8 Best Maid / Domestic Helper Agencies in Singapore 2026 — How to Choose (Licence, Costs & What to Check)
Lifestyle

8 Best Maid / Domestic Helper Agencies in Singapore 2026 — How to Choose (Licence, Costs & What to Check)

Hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW) is a big decision — and the agency you pick shapes the whole experience. Singapore's 2026 market runs from large full-service agencies to value players and online platforms. We mapped 8 to start your shortlist — but the most important step is the same for all of them: verify the agency's MOM licence + track record first. Here's the full hiring framework: real costs (agency fee, salary, levy, bond, insurance), the process, and the red flags to avoid.

Marcus Wong12 June 202611 min readUpdated 25 Jul 2026

Hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW) is one of the bigger household decisions you'll make — and the agency you choose shapes the whole experience. Below are 8 Singapore agencies to start your shortlist, organised by type.

> The single most important step comes before any of them: verify the agency's MOM Employment Agency (EA) licence — and its demerit points — on MOM's online EA Directory. Never engage an unlicensed agency. This one check matters more than any ranking.

All figures below are approximate 2026 ballparks — confirm current fees, levy rates, and rules with the agency and MOM's official site.

The 8 by type

TypeAgenciesBest for
Large full-serviceNation Employment, Best Home Employment, Universal EmploymentBig selection, end-to-end handling
Established mid-sizeHomeKeeper, Comfort EmploymentAttentive matching, eldercare
ValueBudget MaidLower placement fee (check all-in cost)
Online / tech-enabledeMaidBrowse biodata + manage online
Transfer-focusedSunrise LinkInterview in person, faster start

What it costs in 2026 (approximate)

CostRough figure
Agency placement fee (upfront)~S$1,000–3,000+
MDW monthly salary~S$600–700+ (varies by nationality/experience)
FDW levy (monthly)S$300 standard / S$60 concessionary (if you qualify)
Security bond (non-Malaysian MDW)S$5,000 — usually via insurance, not cash
Mandatory insuranceMDW medical + personal-accident
Medical6-monthly medical exam (6ME)
First-timersSettling-in Programme (SIP)

Many households budget ~S$1,000–1,300+/month all-in (salary + levy + insurance + food/amenities), on top of the upfront agency fee.

Agency vs direct hire vs transfer

  • Agency (new worker) — most convenient, full support + replacement guarantee; best for first-timers
  • Direct hire (DIY) — cheapest (no placement fee) but you handle ALL the admin + no replacement safety net; best for experienced employers / known helpers
  • Transfer maid — hire an MDW already in SG: interview in person, get references, faster + lower upfront cost; ask why she's transferring + check references

The vetting checklist (do NOT skip)

  1. MOM EA licence + demerit points on the EA Directory — non-negotiable step one
  2. Fee transparency — full written breakdown; wary of vague "all-in" quotes
  3. Ethical recruitment — a suspiciously low employer fee can mean excessive worker debt
  4. Replacement policy — what happens, and the conditions
  5. Real reviews — patterns in after-sales support + dispute handling
  6. Biodata + references — accurate info; references from the current employer for transfers

Your responsibilities as an employer

Keep the work permit valid + pay the levy on time, pay salary in full + on time, provide a weekly rest day (or compensation in lieu), maintain insurance + the 6ME, provide decent accommodation + adequate food, and send first-timers to the Settling-in Programme. Beyond the rules: communicate clearly + kindly, allow time to adjust, and respect her rest + privacy — a fairly-treated helper does better work and stays longer.

Pair with

*Cover image: Pexels (tidy family home — multi-brand category image per image-source policy). Agency details are general positioning to start a shortlist, NOT endorsements; always verify each agency's MOM EA licence + demerit points on MOM's official EA Directory, and confirm current fees, levy rates and rules with the agency and MOM before committing.*

8 Singapore maid / domestic-helper agencies at a glance — 2026 (always verify the MOM EA licence first)

AgencyTypeBest forAlways do
Nation EmploymentLarge full-serviceBig selection, end-to-endCheck MOM EA licence + demerits
Best Home EmploymentLarge full-serviceWell-resourced, broad poolCheck MOM EA licence + demerits
Universal EmploymentFull-service, multi-countryNationality/skill optionsCheck MOM EA licence + demerits
HomeKeeperMid-size, personalAttentive matchingCheck MOM EA licence + demerits
Comfort EmploymentFull-serviceEldercare / caregivingCheck MOM EA licence + demerits
Budget MaidValueLower placement feeConfirm all-in cost + ethics
eMaidOnline platformBrowse biodata onlineCheck MOM EA licence + demerits
Sunrise LinkTransfer-focusedInterview in person, fasterVerify references + transfer terms
1
Nation

