Signs You Have Found a Good Maid Agency in Singapore

Not all agencies are the same. Some take the time to understand your household and stand behind their placements. Others send a stack of biodata and move on to the next enquiry. The difference shows up months later, when something needs fixing.

Here is how to tell if you have found a good one. Five simple checks, a list of red flags, and a look at how we approach the work at AJS.

Check 1: MOM licence

Every legitimate employment agency in Singapore must hold a licence from the Ministry of Manpower. This is the first thing to verify, and it takes only a minute.

• Look for the licence number on the agency's website, brochures, and written quotes.
• Verify it on the MOM Employment Agency Directory at mom.gov.sg.
• Confirm that the name on the licence matches the business you are dealing with.

If an agency cannot show you a licence number, do not go further.

Check 2: Transparent fees

A good agency provides a written, itemised breakdown before you commit to anything. You should be able to see what each charge is for, which fees go to the agency, and which go to the government or third parties.

Vague or verbal-only quotes are a red flag. If the numbers keep changing between conversations, or you are told "we will settle the details later", you are likely to face surprises at the end.

Check 3: Replacement guarantee

Even with careful matching, some placements do not work out. What matters is what happens next. Ask three questions:

• Does it exist? Is the guarantee in writing, not just a verbal promise?
• How long does it cover? Some cover only a few months. Others, like ours, cover 12 months.
• What are the conditions? Are there extra fees, waiting periods, or reasons the guarantee can be refused?

The fine print matters more than the headline.

Check 4: Do they ask about your household first?

Pay attention to the first conversation. A good agency asks about your family before showing you any candidates: who lives at home, whether there are young children or elderly relatives, what the daily routine looks like, and what you are most worried about.

An agency that sends biodata without asking about your situation is not matching. It is sending a database. You end up doing the filtering yourself, and the result is a candidate who looks good on paper but does not fit your home.

Check 5: Post-placement support

The agency's work does not end on Day 1. In many ways, it only starts then. Ask what support looks like after your helper arrives.

• Do they follow up in the first few weeks to check how things are going?
• Can you reach a real person, not just a general inbox, if there is an issue?
• Will they speak with your helper as well, if there are misunderstandings?
• Do they help with renewals and paperwork down the line?

Red flags to watch for

If you notice any of these, slow down and ask more questions.

What AJS does differently

We built AJS around the checks above, because they are what we would want if we were hiring for our own family.

• We speak with you first, to understand your household before we suggest anyone.
• We shortlist based on your household, and can explain why each candidate was chosen.
• We provide written fees upfront, itemised and clear, with no pressure to commit.
• We back every placement with a 12-month replacement guarantee.
• We stay reachable after placement, for you and for your helper.

Read more about our standards on the responsible placement page.

Common questions about choosing an agency