A Complete Guide to Domestic Helpers and Maid Agencies in Singapore

Hiring a maid is no longer seen as a luxury for many Singaporeans but rather a necessity. From the rise of dual-income parents due to the rising cost of living to the growing ageing population and sandwich generation, many Singaporean families hire maids to help lessen the load from their daily responsibilities at home. 

Before taking the plunge and going straight into hiring a helper, there are a few considerations that you need to take note of such as the necessary requirements, cost, and the different maid agencies available.

Who can hire a maid in Singapore? 

All Singapore citizens, permanent residents and expatriates holding valid employment passes are eligible to apply for a maid in Singapore. You will have to be 21 years old and above, are not an undischarged bankrupt and have the mental capacity to take on the responsibility of being an employer. 

However, this is still subject to approval by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). They will first consider your financial ability to hire and whether you are able to maintain having a foreign domestic worker (FDW). 

How much does it cost to get a maid in Singapore?

Before hiring a maid in Singapore, you should assess the overall cost you will incur. Upfront costs such as the maid agency fee, work permit application, settling-in programme, and medical examination can go up to S$1,421.12 on average. It may seem like a hefty amount, but these are just one-time fees that you have to pay at the start. 

According to online platform HelperChoice, that connects employers to potential helpers, the average monthly salary for maids is at least S$597. However, depending on which country your helper is coming from, the salary may differ. For instance, the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines require domestic helpers from their countries to be paid a minimum salary of S$550, while countries like Myanmar and Malaysia allow for lower rates for domestic helpers coming from their countries. 

Other recurring costs that you have to consider when hiring a maid include maid levy, paid rest days, medical and accident insurance, and food and transportation allowances.

Thankfully, there are various financial subsidies available to offset the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore.

How long does it take to hire a maid in Singapore?

Once the entire application process has been finalised, it usually takes anywhere from one to four weeks for the helper to arrive in Singapore and start working if you have hired a maid through an agency. However, the duration may vary depending on the maid’s country of origin. 

How many hours should a maid work?

For those working five days a week or less, MOM recommends up to 9 hours of work a day or 44 hours a week for contractual workers; and up to 8 hours of work a day for those working more than five days a week.

Maids are also entitled to a weekly rest day to ensure that they also have time to rest physically and mentally, and take time off for themselves as well.

Top Maid Agencies in Singapore

With so many maid agencies to choose from in Singapore, how do you choose which one should you work with? A good maid agency will help you take care of the necessary paperwork and match you to a maid that’s most suitable for you and your loved one’s needs. Here are the top maid agencies in Singapore and the services they provide.

1. HomeKeeper Maid Agency

HomeKeeper remains one of the most reputable maid agencies in Singapore since they started in 1998 with outstanding statistics from MOM. Apart from their extensive recruitment network, they also have partner training centres in Indonesia, India, Myanmar and the Philippines for their overseas FDW. As such, their maids are equipped with extensive training even before arriving in Singapore. 

• Services: Direct hire and transfer; work permit matters; maid training and development; maid insurance; maid repatriation; medical check-up; and embassy endorsement 
• Website: https://www.homekeepermaidagency.com/
• Location: Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Timah, Hougang & Pasir Ris 
• Telephone: 6468 5220
• Operating hours: Varies depending on the location

Homage is partnering with HomeKeeper Maid Agency to provide professional and affordable care to those in need of caregiving services. 

2. Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd

With the highest retention rates in their 30 years of business, Universal Employment continues to earn the trust of many employers for their maid hiring services. While they specialise in placements for new or transfer FDWs, work permit processing and insurance coverage for maids are covered as well. 

• Services: Direct hire, placement of transfer and first-time maids; application and renewal of work permit; Settling-In Programme (SIP) and maid repatriation service
• Website: https://www.universal.sg/
• Location: 304 Orchard Road, #03-52 Lucky Plaza
• Telephone: 6735 3456
• Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 7pm; Weekends from 10am to 6pm; closed on Tuesdays & PH 

Homage is partnering with Universal Employment Agency to provide professional and affordable care to those in need of caregiving services. 

