When you ask a maid agency for their fees, you will usually hear a single number: the placement fee. But the placement fee is only 30 to 50 percent of the total upfront bill. Government charges, insurance, medical exams, training and travel make up the rest — and agencies sometimes mark these up.
- Total upfront cost for a new helper ranges from S$2,500 to S$5,000. This covers the agency placement fee, MOM work permit, FDW insurance, medical exam, SIP training and airfare.
- Monthly running costs range from S$640 to S$760 at base salary levels, including the FDW levy (S$60 concessionary or S$300 standard), and insurance and medical costs amortised across the contract.
- The placement fee is only 30 to 50% of the upfront bill. Government charges, insurance, medical exams, training and travel make up the rest — and agencies sometimes mark these up.
- Transfer helpers save on training and airfare but may carry higher placement fees. Run both total-cost scenarios before deciding.
- Always request a single, line-by-line total cost quote with payment timing (upfront vs monthly). Agencies that won’t provide one are not worth your time.
- Verify every government charge against the MOM website and get official receipts. The levy, work permit fees and insurance minimums are published; there is no reason to accept an agency’s word alone.
If you are still deciding between a new hire and a transfer, start with our guide: Need a Transfer Maid Fast? Here’s How to Hire One in Singapore Within 2 Weeks.
What You Pay Upfront
These are the costs you pay before or when your helper first arrives. The placement fee gets the most attention, but it is only part of the bill.
| Cost Item | New Hire (S$) | Transfer (S$) |
|---|---|---|
| Agency placement fee | S$1,500 to S$3,000 | S$1,000 to S$2,500 |
| MOM work permit (application + issuance) | S$70 | S$70 |
| FDW insurance (26-month integrated policy) | S$490 to S$900 | S$490 to S$900 |
| Pre-employment medical exam | S$80 | S$80 |
| Settling-In Programme (SIP) | S$75 | Not required |
| Employer Orientation (EOP, first-timers only) | S$35 | S$35 |
| Airfare | S$210 | Not applicable |
| Source-country processing (Filipino only) | S$650 | Not applicable |
| Total upfront estimate | S$2,500 to S$5,000 | S$1,700 to S$3,600 |
Monthly Running Costs
Once your helper has started, these are the costs you pay every month. Figures below assume embassy minimum salaries. Insurance is typically pre-paid for the full contract term, but shown here as a monthly amount so you can see the true cost of employment per month.
| Cost Item | Amount (S$/month) |
|---|---|
| Helper salary (embassy minimum) | S$550 to S$650 |
| FDW levy (concessionary rate) | S$60 |
| FDW levy (standard, no concession) | S$300 |
| Insurance + bond (amortised from 26-month policy) | ~S$19 to S$35 |
| Medical exam, 6-monthly (amortised) | ~S$7 to S$10 |
| Typical monthly total (with concession) | S$640 to S$760 |
| Typical monthly total (without concession) | S$880 to S$1,000 |
The concessionary levy rate of S$60/month (vs S$300 standard) is available to households with a Singapore Citizen child under 16, an elderly family member aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities. Check eligibility at mom.gov.sg.
24-Month Total Cost Outlook
This gives you a rough total to plan around for a full two-year contract. All figures assume the levy concession and embassy minimum salary. These totals cover agency, regulatory and insurance costs only — they do not include food, toiletries, rest-day compensation or other living expenses, which most households budget at S$100 to S$300 per month on top.
| Scenario | Estimated 24-Month Total |
|---|---|
| New hire, base salary, no replacement | S$17,500 to S$23,000 |
| Transfer, base salary, no replacement | S$17,000 to S$22,000 |
| With one mid-contract replacement | Add S$2,500 to S$5,000 |
| Without levy concession | Add S$5,760 |
Actual costs will be higher if the helper has experience and commands an above-minimum salary. Use these ranges as a planning baseline, not a ceiling.
Want a Line-by-Line Cost Quote?
New Hire vs Transfer: Which Costs Less?
Neither option is always cheaper. The cost composition is different, and the right choice depends on your timeline and tolerance for onboarding.
| Factor | New Hire | Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | S$2,500 to S$5,000 | S$1,700 to S$3,600 |
| Placement fee | S$1,500 to S$3,000 | S$1,000 to S$2,500 |
| Training cost | SIP (S$75) + optional courses | Minimal |
| Airfare | S$210 | Not applicable |
| Medical checks | Full pre-employment | Reduced scope |
| Time to start | 4 to 8 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Onboarding effort | Higher | Lower |
Transfer helpers save on training and travel and start working sooner, which matters if your household is already without help. New helpers usually have lower placement fees and longer initial contracts. Over 24 months, a new hire often becomes the more economical path. For a step-by-step guide on the transfer process, see: Need a Transfer Maid Fast?
