- Yes, a single person can hire a maid in Singapore. MOM assesses your eligibility and your need
- You must be 21 or older and not an undischarged bankrupt
- Singles must show a steady source of income. MOM does not publish the exact amount
- Income too low? The Joint Income Scheme lets you add 1 family member living with you
- A parent aged 60+ with no income can hire under the Sponsorship Scheme, with up to 2 sponsors
- Levy is $300 a month, or $60 if you live with an eligible child, senior or person with disabilities
Friends, being single does not shut you out of hiring a helper.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) says it will assess a single applicant's eligibility and need to employ a migrant domestic worker (MDW).
Here is what MOM checks, who singles usually hire for, and how to keep the levy down.
Can a single person hire a maid in Singapore?
Yes. To apply as a single person, MOM says you:
Every employer also needs the mental capacity to understand and carry out an employer's duties. MOM looks at your caregiving needs and whether you can house the helper in acceptable accommodation.
What is the minimum income for a single person to hire a maid?
MOM does not reveal the exact figure.
It says the requirement is set on the realistic overall cost of a helper, which includes:
- Her monthly salary
- The levy ($300, or $60 with a concession)
- Medical insurance
- Food and other expenses
For a single applicant, MOM considers your own income. Married couples can combine theirs.
What if my income alone is not enough?
MOM has two special schemes that help many singles.
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Scheme | Who applies | Whose income counts |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Income Scheme | Singapore citizen or PR, 21+, not an undischarged bankrupt, earning more than the family member added | Yours plus 1 family member at the same address (sibling, parent, child or relative, not a spouse) |
| Sponsorship Scheme | Your parent: Singapore citizen or PR, 60+, no income, not living with working adults | Up to 2 sponsors: children or their spouses, grandchildren or their spouses, siblings |
Both schemes also need the applicant to have the mental capacity to carry out employer duties. Conditions as listed on the MOM special schemes page.
Who do singles usually hire a helper for?
Caregiving is the most common reason MOM looks at.
On r/askSingapore, families caring for a parent after a stroke often raise space and privacy as the reasons they hesitate over a live-in helper. Worth thinking about before you apply.
Can a single employer get the $60 levy concession?
Yes, if you live in the same household as an eligible person. Being single does not change this.
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Eligible person | Key condition | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| Elderly parent | Singapore citizen aged 67 and above | Check the MOM levy concession page |
| Child or grandchild | Singapore citizen below 16 | Granted automatically by MOM |
| Person with disabilities | Needs help with daily living activities | Apply via AIC, with a functional assessment |
The concession saves $240 a month, or $2,880 a year. Full levy details are in our maid levy guide.
Where will my helper sleep if I live alone or with a parent?
- She needs a safe place to sleep with privacy, ventilation and proper bedding.
- She must never share a room with an adult male or teenage boy. Single male employers should plan a separate room.
- She may work only at the address on her Work Permit, so she lives where your caregiving need is.
- Using her at your business can mean fines of up to $10,000 and a ban from hiring.
MOM sets out the full accommodation standards on its website.
How does a single person apply for a maid?
Find a helper who fits your home, single or not.
Compare helper profiles from many agencies in one place.
Browse SearchmaidP.S. MOM asks if you are single. It does not ask why... so no need to prepare a speech about your love life.