Nation Employment — Large Full-Service Agency

Nation Employment is one of Singapore's larger, long-established maid agencies — a full-service option covering recruitment from the main source countries (Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines), in-house training, work-permit paperwork, and after-placement support. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: scale + a wide pool of biodata, structured processes, training facilities, and replacement guarantees if a placement doesn't work out within a set period. WHO IT SUITS: first-time employers who want a big agency to handle the whole process end-to-end and value a large selection + structured support. WHAT TO CHECK (for this and EVERY agency): verify its current MOM Employment Agency licence + demerit points on MOM's online EA Directory before engaging, get the full fee breakdown in writing, confirm the replacement policy + conditions, and read recent reviews. Confirm current placement fees + terms directly, as these vary by source country, worker experience, and package.

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2
Best

Best Home Employment Agency — Established Full-Service

Best Home Employment Agency is another large, established Singapore agency offering end-to-end MDW recruitment + placement across the main source countries, with training and full handling of the work-permit + insurance + medical paperwork. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: a sizeable biodata pool, a structured recruitment-to-deployment process, and the back-office handling (levy setup, security bond, insurance, 6-monthly medical scheduling) that first-time employers find daunting to do alone. WHO IT SUITS: employers who want a well-resourced agency to manage everything and a broad selection of candidates. WHAT TO CHECK: as always, verify the MOM EA licence + demerit record on MOM's EA Directory first; then compare the written fee breakdown, the replacement guarantee terms, and the quality of candidate biodata + references against 2-3 other agencies. Confirm current pricing directly — it depends on the worker's profile + your package.

No hidden fees on placements

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3
Universal

Universal Employment Agency — Wide Source-Country Reach

Universal Employment Agency is an established full-service Singapore agency known for a broad reach across MDW source countries and end-to-end handling of the hiring process. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: a wide selection of candidates from multiple source countries, training, and full administrative handling (work permit, levy, bond, insurance, medical) — the standard full-service package that takes the paperwork burden off employers. WHO IT SUITS: employers who want options across nationalities (helpful if you have specific language, cooking, childcare, or eldercare needs) and prefer a one-stop agency. WHAT TO CHECK: verify the MOM EA licence + demerit points on MOM's EA Directory; ask specifically about candidate-matching for your needs (e.g. infant care, elderly care, cooking), the replacement policy, and the full fee breakdown. Read recent reviews for service consistency, and confirm current fees directly as they vary by candidate + package.

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4
HomeKeeper

HomeKeeper — Established Mid-Size, Personal Touch

HomeKeeper is an established Singapore agency that pairs full-service MDW recruitment + placement with a more personal, hands-on service style than the largest chains. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: end-to-end handling (recruitment, training, work-permit + levy + insurance + medical paperwork, after-sales support) with closer attention to matching candidates to a family's specific needs. WHO IT SUITS: employers who want full-service convenience but prefer a more attentive, consultative experience over a high-volume operation — useful if you have particular requirements (infant care, eldercare, dietary/cooking, dialect). WHAT TO CHECK: verify the MOM EA licence + demerit record on MOM's EA Directory first; then assess how well they understand your specific needs, the candidate biodata quality, the replacement policy, and the written fee breakdown. Confirm current pricing directly — fees vary by source country, worker profile, and package.

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5
Comfort

Comfort Employment — Full-Service, Eldercare-Friendly

Comfort Employment is an established full-service Singapore agency handling MDW recruitment + placement, often used by families with eldercare or caregiving needs. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: the standard full-service package (recruitment from source countries, training, full work-permit + levy + bond + insurance + medical handling) with attention to matching helpers to households that need caregiving for elderly or less-mobile family members. WHO IT SUITS: families whose priority is a helper experienced or trained in eldercare / caregiving, alongside general household duties — and who want the agency to manage the full administrative process. WHAT TO CHECK: verify the MOM EA licence + demerit points on MOM's EA Directory; if caregiving is the priority, ask specifically about the candidate's relevant experience + training and whether the household qualifies for the concessionary levy (e.g. an elderly family member). Get the written fee breakdown + replacement terms, and confirm current pricing directly.

