How to Hire a Maid in Singapore: Your Ultimate Guide

Reminders for Hiring a Maid

Meet the Requirements Set by the Ministry of Manpower

Before starting the hiring process, it’s important to ensure that both the employer and the foreign domestic worker (FDW) meet the eligibility criteria set by the MOM.

For Employers:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must not be an undischarged bankrupt
• Must possess the mental and financial capacity to support a domestic helper
• First-time employers are required to attend the Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP).
• Employers must provide proper accommodation and ensure the maid’s safety and well-being.

For Domestic Helpers:

• Must be a female between 23 and 50 years old
• Should come from approved countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, or Malaysia
• Must have completed at least eight years of formal education
• First-time FDWs must attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP) upon arrival in Singapore

Complying with these requirements ensures a smooth and legal hiring process.

Searching for Domestic Helpers With the Right Experience

Many Singapore households have different needs, so choosing a domestic helper with the right experience is crucial. Start by identifying what kind of help you require—whether it’s for childcare, caring for senior family members, or general household chores.

You can search for suitable candidates through:

• Licensed maid agencies that offer screening, training, and matching services
• Transfer maids already working in Singapore who are changing employers and who may already be familiar with Singaporean households and daily routines
• Direct hires if you already know a foreign domestic worker, though this requires additional administrative steps

Always look for helpers whose background and experience match your needs.

Ensure the Eligibility of the Maid Based on Your Needs

Once you have shortlisted some candidates, make sure their skills align with your family’s requirements:

• Childcare: Experience handling children, including feeding, bathing, and supervision
• Elderly Care: Trained in mobility support, medication reminders, or specialised elderly care tasks
• Daily Chores: Competence in cleaning, cooking, laundry, and maintaining the home

Clear communication about expectations during the hiring process will help avoid misunderstandings later on.

Schedule a Face-to-Face Interview With the Maid

A personal interview is an important part of the hiring process. If possible, schedule a face-to-face or video interview to evaluate the helper’s

• Communication skills
• Understanding of household responsibilities
• Past work experience and attitude

Discuss your priorities, household setup, rest day expectations, and work hours during the interview. This helps both you and the helper determine if the partnership is a good fit.

Collect Documents and Applications

Once you’ve selected your helper, gather and complete the necessary documentation:

• Work Permit: Apply online through the MOM portal.
• Security Bond: A $5,000 bond is required for non-Malaysian helpers.
• Maid Insurance: Includes both medical insurance and personal accident coverage
• Employment Contract: Outline the terms of employment, including duties, rest days, salary, and benefits.
• Medical Examination: A mandatory check-up for the helper within two weeks of arrival

Keeping these documents in order streamlines the hiring and onboarding process.

Apply for a Security Bond or Maid Insurance

Employers must purchase a security bond and insurance before the helper starts work.

• Security Bond: A $5,000 bond is required for non-Malaysian domestic helpers. It ensures that employers meet their obligations under the work permit conditions.
• Maid Insurance: This includes:
  • Medical Insurance with at least $15,000 in coverage for inpatient care and surgery
  • Personal Accident Coverage with a minimum of $60,000 for permanent disability or death

These requirements protect both the helper and the employer from financial and legal issues.

Discuss the Priorities and Limitations of the Job

Setting clear expectations is vital for a successful employer-helper relationship. Here’s what to discuss:

• Duties: Be specific about daily chores, elderly care, or childcare responsibilities.
• Working Hours: Define work schedules, including mealtimes and bedtimes.
• Rest Days: FDWs are entitled to one rest day per week. You may agree to work on rest days in exchange for compensation.
• House Rules: Address privacy, mobile phone use, food preferences, and interaction with other family members.

These discussions help prevent future conflicts and support a respectful working environment.

Costs To Consider

Hiring a domestic helper involves several one-time and recurring costs. Being aware of these helps you budget appropriately.

