Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore: How Much Does It Really Cost?

Hiring a foreign / migrant domestic helper (FDW / MDW) is a significant financial commitment that goes far beyond just a monthly salary. From maid agency fees and work permits to insurance and security deposits, the upfront and ongoing costs can quickly add up to over $8,000 in the first year alone. Before making this decision, it's crucial to understand the full cost breakdown and plan your budget accordingly.

Estimated Cost Breakdown of Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore

Type of fees	New maid / helper (Minimal to no experience)	Transfer maid / helper	Experienced maid / helper (5+ years)
Salary	$500–$650+	$500–$650+	$600–$900+
Maid agency fees	$1,000–$3,000	$1,000–$3,000	$1,200–$3,500
Settling-in programme (first-time helpers)	$200–$500	None	$100–$300
Work permit application	$35
Work permit issuance	$35
Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) Levy	$300 for 1st helper ($9.87 per day) $450 per subsequent helper ($14.80 per day) $60 with concessions for elderly & persons with disabilities ($1.98 per day)
Security deposit (MOM)	$5,000 per helper
Maid insurance premium	$409.73
Estimated total sum	$7,479.73–$9,929.73 (with concessions: $7,239.73–$9,689.73)	$7,279.73–$9,429.73 (with concessions: $7,039.73–$9,189.73)	$7,679.73–$10,479.73 (with concessions: $7,439.73–$10,239.73)

Disclaimer: Maid insurance premium is based on MSIG MaidPlus Standard Enhanced (for 23 May 2026 start date). Actual costs may vary depending on agency, helper experience, and additional expenses. Sources: MOM, Best Home Employment Agency, INCOME

Since July 2023, minimum MDW insurance coverage is at least $60,000 for inpatient medical care and day surgery and $60,000 for personal accidents. Experienced helpers also typically command 20–30% higher salaries.

Important maid insurance updates

Co-payment structures:

For claims up to $15,000: Insurers cover 100%
For claims > $15,000: Insurers only cover 75%, while employers pay the remaining 25% (employers’ max out-of-pocket: $11,250 capped under $60,000 annual limit)

Since July 2025

Direct billing: Insurers pay hospitals directly. No more upfront payment or reimbursement hassles for employers.
Standardised exclusions: Government mandated standard exclusions (e.g. cosmetic procedures) have been made clear across all policies.

Age-based premiums: Separate premium rates for helpers aged 50 and below vs above 60 have been more clearly defined to align costs with actual medical risks.

When to pay the MDW levy?

As an employer, you must pay the monthly MDW levy by the 17th of the following month (or next business day if it falls on a weekend or public holiday). For example, your MDW levy bill for June 2026 will be due on 17 July 2026. You may also check for the next payment due date in your levy bill.

The MDW levy can be paid for using either GIRO or PayNow QR code. Failure to pay the levy will result in the following penalties:

Late payment penalty
Helper’s Work Permit being revoked the next month (for two consecutive missed months’ payments)
Prohibited from applying for or issued a new Work Permit, or renew existing Work Permit
Face legal action to recover unpaid levy

Best Maid Insurance Plans in Singapore

MoneySmart Exclusive

Best Value | High Liability Coverage

Personal Accident: ^S$60,000
Hospital & Surgical Expenses (per year): ^S$60,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$50,000
Premium Premium~~S$521.02~~20% Off: ^S$416.81

CASH or REWARDS:
• Enabot EBO Smart Wireless Camera (worth S$239)
• OR S$130 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$108 Cash via PayNow
and many more when you purchase an eligible GREAT Maid Protect Insurance plan*.
T&Cs apply.

PLUS, enjoy 20% off your policy premium when you apply code MAID20

*Rewards are only eligible for applications of helpers aged below or equal to 50 years old as of policy effective date.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

Best Value | High Liability Coverage

Personal Accident: ^S$60,000
Hospital & Surgical Expenses (per year): ^S$60,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$50,000
Premium Premium~~S$630.02~~20% Off: ^S$504.01

CASH or REWARDS:
• Enabot EBO Smart Wireless Camera (worth S$239)
• OR S$130 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$108 Cash via PayNow
and many more when you purchase an eligible GREAT Maid Protect Insurance plan*.
T&Cs apply.

PLUS, enjoy 20% off your policy premium when you apply code MAID20

*Rewards are only eligible for applications of helpers aged below or equal to 50 years old as of policy effective date.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

Best Value | High Liability Coverage

Personal Accident: ^S$60,000
Hospital & Surgical Expenses (per year): ^S$90,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$50,000
Premium Premium~~S$756.46~~20% Off: ^S$605.16

CASH or REWARDS:
• Enabot EBO Smart Wireless Camera (worth S$239)
• OR S$130 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$108 Cash via PayNow
and many more when you purchase an eligible GREAT Maid Protect Insurance plan*.
T&Cs apply.