Hidden Charges to Watch For
Most employers only find out about these after signing. Ask about every item below before you commit.
| Charge Type | What to Watch For | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| “Admin” or “processing” fees | Vague line items with no explanation | S$100 to S$300 |
| Government fee markups | Agency charges more than MOM’s published rates | S$50 to S$200 above actual |
| Insurance markups | Agency resells policy at 20 to 40% above direct price | S$60 to S$180 extra |
| Mandatory clinic referrals | Agency insists on a specific clinic at higher cost | S$30 to S$100 extra |
| Profile update / rescheduling | Charged per biodata revision or interview change | S$30 to S$100 per instance |
| Expedited processing | Rush fee not disclosed upfront | S$200 to S$500 |
| Replacement admin fees | Charged on top of the replacement guarantee | S$200 to S$1,000 |
| Deposit non-refund terms | Fine print excludes refunds after certain actions | Varies |
These charges can add S$300 to S$800 to your final bill. The fix is simple: request the complete fee schedule before making any payment, and challenge any line item the agency cannot explain with a receipt or MOM reference.
The single most important thing you can do is request a line-by-line total cost quote from every agency you speak to.
How to Compare Agencies on Cost
Get at least three quotes and compare them line by line using this approach:
- Request a consolidated total-cost-of-hire quote with every line item, the amount, and whether it is due upfront or monthly.
- Cross-check government charges (work permit fees, levy rates) against the MOM website. These are fixed and published.
- Compare insurance premiums with direct quotes from insurers (NTUC Income, UOI, Singlife Aviva). If the agency’s price is more than 20% higher, buy it yourself.
- Ask what the placement fee guarantees. A lower fee without a replacement period, settling-in support or contract handling usually costs more in the long run.
- Check the replacement and refund policy in writing. By law, a licensed agency must refund at least 50% of the service fee if the employment ends within 6 months. Confirm timeframes, exclusions and any admin fees on replacement.
- Verify agency credentials through the MOM website, AEAS directory and CaseTrust accreditation.
Cost is only one factor. We have a separate guide on what else to look for when choosing a maid agency in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Transparent Quote from AMR Maids
AMR Maids has been placing trained helpers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Mizoram with Singapore families since 2013. We provide a full, itemised cost breakdown before any commitment is made.
Tell us your needs
WhatsApp us at +65 8383 9448 or visit any of our three branches. Walk-ins are welcome during operating hours.
Review matched profiles
We shortlist trained helpers whose skills and experience suit your household, not just whoever is available.
We handle the paperwork
Work permit, insurance, security bond and all MOM compliance requirements — end to end.
Ongoing support included
Replacement guarantee, post-deployment check-ins and mediation if you need it.
About AMR Maids
AMR Maids (Asia Manpower Resources Pte Ltd) is a MOM-licensed maid agency in Singapore, founded in 2013. We recruit skilled domestic helpers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Mizoram, and we work with each family to understand what the household actually needs and find the right match across all nationalities. All our Indonesian helpers complete a structured 40-day training programme at our dedicated training centre in Surabaya, East Java (learn more about our training process). We provide replacement guarantees, post-deployment counselling, regular check-ins and mediation services.
Our Branch Locations
| Branch | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Tampines | 11 Tampines Street 32, Tampines Mart, #01-02B, Singapore 529287 | +65 6241 7440 |
| Ang Mo Kio | Blk 713, Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-4050, Singapore 560713 | +65 6518 9935 |
| Woodlands | Blk 548, Woodlands Drive 44, Vista Point, #01-29, Singapore 730548 | +65 6530 3650 |
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30am–7:30pm | Sun 10:30am–5:00pm · WhatsApp: +65 8383 9448 | amrmaids.com
- Ministry of Manpower, Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers
- Ministry of Manpower, Foreign Domestic Worker Levy
- Ministry of Manpower, FDW Levy Concession
- Ministry of Manpower, Settling-In Programme
- UOI (United Overseas Insurance), Atria FDW Insurance Plans, 26-month premiums effective 2026
- Singlife Aviva (via bolttech), Migrant Domestic Worker Insurance & Bond Package, 26-month premiums effective 2025
- NTUC Income, Domestic Helper Insurance and Domestic Helper Plus, 26-month premiums effective November 2025
- AMR Maids, Transparent Pricing and MOM Compliance
- AMR Maids, Training and Verification Process
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or employment advice. MOM regulations, levy rates and insurance requirements may change. Cost ranges reflect typical market conditions as of mid-2026 and will vary by agency, nationality and individual circumstances. Insurance premiums cited reflect 2025–2026 pricing from UOI (Atria), Singlife Aviva (bolttech) and NTUC Income; always confirm the current premium and coverage at the point of purchase. Verify all figures with the Ministry of Manpower website and the respective embassies for the most current information. Last updated: July 2026.