The cost of hiring a maid in Singapore is not just one number. Most people think about the monthly salary first — but that is only part of it. You also need to budget for a government maid levy and maid agency fees in Singapore. Mandatory insurance, a security bond, and several one-time costs are all part of the picture, too.
Together, all of these add up to more than most people expect. Knowing what is coming before you commit makes the whole process far less stressful. This guide gives you a plain, clear breakdown of every cost in 2026 — no surprises.
Key Takeaways: What to Expect Before You Budget
Here is a quick snapshot of the domestic helper cost in Singapore in 2026:
| Cost Type | Category | Estimated Amount |
| Maid salary | Monthly | S$550 – S$1,000 |
| Maid levy (standard) | Monthly | S$300 |
| Maid levy (concessionary) | Monthly | S$60 |
| Maid agency fees | One-time | S$1,000 – S$3,000 |
| Maid insurance | Every 2 years | S$500 – S$750 |
| Security bond | One-time | S$5,000 |
| Work permit application | One-time | S$70 |
When you factor in both recurring and one-time costs, most households spend between S$1,050 and S$1,600 per month. In the first year, total costs including agency fees typically range from S$15,000 to S$20,000.
What Is the Typical Maid Salary in Singapore in 2026?
A maid’s salary in Singapore is the highest recurring cost you will pay each month. Singapore does not set a statutory minimum wage for foreign domestic workers. Instead, each sending country sets its own salary guidelines, which MOM expects employers to respect.
How Nationality Affects Maid Salary in Singapore
Here is a general salary reference for fresh helpers in 2026:
| Nationality | Typical Monthly Salary |
| Filipino | S$600 – S$850 |
| Indonesian | S$550 – S$750 |
| Myanmar | S$500 – S$700 |
| Mizoram (India) | S$550 – S$700 |
These figures are starting points for new helpers. They are not fixed. Salary is negotiated between the employer and helper at the time of hiring, and it must be declared accurately to MOM.
What a Fair Salary Looks Like Based on Experience
A fresh helper with no prior Singapore experience typically starts at the lower end for her nationality. An experienced helper — one who has completed at least one two-year contract — will reasonably expect S$100 to S$200 more per month. Transfer maids who are already working in Singapore and switching employers often earn between S$800 and S$1,000 monthly, reflecting their familiarity with local household standards and immediate availability.
Paying fairly matters beyond compliance. Helpers who feel valued tend to stay longer, settle faster, and build stronger working relationships with your household. That consistency has real value.
Understanding the Maid Levy in Singapore for 2026
The maid levy in Singapore is a mandatory monthly payment from employers to the government. It is not paid to your helper. The CPF Board collects it monthly through GIRO from your designated bank account.
Current MOM Levy Rates for Domestic Helpers
| Household Type | Monthly Levy Rate |
| Standard — first helper | S$300 |
| Standard — second helper | S$450 |
| Concessionary rate | S$60 |
Who Qualifies for the Concessionary Levy?
Your household qualifies for the S$60 rate if you live with any of the following Singapore citizens or permanent residents:
- A child aged 16 and below
- A senior aged 67 and above
- A person with disabilities
The saving is significant. The gap between S$300 and S$60 is S$240 per month — that is S$2,880 every year. Always check your eligibility before assuming you are on the standard rate.
How and When the Levy Is Paid
The levy starts on the day your helper’s work permit is issued. It is collected by the CPF Board monthly. If your helper is hospitalised for more than four consecutive days, you may apply for a levy waiver for that period through MOM’s e-services portal.
Maid Agency Fees in Singapore: What You Are Actually Paying For
Maid agency fees in Singapore are one of the most misunderstood costs in the process. Most employers assume the fee is a simple finder’s charge. In practice, a good agency fee covers far more than that.
