In 2025, hiring a maid in Singapore remains a practical solution for families in need of help managing their household chores, caring for a senior family member, or looking after young children. In line with evolving employment norms, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) now officially refers to domestic helpers as Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs), not Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs). Understanding how to hire a maid in Singapore involves more than just selecting a candidate—it’s about complying with government regulations, safeguarding the well-being of the worker, and ensuring a smooth transition into your home.
This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step overview for employers to hire a maid in Singapore legally, ethically, and efficiently.
Make Sure You Are Eligible To Hire a Maid
Before beginning the hiring process, you must confirm your eligibility. Not everyone qualifies to hire a maid in Singapore. The MOM has outlined strict criteria to ensure both the safety of the domestic worker and the employer’s ability to provide adequate support.
MOM Requirements
As an employer, you must meet several requirements before you can proceed with hiring a helper:
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must not be an undischarged bankrupt.
- You need to demonstrate that you are mentally and financially capable of hiring a maid in Singapore and ensuring her well-being.
- If you are hiring a maid for the first time, you must attend the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP), which explains the obligations and responsibilities involved in hiring a migrant domestic worker.
You can refer to the official government criteria for hiring FDW on the MOM website to ensure you meet all conditions set by the authorities.
Additionally, you must be a Singaporean, a permanent resident, or hold a valid Employment Pass. As an employer, you must also be able to support the maid with accommodation, food, and medical care. The hiring process is regulated to ensure that both parties are protected throughout.
Find a Prospective Maid
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility to hire, the next step is identifying suitable candidates. There are multiple ways to find a maid in Singapore, whether you’re looking for someone new or considering transfer maids.
Word of Mouth
A trusted method to find a reliable domestic worker is through personal recommendations. Personal recommendations are still one of the most reliable ways to find a maid in Singapore. Friends, relatives, and neighbours may be able to recommend someone they’ve worked with or a maid agency that offers quality candidates. This often reduces the risks associated with hiring someone completely new, as you gain insights into the maid’s work ethic and compatibility with a household.
Online Search
In today’s digital world, you can easily search for a maid online using dedicated platforms or through the websites of licensed maid agencies. Many maid agencies in Singapore provide detailed online profiles for their candidates, including their work experience, home country, skillsets, and spoken languages.
Engaging a reputable employment agency simplifies the hiring process. These agencies can help match you with a suitable MDW and assist with the necessary documentation and work permit application. Make sure to choose an agency accredited by the Ministry of Manpower to avoid legal complications.
Make Sure the Prospective Maid Is Eligible
Just as employers must meet specific requirements, migrant domestic workers must also meet certain eligibility criteria before they can work in Singapore.
Qualifications
To hire a maid in Singapore, the maid must meet the following MOM requirements:
- She must be a female between 23 and 50 years old.
- She must have completed at least eight years of formal education.
- She must come from an MOM-approved source country such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, India, or Sri Lanka.
In addition to this, first-time MDWs must attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP) upon arrival. This programme educates them on safety, employment laws, and adapting to life in Singapore.
Make Sure the Maid Has the Right Experience
When hiring a maid, experience matters. You should consider:
- How many years the maid has worked
- Whether her experience aligns with your needs—such as caring for senior family members, children, or managing household chores
- If she has previously worked in Singapore or other countries, and for how long
Maids who have worked in Singapore before are generally more familiar with local customs, which can reduce the settling-in time.
Conducting an Interview
The interview stage is crucial to hiring the right candidate. During the interview, ask questions related to:
- Her previous duties and employers
- How she would handle emergency situations
- Her understanding of common household appliances and safety measures
- Her preferences and expectations around salary, rest days, and working conditions
Use this opportunity to assess her communication skills and whether her personality fits well with your household dynamics.
Hiring Transfer Maids
Transfer maids are already working in Singapore but are changing employers. Hiring a transfer maid has several advantages:
- They are already acclimatised to Singapore’s environment.
- You can meet them in person before hiring.
- The hiring process is usually faster and may cost less than hiring from overseas.
If you’re considering this route, browse available transfer maids in Singapore to find someone who fits your household needs. However, it’s essential to understand why they are transferring. Speak to their previous employer if possible and review their employment history carefully.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
Once you’ve selected a candidate and confirmed their eligibility, it’s time to complete the necessary administrative steps. This is a critical stage in the hiring process to ensure the maid can work in Singapore legally.
Work Permit
The most essential document for hiring a maid in Singapore is the Work Permit. As an employer, you must apply for this through the Ministry of Manpower’s portal. The work permit includes key information such as job scope, the employment contract period, and the conditions for both parties. You will also need to renew this permit annually and ensure it remains valid throughout your helper’s stay.
In-Principle Approval Letter
After submitting the work permit application, MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter if your application is successful. This document allows the maid to enter Singapore legally and proceed with medical examinations and onboarding. She must bring the IPA letter when arriving in Singapore.
