The Filipino maid minimum salary in Singapore is USD 500 per month (approximately SGD 650), as mandated by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers. This is a Philippines government requirement, not a Singapore MOM rule, and applies to all Filipina MDWs regardless of experience. Employment contracts below this threshold will not be processed through the Philippines Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Singapore.
What Is the Filipino Maid Minimum Salary in Singapore?
The Filipino maid minimum salary is set by the Philippine government’s Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), not by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower. As of 2026, the mandated minimum basic salary for Filipina domestic workers deployed globally, including Singapore, is USD 500 per month, which translates to approximately SGD 650 at current exchange rates.
This minimum applies to all employment contracts regardless of the helper’s experience level. Contracts below this floor will be rejected by POLO Singapore during the validation stage, meaning the work permit application cannot proceed through official channels. Singapore MOM itself does not impose a statutory minimum wage for MDWs, but all Filipino MDW contracts must pass through POLO to be legally valid, making the Philippine mandated rate effectively binding for all Singapore employers.
How Much Do Filipino Maids Typically Earn in Singapore?
While USD 500 (SGD ~650) is the floor, actual salaries in Singapore are generally higher. Starting salaries for first-time Filipino MDWs typically range from SGD 650 to SGD 700 per month. Experienced helpers, particularly those with caregiving training or a strong Singapore employment track record, can command SGD 700 to SGD 950 or more.
| Experience Level | Typical Monthly Salary (SGD) |
|---|---|
| First-time overseas hire | S$650 to S$700 |
| 1 to 2 years Singapore experience | S$670 to S$750 |
| 3 to 5 years Singapore experience | S$750 to S$850 |
| Experienced caregiver | S$850 to S$950+ |
Factors that affect a Filipino helper’s salary in Singapore:
- Years of experience as a domestic worker
- Specialised skills such as infant care, elderly care, or cooking
- Strength of track record with previous Singapore employers
- Language proficiency and educational background
Why Is the Filipino Maid Salary Set by the Philippines, Not Singapore?
The Philippines government protects its overseas workers through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Employment contracts for Filipina workers deployed abroad must be reviewed and stamped by POLO or the Philippine Embassy before they are legally valid under Philippine law. The DMW-mandated USD 500 minimum is part of this protection framework, and contracts below this level will be rejected at POLO validation. Singapore employers must account for this minimum when budgeting.
What Else Are Employers Required to Provide for Filipino Maids in Singapore?
Beyond the monthly salary, Singapore employers hiring a Filipino helper must provide:
- A rest day of at least one day per week (or compensation in lieu with written agreement)
- Home leave entitlement
- Medical and hospitalisation expenses during the employment period
- Personal accident insurance with a minimum coverage of S$60,000
- A security bond of S$5,000 – Suitable accommodation and meals, or a food allowance
What Happens If You Pay Below the Filipino Maid Minimum Salary?
If an employment contract submitted to POLO Singapore shows a salary below USD 500 per month, POLO will reject it and the work permit application cannot proceed. Employers who state a higher salary in the contract but pay less in practice risk being blacklisted from hiring Filipino MDWs in future, and may face legal action under Singapore’s Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. The safest approach is to agree on the actual salary, document it clearly in the employment contract, and confirm it meets the USD 500 minimum before submission.
Hiring a Filipino domestic helper in Singapore and want to get the process right from day one? Contact the Inter Great team for guidance on salary requirements, work permits, and candidate matching.
Getting Your Filipino Maid’s Salary Right From the Start
Paying your Filipino helper at or above the USD 500 (SGD ~650) mandated minimum is not just a compliance requirement. It is the foundation of a productive, stable working relationship. Setting the salary fairly from day one, documenting it clearly in the employment contract, and understanding your other obligations as an employer gives both parties a clear arrangement from the start.
If you are looking to hire a domestic helper in Singapore through a licensed agency with genuine post-placement support, Inter Great Employment Pte Ltd (MOM EA Licence No: 14C6931) can help. Our consultants walk you through the full employment process, including home leave planning and MOM requirements.
Get in touch with us today @ +6597766988.
(Disclaimer by Inter Great: All above information and/or monetary figures are meant for reference only. Please refer to MOM’s official website for updated and accurate information, or approach and consult our recruitment consultant if you need professional advice and consultation.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Filipino Maid Minimum Salary in Singapore
What is the minimum salary for a Filipino maid in Singapore in 2026?
The minimum salary for a Filipino maid in Singapore is USD 500 per month (approximately SGD 650), as mandated by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers. This is a Philippines government requirement enforced through POLO Singapore. Contracts below this rate will be rejected during the employment contract validation stage and cannot proceed to work permit application.
Is the Filipino maid minimum salary set by Singapore MOM?
No. Singapore MOM does not impose a statutory minimum wage for migrant domestic workers. The USD 500 per month minimum for Filipino helpers is set by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers and enforced through the Philippines Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Singapore, which must validate all Filipina MDW employment contracts before they can be processed.
How much should I budget for a Filipino maid’s salary in Singapore?
Budget at least SGD 650 to SGD 700 per month for a first-time Filipino MDW in Singapore, which covers the USD 500 mandated minimum at current exchange rates. Experienced helpers, especially those with caregiving or infant care experience, typically earn SGD 750 to SGD 950 or more per month. Factor in MOM levies, insurance, and annual leave entitlements when planning your full budget.
What is the difference between the Filipino maid minimum salary and the MDW minimum salary in Singapore?
Singapore MOM does not set a minimum salary for MDWs, so there is no Singapore-mandated MDW minimum wage. The minimum that applies to Filipino maids is the USD 500 per month floor set by the Philippine government and enforced through POLO Singapore. Indonesian and Myanmar helpers are subject to different minimum salary requirements set by their respective governments.