What a Typical Placement Fee Covers
A reputable agency’s fee — which generally ranges from S$1,000 to S$3,000 — typically includes:
- Candidate sourcing and background verification
- Pre-employment video interviews
- MOM work permit application and issuance (S$70 in government fees)
- Documentation and compliance processing
- Helper and employer onboarding guidance
- Coordination of medical examinations and insurance
The fee varies depending on the nationality of the helper, the type of placement, and the level of post-placement support provided.
The Difference Between Fresh Maid and Transfer Maid Costs
Fresh maids — those coming to Singapore for the first time — involve higher upfront costs. Airfare, the Settling-In Programme fee, and additional documentation all apply. The adjustment period is typically longer, too.
Transfer maids are already in Singapore. There is no airfare and no SIP requirement. Agency fees for transfer placements are often lower, and helpers are usually deployable within two to three weeks. That said, understanding why a helper is transferring matters. A good agency always gives you the full picture before making a recommendation.
The Hidden Costs of Hiring a Maid That Most Employers Overlook
This is the section most guides skip. Beyond salary, maid levy, and maid agency fees, several mandatory costs appear in your first year. Most first-time employers are caught off guard by at least one of them.
Think of it like moving into a new flat. You budget for rent — but then come the deposit, utilities connection fees, and everything else. Hiring a helper works the same way.
1. Security bond — S$5,000
Required for all non-Malaysian helpers. This is lodged with MOM as a work permit condition. Most employers arrange this as a Letter of Guarantee through a domestic helper insurer. This costs far less than depositing the full S$5,000 in cash.
2. Settling-In Programme (SIP) — S$75
Mandatory for first-time helpers. This one-day MOM-approved programme covers workplace safety, helper rights, and household expectations. It must be completed before the helper starts work.
3. Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) — S$35 to S$60
Required for first-time employers. It covers your legal obligations, rest day entitlements, and how to build a respectful working relationship.
4. Mandatory maid insurance — S$500 to S$750 every two years
MOM requires at least S$60,000 in annual medical coverage per helper. Personal accident coverage of S$60,000 is also mandatory. Most plans run on 26-month cycles. Insurance is non-transferable — a new helper means a new policy. Income Insurance provides a useful breakdown of plan options and costs.
5. Six-monthly medical examination — S$50 to S$80 per check
Your helper must be screened before the work permit is issued. This is repeated every six months in the first year. Costs are mandatory under MOM guidelines and are paid by the employer.
6. Repatriation airfare
You are legally responsible for your helper’s return airfare at the end of employment. Budget between S$200 and S$600, depending on the destination country.
7. Initial settling-in costs — S$100 to S$200
These are easy to overlook. A mobile SIM card, bedding, toiletries, and a first-week meal allowance all add up. Small individually — but real.
Total Cost of Hiring a Maid in Singapore: Monthly and One-Time Breakdown
Here is how the full picture looks in 2026.
One-Time Costs in Your First Year
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Maid agency fee | S$1,000 – S$3,000 |
| Work permit application | S$70 |
| Settling-In Programme | S$75 |
| Employer Orientation Programme | S$35 – S$60 |
| Maid insurance (26-month plan) | S$500 – S$750 |
| Six-monthly medical exam | S$50 – S$80 |
| Initial settling-in costs | S$100 – S$200 |
| Estimated Total (first year) | S$1,830 – S$4,235 |
Monthly Recurring Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Maid salary | S$550 – S$1,000 |
| MOM levy (standard rate) | S$300 |
| Food and daily living expenses | S$150 – S$250 |
| Medical and transport | S$50 – S$100 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | S$1,050 – S$1,650 |
For a family hiring an experienced Filipino maid at S$800 per month on the standard levy, the realistic first-year total — including all one-time costs — typically falls between S$15,000 and S$20,000. From year two onwards, costs reduce to recurring monthly expenses plus insurance renewal.
This is not a small commitment. But for dual-income families managing childcare and eldercare, the right helper pays for herself. The time saved and peace of mind gained are real. As Dollars and Sense notes, most households significantly underestimate total first-year spend without a full breakdown like this one.
