The Complete Guide to Best Maid Agency in Singapore 

Hiring a foreign domestic worker, commonly known as a domestic helper (or maid), is a major decision for many households in Singapore. For some families, it is their first time engaging a helper. For others, it may be a replacement after a previous arrangement did not work out. Regardless of your situation, understanding how maid agency services work is essential before making any commitment. 

With more than 2,000 licensed maid agencies operating in Singapore, employers are often unsure how to evaluate agencies, what services they truly provide, and what their own responsibilities are. This guide is written to give you a complete and practical understanding of maid agency services in Singapore, so you can approach the hiring process with clarity and confidence. 

What Is a Maid Agency and Why Do Employers Engage It 

A maid agency acts as an intermediary between employers and foreign domestic workers. Its role is to assist employers with recruitment, documentation, and administrative procedures required by the Ministry of Manpower. 

Many employers choose to engage a maid agency because the process of employing a domestic worker involves multiple steps, including paperwork, medical requirements, insurance arrangements, and coordination with overseas counterparts. For employers who are unfamiliar with these procedures, an agency helps reduce uncertainty and saves time. 

Core Maid Agency Services in Singapore 

Although services may vary slightly between agencies, most maid agencies in Singapore provide a set of core services that support employers throughout the hiring process. 

These typically include: 

• Sourcing and shortlisting foreign domestic workers 

• Arranging interviews between employers and domestic workers 

• Assisting with employment paperwork such as work permit applications, renewals, and cancellations 

• Coordinating mandatory medical examinations 

• Assisting with maid insurance documentation 

• Guiding employers on regulatory requirements 

These services are designed to ensure that the employment process is carried out properly and in accordance with Singapore regulations. 

Understanding the Maid Selection and Matching Process 

One of the most important services provided by a maid agency is the matching process. This involves recommending foreign domestic workers based on an employer’s household needs, such as childcare, eldercare, or general household support. 

Agencies review their profiles, work experience, and background information before presenting suitable candidates. Employers are encouraged to be clear about their expectations, daily routines, and care requirements, as this helps agencies recommend more suitable matches. 

A thoughtful matching process helps reduce misunderstandings and improves the chances of a stable working relationship. 

Interviewing a Foreign Domestic Worker 

Interviews allow employers to communicate directly with shortlisted domestic worker and assess suitability beyond what is written in a biodata. 

Most interviews are conducted via video calls, especially when foreign domestic workers are still overseas. In some cases, such as when the worker is already in Singapore under arrangements like an APS (Advance Placement Scheme) or as a transfer helper, employers may be able to conduct the interview in person. 

During the interview, employers may ask about: 

• Previous work experience 

• Communication ability 

• Willingness to learn and adapt 

• Comfort level with specific care responsibilities 

Agency representatives usually assist with interview arrangements and help employers prepare relevant questions. When multiple domestic workers are interviewed, a reliable maid agency such as Homekeeper will provide constructive feedback to support a more informed comparison and decision. 

Employment Paperwork and MOM Compliance 

Employing a foreign domestic worker in Singapore involves various administrative requirements. Maid agencies assist employers by preparing and submitting the necessary documentation to the relevant authorities. 

This includes work permit applications, renewals, cancellations, and other employment-related paperwork. Proper handling of these processes helps prevent delays and ensures compliance with Ministry of Manpower regulations. 

For employers who are unfamiliar with these procedures, agency support can be particularly valuable. 

Medical Examinations and Maid Insurance 

Medical examinations are a mandatory part of employing foreign domestic workers. Maid agencies coordinate these examinations and guide employers through the process. 

Maid insurance is also a compulsory requirement in Singapore. Agencies assist employers with insurance documentation and arrangements, ensuring that coverage meets regulatory requirements. Proper insurance helps protect both the employer and the foreign domestic worker throughout the employment period. 

Maid Pre-Employment Training and Why It Matters 

Maid pre-employment training plays an important role in helping a foreign domestic worker adjust to work and life in Singapore. While paperwork and compliance are necessary, training often determines how smoothly a domestic worker settles into a household after arrival.  

Not every maid agency in Singapore has close partnerships with training centres, which can result in varying training standards. However, at Homekeeper, foreign domestic workers undergo structured training both in their home country and in Singapore before deployment. Homekeeper works with experienced training centres and has also developed our own Homekeeper training programme focused on key care skills such as infant care and elderly care, so helpers are better prepared before they start work. 

Pre-employment training typically includes: 

• Infant and Maternal Care – essential for families with young children 

• Elderly and Disability Care – important for households with seniors or persons with special needs 

• General Housekeeping Skills – covering cleaning techniques, laundry, and home organisation 

• Language and Communication Skills – focusing on conversational English and other languages relevant to employer preferences 

• Cultural Adaptation – helping foreign domestic workers understand common expectations, norms and routines in Singapore households 

By investing in training before deployment, domestic workers are better prepared, more confident, and more capable of meeting the real-life demands of their roles. 

Maid Agency Fees and Cost Transparency 

Engaging a maid agency involves several costs, and this is often an area where employers feel uncertain. While certain expenses such as medical examinations, insurance, and work permit related charges are standard requirements, agency fees may differ depending on the scope of services provided. 