PLUS, enjoy 20% off your policy premium when you apply code MAID20

*Rewards are only eligible for applications of helpers aged below or equal to 50 years old as of policy effective date.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

High Personal Accident Coverage

Personal Accident: ^S$60,000
Hospitalisation & Surgical Expenses (per year): ^S$60,000
Third Party Liability: N/A
Premium Premium~~S$507~~18% Off: ^S$415.74

Get CASH or UPSIZED REWARDS:
• Enabot EBO SE Smart Familybot (Wireless Camera) (worth S$239)
• OR up to $130 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$100 Cash via PayNow
and more when you purchase an eligible HL Assurance Maid Insurance plan.
T&Cs apply.

Enjoy an exclusive 18% off your policy premium with promo code MS18.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

Covers employer's mandatory 25% co-payment

Personal Accident: ^S$70,000
Hospitalisation & Surgical Expenses (per year): ^S$60,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$3,000
Premium Premium~~S$556.90~~18% Off: ^S$456.65

Get CASH or UPSIZED REWARDS:
• Enabot EBO SE Smart Familybot (Wireless Camera) (worth S$239)
• OR up to $130 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$100 Cash via PayNow
and more when you purchase an eligible HL Assurance Maid Insurance plan.
T&Cs apply.

Enjoy an exclusive 18% off your policy premium with promo code MS18.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

Covers employer’s mandatory 25% co-payment

Personal Accident: ^S$80,000
Hospitalisation & Surgical Expenses (per year): ^S$80,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$5,000
Premium Premium~~S$583.60~~18% Off: ^S$478.55

Get CASH or UPSIZED REWARDS:
• Enabot EBO SE Smart Familybot (Wireless Camera) (worth S$239)
• OR up to $130 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$100 Cash via PayNow
and more when you purchase an eligible HL Assurance Maid Insurance plan.
T&Cs apply.

Enjoy an exclusive 18% off your policy premium with promo code MS18.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

Covers employer’s mandatory 25% co-payment

Personal Accident: ^S$100,000
Hospitalisation & Surgical Expenses (per year): ^S$80,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$7,000
Premium Premium~~S$692~~18% Off: ^S$567.44

Get CASH or UPSIZED REWARDS:
• Enabot EBO SE Smart Familybot (Wireless Camera) (worth S$239)
• OR up to $130 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$100 Cash via PayNow
and more when you purchase an eligible HL Assurance Maid Insurance plan.
T&Cs apply.

Enjoy an exclusive 18% off your policy premium with promo code MS18.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

Personal Accident: ^S$60,000
Hospital & Surgical Expenses: S$60,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$5,000
Premium Premium~~S$585.33~~30% Off: ^S$409.73

[FLASH DEAL | Go "Grab" Vouchers!]
Score a $20 GrabGift voucher with a purchased MSIG MaidPlus premium! T&Cs apply.

[CASH or REWARDS]
• Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 5.5L (worth S$105)
• OR up to S$100 GrabGifts vouchers
• OR up to S$88 Cash via PayNow
and many more when you purchase an eligible MSIG MaidPlus Insurance plan.
T&Cs apply.

PLUS, enjoy 30% off on all MaidPlus plans and get up to $50 e-voucher from MSIG.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

Personal Accident: ^S$60,000
Hospital & Surgical Expenses: S$80,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$10,000
Premium Premium~~S$644.19~~30% Off: ^S$450.93

[FLASH DEAL | Go "Grab" Vouchers!]
Score a $20 GrabGift voucher with a purchased MSIG MaidPlus premium! T&Cs apply.

[CASH or REWARDS]
• Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 5.5L (worth S$105)
• OR up to S$100 GrabGifts vouchers
• OR up to S$88 Cash via PayNow
and many more when you purchase an eligible MSIG MaidPlus Insurance plan.
T&Cs apply.

PLUS, enjoy 30% off on all MaidPlus plans and get up to $50 e-voucher from MSIG.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

MoneySmart Exclusive

Personal Accident: ^S$60,000
Hospital & Surgical Expenses: S$120,000
Third Party Liability: ^S$20,000
Premium Premium~~S$728.12~~30% Off: ^S$509.68

[FLASH DEAL | Go "Grab" Vouchers!]
Score a $20 GrabGift voucher with a purchased MSIG MaidPlus premium! T&Cs apply.

[CASH or REWARDS]
• Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 5.5L (worth S$105)
• OR up to S$100 GrabGifts vouchers
• OR up to S$88 Cash via PayNow
and many more when you purchase an eligible MSIG MaidPlus Insurance plan.
T&Cs apply.

PLUS, enjoy 30% off on all MaidPlus plans and get up to $50 e-voucher from MSIG.

Valid until 30 Jun 2026

Great Helpers Deserve Great Cover |Up to 35% Off!

With plans starting from under $434/year, the right maid insurance policy is more affordable than you think. Compare Singapore's top maid insurance plans on MoneySmart for free.

Compare Maid Insurance Plans

Average Minimum Domestic Helper Salary

Helper salaries vary by nationality, with minimum wages set through bilateral agreements. For example, as of 2026, the Philippines government has mandated a worldwide minimum basic salary of US$500 (~S$650) for Filipino domestic workers, with no exceptions. Employment contracts failing to meet this requirement will not be processed by the Philippines Embassy.

