Best Ayi Agencies in Shanghai (2026 Guide)

Key Points

• Always use a licensed agency registered with local labour authorities
• Full-time live-in ayis in Shanghai typically cost ¥6,000–¥12,000 per month in 2026
• Agency placement fees usually range from ¥2,000 to ¥8,000 depending on service level
• Request background checks, health certificates, and references before hiring
• A one- to two-week trial period is standard practice — insist on it
• Use a written contract in Chinese that covers duties, hours, salary, and notice period

What are the best ayi agencies in Shanghai?

The most reputable ayi agencies in Shanghai include Ayi1 (阿姨1号), 58 Daojia (58到家), CloudMaid, Ayibang (阿姨帮), Shanghai Ayi Service Centre, HomeHero, Tianetan Housekeeping, and Zhongjia Housekeeping. Each agency differs in pricing, service type, and whether they cater to expat or local families. The best choice depends on your language needs, budget, and whether you need a live-in or part-time ayi.

How much do ayi agencies charge in Shanghai?

Agency placement fees in Shanghai range from ¥2,000 to ¥8,000 for a one-time placement. Monthly ayi salaries for full-time help range from ¥6,000 to ¥12,000 depending on experience, live-in versus live-out, and cooking skills. Part-time ayis charge ¥35–¥80 per hour. Agencies that cater to expats tend to charge higher fees due to English-speaking staff and bilingual matching services.

How do I find a reliable ayi in Shanghai?

Use a licensed agency, ask for references from other families, and insist on a trial period. Check the ayi's health certificate (健康证) and ID. Interview candidates about their cooking skills, cleaning experience, and availability. Expat community groups on WeChat are also a good source of recommendations.

What regulations apply to ayi agencies in China?

Ayi agencies in China must be registered as domestic service companies (家政服务公司) with local commerce authorities. They should carry business insurance and provide workers with basic accident coverage. Employment contracts should follow local labour guidelines, though domestic workers are not covered by the standard Labour Contract Law in the same way as other employees. Always request the agency's business licence (营业执照) before signing.

What to Look For in an Ayi Agency

Not all ayi agencies in Shanghai offer the same level of service. Here is what to check before committing:

• Business licence (营业执照): Ask to see the agency's registration. Legitimate agencies are registered with the local Administration for Industry and Commerce.
• Background checks: Good agencies verify identity, check criminal records, and require health certificates from their ayis.
• Training programmes: Some agencies train ayis in cooking, childcare, and household management. Trained ayis command higher salaries but deliver better results.
• Replacement guarantee: Reputable agencies offer a free replacement within 30–90 days if the ayi does not work out.
• Contract clarity: The agency should provide a trilateral contract (agency–employer–ayi) that specifies duties, hours, salary, rest days, and termination terms.
• Insurance coverage: Check whether the agency provides accident insurance for the ayi while working in your home.
• Language support: For expat families, agencies with English-speaking coordinators make the hiring process much smoother.

Top Ayi Agencies in Shanghai

Here is a comparison of well-known ayi agencies operating in Shanghai as of 2026:

Ayi1 is one of the most established agencies in Shanghai with a strong reputation among both local and expat families. They offer thorough vetting and a 60-day replacement guarantee.

CloudMaid specifically caters to expat households with English-speaking coordinators, bilingual contracts, and ayis trained in Western cooking and childcare.

58 Daojia is China's largest domestic services platform. It operates like an app-based marketplace — convenient and affordable, but with less personal service than boutique agencies.

Ayibang is ideal for part-time help. Book cleaning or cooking sessions by the hour through their app. No long-term commitment required.

Chinese Labour Regulations for Domestic Workers

Domestic helpers in China occupy a unique legal space. Key points to understand:

Not covered by standard Labour Contract Law: Domestic workers (家政服务人员) are not classified as formal employees under China's Labour Contract Law. This means standard protections like severance pay and social insurance contributions are not legally required, though good practice encourages them.

Hukou considerations: Many ayis come from other provinces and hold rural hukou (户籍). This can affect their access to local healthcare and their children's schooling. Some families help their ayi navigate these issues.

Health certificates: Ayis should have a valid health certificate (健康证) issued within the past 12 months. This is obtained at local community health centres and checks for communicable diseases.

Insurance: While not legally mandatory, accident insurance for domestic workers is strongly recommended. Many agencies include basic accident coverage in their fees. Policies typically cost ¥200–¥500 per year.

Written contracts: Always use a written contract, even though verbal agreements are common. The contract should specify monthly salary, work hours, rest days, duties, food and accommodation arrangements (for live-in ayis), notice period, and grounds for termination.

Agency Fees and Cost Breakdown

Understanding the full cost of hiring an ayi through an agency in Shanghai:

Hidden costs to consider: Chinese New Year is the biggest factor. Most ayis take 2–4 weeks off during Spring Festival. A one-month bonus (13th-month pay) is customary. Factor this into your annual budget.

