Singapore Maid Agencies Connecting You to Skilled Maids
Hiring a maid in Singapore has become an important part of modern family life. With busy work schedules, aging parents, and young children, many households rely on domestic helpers to manage daily chores, caregiving, and home support. That’s where Singapore maid agencies step in. These agencies act as the bridge between families and skilled foreign domestic workers (FDWs).
In 2025, the demand for helpers continues to rise. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), there are now over 270,000 FDWs employed in Singapore, making agencies more important than ever. Families want trustworthy, well-trained helpers, while helpers need agencies that guide them through paperwork, training, and legal requirements.
What Are Singapore Maid Agencies?
A maid agency is an officially licensed service provider that helps recruit, prepare, and match foreign domestic workers with households in Singapore. These agencies don’t just “hire maids.” They provide a complete service from sourcing candidates from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar, to handling work permits, medical checks, and training.
Unlike private arrangements, licensed agencies must comply with MOM rules, ensuring ethical hiring and worker protection. Families may review an agency’s past performance using the official Employment Agency (EA) Directory.
Explore a full list of Singapore maid agencies to compare fees, services, and customer reviews.
How Singapore Maid Agencies Connect You to Skilled Maids
A maid agency does more than just handle paperwork; its key role is matching families with the right helper.
- Skill Matching – Families with newborns are matched with helpers trained in infant care. Homes with elderly members are connected to helpers experienced in eldercare and mobility support.
- Cultural Fit – Agencies consider language, food preferences, and household habits when recommending a helper.
- Training & Readiness – Agencies ensure helpers have completed training in cooking, hygiene, and caregiving before placement.
- Faster Hiring Options – Through transfer maids and the Advance Placement Scheme (APS), agencies can connect employers with pre-approved helpers in just days.
This human-focused matching process ensures that families don’t just hire a maid, but find someone skilled and suited for their unique household needs.
Why Families Use Maid Agencies
- Legal Compliance – Agencies ensure employers follow MOM regulations, like mandatory rest days and insurance.
- Training & Skills – Helpers are trained in infant care, eldercare, cooking, and household safety before deployment.
- Background Checks – Agencies screen candidates for medical fitness and provide verified employment histories.
- Convenience – They handle paperwork, from work permits to renewals, saving families hours of admin work.
- Post-placement Support – Many agencies offer replacement guarantees or mediation if issues arise.
Latest Updates in 2025 You Should Know
- Mandatory Rest Day: Since 2023, helpers must get at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated with money.
- Levy Rates: The current maid levy is $300 for the first helper, with a $60 concession for families with elderly or young children.
- Insurance Rules: From July 2025, employers must buy higher medical insurance coverage for helpers up to $60,000 per year, up from the earlier $30,000 minimum.
- EOP (Employer Orientation Programme): In Singapore, new employers are required to complete this online training before hiring a domestic helper.
These updates show that hiring through agencies is safer, as they stay updated with changing laws.
Costs of Hiring Through Agencies
Hiring a helper involves both one-time costs and ongoing expenses.
One-time costs:
- Agency fees: $1,000–$3,000 (varies by agency and service package)
- Medical check-ups: $80–$120
- Work permit application: $35
- Settling-In Programme (for first-time helpers): $75
Ongoing monthly costs:
- Helper’s salary: $600–$850 (varies by nationality and experience)
- Maid levy: $300 (or $60 concessionary)
- Food and lodging: Covered by employer
By being transparent about fees, reputable agencies help families avoid hidden charges.
Types of Helpers Available Through Agencies
- Infant Care Maids – Helpers trained to handle baby care, feeding, and hygiene needs.
- Elder Care Maids – Skilled in mobility support, medication reminders, and companionship.
- General Housekeeping Maids – Cleaning, cooking, and managing the household.
- Transfer Maids – Helpers already in Singapore, available for faster hiring.
- APS (Advanced Placement Scheme) Maids – Helpers pre-approved by MOM, reducing waiting time.
How to Choose the Right Agency
- Check the MOM EA Directory to see an agency’s track record.
- Compare services and guarantees does the agency provide free replacement if things don’t work out?
- Read reviews from other employers.
- Look at training programmes: are helpers trained in the skills your family needs?
- Check transparency to avoid agencies with unclear fee structures.
Singapore Maid Agencies in 2025: Trends
- Rising demand for eldercare maids: With Singapore’s aging population, families are hiring helpers trained in medical and mobility support.
- Digital matchmaking: Some agencies now use online platforms to showcase helper profiles with videos and past employment records.
- Focus on well-being: Agencies are educating employers about mental health support and fair treatment for helpers.
News reports highlight that Singapore continues to tighten rules to ensure fair employment practices, making licensed agencies even more vital in connecting families with the right helper.
Singapore maid agencies remain the most reliable way for families to hire skilled domestic helpers in 2025. From compliance with MOM rules to training and post-placement support, they handle the hard work so families can focus on what matters most. By choosing a reputable agency, families not only get peace of mind but also ensure their helper is supported and treated fairly.
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FAQs about Singapore maid agencies
1. How much does it cost to hire a maid through Singapore maid agencies?
It usually costs $1,000–$3,000 in agency fees plus ongoing monthly salary and levy.
2. What is the current maid levy in Singapore?
The levy is $300 per month, but families with elderly or children under 16 may qualify for a $60 concession.
3. Do I need to attend any course before hiring a maid?
Yes, first-time employers must complete the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP).
4. What is the minimum salary for a maid in Singapore?
It varies by nationality, usually between $600 and $850 per month.
5. Are maids entitled to rest days?
Yes, at least one rest day per month must be given and cannot be compensated with money.
6. What insurance must employers buy for helpers?
Employers must provide medical insurance with at least $60,000 annual coverage starting July 2025.
7. Can I hire a transfer maid directly?
Yes, transfer maids are available through agencies and can be deployed faster.
8. What is the APS scheme?
The Advance Placement Scheme (APS) allows employers to interview and hire helpers already pre-approved by MOM.
9. How do I check if a maid agency is licensed?
You can verify any agency’s licence and track record through MOM’s official EA Directory.
10. What happens if the maid is not a good fit?
Most agencies offer a replacement period, usually one to three months, where you can request another helper.