That said, experienced helpers with specialised skills also often command higher salaries, regardless of their country of origin. Examples of such specialised competencies include:

Being multilingual (e.g. English + Mandarin + other dialects)
Certified caregiving training
Nursing background
Experience in dementia care, newborn care, special needs caregiving
Strong culinary skills

Minimum Salary By Country

Country of origin	New helper	Experienced helper (ex-SG / overseas)
Country of originIndonesia	New helper$550–$650	Experienced helper (ex-SG / overseas)$650–$800+
Country of originThe Philippines	New helperUS$500 (~S$650)	Experienced helper (ex-SG / overseas)$700–$900+
Country of originMyanmar	New helper$500–$580	Experienced helper (ex-SG / overseas)$600–$750
Country of originIndia (Mizoram)	New helper$540–$650	Experienced helper (ex-SG / overseas)$650–$800
Country of originDisclaimer: Sourced from Best Home Employment Agency. Actual salaries may be higher depending on experience, skills, and negotiation.	New helper

Are There Government Subsidies to Help With MDW Costs?

If you're hiring a maid to care for an elderly family member or someone with disabilities, you may qualify for government grants and subsidies that can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.

Grant type	Monthly savings	Who qualifies	Key requirements
Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)	Up to $600 monthly cash payouts	Singaporean/PR caregivers	Care recipient must be: Singaporean or PR Living with monthly household income ≤ $4.8K Must have moderate to severe disability (3 or more ADLs)
Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Grant	$60 per helper per month (capped at 2 helpers per household)	Singaporean/PR families	Refer to MOM's website for specific scenario eligibility

Note: ADLs = Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, transferring)

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only, and not serve as professional financial advice. Please exercise due discretion and consult a licensed professional.

FAQs About Hiring Costs For Domestic Helpers in Singapore

What is the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore?

Expect to pay $7,479.73 to $10,479.73 upfront when hiring a domestic helper, depending on whether you're hiring a new, transfer, or experienced maid. This includes agency fees, work permit costs, security deposit, insurance, and initial salary. Ongoing monthly costs (salary, levy, and living expenses) will vary based on the helper's nationality, experience, and your household needs.

Are there any government subsidies for hiring a maid in Singapore?

Yes. There are currently two main subsidy types:

Home Caregiving Grant: For those needing a maid to care for an elderly person or person with a disability in the household

Foreign Domestic Worker Grant: A monthly cash payment given\ to families who need to hire a maid to care for loved ones needing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

How much does maid insurance cost in Singapore?

According to MoneySmart’s maid insurance comparison, plan premiums start from $347.05 (for Malaysian helpers) or $409.73 (other nationalities) and depend on coverage levels.

Since July 2023, the mandatory minimum coverage increased to $60,000 for medical expenses and $60,000 for personal accident. MoneySmart exclusive plans offer additional perks like cash rewards, vouchers, or smart home devices.

What do maid agency fees cover in Singapore?

Maid agency fees range from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the helper's experience level. These fees typically cover:

Candidate sourcing and screening
Skills assessment and background verification
Employment contract preparation
Orientation and settling-in training programs
Work permit application assistance
Post-placement support

Most agencies include replacement guarantees (3–6 months) if the helper proves unsuitable. Experienced helpers with specialised skills command higher fees due to more selective matching.

What is the difference between hiring a new maid and a transfer maid?

A new maid arrives directly from their home country and requires settling-in costs ($200-$500) for orientation and training.
A transfer maid has prior work experience in Singapore and can start work immediately, saving you settling-in expenses and reducing the adjustment period.

However, both require the same work permit fees, security deposit, and insurance.

What is the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore?

No, you cannot claim tax relief specifically for hiring a domestic helper. However, if you're employing a maid to care for a parent, grandparent, or disabled family member, you may qualify for Parenthood Tax Rebate (up to $5,000 per child for the second child onwards) or Handicapped Dependent Relief (up to $14,000) to indirectly offset caregiving costs.

How long does it take to hire a maid in Singapore?

Hiring a new maid: Typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to arrival, including work permit processing, embassy clearances, and travel arrangements.

Hiring a transfer maid: Faster; usually 2-4 weeks since they're already in Singapore and only require work permit transfer approval from MOM.

Do I need to pay for my maid's medical expenses?

Yes, as an employer you're responsible for your helper's medical and dental care, including hospitalization and emergency treatment. However, maid insurance covers medical expenses up to your policy limit (minimum $60,000 required by MOM). You'll typically pay out-of-pocket for routine checkups and minor treatments not covered by insurance.

What happens if my maid wants to quit or I need to terminate the contract early?

If your maid quits or you terminate the contract, you'll need to repatriate her within 7 days at your expense (flight ticket home). You'll also need to cancel the work permit and may forfeit part of the security bond ($5,000) if contractual obligations aren't met. The unused portion of insurance may be refundable depending on your policy terms.