The cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore comes in two parts: one-time upfront costs to get your helper started, and recurring monthly costs for as long as she's employed. Understanding both helps you budget realistically and avoid surprises. Note that actual figures vary by agency, nationality and circumstances — the ranges below are typical guides, not fixed quotes.
One-time upfront costs
Agency placement fee
This is what you pay the employment agency for sourcing, matching and processing your helper. Fees vary between agencies and depend on whether you're hiring a fresh helper from overseas or a transfer helper already in Singapore. At Psalm 23, we keep our fees transparent and competitive, and we clearly separate our agency fee from the third-party and government costs below — so you always know exactly what you're paying for.
Security bond (banker's guarantee)
For non-Malaysian helpers, MOM requires a S$5,000 security bond, usually arranged as a banker's guarantee. This is a guarantee, not a fee you lose — but there is a small administrative cost to set it up.
Insurance
Employers must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance for their helper. Premiums depend on coverage level and policy duration (commonly 14 or 26 months), but typically run from around S$250 to S$600 for the period.
Medical examination and Settling-in Programme
A pre-employment and ongoing medical examination at an approved clinic is required, costing roughly S$50 to S$100 per check. First-time helpers must also attend the Settling-in Programme (SIP), which costs around S$75.
Work Permit and travel
The Work Permit issuance has a government fee, and if your helper is coming from overseas you'll also cover her air ticket. Together these are usually a few hundred dollars.
Added up, upfront costs for a typical first-time hire often land somewhere in the low thousands of dollars, depending heavily on the agency fee and the helper's nationality and source.
Recurring monthly costs
Helper's salary
Monthly salaries depend largely on nationality, experience and the duties involved. Some source countries set minimum salary requirements for their nationals. Experienced helpers, or those with specialised skills such as infant or elderly care, command higher salaries.
Foreign Domestic Worker Levy
The government levy is a monthly charge paid by employers. The standard rate is higher, but many families qualify for the Levy Concession — a significantly reduced rate — if they have a child under 16, an elderly person aged 67 and above, or a person with disabilities in the household. Checking your concession eligibility can save a meaningful amount each month.
Upkeep: food, accommodation and rest days
As an employer you provide adequate food and a suitable place to rest. You're also required to provide a weekly rest day, or to pay compensation in lieu if both parties agree. Factor in everyday upkeep when planning your monthly budget.
Don't forget renewal costs
Work Permits are issued for up to two years and must be renewed. At renewal you'll typically repurchase insurance, arrange a medical examination, and pay the Work Permit renewal fee again. Budgeting for these every couple of years keeps things smooth. A good agency will remind you ahead of time and handle the paperwork — see our full list of services.
How to keep costs manageable
- Check your levy concession. Many families overpay simply because they didn't realise they qualified for the concession rate.
- Choose an agency with transparent fees. Hidden charges are the most common source of budget shock. Insist on an itemised quote.
- Match carefully the first time. A mismatch that ends early means repeating many of the upfront costs. Careful matching protects your wallet — read our guide on choosing the right helper.
- Plan for renewals. Set aside a little each month so renewal costs don't catch you off guard.
Transparent pricing, always
At Psalm 23 Employment Agency, we believe you deserve to understand exactly what you're paying for — with no payment until you've agreed on a match. Our quotes clearly itemise our agency fee alongside government and third-party costs, and we're always happy to talk through your budget honestly.
Want a clear quote for your situation? Contact us for a no-obligation breakdown. New to the process? Start with our step-by-step guide to hiring a maid in Singapore.
The figures in this article are general guides only and may change. For current government rates and requirements, refer to the Ministry of Manpower, or ask us for an up-to-date quote.