Life in Singapore is fast-paced. Parents juggle long work hours, children need care, and elderly family members require attention, too. For many households, hiring a maid becomes the practical solution. But the process of hiring or transferring a helper can be complicated, with strict rules, contracts, and costs. This is where a maid Singapore agency comes in.
A licensed agency takes care of recruitment, paperwork, medical checks, and training. Families save time and avoid mistakes while getting access to trusted helpers. In this guide, we’ll explain what these agencies do, the benefits they bring, how transfers work, the costs involved, and how you can choose the right one.
What Is a Maid Singapore Agency?
A maid Singapore agency is a licensed company that helps employers hire foreign domestic workers (FDWs). These workers usually come from the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, or Sri Lanka.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires all maid agencies in Singapore to be licensed. As of 2023, Singapore had over 250,000 foreign domestic workers employed, and most were hired through agencies. (Source: mom.gov.sg)
Agencies typically handle:
Recruitment of helpers from approved countries
Work permit applications and renewals
Medical checks and insurance coverage
Settling-In Programme (mandatory one-day training for new helpers)
Transfers when a helper moves from one employer to another
This process ensures the hiring is legal and smooth for both employers and helpers.
Benefits of Using a Maid Singapore Agency
Families in Singapore rely on maid agencies because they save time, reduce stress, and ensure everything is done correctly. Here are the main benefits:
1. Faster Hiring and Transfers
Hiring directly can take months. Agencies already have candidates available, which means transfers can be completed in 2–4 weeks if the paperwork is ready.
2. Legal Compliance
MOM has strict rules about contracts, work permits, medical checks, and rest days. A licensed agency makes sure these rules are followed, avoiding mistakes and penalties.
3. Better Matching
Agencies match helpers to families based on skills, such as childcare, eldercare, cooking, or language ability. This improves satisfaction and reduces turnover.
4. Ongoing Support
Many agencies provide a replacement guarantee if the match does not work out. Some also offer training to help helpers adjust better in new homes.
5. Peace of Mind
With a trusted agency, families don’t need to stress about hidden fees or unclear paperwork. Everything is handled professionally, giving both employers and helpers security.
How Maid Transfers Work in Singapore
One of the most popular services agencies provide is maid transfers. These involve helpers who are already in Singapore but want to work for a new employer. Transfers are faster since the helper doesn’t need to travel from her home country.
The transfer process typically involves:
The current employer is giving written consent.
The helper is completing her 6-monthly medical examination.
New employer applying through MOM’s FDW eService.
Employers purchase insurance and pay the levy (S$300/month for the first maid, or S$60/month with levy concession).
MOM is issuing the new work permit so the helper can start work.
This system benefits both families and helpers. Families save time, while helpers who are already settled in Singapore can continue working without long waiting periods.
Maid Singapore Agency Fees and Hiring Costs
Hiring a maid in Singapore involves several costs.
Typical Costs in 2024–2025:
Agency Service Fee: S$300–S$1,200 depending on the agency
Work Permit Application Fee: S$35
Issuance Fee: S$35
Security Bond: S$5,000 (refundable if rules are followed)
Insurance Package: S$250–S$500 per year
Medical Check-Up: Around S$80–S$120
Placement fees may also apply, but MOM caps them at two months of the maid’s basic salary.
Services You Can Expect From an Agency
A professional maid Singapore agency provides much more than just recruitment. Their services usually include:
Detailed helper profiles with work history and language abilities
Training in childcare, eldercare, or household skills
Settling-In Programme registration for first-time helpers
Work permit renewal and cancellation support
Insurance and security bond arrangement
Repatriation if a helper must return home
Replacement policy if the first placement does not work out
These services save families time and ensure the entire process follows MOM’s guidelines.
How to Choose the Best Maid Singapore Agency
Not all agencies are the same. Here are key factors to check before deciding:
MOM Licence :Confirm the agency’s licence on the MOM website.
Retention Rate: MOM publishes agency statistics. A higher rate means helpers stay longer with employers.
Transparent Fees :Avoid agencies with unclear pricing.
Reviews and Ratings :Real feedback from employers helps judge reliability.
After-Hiring Support : Agencies that stay engaged after placement are usually more trustworthy.
For easier comparison, you can check licensed agencies on maid Singapore agency, which lists reviews, services, and ratings in one place.
Challenges Families May Face
Even with an agency, some challenges can occur:
Hidden Fees: Always request a written cost breakdown.
Mismatch of Skills: A helper may not fit the family’s needs. Check if the agency has a replacement guarantee.
Delays in Processing: Ensure all medical and legal documents are current.
Weak After-Sales Support: Some agencies focus only on recruitment and don’t provide help later.
By knowing these risks, families can ask the right questions and avoid common problems.
Latest MOM Rules for Maid Agencies (2024–2025)
To protect both employers and helpers, MOM regularly updates its policies. The latest rules include:
Settling-In Programme (SIP): Mandatory for all first-time helpers.
Rest Days: Helpers must receive at least one paid rest day each month.
Levy Discounts: Families with children below 16 or elderly above 67 may qualify for a reduced levy of S$60/month.
Employment Contracts: Must clearly state salary, rest days, and termination clauses. (Source: mom.gov.sg)
These rules aim to make domestic work safer and more transparent for everyone involved.
Domestic helpers play a vital role in Singapore households. They care for children, look after elderly family members, and keep homes running smoothly.
Working with a maid Singapore agency is the best way to hire a helper quickly and safely. Licensed agencies handle paperwork, provide trusted matches, and ensure compliance with MOM regulations. Families benefit from fast maid transfers, clear costs, and helpers they can depend on.
By choosing the right agency, families save time, avoid mistakes, and gain peace of mind knowing they have reliable support for their home.
