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Guide To Hiring A Foreign Domestic Helper In Singapore 2026
Cost & Logistics Of Hiring A Helper
Updated: October 7, 2026
Thinking about hiring a helper in Singapore? Getting extra hands at home can take a load off your back when you have kids at home. The most common countries of origin are the following: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand. We break down everything you need to know about hiring a helper in Singapore, from which maid agencies can help to the cost of employing a helper, helper courses in Singapore, and more.
Who can hire a domestic helper in Singapore?
You must be 21 or older, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to supervise and support a helper. MOM also looks at your needs, such as a young child or an elderly parent, and your finances. First-time employers must attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme.
How much does it cost to hire a helper in Singapore?
Budget for the agency fee, airfare, medical checks, insurance, and the levy. Agency fees on this guide range from S$100 to S$2,000. You also need a S$5,000 security bond for each helper, except Malaysian helpers, and medical insurance of at least S$15,000 a year for inpatient care and day surgery.
What is the monthly levy for a domestic helper?
The guide lists S$300 a month for your first helper and S$450 for a second. Families with a young child, an elderly person, or a person with a disability may qualify for the concessionary rate of S$60 a month. Pay by GIRO, and check MOM before you apply in case the rate has changed.
Do I need an agency to hire a helper?
An MOM-accredited agency is the simplest start. It usually handles the work permit, security bond, insurance, and the Settling-In Programme for a first-time helper. Helpers are generally 23 to 50, and should not already be in Singapore when you apply, unless they are Malaysian.
What should I arrange when my helper arrives?
A first-time helper must attend the Settling-In Programme, then pass a medical exam before the work permit is issued. She may also need a fingerprint and photo appointment. After that, six-monthly checks cover pregnancy and other required tests. For infant care or CPR, see helper courses.
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR HIRING A HELPER:
Before you can even apply for a work pass, you need to meet the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) employer requirements. There are three major requirements:
- Be aged 21 and above
- Not be an undischarged bankrupt
- Not be diagnosed with any medical condition that would affect your mental capacity to be an employer.
MOM will also consider the nature of your needs, whether it's for an elderly family member or a young child. They will also check your financial capabilities and ability to maintain and upkeep a helper.
You, as an employer, would need to abide by the guidelines set by the MOM. Plus, if you are a first-time employer of an MDW, you need to attend the orientation program.
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FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER ELIGIBILITY IN SINGAPORE:
It's also important to know that migrant domestic helpers have eligibility requirements before they can be issued work passes.
- Age: 23 to 50 years old; Those who are above 50 years old can only renew permits until they are 60.
- Education: A recognized certificate for a minimum of 8 years of formal education is also required.
- Settling-In Programme: Required for first-time helpers or those with experience who have not worked in Singapore. Click here for more info.
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WHERE TO HIRE A HELPER IN SINGAPORE:
The best way to start your search is through a maid agency in Singapore that is accredited by the Ministry of Manpower. Take note that agency fees vary between SG$800 and SG$3,000. A full package covers the work permit, medical exam, insurance, Settling-In Programme, and airfare (for overseas helpers).
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WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR HELPER ARRIVES IN SINGAPORE:
Once you have chosen your helper, there are several steps to complete before she can begin working. If you've employed a maid agency in Singapore, they will take care of these steps for you.
- Work permit application: Apply under a special scheme (if eligible). Employers can apply for a work permit for the MDW with a joint income scheme or a sponsorship scheme. Click here to learn more.
- Buy a security bond: A SG$5,000 security bond for each helper you employ is required, except for Malaysian helpers.
- Buy medical and personal accident insurance: Coverage of at least $15,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery is required for your helper.
- Register your helper for the Settling-In Programme for first-time helpers.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR HELPER ARRIVES IN SINGAPORE:
Settling-In Programme
- If she is a first-time helper, she has to attend the Settling-In Programme within 7 days of her arrival.
Pre-employment Medical Examination
- Your helper should undergo a medical examination within 14 days of arrival. This screens for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, and malaria. She must pass the medical examination before her work permit can be issued. Ensure that she has these medical documents.
Get the work permit issued
- The temporary work permit is good for one month, while you wait for your helper's work permit card.
Registration of fingerprints and photo
- Within a week after the temporary work permit is issued, your helper may need to visit the MOM Services Centre in person to register her fingerprints and photo. Make an appointment for her here. Ensure that she brings the following with her:
- Original passport
- Appointment letter
- Temporary Work Permit
Receive the work permit card
- This will be delivered to your address within 4 to 5 business days after your helper registers and gets her documents verified.
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MONTHLY REQUIREMENTS BY EMPLOYERS & HELPERS IN SINGAPORE:
A monthly levy rate is required for your MDW and can be paid through GIRO. The monthly levy rate for your first helper is SG$300 (daily is SG$9.87). If you have a second helper, the monthly rate is SG$450 (daily is SG$14.80). If your family has a young child, an elderly person, or a person with a disability, you can get the concessionary rate of $60 per month (a daily rate of SG$1.98). Check here if you are eligible for the rate. The daily rate is applicable even if your helper did not finish a full calendar month.
Every six months, your helper should have a medical examination conducted by a Singaporean registered physician. The tests include:
- Pregnancy and VDRL: Every 6 months
- HIV: Every 2 years
- Tuberculosis: Once, after 2 years of stay in Singapore
- Welfare Checks: Body Mass Index (BMI) and visible signs of abuse
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WORK PERMIT RENEWAL FOR HELPERS IN SINGAPORE:
If you wish to renew your MDW's work permit, the duration will be up to 2 years. You will receive a letter from the MOM around 8 weeks before it expires. Once you receive the renewal letter, you can renew it online. The renewal cost is SG$35. Click here for more details.
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COURSES FOR HELPERS IN SINGAPORE:
If your helper needs or wants to spruce up their skills, there are plenty of courses for helpers in Singapore. From cooking classes to basic computer skills, language classes, first aid, infant care, elderly care, and more, you'll find just what you need to empower your helper with the skills they need to take care of your family.
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