How to Hire a Domestic Helper in Singapore (2026): Complete Guide

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is one of the biggest household decisions you’ll make, and the process has more moving parts than most people expect. This guide walks you through everything from MOM eligibility to your helper’s first day, whether you’re a first-time employer or switching helpers for the first time.

If you’ve already decided to go the direct hire route and just need the transfer-specific steps, jump to our step-by-step direct hire guide.

1. Am I eligible to hire a domestic helper?

Before anything else, you need to meet MOM’s basic employer requirements. These apply whether you’re hiring through an agency or directly.

You must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt
• Have the financial means to pay the helper’s salary and mandatory costs
• Provide suitable accommodation, a room with reasonable privacy and ventilation or a partitioned living space
• Ensure the helper is only assigned legal household duties

If you’re a first-time employer: You’ll need to complete the Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP) before your helper arrives. It covers your legal obligations and can be done online via MOM’s website. It takes about two hours.

💡Tip: Complete the EOP early – you’ll need the certificate before you can submit a Work Permit application.

2. New hire vs transfer helper – what’s the difference?

This is the first real decision you’ll need to make. Both options are legal and common in Singapore – they just involve different timelines, costs, and candidate pools.

Our take: For most families, a transfer helper is the better starting point. The candidate pool in Singapore is large, the timeline is short, and you can actually speak to previous employers before committing. See our detailed guide on why hiring a direct transfer maid makes sense.

3. Which nationality is right for your family?

Nationality doesn’t determine whether someone will be a good helper – the individual matters far more than the passport. That said, there are practical differences worth knowing.

Filipino helpers

• Generally strong English speakers – easier onboarding
• Widely experienced in childcare and eldercare
• Salary range: SGD $600-$900/month depending on experience
• First-time hires from the Philippines require POEA clearance and an OEC

Indonesian helpers

• Most common nationality among Singapore FDWs
• Generally adaptable, patient, strong in housekeeping and cooking
• Most are Muslim – confirm dietary and pork-handling preferences upfront
• New hires from Indonesia must complete pre-deployment training
• Salary range: SGD $550-$850/month

Myanmar helpers

• More affordable salary range, typically SGD $500–$700/month
• Generally regarded as hardworking and reliable
• English proficiency varies – patience during initial settling-in period helps
• Increasingly popular with Singapore families

Indian helpers

• Strong choice for expat families who want specific cuisine (Indian, Western)
• English proficiency generally good, especially from South India
• Dietary restrictions vary by religion – clarify upfront

For a deeper comparison, see our guide: Filipino, Indonesian, Myanmar or Indian – which helper is right for your family?

4. Agency vs Direct Hire – what it actually costs

This is where most employers are shocked – agency fees in Singapore are significant, and many families don’t realise there’s an alternative.

Note: EmployHelpers is not an employment agency and does not hold an EA licence. We are an internet platform connecting employers directly with helpers. You handle the MOM paperwork yourself (it’s straightforward, the steps are below). For direct hiring of overseas candidates, may require agencies’ involvement.

5. The step-by-step direct hiring process

The process involves 8 steps: checking eligibility, finding a helper, interviewing, getting consent from the current employer, applying for the Work Permit, sorting insurance and the security bond, issuing the permit, and settling final requirements like the 6ME check-up and GIRO setup.

For the full detailed walkthrough of this process, see: How to Direct Hire a Transfer Helper in Singapore (2026).

6. Total costs to budget for

Here’s a realistic monthly and upfront cost breakdown for hiring a transfer helper directly:

Upfront costs (one-off):

Ongoing monthly costs:

For the full breakdown including easily-missed costs, see: 5 Hidden Costs of Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore.

To understand the levy and concessionary rates in detail, see: How much is the maid levy in Singapore?.

7. Paperwork checklist

Here’s everything you’ll need to have in place before your helper starts:

• ✅ EOP completion certificate (first-time employers)
• ✅ Work Permit issued via MOM FDW eService
• ✅ Temporary Work Permit printed
• ✅ Security bond purchased
• ✅ Medical insurance purchased (min. SGD $15,000/year inpatient)
• ✅ Employment contract signed by both parties
• ✅ GIRO set up for monthly levy payments
• ✅ 6ME medical check-up booked (within 2 weeks of start date)

Download a free compliant FDW employment contract template here.

Download a free FDW salary template here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)