In Singapore, where life moves quickly, it can be hard to find time to do everything you need to do at home, work, and with your family. That’s when you should think about hiring a maid service in Singapore. A reliable domestic helper can make daily life easier and more manageable, whether you and your partner work, have young kids, or elderly parents to care for.

How do you find someone trustworthy and good for your home when there are so many maid agencies and independent helpers out there? This guide has all the information you need to find a trustworthy maid service in Singapore that will work for your family.

Different kinds of maid services in Singapore

It’s important to know the different types of maid Singapore services before you start looking for one.

1. Live-In Maids Who Work Full Time

These maids live with your family and are available all day.They are great for families that need help all the time, especially with kids or elderly care.

2. Part-time maids

 If you only need help with cleaning, laundry, or other chores a few times a week, part-time maids are a good choice. You usually hire them by the hour, and they don’t live with you.

In Singapore, only citizens or permanent residents can work as part-time maids.  MOM rules say that foreign domestic workers can’t work part-time.

3. Cleaning services that are only needed once or every now and then

Good for cleaning up after renovations, spring cleaning, or moving out. You can usually book these services online and don’t have to pay for them for a long time.

4. Maids who help with care

These helpers have been trained to help with caring for the elderly or people with special needs. They help with getting around, keeping clean, eating, and even remembering to take their medicine.

Some agencies hire caregivers who have been trained to help with nursing and dementia care. This depends on where the maid is from and what kind of work she has done in the past.

How to Find a Reliable Maid Agency in Singapore

Engaging a reputable maid agency is essential to ensure a seamless and professional hiring experience.Here’s what to look for:

1. Licensed by MOM (Ministry of Manpower)

Always ensure the agency is registered with MOM. This guarantees that they follow Singapore’s employment laws and guidelines.

As of 2025, there are over 1,000 licensed maid agencies in Singapore. Use MOM’s portal to filter by performance ratings.

2. Clear Fees

A good agency will give you a clear list of all the costs, with no extra fees.  Be aware of costs for placement, insurance, and training.

Placement fees usually range from SGD $800 to $2,500, depending on where the maid is from and how much experience she has.

3. Full training and screening

 A good maid service will look into the candidates’ health, work history, and backgrounds.   Some even give you basic training on how to do housework and take care of other people.

4. Replacement Policy

Sometimes things don’t work out.If the maid isn’t a good fit, a good agency will give you a free or low-cost replacement within a certain amount of time.

Most trustworthy companies will send you a new item within one to three months.

5. Ratings and Reviews from Customers

You can read what other people have to say on Google reviews, HardwareZone, and Reddit. Getting honest feedback can help you avoid bad surprises.

Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Maid in Singapore

You should ask the agency or the maid these questions during the interview: 

• What jobs has she had before?
• Does she like being around kids or old people?
• Can she cook local meals?
• Does she speak English or any local language?
• Is she healthy and up to date on her shots?

These questions help you figure out if you’re a good fit and set expectations from the start.  Under MOM rules, agencies must give you a maid’s biodata, which includes vaccination records and medical reports.

Where to Find Reliable Maid Singapore Services

Here are some places to start your search:

1. Maid agencies that have been approved

AEAS and CASE Trust are two websites that list trusted agencies that have been certified by MOM and industry groups.

2. Websites

You can look at profiles, read reviews, and even get in touch with helpers directly on sites like HelperChoice, MaidsRUs, and EvenMaid.

3. Recommendations from Friends or Neighbours

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a dependable maid. If your neighbour has a helper they love, ask which agency they used.

Things to think about legally when hiring a maid in Singapore

There are things you need to do when you hire a maid.  This is what you need to know:

1. Work Visa

You need to use the MOM portal to get a work permit for your maid.Agencies usually assist with this.

2. Security Bond and Insurance

A $5,000 security bond is mandatory (except for Malaysian helpers). You must also purchase medical and personal accident insurance.

According to MOM rules, most employers buy this through an insurance package that includes the bond and covers at least SGD $60,000 in personal accident insurance.

3. Days off and pay

At least one day off a week is required for maids.  Salaries range from $500 to $750 per month, depending on the person’s nationality, experience, and duties.

4. Check-Ups for Health

To make sure that domestic helpers are safe and healthy, MOM requires them to have medical check-ups every six months.

How to Have a Good Relationship with Your Maid

A good relationship between an employer and a maid can make a big difference.  Here’s how to get people to trust and respect each other:

• Talk Clearly: Set expectations right away.  Speak in a way that is clear and polite.
• Respect privacy: Don’t invade their space unless you have to, and give them time to themselves.
• Make sure the living conditions are right:  A clean place to sleep, meals, and reasonable hours are all important.
• Ask for feedback: Let them talk about their thoughts or worries so that problems don’t get worse.
• Follow the rules: It’s easy to get confused and angry when instructions aren’t clear.

Costs to Expect When Hiring a Maid in Singapore

It’s not just the salary you need to consider. Here’s a breakdown:

Think about all the costs to make sure you’re ready to hire someone.

Things You Shouldn’t Do

•  Rushing the Hiring Process: Don’t rush the hiring process; take your time to find the right person instead of going with the first one who comes along.
• Ignoring Legal Requirements: MOM rules are very strict, and if you don’t follow even one, you could get fined or banned.
• Overworking the maid: They’re people, not machines.  Burnout makes you do a bad job and causes problems.
• Not Setting Ground Rules: Assumptions lead to misunderstandings. Be clear from the beginning.

FAQs: Maid Singapore Services

1. Do I need to use an agency to find a maid in Singapore?

 Yes, if you want to hire a foreign domestic worker, it’s best to go through a licensed agency to make sure everything is done right and all the paperwork is in order.

2. How much does it cost on average to hire a maid in Singapore?

You should plan to pay $1,000 to $1,500 up front and $500 to $750 a month, depending on how much experience you have.

3. Is it possible to talk to the maid before hiring her?

Yes, most agencies let you interview people in person or over video calls before you hire them.

4. How long does it take to find a maid in Singapore?

It usually takes one to four weeks, depending on where the maid is from.

5. Are part-time maids legal in Singapore?

Only Singaporeans or PRs can work as part-time maids legally. Foreign domestic workers can only work full-time for their employer.

6. What happens if the maid doesn’t work out?

A lot of agencies will give you a free replacement within a certain trial period, which is usually three months.

7. Is it okay for me to keep my maid’s passport safe?

No.  It is against the law to keep your maid’s passport or other personal papers from her.

8. Is medical insurance mandatory for maids?

Yes. You must buy medical and personal accident insurance for your maid as per MOM guidelines.

9. What duties can a maid perform?

Typical duties include cleaning, laundry, cooking, babysitting, and elderly care, but this should be clarified upfront.

10. How many days off must I give my maid?

At least one rest day per week is mandatory unless compensated in lieu.

You don’t have to worry about finding a reliable maid in Singapore. Your home can run more smoothly and peacefully if you do the right research, set clear expectations, and talk to each other with respect.  The right domestic helper is out there, whether you need help all the time or just once in a while. You just need to know where to look.

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