Maid agency fees in Singapore vary depending on whether you are hiring a new helper from overseas or a transfer helper already in Singapore, and on the scope of service the agency provides. The fee covers candidate sourcing, background checks, and MOM work permit application. Additional costs such as airfare, medical examinations, and insurance are usually charged separately.
What Do Maid Agency Fees in Singapore Actually Cover?
Maid agency fees cover the cost of sourcing, screening, and placing a migrant domestic worker (MDW) with your household. A MOM-licensed agency handles candidate profile matching, background checks, work permit applications, SIP registration, and insurance coordination. When you break it down, you are paying for compliance expertise, a vetted candidate database, and accountability if a placement does not work out within the agreed probation period.
What a standard agency fee typically includes:
- Candidate sourcing and profile matching
- Background and reference checks
- MOM work permit application (Form 8)
- Settling-in Programme (SIP) registration for new overseas hires
- Coordination of maid insurance and security bond
- Airport pickup and basic orientation for overseas hires
What is usually NOT included (common add-ons to watch for):
- Airfare for overseas hires
- Medical examination
- Security bond insurance premium
- Personal accident insurance or additional medical coverage
- Re-matching or replacement fee if the first placement does not work out
New Hire vs Transfer Maid: How Agency Fees Compare
| Hire Type | Agency Fee | Airfare | Approx. First-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New hire (overseas) | Varies by agency | Additional cost | Higher upfront |
| Transfer maid (in Singapore) | Varies by agency | None | Lower upfront |
Transfer maids are generally faster, cheaper, and come with a verifiable Singapore work history. New overseas hires give you a wider candidate pool, particularly for specific nationalities or specialised skills such as infant care or elder care.
What Is the Transfer Maid Agency Fee in Singapore?
The transfer maid agency fee covers the administrative cost of moving an MDW from one employer to another. This includes cancelling her existing work permit, applying for a new one under your household, and managing the MOM transfer process. Because the helper is already in Singapore, there is no airfare, SIP registration, or long overseas processing wait, and transfer fees differ between agencies, so ask for the fee to be quoted in full before you sign. For families on a tighter budget or with a shorter timeline, a transfer maid is usually the more practical route.
What to check before you commit:
- Is the fee all-in, or does the agency add documentation charges on top?
- Does it include a trial period or replacement guarantee?
- Is the agency MOM-licensed? Verify at mom.gov.sg before signing anything.
How to Spot Hidden Charges in Maid Agency Fees
Some agencies advertise a low headline fee to draw enquiries, then add line items for documentation, administration, or processing that were never mentioned upfront. Common hidden charges include:
- Documentation or admin fee charged on top of the stated placement fee
- Re-matching fee: charged if the first placement does not work out, even within a standard probation period
- Medical re-examination fee: if a helper fails her initial medical clearance
- Extension of stay charges: if processing takes longer than expected
Always ask for a full itemised quote in writing before signing any agreement. A reputable MOM-licensed maid agency will have no issue providing this.
What a Good Maid Agency Package Should Include
Beyond basic candidate matching and permit processing, look for agencies that offer:
- Post-placement support with a real point of contact you can call
- A clear replacement policy with a defined timeframe, typically 30 to 90 days
- Transparent pricing with no hidden add-ons
- Access to candidates across nationalities including Filipino, Indonesian, and Myanmar helpers
- E-counselling facilitation if required by MOM
Inter Great is a MOM-licensed maid agency with offices in Katong, Ang Mo Kio, and Bugis. We have matched thousands of families with MDWs across Singapore and provide transparent fee structures with no hidden add-ons.
Looking to hire a domestic helper in Singapore with no hidden fees? Speak with the Inter Great team today for a free consultation.
Choosing the Right Maid Agency in Singapore
Understanding what maid agency fees in Singapore actually cover puts you in a stronger position before you commit to any agency. Whether you are hiring a new helper from overseas or looking for a transfer maid, knowing the fee breakdown and the right questions to ask will help you avoid cost surprises. For a transparent, no-hidden-fees experience with a team that has matched thousands of families across Singapore, reach out to us at Inter Great.
Get in touch with us today @ +6597766988. Inter Great Employment Pte Ltd (MOM EA Licence No: 14C6931).
(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 Maid Agency Fees in Singapore
How much does a maid agency in Singapore charge?
Maid agency fees in Singapore vary widely depending on the agency, the type of helper, and the scope of service. The fee generally covers candidate sourcing, background checks, and the MOM work permit application, while airfare, medicals, and insurance are usually charged separately. The most reliable way to know your cost is to request a full itemised written quote before committing.
What does the transfer maid agency fee include?
A transfer maid agency fee covers the cancellation of the helper’s existing work permit, a new work permit application under your household, and the MOM transfer process. Fees differ between agencies, so ask for the fee to be quoted in full upfront. Because the helper is already in Singapore, there is no airfare, SIP registration, or extended waiting period.
Are maid agency fees in Singapore regulated?
MOM does not cap agency fees charged to employers, but all employment agencies must be MOM-licensed and provide a transparent breakdown of charges. Agencies are legally prohibited from collecting more than one month of the helper’s salary as a placement fee from the helper herself. Always request a full itemised written quote before signing.
What is included in a maid agency fee in Singapore?
A standard maid agency fee typically covers candidate sourcing and matching, MOM work permit application, SIP registration for overseas hires, and basic placement support. Airfare, medical examinations, security bond insurance, and re-matching fees are commonly charged on top.
How can I reduce maid agency costs in Singapore?
The most effective way to reduce costs is to hire a transfer maid, which eliminates airfare and SIP fees and usually has a shorter processing time. Compare itemised quotes from at least two or three MOM-licensed agencies, and avoid any agency that refuses to break down its charges in writing.