Other Documentation Requirements
In addition to the IPA and work permit, you need to prepare:
- A recent passport-size photo
- Fingerprinting appointment for the Work Permit card
- Medical examination upon arrival (within 14 days)
- A copy of the employment contract
- Insurance policy details, including personal accident insurance
Failure to complete these steps can delay or void the work permit process.
How Much You Can Expect To Pay To Hire a Maid
Hiring a maid in Singapore comes with both initial and ongoing costs. Being prepared for these financial obligations ensures smooth budgeting and compliance.
Orientation for First-Time Employer
First-time employers are required to attend an Employer Orientation Programme (EOP). The EOP is a one-time session costing around $35–$60 and helps you understand your responsibilities under Singapore law.
Security Bond Deposit
You must place a security bond of $5,000 with the MOM (except for Malaysian maids). This bond acts as a guarantee that you’ll uphold the conditions of employment. If any rules are breached, the government may forfeit this amount.
Transportation
Employers typically cover the transportation costs of bringing a maid into Singapore from her home country. This includes airfare, airport pickup, and domestic travel to your residence.
Salary
Salaries vary based on experience and nationality. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 to $800 monthly. Experienced transfer maids or those with specialised caregiving skills may command higher salaries.
Maid Levy
You must pay a monthly levy to the MOM. The standard rate is $300, but if you qualify for certain schemes (e.g. caring for senior family members), you may pay a discounted concessionary levy of $60.
Rest Day Pay
Your maid is entitled to at least one rest day per week. If you need her to work on her rest day, you must provide compensation (usually $20–$25/day).
Living Expenses
You are responsible for your maid’s daily living expenses, including meals, toiletries, and suitable accommodation. Your home must provide her with a safe and private space to rest.
Medical Expenses
Employers must bear all medical costs, including health screenings, GP visits, and emergency care. Ensure you have valid accident insurance and medical insurance coverage as required by MOM.
Financial Schemes
To ease the financial burden of hiring a helper, the Singapore government offers several schemes:
Joint Income Scheme
If you do not meet the income threshold individually, you may qualify under the Joint Income Scheme, allowing you to combine incomes with a family member.
Sponsorship Scheme
Senior or incapacitated individuals can engage a helper under the Sponsorship Scheme, where an adult family member sponsors the employment.
MDW Levy Concessions
Families caring for a Singaporean child (below 16), senior (67+), or disabled relative can apply for MDW Levy Concessions, reducing the levy from $300 to $60.
Home Caregiving Grant
If you’re hiring a maid for seniors in Singapore, you may be eligible for the Home Caregiving Grant, which offers $250 monthly to offset caregiving costs.
Onboarding Your Maid
Once your maid arrives, she must complete the Settling-In Programme (SIP) if it’s her first time working in Singapore. This one-day session, held within the first few days of arrival, introduces her to local laws, safety practices, and work expectations.
As an employer, help her settle in by:
- Clearly explaining her duties and schedule
- Introducing her to household appliances
- Discussing house rules and communication preferences
- Ensuring she has adequate rest and privacy
A strong onboarding process leads to a better relationship and smoother household integration.
How To Hire a Second Maid
If you have multiple dependents or extensive caregiving needs, you may apply to hire a second maid. You must justify this need to MOM, and approval is on a case-by-case basis. Common valid reasons include:
- Two or more senior or disabled family members
- More than three young children
- A mix of senior and young dependents needing full-time care
Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring a Maid
When hiring a maid in Singapore, some common mistakes can lead to disputes or legal trouble:
- Not using a licensed maid agency or failing to verify credentials
- Withholding rest days or salary, which violates MOM regulations
- Unclear job scope or unrealistic expectations
- Failing to provide proper accommodation or meals
- No written employment contract
Avoiding these pitfalls protects both the employer and the maid and ensures compliance with employment law.
Retaining Your Eligibility To Hire a Maid
As an employer, maintaining your eligibility to hire a maid means adhering strictly to MOM regulations. You risk being permanently disqualified if you:
- Abuse or neglect your maid
- Fail to pay salary or levy
- Do not provide proper accommodation
- Repeatedly violate MOM rules
- Breach the conditions of the security bond
Infringement of employment rules can also result in fines or legal action. As an employer, you must treat your helper with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Alternatives to Hiring a Maid
If hiring a full-time maid is not suitable, you may consider other options. These include:
- Part-time domestic cleaners
- Daytime caregiving services
- Live-in caregiving, which offers more medical or eldercare-focused assistance and may be preferable for specific health conditions
For those seeking round-the-clock care with professional training, live-in caregiving could be a better alternative to hiring a general domestic helper.
Conclusion
Hiring a maid in Singapore in 2025 involves more than selecting a candidate; it’s about understanding the rules, fulfilling your obligations as an employer, and ensuring the well-being of a migrant domestic worker. From navigating government regulations to budgeting for the cost of hiring a helper, each step plays a crucial role in creating a successful employment relationship.
By staying informed and compliant, you can enjoy the benefits of a smoother, stress-free household—and offer meaningful employment to someone who can make a real difference in your family’s daily life.