Why Master Maid Agency Makes the Cost Worth It
Most agencies stop once your helper arrives. At Master Maid Agency, that is where the work begins.
Think of it like a good friendship. If you go to your best friend with a problem, she does not immediately tell you to walk away. She listens, understands, and helps you work through it first. That is exactly how Master Maid operates — before placement and long after.
Placement is easy. Sustaining a good working relationship — that is the real value.
S$0 Upfront Agency Fees
There is no payment required to start. The team begins shortlisting profiles for you immediately. You only pay when you are satisfied and ready to confirm.
Fully Digitalised Process
No office visits, ever. Everything — from video interviews to documentation and work permit processing — is handled digitally through Master Maid’s proprietary Harmonious Home Helper Management System. Your dedicated Personal Relationship Manager (PRM) comes to your home for the handover.
React less. Resolve more.
Access to More Than 50 Suppliers — Cherry-Picked for Your Household
Master Maid Agency does not push whoever is available. With more than 50 active suppliers, the team cherry-picks the best fit for your family. They only recommend helpers they would hire for their own households.
A Dedicated Personal Relationship Manager (PRM)
Every family gets a named PRM — not a call centre. Your PRM knows your household history, preferences, and what has not worked before. When issues arise, you are never starting from zero.
History matters — if it is used properly.
Unlimited Replacements Within a 9-Month Window
Master Maid Agency goes beyond MOM’s standard 6-month minimum. If your helper has worked more than six months with you, a replacement may be requested. This applies as long as you are still within the 9-month window. No additional agency fee applies. Relevant third-party costs — insurance, medical checks, and transport — still apply.
Fast decisions feel good — but thoughtful decisions last longer.
Post-Placement Coaching and Mediation
Most agencies disappear after placement. At Master Maid, a conflict or adjustment issue is an invitation to understand — not a signal to replace. The team guides employers, coaches helpers, and tries to resolve things before disruption becomes the default.
Problems reveal character — especially in agencies.
We share your duty of care.
Explore available helpers: Indonesian Maids | Elderly Care | Newborn and Childcare
Frequently Asked Questions About Maid Costs in Singapore
How much does it cost per month to hire a maid in Singapore?
The typical monthly cost of hiring a maid in Singapore in 2026 ranges from S$1,050 to S$1,650. This covers the helper’s maid salary in Singapore (S$550 to S$1,000), the maid levy in Singapore (S$60 to S$300 depending on eligibility), and daily living costs such as food and medical care. First-time employers should also set aside S$1,830 to S$4,235 for one-time costs in the first year.
Is there a government subsidy or levy concession for hiring a domestic helper in Singapore?
Yes. The MOM concessionary maid levy in Singapore is S$60 per month — significantly lower than the standard S$300 rate. Your household qualifies if you live with a Singapore citizen or permanent resident who is a child aged 16 and below, a senior aged 67 and above, or a person with disabilities. Eligibility criteria are available on the Ministry of Manpower website.
What is the most cost-effective way to hire a maid in Singapore legally?
Hiring a transfer maid through a MOM-licensed agency is generally the most cost-effective legal route. There is no airfare, no SIP fee, and no maid agency fees in Singapore, for transfer placements tend to be lower. That said, the cheapest option is not always the right one. A poor match costs more in the long run — through repeat placements, lost time, and disruption at home.
Ready to Hire a Maid in Singapore? Let Master Maid Agency Guide You From Cost to Care
You now have a full picture of the domestic helper cost in Singapore in 2026. The next step is finding the right helper for your family — and that is exactly where Master Maid Agency comes in.
With S$0 upfront fees, a fully digitalised process, and a dedicated PRM assigned to every household, you are not just hiring a helper. You are gaining a long-term support system from a team trusted by Singapore families for over 20 years.
🌐 Website: masteremploymentagency.com
📍 Address: 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore
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📸 Instagram: @master.employment.agency
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