3. We Are Caring 

We Are Caring is an employment agency in Singapore with a vision to champion ethical sourcing and efficient hiring of maids in South-East Asia. They do not charge any placement fee or salary loans to helpers, allowing them to be debt-free as they work in Singapore. Employers are also able to browse and hire helpers on their platform seamlessly.

• Services: Direct hire and transfer; work permit matters; maid training and development; maid insurance; maid repatriation; medical check-up; and embassy endorsement 
• Website: https://wearecaring.com/
• Location: 304 Orchard road, #02-06 Lucky Plaza
  
• Telephone: Whatsapp +65 8241 0561
• Operating hours: Varies depending on the location

Homage is partnering with We Are Caring to provide professional and affordable care to those in need of caregiving services. 

4. Nation Maid Agency

With over 20 years of experience under their belt and more than 50 experienced consultants, Nation Maid is known to be one of the most credible maid agencies in Singapore. They are also the first maid agency to be awarded the ISO 9001 certification, which is an internationally-recognised Quality Management System (QMS). 

• Services: Deployment of new and transfer FDW, application and renewal of work permits, liaison with embassies, Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP), Settling-in Programme (SIP), and FDW Household Competency On-Site Training Programme
• Website: https://www.nation.sg/
• Location: Jurong & Tampines 
• Telephone: 6665 8199 (Jurong) / 6787 8199 (Tampines)

5. Maid-power

Since its conception in 1984, they have always been known for their customer-oriented mindset when it comes to their potential employers. Apart from finding the helper that is suitable for your household and current setup, Maid Power also caters to first time employers through the Employers’ Orientation Programme that helps you understand the role of an employer to a FDW. 

• Services: Direct hire deployment, local transfer, renewal and cancellation of work permit, renewal of passport, application for work permit, and home leave processing 
• Website: https://www.maidpower.com/
• Location: 304 Orchard Road, #06-15/16 Lucky Plaza
• Telephone: 6339 6161
• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 7pm, closed on weekends and PH
  

6. Inter Great

Despite starting their business later than their counterparts in the industry, Inter Great has won several awards and certifications including the acclaimed Singapore 500 Enterprise Award 2018. They specialise in employer-maid matchmaking; direct hiring from Indonesia, Myanmar and The Philippines; and provide continuous training and development for their maids. 

• Services: Maid matching and recommendation; direct hire and transfer of FDWs; maid skills training; and free consultation on maid-related matters 
• Website: http://enquiry.intergreat.sg/
• Location: Ang Mo Kio, Katong & Kovan 
• Telephone: Varies depending on the outlet 
• Operating Hours: Varies depending on the outlet

7. Raymond Maids

Raymond Maids is one of the country’s largest maid agencies with over 30 years of experience in the industry. They have deployed over 15,000 maids through the years and even have local and international training centres with in-house trainers to ensure each helper is equipped with the necessary skills before being deployed. 

• Services: Employment of new and transfer FDWs; work permit application, renewal and cancellation; security bond, personal accident and medical insurance; medical check-up; maid counselling and liaison with embassies 
• Website: https://www.raymondmaids.com/
• Location: Ah Hood Road, Bukit Timah, Katong, Mountbatten & Sembawang 
• Telephone: Varies depending on the outlet 

8. Magnum Maid Agency

Magnum Maid Agency is a reliable agent that employs domestic helpers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Depending on your needs as an employer, you will then be carefully matched with a suitable helper at a competitive cost. 

• Services: Orientation for maid employment; maid’s salary remittance; medical and accident insurance; maid counselling and in-house training 
• Website: https://www.magnummaid.com.sg/
• Location: 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #03-14 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
• Telephone: 6463 6388
• Operating hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm, closed during PH 

9. Tailormaid Services

Not only does Tailormaid Services have outstanding online reviews, but they were also a recipient of the Singapore Prestige Award 2020 for Specialist Employment Agency of the Year. This agency does not just focus solely on matching you with a maid fast, but also ensure that your helper meets your needs and standards best. 