Agency fees typically cover administrative support, coordination, and assistance throughout the hiring process. This usually includes the end-to-end service provided by the agency representative, as well as the training and assessments the foreign domestic worker undergoes in her home country and in Singapore before deployment. In some cases, fees may also reflect the level of post placement support provided by the agency. 

In addition, a significant portion of the one-time cost can come from overseas application-related expenses, depending on the source country and arrangement. On top of that, the overall cost of hiring a foreign domestic worker includes: 

• Work permit and related government fees 

• Mandatory medical examinations 

• Maid insurance coverage 

• Settling-In Programme requirements 

• Monthly salary and levy obligations 

Understanding these cost components helps employers plan their budget more realistically and avoid surprises later on. Employers are encouraged to request a clear breakdown of fees and clarify what is included before proceeding with any agency. 

For a detailed explanation of the typical costs involved, including one-time and recurring expenses, you may refer to this article. 

Replacement Policies and Transfer Support 

Despite careful screening and matching, not all placements work out as expected. For this reason, many maid agencies offer replacement or transfer support under specific terms and conditions. 

Employers should clarify: 

• Replacement coverage periods 

• Conditions for eligibility 

• Any additional costs involved 

Understanding these terms upfront helps manage expectations and avoids misunderstandings later. 

Post-Placement Support and Adjustment Period 

The period after a foreign domestic worker starts work is often the most challenging. They may need time to adjust to a new environment, routine, and employer expectations. 

Post-placement support may include guidance on communication, expectation management, and addressing common issues that arise during the settling-in period. Agencies that provide ongoing support help employers navigate these challenges more effectively. 

Employer Responsibilities When Hiring a Foreign Domestic Worker 

While maid agencies provide administrative and advisory support, employers also have responsibilities. These include providing reasonable working conditions, clear instructions, and a respectful working environment. 

Understanding employer obligations helps prevent conflicts and contributes to a more stable employment relationship. 

Common Mistakes Employers Should Avoid 

Some challenges arise when employers rush decisions or misunderstand the role of a maid agency. Common mistakes include choosing an agency based solely on cost, not clarifying replacement policies, or having unrealistic expectations of the domestic worker. 

Taking time to understand the process and asking the right questions helps reduce these risks. 

How to Choose the Best Maid Agency in Singapore 

With many maid agencies available, careful evaluation is important. Employers should consider whether an agency is licensed by the Ministry of Manpower, how it screens domestic workers, provides pre-employment training, handles employment paperwork, and supports employers after placement. Clear communication, transparent fees, and structured processes are often indicators of a more reliable agency. 

For further guidance, you may refer to How To Pick The Best Maid Agencies in Singapore and Tips on Choosing a Maid Agency in Singapore, which provide additional insights into evaluating agencies and what to look out for. 

Conclusion 

Hiring a foreign domestic worker is a long-term commitment that affects both the household and the helper. While a maid agency can provide guidance and administrative support, understanding how the process works helps employers make more informed and responsible decisions from the start. 

By taking the time to understand maid agency services, asking the right questions, and working with an agency that is transparent and experienced, employers can approach the hiring journey with greater clarity and confidence. A well-supported placement not only eases daily household demands but also contributes to a more stable and positive working relationship over time. 

Looking for Support with Hiring a Domestic Worker? 

If you are looking for guidance on hiring a foreign domestic worker, Homekeeper is here to help! Whether you are engaging a maid agency for the first time or reviewing your current arrangement, having the right support can make the process more manageable. 

With experience in sourcing, training, and supporting foreign domestic workers, Homekeeper assists employers through each stage of the hiring process, from selection to deployment and beyond. This includes helpers for infant care, elder care, general housekeeping, or a combination of household needs. Our team is available to provide clear information and practical guidance based on your household requirements. Reach out to us for further assistance or to find out more about the hiring process. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Is it necessary to engage a maid agency in Singapore? 

Not always. In Singapore, it is not mandatory to use a maid agency, but many employers do so for help with paperwork, compliance, and guidance. However, if you are hiring a Filipino helper from the Philippines, a maid agency is required due to Philippine overseas employment regulations. 

2. How long does it take to hire a domestic worker? 

The timeline varies depending on domestic worker availability, interviews, training, and documentation, and may take a few weeks from selection to deployment. 

3. Can I interview a domestic worker before hiring? 

Yes. Most agencies arrange video interviews, and in some cases, in-person interviews are possible for helpers already in Singapore. 

4. What costs are involved when hiring a domestic worker? 

Costs may include agency fees and overseas application costs (often the main one-time cost), as well as work permit and government charges, medical examinations, insurance, and the Settling-In Programme. After the domestic worker starts work in Singapore, ongoing monthly costs include salary and the levy. Employers are encouraged to request a clear breakdown of all costs before proceeding. 

5. What if the domestic worker is not suitable? 

Many agencies offer replacement or transfer support under specific terms. Employers should clarify coverage and conditions in advance. 

6. What are my responsibilities as an employer? 

Employers are responsible for providing reasonable working conditions, clear instructions, and a respectful working environment.