Find on Google Maps
6
Budget

Budget Maid — Value-Positioned, Lower Placement Fees

Budget Maid is a value-positioned Singapore agency aimed at employers who want lower placement fees and a more cost-conscious hiring route, while still handling the essential paperwork. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: keeping the agency placement fee lower than premium full-service agencies — often by streamlining the package — which appeals to budget-conscious households. WHO IT SUITS: employers comfortable with a more no-frills, cost-focused process who still want a licensed agency to handle the core work-permit + administrative steps. WHAT TO CHECK (extra important at the value end): verify the MOM EA licence + demerit points on MOM's EA Directory; clarify EXACTLY what the lower fee includes vs what's charged extra (insurance, medical, training, replacement), and confirm the agency follows ethical recruitment — a very low employer fee should never come at the cost of an excessive debt loaded onto the worker. Compare the all-in cost (not just the headline fee) against full-service agencies, and confirm current pricing + inclusions directly.

Visit website
7
eMaid

eMaid — Online / Tech-Enabled Platform

eMaid is an online, tech-enabled Singapore agency that lets you browse candidate biodata and manage much of the hiring process digitally — appealing to employers who want a more transparent, self-directed experience. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: an online platform to search + shortlist candidate profiles, digital paperwork handling, and a more modern, browse-and-compare approach versus walking into a physical shopfront. WHO IT SUITS: tech-comfortable employers who want to review candidate biodata on their own time, compare options transparently, and handle steps online — while still using a licensed agency for the work-permit + compliance pieces. WHAT TO CHECK: verify the MOM EA licence + demerit points on MOM's EA Directory; confirm what the platform handles digitally vs what still needs in-person steps (e.g. interviews, Settling-in Programme), the fee breakdown, insurance + medical inclusions, and the replacement policy. As with any agency, read recent reviews and confirm current pricing directly.

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8
Sunrise

Sunrise Link — Transfer-Maid Focused (MOM Licence 25C3065)

Sunrise Link (Sunrise Link Pte. Ltd., MOM EA Licence 25C3065) is a Singapore agency specialising in TRANSFER maids — MDWs already working in Singapore who are looking to switch employers. WHAT IT'S KNOWN FOR: facilitating transfer placements that let you interview the helper IN PERSON (not just via biodata), see references from her current SG employer, and typically start within days — faster + with lower upfront cost than recruiting a brand-new worker from a source country. WHO IT SUITS: employers who want to meet + assess a helper face-to-face before committing, need someone to start quickly, or prefer a worker already familiar with Singapore households. WHAT TO CHECK: still verify the MOM EA licence + demerit points on MOM's EA Directory (its number is 25C3065); for transfers specifically, ask why the helper is transferring, request references from the current employer, clarify the transfer process + costs (transfer fee, remaining bond/insurance, levy continuity), and confirm the replacement policy. Confirm current pricing directly — transfer costs differ from new-worker placements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a maid agency is legit — and what's the single most important step?

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT STEP: verify the agency is LICENSED by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Every employment agency placing migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Singapore must hold a valid MOM EA (Employment Agency) licence — and MOM publishes a free, searchable online EA Directory where you can check: (1) whether the agency's licence is currently valid, (2) its DEMERIT POINTS, and (3) its track record of any past infringements. An agency with a clean record + valid licence is the baseline; high demerit points or an expired/suspended licence is a major red flag. NEVER engage an unlicensed agency — you lose legal protections and risk serious problems. BEYOND THE LICENCE, vet for: (1) FEE TRANSPARENCY — get the full breakdown in writing (placement fee, insurance, medical, training, levy setup) and be wary of vague 'all-in' quotes. (2) ETHICAL RECRUITMENT — a suspiciously low employer fee can mean the worker has been loaded with excessive debt, which is both unethical and a sign of trouble. (3) REPLACEMENT POLICY — what happens if the placement doesn't work out (and the conditions/time window). (4) REAL REVIEWS — look for patterns in recent Google/forum reviews, especially on after-sales support + how disputes are handled. (5) BIODATA + REFERENCES — accurate candidate information and, for transfers, references from the current employer. Treat the MOM EA Directory check as non-negotiable step one, then layer these other checks on top. Always confirm current requirements on MOM's official website, as rules can change.

What does it actually cost to hire a domestic helper in Singapore in 2026?