• Services: Work permit renewal, application and cancellation; medical check-up, home leave processing; insurance coverage and security bond; Settling-In Programme (SIP), and maid counselling 
• Website: https://www.tailormaid.sg/
• Telephone: 8822 6966 / 8822 6766
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturdays from 9am to 1pm

10. Maid Avenue

With a 4.9 Google rating backed by over 500 reviews, Maid Avenue is one of the most reviewed maid agencies in the country. They offer affordable rates for maid hiring services, with instalment plans ranging from two to five months for those who are unable to pay the fees upfront. 

• Services: Deployment of new or transfer maid; direct hire; Settling-In Programme (SIP); Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP); and medical check-up 
• Website: https://www.maidavenue.com.sg/
• Location: 5001 Beach Road #08-30, Golden Mile Complex
• Telephone: 69707155 / 69707156 / 69707157
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 12pm to 9pm; Sundays from 1pm to pm; and closed on Saturdays and PH 

11. Eden Grace Maid Agency Singapore

Eden Grace prides themselves as one of the top Christian maid agencies in Singapore and offers Sunday programs and group sessions for their maids to attend. With a stringent screening process and skills enhancement training for all their domestic helpers, you can be assured that you’re in good hands. 

• Services: Maid matching; orientation and home visits; mentorship programs; maid counselling 
• Website: https://www.edengracemaids.com/
• Location: Bishan, Jurong East, Orchard & Tampines (strictly by appointment only)
• Telephone: Varies depending on the location
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm

12. Eelit Maid Agency

Deriving their company name from the word ‘elite’, you can expect their domestic helpers to be elite, just as the name suggests. Upon arrival in Singapore, the maids undergo a thorough orientation and training programme to ensure that they meet the needs and standards of their potential employer. 

• Services: Direct hire; placement of new and transfer maids; medical insurance and check-up; work permit matters; and home leave processing 
• Website: https://www.eelit.sg/
• Location: Katong, Yishun & Mountbatten 
• Telephone: Varies depending on the location
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 11am to 7pm; weekends from 11am to 6pm, closed on PH

13. Westrama

If you are seeking tamil-speaking FDWs from India, Westrama might be the agency you’re looking for. With offices in Singapore, India, and Dubai and four decades of industry expertise, Westrama has established themselves as one of the leaders in the pact. Although most of their maids are tamil-speaking, they provide spoken English training as well. 

• Services: Direct hire of Indian maids; work permit application, renewal or cancellation; passport application and renewal; and training for maids 
• Website: https://www.westrama.com.sg/
• Location: 150 South Bridge Road, #03-08, Fook Hai Building
• Telephone: 65353839
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm; Saturdays from 9am to 2pm; closed on Sundays and PH 

14. Island Maids

What makes Island Maids stand out from its equals is their in-house training school, where overseas FDWs are trained in various areas such as cooking, elderly care, and child care. The quality of their training can be seen in their high retention rate and low transfer rate, indicating satisfaction amongst the families. 

• Services: Direct hire; work permit application, renewal and cancellation; maid insurance; home leave application; training courses and maid counselling
• Website: https://www.islandmaids.com.sg/
• Location: Bedok, Ang Mo Kio, Jurong, Yishun & Hougang 
• Telephone: Varies depending on the location

15. 121 Personnel Services

121 Personnel boasts a total of 18 years of experience with 0% transfer, which shows that both their employers and domestic helpers are pleased by their service. If you are looking to protect your investment in a maid agency, they offer a free 365-days guarantee with two free replacements in the event that you are unhappy with your helper. 

• Services: Direct hire; work permit processing; placement of new and transfer maids; and passport renewal 
• Website: https://www.121personnel.sg/
• Location: 545 Orchard Road #12-07, Far East Shopping Centre
• Telephone: 6733 8121
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 10:15am to 6pm; Sundays from 10:15am to 3:00pm; closed on Saturdays and PH 

16. Peanut Job

Claiming to be one of the first digital platforms and mobile applications to link employers with potential domestic helpers, Peanut Job simplifies the recruitment process by giving you access to the maids’ profiles without the help of a middleman. You also have the option to chat directly with the helpers on the app. 

