Most maid agencies provide comprehensive services to assist you in employing a maid. A maid agency usually takes all the hassles of Work Permit application, security bond, insurance, travel arrangement, medical screening, etc. away from you. However, please check with individual maid agency for their pricing, service package and details.

The most updated list of license maid agencies in Singapore is maintained by MOM (Ministry of Manpower), click here.

No, you can only employ maid from MOM (Ministry of Manpower) approved source of countries for FDW (Foreign Domestic Workers). The countries are: Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.

Employer is responsible for the repatriation of the maid. You are required to post a security deposit (bond) of $5,000 per maid with the Work Permit Department, MOM. If you fail to repatriate the maid after cancellation of her work permit, you risk losing the $5,000 security deposit (bond).

Yes, you can purchase an insurance policy with various options from Anda, NTUC Income, and others to avoid making the $5,000 deposit. However, you may (depending on the insurance package and options you purchase) still be liable for the $5,000 if you fail to repatriate the maid.

What medical checks are necessary for my maid?

Within 14 days of your maid arrival to Singapore, she must undergo a medical examination, and certified fit. Thereafter, the maid is required to undergo six-monthly medical screening, for VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV.

Am I responsible for the medical expenses of the maid?

Yes, as an Employer, you are required to bear the full cost of the medical care, including hospitalization. It is advisable to have insurance coverage for hospitalization expenses for your maid. Depending on the options you choose when purchasing personal accident insurance coverage, it may have been included. If not, you can always contact the following insurance companies like Anda, or NTUC Income.

Must I attend the Employers' Orientation Programme?

In general, if you have not employed a maid before, you must attend a 4-hour Employers' Orientation Programme before you submit your Work Permit application for your maid.

Can I be exempted from attending the Employers' Orientation Programme?

Only if you have valid reasons, for example, medical reason or disability. In this case, you must submit a form to exempt from taking the Programme.

Who conducts the Programme and where are the Programmes conducted?

Currently, PSB Corporation and Singapore Polytechnic conduct the Programme. Singapore Polytechnic also offers an on-line version of the Programme.

Where can I find out all the details about the Employers' Orientation Programme?

Please visit MOM website here.

How much is the maid levy?

The Levy is $265 per month. However, if your have children aged less than 12 years old or live with elderly persons aged 65 years old and above, the levy is reduced to $170 per month. CPF Board, as the collection agent, collects the Levy on behalf of MOM. For further details on whether you qualify for levy concession, click here.

Can I claim tax relief for maid levy?

You can claim tax relief if:

1. you are a married woman and has elected for separate assessment; or
2. you are married and your husband is not resident in Singapore; or
3. you are separated or divorced or widowed and living with your unmarried child for whom you can claim child relief.

The relief is two times the amount of maid levy paid for one maid. It can only be set off against the earned income of the wife. Single taxpayers are not eligible for this relief. You can get the relief even if the levy is paid by the husband.

Can I get refund on the maid-levy paid during the period that my maid goes on home leave?

Yes, you can get refund for the maid-levy paid for the period your maid is not in Singapore. You can go to any CPF branch, and produce your maid's passport to support your claim for refund.

Do I have to pay the maid salary when she goes on home leave?

It depends on the employment contract the maid had with you. The normal practice is: Home leave is no-pay leave.

Maid wants to send money home?

Your maid would like to send her monthly salary back to her family regularly. Click here to find out who can provide remittance services.

Some Courses Available for your Maids

Elementary Baby Care
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274

Elderly Care (Elementary)
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274

Elderly Care (Advanced)
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274

Vegetarian Cooking
Sunlove Home, 70 Buagkok View, Tel: 6343-7464

Chinese Cooking
FAST, Toa Payoh Central CC, Tel: 6419-2745

Windows, Word, Excel
Asia Innovatory Management School, 50 Collyer Quay, Tel: 6227-5464

Basic Computing and Internet
NTUC Learning Hub, 10 Anson Road, Tel: 6372-3972

Guitar and Piano
Le Classique Music Studio, 304 Orchard Road, Tel: 6734-6448