Hiring a Maid in Singapore 2025: A Complete Guide | Best Home Employment Agency

It is 2025, and it is still a fact that Singaporeans rely heavily on foreign domestic helpers to assist with household chores, child care, and elderly care. However, hiring a maid in Singapore involves understanding government regulations, financial commitments, and employer responsibilities. This comprehensive guide provides updated insights for 2025 on hiring a maid in Singapore, ensuring that employers make informed decisions while complying with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations.

1. Employer Requirements for Hiring a Maid in Singapore (MOM Guidelines)

Before hiring a maid, employers must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Here are the key requirements:

- Minimum Age & Financial Stability: Employers must be at least 21 years old and demonstrate financial capability to support a maid’s salary and expenses.

- Not an Undischarged Bankrupt: Employers must not be bankrupt unless they receive special approval from MOM.

- Orientation Programme: First-time employers must attend the Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP) before hiring a maid. - Medical Insurance & Security Bond: Employers must be prepared to purchase medical insurance (minimum coverage of $60,000 per year for hospitalisation and surgical expenses) and a $5,000 security bond for the maid. Most major insurance companies, and repuatable maid agencies offer competitive maid insurance packages.

Failure to comply with MOM regulations can result in penalties, suspension from hiring, or legal consequences.

2. Maid Salary in Singapore 2025 & Estimated Monthly Costs

The cost of hiring a maid in Singapore varies depending on the maid’s nationality, experience, and special skills. The asking basic salary of each helper is entirely dependent on market forces. Below is the estimated salary range for 2025:

Note: This estimate does not include rest day compensations. Also, experienced caregiving helpers who can speak different languages may ask for a basic salary higher than the above stated.

In addition to salary, employers should budget for the following:

- Maid Levy: Standard levy of $300 per month (or $60 per month for eligible households).

- Food: Estimated at $250 - $400 per month.

- Medical Insurance & Check-ups: Approximately $300 to $500 annually.

- Work Permit Renewal & Fees: $35 every 2 years. The amount may be slightly higher if you engage an agency's assistance.

- Airfare (for home leave): $300 - $500 every 2 years, depending on destination and frequency. This is not compulsory: it depends on the agreed upon terms of the contract.

- Agency Fees: Between $1,000 - $3,000 (one-time cost). This amount differs between maid agencies. Engage reputable maid agencies like Best Home to avoid overcharging and hidden fees.

- Miscelleneous fees: This is not a complete list of costs to consider. There may be other costs, depending on your situation. For example, if you decide to send your your helper back to her agency for transfer to a new employer, you may have to bear her food and accommodation for a certain period of time, while still paying for her levy until she finds a new employer.

Hiring a maid is a long-term commitment, and employers must consider these financial obligations carefully. A trustworthy maid agency should be honest and transparent in all relevant costs, replacement and refund policies involved.

3. How to Find a Suitable Maid

Employers can hire a maid through different channels, but engaging a trustworthy maid agency like Best Home Employment Agency is the safest and most reliable option. Here’s why:

- Strict Screening & Training: established maid agencies like Best Home Employment Agency conducts background checks, stringent recruitment processes and ensures maids are well-trained before deployment.

- Legal & Contractual Security: competent maid agencies handle all legal paperwork, ensuring compliance with MOM regulations and reducing liability for employers.

- Replacement Services & Support: If the maid is unsuitable, trustworthy maid agencies like Best Home offer counselling services, and replacement or refund guarantees ensuring peace of mind for employers.

Risks of Hiring a Maid Directly Online

Some employers attempt to bypass maid agencies by hiring maids directly through social media or online forums. This poses serious risks, including:

- Illegal Hiring & Work Permit Violations: Employing a helper without proper documentation can result in hefty fines and legal prosecution.

- No Guarantee of Skills or Background Verification: Direct hires may have falsified documentation or work experience, increasing the risk of misconduct or the lack of work competency.

- No Support or Replacement Options: If the maid leaves suddenly or causes issues, employers are left stranded without immediate recourse.

To avoid these risks, always engage a licensed and reputable agency like Best Home Employment Agency, which has over 30 years of experience in providing reliable and legally compliant maids.

4. Employer Responsibilities & Obligations

Hiring a maid comes with serious responsibilities. MOM has clear guidelines to ensure maids are treated fairly:

- Withholding Passport & Work Permit: Employers are not allowed to withhold a maid’s passport or work permit.

- Rest Days: Maids are entitled to at least one rest day per week. Employers can compensate them with extra pay if they choose to work on rest days. However, every helper has one mandated rest day that cannot be compensated away.

- Handphone Usage: Maids should be allowed reasonable access to communication with their families, with agreed-upon boundaries. MOM states that a helper's handphone is her property and should not be kept away from her without consent.

- Proper Accommodation: Employers must provide a safe, clean, and well-ventilated living space with privacy. Maids should not be required to sleep in the kitchen, balcony or storeroom.

- Nutritious Meals: Maids must receive adequate and nutritious meals. Employers should not force them to eat leftovers or deprive them of proper food.

Failure to comply with these responsibilities can result in blacklisting or bans from hiring maids in the future. Established maid agencies should brief new employers with all relevant MOM guidelines to prevent any misunderstanding of the rules and regulations.

5. AIC Grants & Decreased Levy Payments for Eligible Employers

To support families in need, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and MOM offer financial assistance for eligible employers:

1. MOM Levy Concession ($60 levy payment per month instead of $300 per month)

Eligible employers include:

- Singaporean Families with elderly (67 years and above) living in the same household.

- Households with persons with disabilities (PWDs) requiring caregiving assistance.

- Singaporean Households with children younger than 16 years old.

2. Home Caregiving Grant ($250 - $400/month)

Employers who are caring for a frail elderly person or PWD can apply for this grant to offset maid costs.

These financial schemes significantly reduce the overall cost of hiring a domestic helper, making it more affordable for families who require extra caregiving support.

In addition, there are other grants available.

Why Choose Best Home Employment Agency?

Hiring a maid is a major decision, and choosing the right agency ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience. Best Home Employment Agency stands out for our:

1. 30 Years of Industry Expertise, Serving Thousands of Families in Singapore.

2. Decades-Strong Partnerships With Myanmar, Indonesian and Filipino Partners for Reliable, Competent and Highly-Trained Maids.

3. Hassle-Free and Efficient Processing of Work Permits.

4. Transparent Fees with No Hidden Charges.

5. Comprehensive Post-Handover Support and Services.

If you’re looking for an honest, sincere and professional maid agency in Singapore, Best Home Employment Agency is your best choice. Contact us today for a consultation and find the perfect helper for your household needs!