How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Maid in Singapore? (2026 Full Breakdown)
Every cost explained: agency fee, levy, salary, insurance, and what to budget for month to month over a 2-year contract.
The cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore has several components, and families who only ask about the agency fee are often surprised by the full picture. This guide breaks down every cost involved, from the upfront placement fee to what you will spend each month over a typical 2-year contract.
Quick summary: what to expect
Upfront cost (fresh hire)
Agency fee + $75 SIP
Ask Norma for full quote
Monthly ongoing
$820 to $1,200+
Salary + levy + food
2-year total (est.)
$25,000 to $40,000+
All costs combined
Upfront costs: fresh helper vs transfer
These are the one-time costs you pay when you first hire a helper.
| Cost item | Fresh helper | Transfer maid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency fee | Contact Norma | Contact Norma (typically lower than fresh) | Cannot be advertised under MOM regulations. Covers work permit, SIP, medical, transport, insurance, 12-month replacement. |
| Airfare (fresh helpers) | Typically included in agency fee | Not required | Fresh helpers fly in from their home country. Transfer maids are already in Singapore. |
| Settling-In Programme (SIP) | $75 (employer pays) | Not required (already completed) | Mandatory one-day MOM orientation for first-time helpers. Booked and coordinated by AJS Global. |
| Medical examination | Included in agency fee | Included in agency fee | Pre-employment health check required by MOM. |
| 26-month insurance | Included in agency fee | Included in agency fee | Tokio Marine FDW insurance. Covers personal accident and hospitalisation for the full work permit period. |
| Security bond | $5,000 (insurance company bond, not cash) | $5,000 (insurance company bond) | Required for non-Malaysian helpers. Typically arranged as an insurance bond, not an upfront cash deposit. |
MOM regulations prohibit agencies from advertising specific fee amounts publicly. Contact Norma for a full itemised quote.
Monthly ongoing costs
These repeat every month for the duration of the contract.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Helper salary | $520 to $900 | Depends on nationality, experience, and role. See salary table below. |
| Levy (standard) | $300 | Paid to MOM monthly. Applies to most households. |
| Levy (concessionary) | $60 | If you have a child under 16, elderly parent above 67, or family member with disability. |
| Food and household supplies | $100 to $200 (est.) | Employer is responsible for the helper's meals and toiletries. |
Helper salary by nationality (2026)
Salaries vary by nationality, experience level, and the type of care required. These are mid-2026 market ranges.
| Profile | Monthly salary range |
|---|---|
| Indonesian (fresh) | $550 to $620 |
| Indonesian (experienced) | $620 to $750 |
| Indonesian (specialist) | $700 to $850 |
| Filipino (fresh) | $600 to $700 |
| Filipino (experienced) | $700 to $900 |
| Myanmar (fresh) | $520 to $600 |
| Myanmar (experienced) | $600 to $750 |
| Myanmar (specialist eldercare) | $650 to $800 |
Salary is agreed directly between employer and helper. Full salary guide
What does a 2-year contract actually cost?
Taking a mid-range example: a fresh Indonesian helper earning $650/month in a standard-levy household with no concessions.
| Item | 2-year total |
|---|---|
| Agency fee (fresh placement) | Contact Norma |
| Salary ($650 x 24 months) | $15,600 |
| Levy ($300 x 24 months) | $7,200 |
| Food and supplies (est. $150 x 24) | $3,600 |
| SIP (one-time, employer pays) | $75 |
| Approximate 2-year total (excl. agency fee) | $26,475+ |
This is an illustration using mid-range figures. Add the agency fee for the full picture. Concessionary levy ($60) significantly reduces the total for eligible households.
Common questions about helper costs
Is the agency fee the biggest cost?
Upfront, yes. But over a 2-year contract, the monthly salary and levy cost more in total. A helper earning $650/month over 24 months is $15,600 in salary alone, plus $7,200 in levy at the standard rate. Plan for the full contract period, not just the initial fee.
Do I get my security bond back?
If you use a security bond insurance policy (the most common approach), there is no cash to recover. The premium is the cost. If you use a banker's guarantee or cash bond arrangement, it is returned after the work permit is cancelled, provided no claims were made.
Does the levy stop during home leave?
The levy runs from the day the work permit is issued and stops only when the permit is cancelled or expires. If your helper goes on home leave, the levy continues unless MOM approves a waiver (which applies in limited circumstances such as extended hospitalisation).
Is a transfer maid cheaper to hire?
Upfront, yes. There is no airfare and no SIP, and the agency fee for transfers is typically lower than for fresh hires. The salary may be comparable or slightly higher if she has strong Singapore experience. The main saving is in the upfront cost and the shorter wait.
What is not included in the agency fee?
Monthly salary, monthly levy, food and accommodation, rest day compensation, and annual insurance renewal after the initial 26-month period are all ongoing employer responsibilities. The agency fee is a one-time placement charge.
Want a full cost breakdown for your household?
Norma will give you an itemised quote with no hidden charges. Concessionary levy eligibility, salary expectations, and agency fee, all in one conversation.