $60,000 in coverage.
Your helper should not be asked to pay for these insurance costs.
If you are using an agency, ask what is included in the insurance package and what additional options are available.
Prepare for your helper's arrival
Before your helper arrives, think about what she will need when she starts work.
Prepare a comfortable place for her to stay.
Explain the household routine.
Think about her daily schedule, meals, rest days and house rules.
If she will be caring for children or an elderly family member, prepare any important information she needs to know.
A simple list of emergency contacts is also useful.
The more clearly you explain your household routine from the beginning, the easier it is for both of you to settle into the arrangement.
Complete the requirements after she arrives
There are still a few important steps after your helper arrives.
If she is a first-time helper, she needs to attend the Settling-In Programme within seven days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
All helpers need to undergo a medical examination within 14 days of arrival. You also need to complete the Work Permit issuance process.
Your helper should not start working for you before the Work Permit has been issued in your name.
For transfer helpers, some parts of the process are different, so check the requirements for your specific situation.
Agree on expectations from the beginning
Once your helper starts work, take some time to explain how your household works.
Do not assume she will know how you prefer things to be done.
Show her how you like the house cleaned.
Explain your family's meal preferences.
Talk about childcare routines.
Explain medication schedules if she is caring for an elderly family member.
Give clear instructions about household appliances and safety.
If there are house rules, explain them early rather than waiting for a problem to happen.
Good communication works both ways. Give your helper an opportunity to ask questions and share any concerns.
Remember that finding a good match takes time
Hiring a maid is not only about completing paperwork.
You are bringing someone into your home and asking her to become part of your household routine.
Take your time when choosing. Look at experience, skills, communication, personality and your family's needs. The right match should work for both the employer and the helper.
At Fairmaid, we have been helping Singapore families with domestic helper placement since 1988. Our approach focuses on understanding the family first, then finding helpers whose experience and qualities suit their needs.
If you are looking for a maid agency in Singapore, speak to us about your household requirements and we will guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hire a maid in Singapore?
The time varies depending on the helper you choose, her availability, documentation and the Work Permit process. MOM states that FDW eService Work Permit applications are generally processed within one week unless additional information is required.
Do I need an agency to hire a maid in Singapore?
No. Employers have the option of hiring directly or using a licensed employment agency. Direct hiring involves more of the administrative work, while an agency can help with sourcing and the hiring process.
What do I need before hiring a maid for the first time?
First-time employers need to complete the Employers' Orientation Programme before submitting a Work Permit application. You will also need to meet MOM's employer requirements.
How much is the maid levy in Singapore?
The standard levy for a first helper is currently $300 per month. A concessionary levy of $60 per month applies to eligible households. The applicable rate depends on your household circumstances.
What should I look for when choosing a maid?
Start with your family's needs. Consider the helper's previous experience, childcare or elderly care experience, cooking ability, communication skills, personality and previous employment history.
Can I hire a transfer maid?
Yes. Transfer helpers follow a slightly different process. The current employer's written consent is required when applying for the Work Permit transfer.
What happens after my maid arrives in Singapore?
First-time helpers need to attend the Settling-In Programme within the required timeframe. All helpers need to complete a medical examination within 14 days of arrival, followed by Work Permit issuance.
Hiring a maid does not have to feel complicated.
Start by understanding what your family needs. Choose a helper based on suitability rather than rushing into a decision. Then work through the required steps one at a time.
A good match starts with knowing your household well.