Salary

The monthly maid salary in Singapore depends on the helper’s nationality and experience:

• Filipino Helpers: From $570
• Indonesian Helpers: From $550
• Myanmar Helpers: From $450

Experienced helpers or those with specialised caregiving skills may ask for higher wages.

Monthly Levy

Employers must pay a monthly levy to the MOM:

• Standard Levy: $300 for the first helper
• Additional Helpers: $450 for each subsequent maid
• Maid Levy Concession: Eligible households pay a reduced levy of $60 if they:
  • Have a child below 16 years old
  • Have a senior person aged 67 and above
  • Require help caring for a person with disabilities

To receive the levy concession, employers must apply and meet MOM’s conditions for eligible households.

Working on Rest Days

If a helper agrees to work on her designated rest day, the employer must offer compensation. This could be:

• Additional pay (at least one day’s salary), or
• A substitute rest day within the same month

Make sure any agreements are documented in writing to protect both parties.

Living Expenses

In addition to salary, domestic helpers in Singapore require basic provisions such as:

• Food and Utilities: Three daily meals and access to water, electricity, and household facilities
• Personal Necessities: Toiletries, SIM card top-ups, and leisure expenses
• Proper Accommodation: A clean and safe place to sleep with adequate privacy

These living expenses may vary depending on the size of your household and lifestyle preferences.

Medical Expenses

Employers are responsible for their helper’s medical needs, which include:

• Routine Care: Covering outpatient visits and common treatments
• Mandatory Health Screenings: Helpers must undergo medical exams every six months
• Surgical Expenses: Covered under the helper’s medical insurance policy.

Ensuring your helper receives proper healthcare is a key part of your employer responsibilities.

Criteria Before Hiring a Maid

Before hiring maids in Singapore, double-check that you meet all the essential criteria:

• Attend the EOP: Required for all first-time employers
• Meet Financial Requirements: You must be able to afford the monthly salary, levy, and recurring costs.
• Provide Suitable Accommodation: Helpers must have a safe, well-ventilated space with basic furnishings.
• Understand MOM Regulations: Comply with all legal responsibilities, including securing insurance and observing safety agreements.

Ensuring these boxes are ticked helps protect you legally and ensures the helper’s well-being.

First-Time Employer Requirements

If you’re a first-time employer, there are additional steps to ensure you’re prepared for the responsibilities of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore. The MOM requires you to understand your duties thoroughly to safeguard the well-being of your helper and maintain a lawful employment relationship.

Losing Eligibility With Possible Sanctions and Penalties

Employers who fail to comply with MOM regulations may lose their eligibility to employ a foreign domestic worker. Common violations include:

• Non-payment of maid salary
• Failure to provide adequate accommodation or medical care
• Breaching rest day or work hour agreements
• Terminating the helper without valid reasons or failing to repatriate her

Such breaches can lead to financial penalties, revocation of work permits, and even bans on future hiring. It’s essential to adhere to security bond conditions, maintain valid maid insurance, and uphold your helper’s rights to avoid legal issues.

Applying for Joint Income Scheme and Sponsorship Scheme

If you do not meet the financial requirements to hire a maid independently, you may apply under the Joint Income Scheme or Sponsorship Scheme:

• Joint Income Scheme: Allows household members, such as a spouse or adult child, to combine incomes with you to meet MOM’s minimum income criteria.
• Sponsorship Scheme: Typically used when the helper is employed to care for a senior, this scheme allows a family member to sponsor the helper’s work permit if the primary employer doesn’t meet the income criteria.

These schemes support households that require assistance but fall short of certain MOM financial thresholds.

Hiring Another Domestic Helper

You may consider hiring another domestic helper if your household needs increase—especially in cases involving multiple dependents or large homes. However:

• You must justify the need and receive MOM approval.
• The additional maid levy increases, and costs will rise accordingly.
• Each helper must be provided with proper accommodation, and you must ensure their well-being is not compromised.

Proper planning and a clear understanding of employer responsibilities are crucial before taking on a second helper.

