Hiring a Helper in Singapore — 2026 Handbook
A practical reference for families in Singapore employing a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW). Updated for 2026, this handbook covers the maid levy, MOM rules, hiring costs, and how to set up a meal-planning routine that works in a multilingual household.
Key Points
- Employers pay a monthly Foreign Domestic Worker Levy to MOM
- Concessionary levy applies to households with young children, elderly, or PWDs
- No statutory minimum wage — set by source country and agency
- Mandatory Settling-In Programme (SIP) for first-time MDWs
- Annual medical examination is required
- One rest day per week (or compensation in lieu, with consent)
How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore in 2026?
Total monthly cost typically ranges from S$900–1,400, made up of salary (S$600–800 depending on nationality and experience), the Foreign Domestic Worker Levy (S$300 or S$60 concessionary), insurance (~S$300–500/year), and food. Upfront hiring costs add S$2,000–4,000 for agency fees, medical exam, work permit, and SIP.
Who qualifies for the concessionary maid levy in Singapore?
The concessionary levy (S$60/month) applies to Singapore Citizen households with a child under 16, an elderly person aged 67+, or a person with disability. PR-only households pay the full levy regardless. Most expat households without these criteria pay the full monthly rate set by MOM.
What is the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
SIP is a one-day mandatory orientation for first-time MDWs in Singapore, covering safety, employment rights, stress management, and adapting to Singapore. The employer arranges and pays for it (around S$75) within the first 3 working days. Repeat MDWs do not need SIP again.
The Foreign Domestic Worker Levy
Employers pay a monthly levy to MOM for the right to employ an MDW. There are two tiers:
- Standard rate — applies to most households
- Concessionary rate (S$60/month) — for Singapore Citizen households with a young child, elderly parent, or person with disability
The levy is paid via GIRO. Missing payments will affect work permit renewal. Always check the current rates on the MOM website.
Salary and Source Country
Singapore has no statutory minimum wage for MDWs. Salaries are negotiated through the agency and influenced by the source country's minimum:
- Philippines: minimum set by POEA (typically the highest of common source countries)
- Indonesia: minimum set by KBRI
- Myanmar: lower minimum, growing share of the market
Experienced MDWs (5+ years), those who can drive, or those with elderly-care training command higher salaries.
Food, Accommodation, and Rest Days
Employers must provide:
- Three meals per day (or a sufficient food allowance)
- A safe, separate, ventilated sleeping area
- One rest day per week (or compensation if mutually agreed in writing)
- Adequate rest between work hours
MOM publishes guidance on what counts as adequate food and accommodation. Inadequate provision can lead to suspension of the work permit.
Mandatory Insurance and Medical
Two insurance policies are mandatory:
- Medical insurance — minimum S$60,000 inpatient and day-surgery coverage
- Personal accident insurance — minimum S$60,000 sum assured
Annual medical examination is required, paid by the employer. The MDW also takes a 6-monthly medical exam covering pregnancy, TB, and STDs.
Meal Planning in Multilingual Households
Most Singapore households cook a mix of Western, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan dishes. With an MDW from the Philippines or Indonesia, the language gap around recipes is often the biggest friction point.
MealSide handles this by auto-translating recipes between English, Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, and other languages. The whole household sees the same weekly plan in their preferred language, with portions auto-scaled to your family size.
Where to look — agencies, transfer helpers, and embassies
Three realistic channels in Singapore:
- MOM-licensed agencies — the licence list is on mom.gov.sg. Cross-reference reviews on parenting forums (KiasuParents, Sassy Mama Singapore) before committing. Avoid any agency that pressures you to sign quickly or that asks the helper to pay fees in excess of source-country caps.
- Transfer helpers — Facebook groups like "Singapore Transfer Maid" and "FDW Transfer Singapore" list helpers finishing contracts. Treat them like a referral: insist on a previous-employer reference and verify the helper's current employment status before paying any fees.
- Source-country embassies — the Philippine and Indonesian embassies maintain lists of accredited agencies and minimum salary recommendations for their citizens.
MOM's licence list is the single source of truth.
Interview questions worth asking
In Singapore most interviews happen by video call (for overseas candidates) or in person (for transfer helpers). Focus on specifics rather than personality.
Cooking and meals:
- What dishes do you cook most often? Can you describe one in detail?
- Have you cooked for children of [age]?
- Are you comfortable following a written weekly meal plan in English?
- How do you approach a recipe you have not made before?
Language and communication:
- Do you read English (or Mandarin) for recipes and shopping lists?
- What is the easiest way for the employer to give you instructions during the day?
Living arrangements:
- Are you comfortable with the room and live-in arrangement we are offering?
- Do you have allergies or dietary restrictions we should plan for?
Work history:
- Why did your previous contract end?
- May we speak to your previous employer?
For transfer hires, the previous-employer conversation is the single most useful 10 minutes you will spend. Grab our free one-page printable [interview checklist (PDF)](/mealside-helper-interview-checklist.pdf).
FAQs
Can I employ a maid as a single person in Singapore?
Yes, but you must meet MOM's eligibility rules (minimum monthly salary and Singapore residency status). Single foreign-pass holders without dependants face stricter scrutiny and may need to demonstrate caregiving need.
What happens if my MDW falls pregnant?
MOM's policy requires the work permit to be cancelled and the MDW repatriated. Employers should ensure clear communication on this rule from day one and provide a confidential channel for any concerns.
How many off-days per month?
A minimum of one rest day per week (so typically 4 per month). Since 2023, MDWs must take at least one rest day per month that cannot be compensated away — both parties can no longer waive all rest days for cash.
Where do I find a reputable agency?
MOM publishes an Employment Agency Directory with licensing status and demerit points. Look for agencies with low demerit scores, transparent fee structures, and good post-placement support. Word-of-mouth in expat parent groups (Sassy Mama SG, Honeycombers) is also a strong filter.