Hiring a domestic helper through a maid agency in Singapore: MOM licensing, fees and insurance
To hire a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore you need a Work Permit from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and most employers go through an employment agency, which must hold an MOM licence that you can check in MOM's employment agency directory. As the employer you are responsible for the worker's upkeep, required medical and personal accident insurance, a security bond for most nationalities, the monthly levy, medical examinations and rest days. First-time employers must complete MOM's Employers' Orientation Programme; check current fees, levy rates and insurance requirements on mom.gov.sg.
Last updated 13 November 2026 · 🧰 Services rankings →
Check the agency
- MOM licence: every employment agency must be licensed. Search the agency and its registered personnel in the employment agency directory on the MOM website.
- Service agreement: agencies must give employers a written service agreement setting out the services and fees, and must explain the fees charged to the worker.
- Fees: MOM caps the placement fees agencies may collect from workers and sets rules on refunds; agree employer fees and replacement terms in writing.
Browse our ranked maid agencies; each entry shows its MOM licence number.
The hiring process
- Check you meet MOM's eligibility rules for employers.
- Complete the Employers' Orientation Programme if you are a first-time employer.
- Choose a worker, then the agency (or you) applies for the Work Permit.
- Buy the required insurance and post the security bond where required.
- On arrival, the worker attends a medical examination and, if she is new to Singapore, the Settling-In Programme.
- The Work Permit card is issued; the worker can then start work.
Employer obligations
- Insurance: medical insurance and personal accident insurance meeting MOM's minimum coverage.
- Levy: a monthly foreign domestic worker levy, with concessionary rates for some households (for example, those with young children, elderly members or persons with disabilities).
- Rest days: MOM requires weekly rest days and sets a minimum number of rest days each month that cannot be compensated away.
- Medical examinations: regular medical examinations as required by MOM.
- Safe work and housing: acceptable accommodation, adequate food and no unsafe tasks such as cleaning window exteriors in high-rise flats without safeguards.
- Salary: paid on time each month, with records kept; many employers pay by bank transfer.
Where to get help
MOM publishes guides for employers and workers, and runs helplines. The Centre for Domestic Employees and other support organisations assist workers; mediation is available for employer-worker disputes.
FAQ
How do I check if a maid agency is licensed in Singapore?
Search the agency name or licence number in the employment agency directory on mom.gov.sg. The directory also lists its registered personnel.
What insurance do I need for a domestic helper?
Employers must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance meeting MOM's minimum coverage for the worker. Check MOM's current requirements before buying a policy.
Do I need to pay a levy for a maid?
Yes, a monthly foreign domestic worker levy applies, with lower concessionary rates for eligible households. MOM publishes the current rates and eligibility criteria.
Is a day off compulsory for domestic helpers?
Yes. MDWs are entitled to a weekly rest day, and MOM requires a minimum number of rest days each month that cannot be replaced with compensation.
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Sources
Editorial guide by Best Singapore. Not legal, financial or medical advice; check the sources for current rules and figures.