• Services: Direct hire online platform; employer-maid matching 
• Website: https://www.peanutjob.com/
• Location: 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road #01-42, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
• Telephone: 6970 9425
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm; weekends from 10am to 6pm 

17. 1 Assist Agency

One of 1 Assist’s area of expertise lies in providing support for the elderly. Through their partnership with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), they are constantly looking to improve their services through training programmes for their helpers. 

• Services: Maid recruitment and training
• Website: http://www.1assist.com.sg/
• Location: 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road #03-63K Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
• Telephone: 6463 0419
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 11am – 8pm; weekends from 10:30am to 6:30pm

18. Express Maid & Employment Services

At Express Maid, customer service is definitely one of their strong suits. Even after their helpers have been deployed, they check in with the employers from time to time to track their helpers’ progress and to assess any areas of concern. 

• Services: Work permit matters; Direct hire of new and transfer maids; booking of air tickets; renewal of passport; medical insurance and security bond; and medical check-up
• Website: https://www.expressmaid.com.sg/
• Location: 1 Jalan Anak Bukit #02-39 Bukit Timah Plaza
• Telephone: 6469 1121
• Operating hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm; closed on Sundays

19. Swift Maids

Having served more than 30,000 families in Singapore for more than 20 years, it is evident that Swift Maids take on a customer-oriented philosophy and provide them with quality service from the recruitment process all the way to the deployment stage. 

• Services: Maid employment 
• Website: http://www.swiftmaids.sg/
• Location: Ang Mo Kio, Chong Pang & Far East 
• Telephone: Varies depending on the location

20. Best Housekeeper

Best Housekeeper specialises in maid transfers, which means hiring a maid directly from their current employer in Singapore. One of the benefits of transfer maids is that employers can save cost on transportation and processing fees. 

• Services: Maid matching and transfer services 
• Website: https://www.besthousekeeper.sg/
• Location: 304 Orchard Road, #04-105 Lucky Plaza
• Telephone: 6876 7948
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm; weekends from 10am to 6pm

21. Super Employment Specialist

With their extensive online catalogue, Super Employment Specialist has made it easier for employers to select and review potential maids during the recruitment process. They also offer maid counselling in the local dialects and languages of the maids to effectively communicate with them. 

• Services: Hiring of first-time and experienced maids; maid insurance; cancellation of work permit; repatriation of maids; medical examination; and management of documentation at the embassies 
• Website: https://www.supermaid.com.sg/
• Location: 545 Orchard Road #05-18, Far East Shopping Centre
• Telephone: 6732 5855 
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm; weekends from 10am to 5pm

22. JForce Employment Services 

With most maid agencies bringing FDWs from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar, JForce Employment is one of the few agencies that bring in maids from Cambodia. Their office is open seven days a week, which allows busy, working adults to inquire with them on the weekends. 

• Services: Direct hire of FDW; application of work permit; Embassy endorsement; maid transfers; medical check-up; home leave processing; repatriation; and maid counselling
• Website: https://www.jforce.com.sg/
• Location: Ang Mo Kio, Boon Keng & Jurong
• Telephone: Varies depending on the location
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm; weekends from 10am to 5:30pm

Are there alternatives to hiring domestic helpers? 

Hiring a domestic helper may not be everyone’s first choice. Some may not be able to afford it while others may not have the luxury of time to wait a few weeks before the maid arrives and need immediate solutions. Thankfully, there are other options such as local home care services that you can look into.

With these options, you may be able to get a certified caregiver or nurse at your doorstep as quickly as within 24 hours. Most offer both short and long-term care options as well, which means you’ll only pay for the hours you need! Those who prefer someone who can speak the local language and connect with their loved one better may want to consider local caregivers too.

Check out the comparison between hiring a domestic helper and a local caregiver here. If you are looking for care support at home, consider hiring our local Care Pros.