The maid levy in Singapore is a monthly tax employers pay to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for each migrant domestic worker (MDW) they employ. As of 2026, the standard levy is S$300 per month, and eligible households can pay a concessionary rate of just S$60 per month. The levy is separate from your helper’s salary and agency fees, and it is due by the 17th of the following month for as long as the Work Permit is valid.
What Is the Maid Levy in Singapore?
The maid levy, officially the migrant domestic worker levy, is a pricing mechanism MOM uses to manage the number of MDWs in Singapore. Every employer of a migrant domestic worker must pay it, on top of the helper’s monthly salary, MOM-required insurance, and the security bond. It is not a fee your helper contributes to, and it is not collected by the agency. You pay it directly to MOM each month, and you remain liable for it throughout the period the Work Permit is in force, even while your helper is on local leave. If you are still weighing up the cost of hiring a helper, the levy is one of the recurring costs to budget for from day one.
How Much Is the Maid Levy in 2026?
The amount you pay depends on whether your household qualifies for the concessionary rate and whether the helper is your first or a subsequent one. The levy can be paid monthly, and MOM also calculates a daily rate for any partial month, such as the month your helper arrives or her Work Permit is cancelled.
| Levy type | Monthly rate | Daily rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (first helper) | S$300 | S$9.87 |
| Second or subsequent helper | S$450 | S$14.80 |
| Concessionary rate | S$60 | S$1.98 |
Most first-time employers pay the standard S$300 per month. The higher S$450 rate applies only from the second helper onwards in the same household, and a second helper is not eligible for the concessionary rate. If your household qualifies for the concession, the saving is significant: S$60 instead of S$300 is a difference of S$2,880 a year.
Who Qualifies for the Concessionary Levy Rate?
You can pay the S$60 concessionary rate if you live at the same registered address as a Singapore citizen who is one of the following:
- A young child below 16 years old
- An elderly person aged 67 or above
- A person with disabilities, certified by a Singapore-registered doctor to need help with at least one of the six Activities of Daily Living, such as showering, feeding, dressing, or toileting
For a qualifying young child or elderly person, you usually do not need to apply separately, as MOM grants the concession automatically based on the details in your Work Permit application. For a person with disabilities, a medical certification is required, typically arranged through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). The concession is granted for one MDW per eligible person and is capped at two levy concessions per household.
When Does the Levy Start and Stop?
For a first-time helper, the levy starts from the fifth day after she arrives in Singapore. For a helper who has worked here before, it begins the day after she arrives. The levy then continues for every day the Work Permit is valid. It stops only when the Work Permit is cancelled or expires, so it is important to cancel the permit promptly with MOM once your helper’s employment ends. Understanding this timeline is part of getting the hiring process right from the start.
How to Pay the Maid Levy
The levy for each month is due by the 17th of the following month. If the 17th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, payment is due on the next working day. You can pay in several ways:
- GIRO: the most common method, where MOM deducts the levy from your bank account automatically each month
- PayNow QR: scan and pay through your banking app
- AXS, SingPost, or internet banking: for one-off or manual payments
If you pay late, MOM charges a penalty of 2% of the outstanding levy per month or S$20, whichever is higher, capped at 30% of the amount owed. Persistent non-payment can affect your ability to renew the Work Permit, so GIRO is the safest option for most households.
Levy Waivers: When You Can Stop Paying
You can apply to MOM for a levy waiver for periods when your helper is not in Singapore or is unable to work, so you are not paying for days she is away. Waivers commonly apply when your helper is overseas for at least seven consecutive days, for example on home leave, or is hospitalised. Waivers are subject to MOM’s conditions and yearly limits, and you generally need to apply within one year of the event, with supporting documents such as travel or hospital records. When approved, the levy for those days is waived or refunded.
Managing Your Maid Levy in Singapore
The maid levy is a predictable, recurring cost, and once you know your rate and set up GIRO, it largely takes care of itself. The two things worth getting right are checking whether your household qualifies for the concessionary rate, which can save you thousands of dollars a year, and cancelling the Work Permit promptly when a helper leaves so the levy stops on time. Alongside the levy, remember to budget for salary, insurance and the security bond, which together make up the true monthly cost of employing a helper.
If you are hiring for the first time and want a clear picture of the levy, the concession, and every other cost before you commit, speak with our team and we will walk you through it.
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 the Maid Levy in Singapore
How much is the maid levy in Singapore?
The standard maid levy in Singapore is S$300 per month, or S$9.87 per day, for your first migrant domestic worker. A second or subsequent helper is charged S$450 per month. Households that qualify for the concession pay a reduced rate of S$60 per month.
Who is eligible for the maid levy concession?
You qualify for the S$60 concessionary rate if you live with a Singapore citizen who is a young child below 16, an elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities certified to need help with daily activities. The concession is capped at two per household.
When do I need to pay the maid levy each month?
The levy for each month is due by the 17th of the following month, or the next working day if that date falls on a weekend or public holiday. Most employers use GIRO so the payment is deducted automatically and never missed.
Do I still pay the levy when my helper is overseas or hospitalised?
You can apply to MOM for a levy waiver when your helper is overseas for at least seven consecutive days or is hospitalised, subject to MOM’s conditions and yearly limits. Once the waiver is approved, the levy for those days is waived or refunded.
What happens if I pay the maid levy late?
MOM charges a late penalty of 2% of the outstanding amount per month or S$20, whichever is higher, capped at 30% of the levy owed. Repeated late or non-payment can also affect future Work Permit applications and renewals.