Direct Hire vs Maid Agency in Singapore: Which Should You Choose?

You can hire a domestic helper in Singapore two ways: directly (handling the paperwork yourself) or through a MOM-licensed employment agency. Both are legal — the right choice depends on your budget, experience, and how much support you want.

Hiring through an agency

An authorised employment agency can handle agreed sourcing, matching, Work Permit, arrival, medical, and Settling-In Programme administration. Services and replacement terms vary, so confirm the scope, fees, refund conditions, and dispute process in the written service agreement.

• Pros: matching and administrative support, source-country coordination, and a written service agreement.
• Cons: commercial service fees and less direct control if the agency’s shortlist is narrow.

Direct hire

Direct hire means you find the helper yourself (often a transfer helper or a returning ex-employee) and apply for the work permit directly via MOM. You skip the agency placement fee but take on the admin and risk.

• Pros: no agency placement fee, full control over selection.
• Cons: you handle all paperwork, no replacement guarantee, requires more effort and knowledge.

Which is right for you?

An agency may suit employers who want matching and administrative support. Direct hire may suit employers re-hiring a known helper or prepared to manage the process themselves. First-time employers must complete the EOP before applying either way. If an agency is involved, verify its MOM licence and read the written service agreement.

On Biodata.sg you can browse both agency-listed and direct helper biodata, then contact the source directly to arrange an interview.