Alternatives in Hiring a Maid

If hiring a full-time live-in domestic helper doesn’t suit your family’s needs or budget, consider alternative caregiving or cleaning options:

• Part-time cleaning services for household chores
• Elderly caregiving services for specific hours or medical assistance
• Foreign domestic worker agencies offering short-term hires

These options offer flexibility for Singaporean households that do not require 24/7 help but still need reliable support.

Qualifying Criteria To Lower the Concessionary Rate

The maid levy concession allows eligible households to pay a reduced monthly levy of $60 rather than the full amount. To qualify, you must meet one of the following conditions:

• Have a Singapore citizen child under 16 years living with you
• Have a senior family member aged 67 or above in the same household
• Have a family member who is disabled and needs assistance with daily living

You must apply and register the dependent under the household’s official records to enjoy this benefit.

Foreign Domestic Workers Levy Concessions

The foreign domestic worker levy concession is intended to support families that need help with caregiving or domestic duties. It is available to:

• Singapore citizens and permanent residents
• Households that pass the qualifying criteria
• Families receiving support under the Home Caregiving Grant

Note that each household is eligible for a concession on only one helper at a time, even if multiple maids are employed. Make sure to apply correctly and keep your household records updated.

Home Caregiving Grant

The Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) provides financial support to families caring for a loved one with moderate to severe disabilities. Eligible families can receive a monthly grant of up to $400.

This grant helps offset the cost of hiring a maid or home-based caregiving services, especially for those caring for a senior or an individual who needs help with activities of daily living.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Care for a Singaporean or PR aged 30 or older
• Provide documentation of the recipient’s care needs
• Meet the income and care assessment criteria

The HCG can work in tandem with levy concessions to reduce the overall monthly costs of caregiving.

Transfer Hires

A transfer maid is a helper currently employed in Singapore but looking for a new employer. Transfer hires can offer many advantages:

• Shorter processing time, as the maid is already in Singapore
• Familiarity with local culture and routines
• Opportunities to interview in person

While maid transfer arrangements are convenient, be sure to understand why the previous employment ended and verify the helper’s work history.

You’ll still need to apply for a new work permit, provide a security bond, and ensure the helper meets MOM regulations.

Top 10 Costly Mistakes When Hiring a Maid for the Elderly

Hiring a maid to care for a senior family member is a decision that must be made with care. Here are ten common mistakes many Singaporean households make—and how to avoid them:

1. Skipping the Interview: Not assessing the helper’s communication skills and experience
2. Overlooking Credentials: Hiring someone without elderly care training or experience
3. Poor Communication: Failing to set clear expectations or explain daily routines
4. Inadequate Rest Days: Not giving sufficient rest, affecting the maid’s health and performance
5. Unrealistic Expectations: Assuming one person can handle all tasks without support
6. Neglecting Insurance: Inadequate medical insurance and personal accident coverage may lead to high surgical expenses.
7. Lack of Supervision: Especially in the early weeks, proper guidance ensures safe caregiving.
8. Improper Accommodation: Not providing privacy or comfort in the helper’s living space
9. Ignoring MOM Guidelines: Breaching employer requirements can lead to penalties.
10. Choosing the Wrong Agency: Some maid agencies may not thoroughly vet candidates or offer post-placement support.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures better care for your loved one and a healthier working relationship with your helper.

Conclusion

Hiring a maid in Singapore is more than just filling a position—it’s about finding the right helper who can contribute positively to your household’s well-being. Whether you’re a first-time employer or looking to hire a transfer maid, understanding the full hiring process helps ensure compliance with MOM regulations and provides a smoother experience for both you and your helper.

Many Singapore households rely on foreign domestic helpers to manage daily chores or assist with elderly care. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and the right support, hiring a domestic helper can be a rewarding and beneficial addition to your home. If you’re ready to start, consider partnering with a reliable maid agency that ensures a thorough, transparent, and hassle-free experience.