SearchMaid - FAQ About Filipino Maid in Singapore
A Filipino maid in Singapore costs about SGD 1,150 to 1,550 per month all in. This covers her salary of SGD 650 to 850, the monthly levy of SGD 300 (or SGD 60 with the concession), and around SGD 300 to 400 for food and daily upkeep. Bringing her in costs a separate SGD 1,500 to 3,500 upfront.
The minimum is about SGD 650 per month, set under Philippine government (DMW) rules for Filipino domestic workers deployed overseas. This floor is non-negotiable, so Singapore employers should budget from SGD 650 regardless of the agency or arrangement. A helper with experience in Singapore or abroad usually asks for SGD 750 or more.
A Filipino maid agency in Singapore charges about SGD 1,000 to 2,000 in placement fees. Fees for Filipino hires sit higher than other nationalities because there are no salary-deduction loan arrangements. Including the work permit, insurance, medical check, and Settling-In Programme, total upfront costs usually come to SGD 1,500 to 3,500.
It depends on the route. To bring a helper in from the Philippines, you still need a Singapore agency accredited by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) to clear the deployment, so that route is never fully agency-free. For a transfer helper already in Singapore, you can do the Work Permit transfer yourself through MOM, with contract verification at the Philippine Embassy.
Yes. English fluency is the main reason Singapore families choose Filipino helpers over other nationalities. The Philippines uses English as the medium of instruction in schools, so most Filipino maids arrive already comfortable speaking with children, elderly family members, and employers.
The monthly levy is SGD 300 at the standard rate. It drops to SGD 60 under the concession rate if your household has a child under 16, an elderly person aged 67 or older, or a person with disabilities. If you employ a second helper, the levy for the second helper is SGD 450 per month.