The cost of hiring a foreign domestic worker through a maid agency in Singapore in 2019 is significant and is increasing with time. With more than 255,000 maids in Singapore, one out five household is employs one. Today with nuclear family and aging population having a maid is not a luxury but almost a necessity. Whether you have young children or old parents, you need a helping hand to take care of your kids or old parents while you and your spouse are away for work.
With over 1000 maid agencies and each claiming that they are better than the other, selecting a maid agency to source the maid is a confusing job.
Different maid agencies charge different fees. Sometimes depending on the maid’s experience and/or nationality. Bringing in a helper from India is for instance is a little easier than from Indonesia or Philippines. Indian maids only need to have a valid passport and meet the minimum education criteria from MoM. Indonesian and Philippine maids need exit visa which involves extra efforts and costs, which is why some maid agencies charge different fees depending on the nationality of the maid . Another factor is the experience. The more the better of course.
We have made an effort to make an overview of what maid agencies charge. Of course actual charges differ from case-to-case, but this will provide some guidance. Part of the costs are typically charged to the employer and a part to the helper involved. Legally the maximum amount that can be charged to a helper is 6 months of her wages. This is typically advanced by the employer and withheld out of her first few months’ pay.
Cost of hiring a maid/FDW from a maid agency in Singapore 2019 |
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| Description | Cost in SGD | Comments |
| Agency Fee | $800 to $1100 | Depends on nationality and experience of the maid |
| Additional Charges | ||
| Processing Charges |
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| MOM Application | $35 | |
| MOM E Issue | $35 | |
| Transport | $100 | |
| Medical | $80 | |
| Insurance And SIP | ||
| Insurance | $150 to $450 | Depends on duration, insurer and plan type |
| Security Bond Protector | $53.50 | Optional |
| Performance bond (2K /7K) | $40 to $75 | Optional, needed only for Philippines maid |
| Settling in Programme (SIP) | $75 | Needed for Fresh FDW |
| Maid loan | $1000 to $3500 | Depends on salary, nationality and other factors. |
| Total Cost | $2500 to $5500 | |
Processing charges include MOM application and work permit issue fee, transportation and 1st full medical cost.
The total cost of hiring a maid /FDW from a maid agency in Singapore 2019 is usually between $2500 to $5500 which includes the maid loan .
One of the benefits of using a maid agency is that they generally have a few candidates available immediately for interview and selection. Moreover, agencies typically give up to 2 replacements within 6 months, (although the employer still has to pay some additional charges for the new maid which includes processing and Insurance charges.
At Insurance Market we are serious about insurance and facilitate parties coming together to transact insurance only in the best and most responsible manner. Insurance Market offers a wide range of general online insurance products (such as travel insurance, maid insurance, pet insurance and more) and life insurance through personal advice from our qualified brokers.
