Currently, there are more than 250,000 foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore. In fact, one in six households employs a domestic helper in the country. So if you need extra help for your family, you must know the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore. Here are the typical fees, charges, and costs involved in hiring a domestic maid.
Maid Salary: You must pay your maid every month. The salary must not be lower than what you declared to the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore. The minimum salary of a helper in Singapore can range from $450 to $570. The salary can vary depending on the nationality of the helper and her experience. Here are the minimum salaries of FDWs as decided by the government of their country of origin:
|
Country |
Minimum Salary |
|
Myanmar |
$450 |
|
Cambodia |
$500 |
|
Sri Lanka |
$500 |
|
Indonesia |
$550 |
|
Philippines |
$570 |
- Maid Agency Fees: Hiring a maid in Singapore through an agency would be a hassle-free process for you. You will not have to deal with any paperwork, work permit, health screening, and other tasks as your agency will take care of them. The best maid agencies in Singapore will charge you anywhere between S$800 to S$2,000.
- Levy Charges:The foreign worker levy is a pricing mechanism used by the Singaporean government to regulate the number of FDWs in Singapore. When you hire a first-time maid, levy charges will be applied on the 5th day of her arrival (including the arrival date). In other cases (transfer maid), the levy will begins the next day after she arrives. The levy rates in Singapore have been fixed by MOM and they are as follows:
|
Normal (1st FDW) |
$300 / month |
|
Normal (Subsequent FDWs) |
$450 / month |
|
Concessionary |
$60 / month |
- Maid Insurance:In Singapore, it is mandatory for employers to buy maid insurance and medical coverage. The Ministry of Manpower requires employers to purchase S$60,000 per year in personal accident insurance coverage for their maids and hospitalisation coverage of at least S$15,000 per year.
- Security Deposit:According to MOM, employers are required to purchase a S$5,000 security bond for employing a foreign domestic worker. After the successful application of work permit or renewal, you will have to submit a security deposit of S$5,000.00 for your maid. This is a bond between an employer and the government. It ensures that both employer and maid will comply with the conditions of the Work Permit.
- Other Charges: Other than the charges mentioned above, there are certain expenses that you will have to pay while hiring a maid.
|
Employee Orientation Program (EOP) for new employers |
S$35 for the online course and S$35 to S$60 for the in-person course |
|
Settling-In Program (SIP) |
$75 |
|
Work Permit Application |
$35 |
|
Issuance of Work Permit |
$35 |
|
Medical Examination |
S$80 for new FDWs and |
- Maid Daily Expenses: Employers are responsible for bearing the costs of their maid’s daily expenses that include food, accommodation, travel, phone bills, and other small expenses. It can cost you anywhere around $300 per month.
Conclusion
Working professionals and families have a lot of tasks to do on a daily basis. Hiring a helping hand can prevent you from getting tired working all day. Whether you want to hire a new maid or a transfer maid through the best maid agency in Singapore, knowing the cost of hiring a foreign worker will help you make an informed decision. Work with your maid agency to get the process done easily and see where you can save some money.
About the Author
Shina Lim
Shina is a Senior Research Analyst at a leading company in Singapore. She focuses on writing about insurance, healthcare, international affairs, and personal finance. Her articles have been featured in leading magazines.
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