There's the UPFRONT agency cost and the ONGOING monthly cost — budget for both (figures below are approximate 2026 ballparks; confirm current rates with the agency + MOM/IRAS): UPFRONT: (1) AGENCY PLACEMENT FEE — roughly S$1,000-3,000+, varying widely by agency, source country, and whether it's a new worker or a transfer. (2) Initial items: work-permit application, the helper's airfare (for new workers), first medical exam, and sometimes settling-in costs. ONGOING MONTHLY: (1) MDW SALARY — roughly S$600-700+/month, varying by nationality, experience, and what's agreed (salaries have trended up; some nationalities/experienced helpers command more). (2) FDW LEVY — the government levy: S$300/month at the standard rate, OR S$60/month at the CONCESSIONARY rate if your household qualifies (e.g. a child under a certain age, an elderly family member, or a person with disabilities). (3) Food + accommodation + amenities for the helper. PERIODIC / ONE-OFF: (1) MANDATORY INSURANCE — MDW medical + personal-accident insurance (renewed periodically). (2) SECURITY BOND — a S$5,000 bond is required for non-Malaysian MDWs, but this is typically satisfied via an insurer (part of the insurance package) rather than cash. (3) 6-MONTHLY MEDICAL EXAM (6ME). (4) SETTLING-IN PROGRAMME for first-time helpers. (5) Annual rest-day arrangements (a weekly rest day, or agreed compensation in lieu). TOTAL: many households budget roughly S$1,000-1,300+/month all-in once salary + levy + insurance + food/amenities are added, on top of the upfront agency cost. Always confirm the latest levy rates, salary norms, and requirements on MOM's official site, as these are updated periodically.

Agency vs direct hire vs transfer maid — which route should I take?

There are three main routes: (1) THROUGH AN AGENCY (new worker from source country) — the agency recruits, trains, and handles the full work-permit + administrative process. Most convenient + the default for first-timers; you pay a placement fee for that convenience + support (and the replacement guarantee). Best for: first-time employers, those who want hand-holding + a replacement safety net. (2) DIRECT HIRE (DIY) — you handle the hiring + MOM paperwork yourself without an agency (e.g. re-hiring a helper you know, or one recommended by family). Cheaper (no agency placement fee) but you take on ALL the admin (work permit, levy, bond, insurance, medical, Settling-in Programme) + have no agency replacement support if it goes wrong. Best for: experienced employers, or hiring a known/recommended helper. (3) TRANSFER MAID (via agency) — you hire an MDW already working in Singapore who wants to switch employers. KEY ADVANTAGES: you can INTERVIEW HER IN PERSON (not just read biodata), get REFERENCES from her current SG employer, she's already adjusted to Singapore + often needs less training, and it's usually FASTER + lower upfront cost than flying in a new worker. KEY CAUTION: ask why she's transferring + check references carefully. Best for: employers who want to meet the helper first, need someone to start sooner, or prefer SG-experienced help. RULE OF THUMB: first-timers who want maximum support → full-service agency (new); want to meet + assess first / faster start → transfer maid; experienced + hiring someone known → consider direct hire. Whichever route, the worker must be properly documented through MOM. Confirm the current process on MOM's official site.

What are my responsibilities as an employer, and how do I set the helper up for success?

Hiring a helper comes with legal + ethical responsibilities — getting these right protects both of you and is the foundation of a good working relationship: (1) WORK PERMIT + LEVY — keep the work permit valid and pay the monthly FDW levy on time (via GIRO is easiest). (2) SALARY — pay the agreed salary in full and on time, every month, and keep records/acknowledgement. (3) REST DAY — provide a weekly rest day; if both sides agree to work on a rest day, provide compensation in lieu as per MOM rules. (4) INSURANCE + MEDICAL — maintain the mandatory MDW medical + personal-accident insurance, and arrange the 6-monthly medical examination (6ME). (5) SAFE, DECENT ACCOMMODATION + ADEQUATE FOOD — provide proper accommodation and sufficient nutritious food (or a food allowance). (6) SETTLING-IN PROGRAMME — first-time MDWs must attend the SIP within their first days in Singapore. (7) SAFETY — follow MOM's rules on safety (e.g. no unsafe window-cleaning of exterior windows). SETTING HER UP FOR SUCCESS: (1) Communicate expectations clearly + kindly from day one (duties, routines, house rules) — ideally written down, in a language she understands. (2) Give her time + training to adjust, especially a first-timer or someone new to your household's needs (infant care, eldercare, pets). (3) Respect her rest, privacy, and personal time — a well-rested, fairly-treated helper does better work + stays longer. (4) Keep her phone/communication access reasonable so she can stay in touch with family. (5) Handle issues through conversation first; if there's a serious dispute, MOM + the agency can help mediate. A fair, respectful employer relationship is not just the right thing to do — it's also the best way to retain a good helper. Always check the current employer obligations on MOM's official website, as rules are updated periodically.

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