Maid Agencies in Singapore

A maid agency in Singapore is an employment agency licensed by the Ministry of Manpower to place foreign domestic helpers with employers. It sources and screens helpers, arranges interviews, and handles the work permit, medical check and insurance paperwork. Many agencies also arrange training and help you if the placement does not work out. Using an agency is optional, but many employers use one to save time on paperwork.

Yes. Every maid agency listed on SearchMaid holds a valid employment agency licence from the Ministry of Manpower, and SearchMaid checks each one against MOM's records. You can confirm any agency's licence yourself by searching its name in MOM's EA Directory and checking its licence number and validity. A licensed agency must follow MOM's rules on fees, service agreements and conduct.

Maid agency fees in Singapore usually range from S$800 to S$2,000, depending on the helper's nationality, whether she is a new hire or a transfer, and the services included, with Filipino placements at the higher end. The agency fee is separate from the levy, insurance and the helper's salary. Ask each agency for a written breakdown so you can compare what each price covers.

No single agency is the cheapest for every hire. Fees change with the helper's nationality, whether she is new or a transfer, and what the package covers, such as medical checks, insurance and the replacement period. A low headline fee can leave you paying for these items separately. Compare written breakdowns from two or three agencies to find the lowest total cost for your situation.

The best maid agency is the one that fits your household: a valid MOM licence, experience placing the nationality and skills you need, clear written fees and steady employer reviews. SearchMaid does not rank agencies by opinion. Compare the licensed agencies on this page side by side, read what other employers say about them and decide for yourself.

Yes. Browsing helper profiles, comparing agencies and contacting them through SearchMaid is free for employers. Agencies pay SearchMaid a monthly subscription to list their helpers, and SearchMaid earns no commission from your hire. You deal with the agency directly, and any agency fee is agreed between you and the agency.

Yes. Singapore allows employers to apply for a helper's work permit directly with MOM. You then handle the paperwork, medical checks, insurance and Settling-in Programme booking yourself. Read our guide on hiring a maid without going through an agency to see what is involved and when an agency may still save you time.

It depends on whether the helper is already in Singapore. A transfer helper can usually start sooner because she does not need to travel or attend training overseas. A new helper from overseas takes longer because of training, medical checks, work permit approval and travel. Ask the agency for an estimate based on the helper you choose.

Most agencies offer a replacement period, usually a set number of months after the helper starts work. Within that period, the agency helps you find another helper for a reduced fee or no further agency fee. You may still pay for the new helper's medical check, insurance and work permit. Read the replacement terms in your service agreement before you sign.

A maid agency places full-time, live-in domestic helpers on a work permit, usually for a two-year contract. If you only need cleaning a few hours a week, a part-time cleaning service is a better fit, because it needs no work permit, levy or spare room. If you need daily help with children or elderly care, a full-time helper through an agency suits you better.