Hiring a maid can be a game-changer for many households in Singapore. Whether you need help with childcare, elder care, or general housework, a good maid agency helps you find the right domestic helper to match your lifestyle and home requirements. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a maid agency, how the process works in Singapore, and which agencies have earned a reputation for quality service.
Why Choose a Maid Agency?
A maid agency acts as a middleman between employers and foreign domestic workers (FDWs), managing everything from sourcing candidates to handling paperwork. Using a licensed agency offers several benefits:
- They verify credentials and past employment.
- They manage all documentation and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) processes
- They provide training and orientation for maids.
- They offer replacements if things don’t work out.
- They help mediate conflicts between employers and helpers.
Key Things to Consider Before Choosing a Maid Agency
Choosing the right maid agency in Singapore isn’t just about convenience, it’s about trust, safety, and compatibility. Here are a few key areas to focus on:
1. MOM Licensing and Track Record
Only hire from MOM-licensed agencies. You can verify the agency’s license status on the MOM website. Look at their placement volume, transfer rate, and retention rate these give a realistic picture of agency performance.
2. Clear Job Matching Process
The best agencies take time to understand your household needs whether it’s infant care, cooking, elderly care, or cleaning and match you with maids who have the right skills and experience.
3. Training Programs
Check whether the agency provides proper training to maids before placement. Training in basic household tasks, caregiving, hygiene, and safety is crucial.
4. Transparent Pricing
Make sure you get a clear breakdown of costs upfront:
- Agency fee
- Maid’s salary
- Insurance
- Security bond
- Lodging and medical examination fees
Avoid agencies with hidden charges or vague contract terms.
5. After-Sales Support and Replacement Policy
A reliable agency should provide post-placement support. This includes guidance for employers, conflict resolution services, and a reasonable replacement policy if the maid isn’t a good fit.
Common Services Offered by Maid Agencies in Singapore
Most agencies offer a range of services to streamline the hiring process. These include:
- Pre-screened maid profiles
- Interview arrangement (in-person or video)
- Work permit applications and renewals
- Home leave and repatriation arrangements
- Insurance and medical check-ups
- Renewal of contracts
Some premium agencies also offer:
- Personality matching tools
- Real-time availability updates
- Online profile search platforms
Types of Maids You Can Hire
Depending on your needs, you can hire:
- Transfer Maids: Already in Singapore, available to start immediately. These are suitable if you prefer to interview in person.
- New Maids: Hired from their home country, require 3–6 weeks to arrive and may need more training.
- Experienced Maids: Previously worked in Singapore or other countries like Hong Kong or the Middle East. They typically demand higher salaries.
Top-Rated Maid Agencies in Singapore
Here’s a curated list of maid agencies in Singapore known for their professionalism, service quality, and customer satisfaction.
1. SearchMaid
 An online platform with listings from over 300 licensed maid agencies. You can filter maids by nationality, experience, and skillset, and even compare agency reviews in one place. It’s one of the most comprehensive resources for FDW hiring.
2. Universal Employment Agency
Specializes in matching families with experienced helpers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Known for fast processing and transparent pricing.
3. Island Maids
Offers trained maids for elderly care, infant care, and general household duties. MOM licensed and often praised for its customer service and thorough screening process.
4. JForce Employment Service
Particularly strong in providing caregivers for seniors, including those with dementia or mobility issues. Their maids are trained in basic medical support and companionship care.
5. Eden Grace Maids
Focuses on hiring Christian maids who are trained in caregiving and values-based service. Great for families looking for helpers with a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.
Tips for Interviewing a Maid
Once the agency sends profiles that match your criteria, set up interviews. Here are some useful questions to ask:
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What tasks are you confident in? (e.g. cooking, cleaning, childcare)
- Are you comfortable with pets?
- How do you handle homesickness or stress?
- Do you have any food preferences or medical conditions?
Ask scenario-based questions to see how they respond in real-life situations, like managing an emergency at home or handling a difficult child.
Maid Hiring Process in Singapore (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a simplified overview of how hiring a maid through an agency usually works:
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your household needs with the agency.
- Profile Matching: Agency sends you shortlisted profiles based on your preferences.
- Interview: You interview the shortlisted candidates.
- Selection & Documentation: Once selected, the agency begins paperwork with MOM.
- Training & Arrival: Maid undergoes training and medical check-ups before arriving.
- Orientation & Settling In: Agency may assist with the orientation program.
- Ongoing Support: You’ll get assistance during the contract period in case of issues or replacement needs.
Cost Breakdown (Estimated)
| Item | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
| Agency Fee | $500 – $2,000 |
| Maid’s Salary (monthly) | $550 – $800 |
| Security Bond (Refundable) | $5,000 (via insurance) |
| Insurance & Medical | $250 – $350 per year |
| Work Permit Fee | $35 |
| Lodging Before Arrival | $20 – $30 per day (if needed) |
Note: Costs may vary depending on the agency, maid’s experience, and nationality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing based only on price: Cheapest isn’t always best. Prioritize reliability and reputation.
- Skipping interviews: Always speak directly to the maid before hiring.
- Unclear job expectations: Define duties, working hours, and rest days from the start.
- Ignoring legal obligations: Ensure compliance with MOM rules for salary, lodging, and time off.
Hiring a domestic helper isn’t just about cleaning your house it’s about creating a comfortable, functioning home. The right maid agency can save you time, stress, and even long-term costs by connecting you with a helper who fits your household dynamics.
Take your time to research, compare agencies, and be clear about your expectations. A professional agency won’t just find someone to fill a role they’ll help you find someone who can grow with your family.
