Updated on 18 March 2026
There are close to 2,000 maid agencies in Singapore that place full-time foreign domestic workers (FDWs) with families. In many cases, employers approach a maid agency to assist in matching them with a maid and then handling the work permit application that follows. However, a growing trend is for employers to undertake direct hires – thereby saving costs for themselves and their maids. If you don’t already have a maid you want to hire, you can find and contact one among thousands of profiles through HelperChoice.
How much is the agency fee?
There is no fixed price for how much maid agencies charge fees. It usually costs around S$800 to S$2,000 to place a maid and process work permit and papers in Singapore.
If a maid agency advertises an agency fee that is below $100 or even free, you should be aware that the agency will need to make up for this somehow. If you find a particularly cheap package, find out how much the agency is charging the maid, and keep in mind that high placement fees can force maids into debt.
What should I know about maid agencies?
In Singapore, employment agencies must be accredited by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The employment agency must apply for a license in order to operate in Singapore. Entirely web-based job portals like HelperChoice are exempted from the need to obtain an employment agency license in Singapore. When issued a license, employers can check the performances and have a better view of the best maid agencies on the ministry’s website.
A maid agency in Singapore which breaches any of its conditions will be issued demerit points. An agency with 12 or more points will be put under surveillance for at least 12 months. If an agency has less than 12 points, its points will be deleted after 12 months. In the case of serious offences such as the abuse of maids or illegal placements, their license will be revoked instantly.
How Much Can Maid Agencies Charge FDWs?
MOM regulates how much agencies can charge domestic helpers.
Legal Fee Cap:
-
Maximum: 1 month salary per year of contract
-
Capped at 2 months’ salary total
✔ This includes:
-
Fees charged in Singapore
-
Fees charged by overseas partner agencies
Refund Requirement
If employment is terminated early:
-
Agencies must provide a pro-rated refund
Important Note
For:
-
Direct hires
-
Work permit renewals
👉 FDWs should not be charged placement fees, as there is no new placement involved.
Passing Agency Fees Onto Your FDW
Some agencies may attempt to:
-
Charge employers upfront
-
Ask employers to recover the cost from the helper’s salary
❗ This is illegal under MOM regulations.
Why This Matters
Some helpers are charged: SGD 3,000+ in illegal fees
Given that FDWs typically earn: SGD 600–800+ per month
This can lead to:
-
Months of unpaid work
-
Financial stress
-
Lower motivation
Salary Rules and Deductions (2026 Update)
Under MOM rules:
❌ Employers MUST NOT:
-
Deduct unauthorized fees from salary
-
Pass agency costs to helpers illegally
-
Withhold salary payments
✔ Allowed Deductions (Limited)
Some deductions may be allowed:
-
Within MOM limits
-
With written consent
👉 Learn more about employment conditions here:
Employers Must Not Keep FDW’s Money
Since 1 January 2019, employers must not safekeep salary, bank card and personal money even if requested by the helper.
Best Practice
Encourage your helper to open a personal bank account to manage her own salary independently
Employer Responsibilities Beyond Agency Fees
Hiring a domestic helper also means complying with broader MOM requirements.
Employers must:
-
Provide medical insurance (minimum SGD 60,000/year)
-
Purchase personal accident insurance
-
Maintain a $5,000 security bond (for non-Malaysian FDWs)
-
Cover all medical expenses
-
Ensure safe working conditions
👉 Full requirements here:
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker