- A maid agency finds, screens and matches a helper for you, then handles the Work Permit paperwork with MOM.
- Every agency must hold an MOM employment agency licence. You can check it on MOM's EA Directory.
- An agency can charge the helper no more than 1 month's salary per year of contract, capped at 2 months.
- If her job ends within 6 months, the agency must refund at least 50% of your service fee (contracts signed from 1 June 2022).
- You can hire directly without an agency. You save fees, but you do the screening and paperwork yourself.
You've decided you need help at home.
Then you open a browser and see hundreds of maid agencies.
Which one is good? What do they actually do for the money? And do you even need one?
Here's a plain guide, from someone who sees both sides every day.
What Does a Maid Agency Actually Do?
More than matching. A full-service agency usually covers the whole journey.
How Much Can a Maid Agency Charge?
There are two separate bills. One is yours. One is hers.
Note: the cap covers the Singapore agency. Some helpers still repay loans for costs charged back home. Ask how her deductions are structured, because it affects how settled she'll be.
Will the Agency Refund Me If It Doesn't Work Out?
Often, yes.
- Under Rule 13A of the Employment Agencies Rules, the agency must refund at least 50% of your service fee if her employment ends within the first 6 months.
- It applies to agency contracts signed on or after 1 June 2022.
- You may lose it if the agency only did admin work with no matching, or if you broke employment rules.
- Many agencies also offer a free replacement within a set period. Get those terms in writing.
Agency or Direct Hire: Which Is Better?
Neither is always right. It depends on your time and how sure you are about the helper.
| Factor | Through an agency | Direct hire |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Service fee | Lower, mostly government fees |
| Finding her | Agency shortlists for you | You find her yourself |
| Paperwork | Handled for you | You apply to MOM yourself |
| If it fails | 50% refund rule, possible replacement | Start over on your own |
| Best for | First-time or busy employers | You already know the helper well |
Swipe sideways to see the full table.
How Do I Check If a Maid Agency Is Licensed?
Use MOM's EA Directory. Search the agency's name or licence number.
It shows more than the licence. Look at these numbers too:
How Do I Pick a Good Maid Agency?
- Check the licence and numbers on the EA Directory first.
- Ask for the full fee breakdown in writing. Your fee and her fee, separately.
- Read the replacement and refund terms before paying anything.
- Ask what they do after she arrives. Good agencies pick up the phone.
- Ask how they screen. Who checked her previous employer's reference?
- Be wary of anyone promising a "perfect maid" fast. Good matches take honest conversations.
Also consider transfer helpers. They're already here, know Singapore homes, and can usually start sooner.
P.S. A good agency is like a good aircon technician. You don't think about them much, until the day you really, really need them.
