How Much Does a Maid Cost in Singapore? 2026 Employer Guide

The cost of hiring a maid in Singapore is a combination of the helper's agreed salary, the monthly MOM levy, employer-paid living and medical obligations, insurance, Work Permit charges, and any agency or deployment costs. There is no single honest all-in figure because salaries, agency quotations, helper type, and household levy eligibility differ.

Build your budget in three parts

• Upfront: agency service fee if used, insurance and security-bond arrangement, Work Permit application and issuance, medical examination, travel, and required programme costs.
• Monthly: agreed basic salary, levy, food, accommodation, transport or phone arrangements, and compensation for any agreed work on eligible rest days.
• Irregular: healthcare not covered by insurance, renewals, home leave, repatriation, replacement administration, training, or changes in care needs.

The official levy rates

• Normal levy for the first helper: S$300 per month.
• Normal levy for each subsequent helper: S$450 per month.
• Concessionary levy for a qualifying household: S$60 per month.

These rates were checked on 1 August 2026. MOM says the concessionary rate can apply to families with a young child, elderly member, or person with disability, subject to its rules. Verify your position on the official MOM levy page.

Salary and rest days

A helper's salary is an agreed employment term and can vary with experience, duties, language, transfer status, and expectations. Compare the current salary expectations shown on relevant biodata and confirm the final amount in writing. MOM says a helper is entitled to one rest day per week; if she agrees to work on an eligible rest day, the employer must pay at least one day's salary, while at least one rest day per month cannot be compensated away.

Insurance and medical obligations

Before arrival, employers must buy medical and personal accident insurance. MOM currently requires at least S$60,000 a year for inpatient care and day surgery, plus personal accident insurance with a sum assured of at least S$60,000 a year. Employers remain responsible for the helper's medical needs, so compare coverage and exclusions rather than choosing only by premium. See MOM insurance requirements.

Work Permit and agency quotations

MOM lists a S$35 Work Permit application fee and S$35 issuance fee. Agency pricing is commercial and can differ substantially, so ask for an itemised written quotation separating the agency service fee, third-party costs, helper placement-related amounts, insurance, travel, medical, and replacement or refund terms. Verify current permit information on the MOM Work Permit application page.

A practical comparison checklist

• Use the same 24-month budget period for every agency quotation.
• Separate refundable amounts, recurring costs, and optional add-ons.
• Confirm whether transfer, travel, lodging, and replacement administration are included.
• Budget for a realistic care role, rest days, food, medical excess, and household changes.
• Do not choose a helper only because the upfront package is cheaper.

Last reviewed 1 August 2026. Browse maid biodata and current salary expectations or compare licensed agencies before requesting itemised quotations.