Interview Tips When Hiring an Ayi

The interview is your best opportunity to assess fit. Ask about these areas:

Cooking skills: Ask what dishes the ayi cooks regularly. If you need Western cooking, ask specifically about pasta, baking, salads, and oven use. Many ayis are excellent Chinese cooks but unfamiliar with Western kitchen equipment.

Language ability: If you need some English communication, test it during the interview. Even basic English for grocery items and household terms helps enormously.

Dietary needs: Explain any allergies, religious dietary requirements, or preferences. Make sure the ayi understands and can accommodate them.

Schedule and flexibility: Clarify start and end times, rest days, overtime expectations, and holiday arrangements. Be explicit about Chinese New Year plans.

References: Ask for contact details of previous employers. A good ayi will have references she is happy to share.

Trial period: Agree on a 1–2 week paid trial before committing to a long-term arrangement. This protects both sides.

Training Your New Ayi

The first two weeks are critical for setting expectations and building a good working relationship.

Kitchen orientation: Walk through your kitchen, showing where everything is stored. Label shelves and containers in Chinese if helpful.

Recipe sharing: Provide your family's favourite recipes in written Chinese with photos. Cook new dishes together the first time. Tools like MealSide make it easy to organise recipes and meal plans digitally, so your ayi can access them on her phone in Chinese — no paper printouts needed.

Cleaning standards: Show exactly how you want each room cleaned. Demonstrate rather than just describe. Take photos of the "finished" standard for reference.

Communication routine: Establish a daily check-in time. Use WeChat for quick messages during the day. Keep a shared shopping list that both you and the ayi can edit.

Gradual expansion: Start with core duties and add responsibilities over time. Trying to train everything in the first week leads to overwhelm and mistakes.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an Agency

Avoid these common pitfalls when selecting an ayi agency in Shanghai:

• Choosing on price alone: The cheapest agency often provides the least vetting. A bad hire costs far more in wasted time than a higher placement fee.
• Not checking the business licence: Some informal "agencies" are just individuals brokering introductions. Always verify registration.
• Skipping the trial period: Never commit long-term without a trial. Even the best interview cannot predict daily compatibility.
• Unclear job scope: Write down exactly what you expect — cooking, cleaning, childcare, laundry, grocery shopping. Ambiguity leads to conflict.
• Ignoring the contract: Verbal agreements are common in China but risky. A written contract protects both parties.
• Not discussing Chinese New Year early: CNY plans (leave duration, bonus, travel) should be agreed upfront to avoid surprises.
• Expecting perfection immediately: Most ayis need 2–4 weeks to learn your household's preferences. Be patient and provide clear feedback.

Live-In vs Part-Time Ayi — Pros and Cons

Deciding between a live-in and part-time ayi depends on your household needs:

Live-in ayis are ideal for families who need daily cooking, cleaning, and childcare. They become part of the household routine and can manage the home independently.

Part-time ayis suit smaller households or families who only need help with specific tasks like cleaning or cooking a few meals per week. The flexibility is appealing, and you can use platform apps like Ayibang to book sessions as needed.

FAQs

How do I verify if an ayi agency in Shanghai is legitimate?

Ask to see the agency's business licence (营业执照) and check the registration number on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (国家企业信用信息公示系统). Legitimate agencies will have a physical office you can visit.

What is the typical trial period for an ayi in Shanghai?

Most agencies offer a 1–2 week trial period. During this time, either party can end the arrangement. The ayi is paid for the trial days worked. If the match does not work, the agency should provide a replacement at no extra cost.

Can I hire an ayi directly without an agency?

Yes, many families find ayis through WeChat groups, word of mouth, or community boards. Direct hiring avoids agency fees but means you handle vetting, contracts, and insurance yourself. For first-time hirers, an agency is usually worth the fee.

Do ayis in Shanghai speak English?

Most ayis speak Mandarin and possibly Shanghainese. English-speaking ayis are rare and command a premium of 20–40% above standard rates. Expat-focused agencies like CloudMaid and HomeHero are more likely to have ayis with basic English.

What happens if my ayi quits suddenly?

If you hired through an agency, contact them immediately for a replacement. Most agencies guarantee a replacement within 1–2 weeks. If you hired directly, you will need to start the search again. This is one advantage of using an agency.

Is it customary to give an ayi a Chinese New Year bonus?

Yes, a one-month salary bonus (13th-month pay) at Chinese New Year is standard practice. Some families also give a red envelope (红包) of ¥200–¥500. Discuss CNY arrangements — leave duration, bonus, and return date — well in advance.

Related Recipes

• Chicken Fried Rice
• Spaghetti Bolognese
• Simple Omelette
• Simple Chicken Curry
• Beef Stir-Fry

Related Meal Plans

• Weekly Meal Plan for a Helper Cooking for a Family of 4
• Easy Meal Plan for Domestic Helpers
• Weekly Asian Meal Plan for Helpers

Related Guides

• How Families Organise Meals With an Ayi in China
• Meal Planning with Domestic Helpers: A Complete Guide
• How to Teach Your Helper to Cook Family Meals