Find Your Helper Directly .
No agency fees.

I'm Employer I'm Helper

Or search from 2,000+ available helpers from licensed agencies.

Family

Verified Profiles

$0 Fees
No Agency Fees
$0 Loan
No Placement Fees
Free
Job Postings
Direct hire guide

How to find your Direct Hire Helper?

A clear path from search to start date, with every key hiring decision kept between you and your helper.

Start browsing
  1. 1

    Browse Helpers

    Search by country, experience, availability, salary and more.

  2. 2

    Contact

    Message, ask questions, and interview by phone or video without any agency.

  3. 3

    Agree on terms

    Set clear expectations such as tasks, salary, off days and start date.

  4. 4

    Apply for work permit

    Submit MOM form, send to medical exams, buy insurance, etc.

  5. 5

    Helper starts work

    Welcome your new Helper. Your journey together begins.

Why use Searchmaid Direct to find your Direct Hire Helper?

Because we hire helpers too. We built this platform for ourselves — and decided to open it up for everyone.

NOT a Maid Agency

No conflict of interest. We don’t push an unsuitable helper to you.

Direct Communication

Between employers and helpers. Set expectations, ask questions and interview by phone or message.

Support at Every Step

From your first search to signing the contract — our team is on WhatsApp and ready to help every step of the way.

We Feel for the Helpers

Starting a new job in a foreign country with a debt to pay off is tough. So we don’t burden them with loans.

Is it cheaper to find Helpers directly?

Yes. Here’s an example of the difference:

Hire Direct Maid Agency
Agency Fees $0 $800 – $1,500
Placement Loans $0 $700 – $4,200
Work Permit $70 $70
Medical Exam $80 $80
Insurance Plans $420 – $800 (Before Discount) $420 – $800
Total Estimated Cost $609 – $989 $2,070 – $6,650

* Agency fees are not charged for direct hire - employers are expected to do their application & paperwork, following MOM guidelines, else we can get a partner agency to do it for you at a reduced fee.
** Placements loans are paid by employers, and deducted from helper’s first few months of salary.

Why do so many employers still hire from agency?

Direct hire isn’t for everyone. Here’s when going through an agency makes sense.

After-sales support

Talk to your agency if things go wrong. Having someone experienced in your corner — who knows your helper and your household — can make a real difference when issues come up.

You want a replacement guarantee

Most agencies offer limited replacements if things don’t work out within the first 6 months. That peace of mind has real value, especially for first-time employers.

You don’t have time to manage the process

Agencies handle everything end-to-end — shortlisting, interviews, paperwork, MOM applications. If your schedule is packed, handing it off can be worth the premium.

You want a wider candidate pool

Agencies maintain relationships with helpers still overseas or in training centres. If you have very specific requirements, a larger agency network can surface candidates you won’t find on direct hire platforms.

Find Helpers from Agencies

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, fully legal. MOM allows employers to apply for a work permit directly without using an agency. Many families choose this route to save on agency fees.

It’s free for employers for now, during our intro period — full access, no subscription fees.
Helpers also join for free. No placement fees charged.

A Direct Hire Helper is a foreign domestic worker hired directly by the employer, without going through a maid agency. You handle the hiring process yourself, which means no agency fees and no middleman.

MOM typically processes work permit applications within a few working days. Once your documents are approved, a transfer maid already in Singapore can start work within 7 days.

A transfer maid is currently in Singapore on an existing work permit and can start much faster — sometimes within days. A new hire from overseas involves additional steps like medical checks abroad, flight arrangements, and a longer processing time.

No — the paperwork is manageable if you’re comfortable doing it yourself. MOM’s website guides you through the process. If you prefer not to, our concierge service handles the full application for a reasonable flat fee.