Hiring a maid in Singapore is common for many households. Over a quarter of a million families in Singapore employ maids for cleaning, cooking, and caring for children or the elderly. Hiring a maid in Singapore is a vital support system for many families. Before you start hiring, it’s essential to understand the rules, regulations, and costs of hiring a maid in Singapore.
What you should know about hiring a maid in Singapore
The cost of hiring a maid in Singapore is an important consideration, although understanding the local regulations is even more critical. Due to the rise of dual-income families, an aging population, and high living standards, many families in Singapore hire Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs), also known as maids, to help with childcare, elderly care, and household chores. The government provides clear guidelines, and the relatively low cost of hiring an FDW and cultural acceptance make it a practical option for many.
Criteria to hire a maid in Singapore
It’s essential to understand the regulations before going deeper into the process of hiring a maid in Singapore. Foreign domestic workers (FDWs) must possess a valid work permit, aged between 23 and 50 years old, and come from MOM-approved countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Responsibilities of employers
There is no minimum wage specified for hiring a maid in Singapore, but employers must make timely monthly payments and provide a weekly off-day (or its equivalent in compensation). Employers must also provide suitable accommodation, cover all medical expenses, and buy personal accident insurance for the FDWs. There’s also a need for a SGD 5,000 ($3,750) security bond per FDW (excluding Malaysians) and a monthly levy. Are you hiring a maid through an agency? Ensure the agency has a license from the Ministry of Manpower.
What is the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore?
The cost of hiring a maid in Singapore is one of the first things to look at before finding a suitable helper. While there isn’t a government-set minimum wage for Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs), many sending countries, such as the Philippines and Indonesia, have their baseline rates. For instance, the minimum wage for hiring a Filipino maid in Singapore is at least SGD 570 ($428) a month. If you’re considering the direct hiring of an Indonesian maid in Singapore, it’s essential to check their country-specific base rates as well.
Besides their monthly salary, employers are responsible for other costs like medical examinations, insurance, and levies. According to a HelperChoice report from mid-2016, the average FDW salary was approximately SGD 600 ($450), which equates to around SGD 23 ($17.25) for each working day. However, these rates can vary based on the domestic helper’s experience and the family’s specific care needs.
The table below shows an overview of the total cost of hiring a maid in Singapore:
| Type of cost | Maid agency | Direct maid hiring |
|---|---|---|
| Maid agency fee | SGD 100 ($75) to SGD 2,000 ($1,500) | – |
| Monthly salary | SGD 600 ($450) | SGD 600 ($450) |
| Settling in | SGD 75 ($56.25) | – |
| Work permit application | SGD 35 ($26.25) | SGD 35 ($26.25) |
| Work permit issuance | SGD 35 ($26.25) | SGD 35 ($26.25) |
| Monthly maid levy | SGD 300 ($225) (first FDW) SGD 450 ($338) (per extra FDW) | SGD 300 ($225) (first FDW) SGD 450 ($338) (per extra FDW) |
| Security deposit | SGD 5,000 ($3,750) | Optional |
| Maid loan | SGD 1,000 ($750) to SGD 3,500 ($2,625) | – |
| Maid insurance | SGD 238 ($179) | to SGD 450 ($338) |
| Total | SGD 7,383 ($5,537)+ | SGD 1,230 ($923)+ |
Is it better to hire a maid directly or through an agency?
The decision between directly hiring a domestic helper in Singapore and going through an agency depends on personal preferences and circumstances. Hiring a maid in Singapore without an agency offers more control over the selection process and can be more cost-effective. Direct hiring a Filipino maid in Singapore or direct hiring an Indonesian maid in Singapore can eliminate agency fees and ensure you get a helper tailored to your family’s needs.
On the other hand, using an agency simplifies the process, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the paperwork or the criteria to hire a maid in Singapore. Some families prefer this route, as it offers more convenience and additional support throughout the hiring and employment process.
What does the process of hiring a maid in Singapore look like?
The process of hiring a maid in Singapore starts with understanding the regulations and requirements. To hire a migrant domestic worker, employers must meet certain criteria:
- They must be at least 21 years old.
- They shouldn’t be an undischarged bankrupt.
- Employers must have the mental capacity to ensure the well-being of the helper.
If you’re a first-time employer in Singapore, you must attend the Employer Orientation Programme before applying for a work permit. Special requirements are in place for hiring a maid for the elderly in Singapore. Once you’ve determined your eligibility, you can hire a local or overseas maid in Singapore. Hiring a maid in Singapore without an agency is possible, but you must handle all the paperwork and procedures personally.
Employers must purchase medical and personal accident insurance, attend orientation programs, and post a SGD 5,000 ($3,750) security bond after selecting a suitable maid. If approved, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter will be issued for the worker to enter Singapore.
To ensure compliance with regulations, proper accommodation, timely salaries, and medical care must be provided. Additionally, maids in Singapore can only perform domestic duties. Hiring a part-time maid in Singapore isn’t possible.
How to find a maid in Singapore?
There are several ways to find a maid in Singapore. You can directly hire a maid, which involves personally vetting and choosing a suitable candidate. This costs more time and energy but often leads to more harmonious employer-maid relationships. There are several websites to find a maid.
Another option is using an employment agency. This simplifies the process of hiring a maid in Singapore, as they assist with paperwork and work permit applications. They offer a pool of candidates from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and more.
Do you want to get help finding a maid in Singapore? We are happy to support you and ensure you find the right maid that fits your needs. Please provide us with your name and email; our property expert will contact you as soon as possible.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in directly hiring a Filipino maid in Singapore, hiring an Indonesian maid, or hiring a maid through an agency, understanding the process and cost of hiring a maid in Singapore is essential. While there are numerous benefits to having domestic help, it’s equally important to ensure a respectful, fair, and legal employment relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can foreigners hire a maid in Singapore?
Foreigners can hire a maid in Singapore as long as they meet specific requirements, like being a resident or holder of a long-term visit pass and having a steady income.
What is the average price of hiring a maid in Singapore?
The average price of hiring a maid in Singapore is SGD 600 ($450) monthly. Other costs, such as agency fees (if applicable), insurance, work permit application and issuance, and the security deposit, are not included. The overall cost will vary based on the maid’s nationality, experience, and agency fees.
What is the salary for hiring a maid in Singapore?
The salary for hiring a maid in Singapore varies. In mid-2016, the average FDW salary was just under SGD 600 ($450) a month. The wage often depends on the maid’s experience and the family’s needs.
How to hire a maid in Singapore without agency?
Employers can hire a maid directly in Singapore without agency, although more steps are involved. Think about personally searching and choosing suitable candidates, handling the work permit application, and ensuring all requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower are met.
How much does a maid agent charge in Singapore?
A maid agent in Singapore typically charges an agency fee to find candidates. The exact price varies among agencies, but direct hiring often proves to be a more cost-effective option.
How much is a Filipino maid’s salary in Singapore?
The salary of a Filipino maid in Singapore must be at least SGD 570 ($428) a month. This is the minimum salary mandated by their home country. However, many households pay Filipino maids more than the minimum salary.
How much does it cost to hire a domestic helper in Singapore?
Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore costs at least SGD 600 ($450). The total cost of hiring a maid in Singapore can be higher due to agency fees, insurance, work permits, and other related costs. Although the overall expense varies per situation, employers should be prepared for initial setup costs and ongoing monthly salaries.
