Cost & Budget

Maid agency fees, itemised: service fees, Work Permit, insurance, SIP and airfare compared for new and transfer helpers — with MOM refund rules and red flags.

Infant care costs $690-$2,400 a month in Singapore, or $850-$1,360 for a live-in helper all-in. Real 2026 costs, ECDA subsidies and MOM rules compared for families.

How much should you pay your domestic helper in Singapore? 2026 salary ranges by nationality, experience, and skills, plus levy, insurance, and the true all-in monthly cost.

The MOM S$5,000 security bond for helpers explained: who must buy it, how discharge works when the Work Permit ends, the four forfeiture triggers, and how to protect yourself.

Your domestic helper is pregnant — here is what MOM requires, what it costs, and how to handle the next 7 days as a Singapore employer in 2026.

Domestic helper caregiver training in Singapore: AIC Caregiver Training Grant (up to $200/year), dementia care courses and SkillsFuture options explained.

Your helper's contract is ending: how renewal works in Singapore — costs, MOM steps, and whether to renew or find a new helper (2026).

How much bonus should you give your domestic helper in Singapore? Year-end, CNY, salary increments — real numbers for 2026.

How your domestic helper can send money home in Singapore — compare DBS remittance, Western Union, Wise and Dash fees, and learn MOM's salary payment rules.

Myanmar vs Indonesian maid in Singapore: compare 2026 salary, language, cooking, cultural fit, MOM rules, and agency fees to find the right helper.

Ending your maid's employment in Singapore costs from about $600 — two weeks' pay in lieu, return airfare and more can push it past $3,000. Here's MOM's 2026 rulebook on notice, the 7-day permit cancellation and the $5,000 bond.

The 6ME (Six-Monthly Medical Examination) is a mandatory MOM screening every domestic helper must complete every 6 months. It costs $38-$90, covers pregnancy and infectious diseases, and missing the deadline means Work Permit revocation. Here is the full guide.

Maid insurance in Singapore starts from about $280 for a 26-month policy and must cover at least $60,000 in medical claims. Here's MOM's 2026 rulebook — minimums, co-payments, and real costs.

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore in 2026 costs way more than just the salary — we all know that by now. But the real question is: how much more, exactly? Between the MOM levy that goes out every month, the insurance you cannot skip, the food you need to budget for, and the one-time fees that hit you right at the start, the numbers add up faster than you think. So we did the math for you. Here's the full, itemised breakdown — real numbers, no surprises. Whether you're a f

New maid or transfer maid? Here's the honest breakdown of placement fees, loans, speed, salary — and the hidden trade-offs Singapore families never see on the price list.

Can you hire a domestic helper without an agency in Singapore? Yes — here's the direct hire guide: MOM rules, WP Online steps, real costs, and risks to weigh.

How does the maid loan work in Singapore? Here's what the 4-6 month salary deduction covers, how MOM caps it at 50% of pay, and what every employer must know.

Learn if your family qualifies for the $60/month FDW levy concession for elderly care. Complete guide with eligibility criteria, application steps, and common mistakes to avoid.

Wondering if you meet MOM's requirements to hire a domestic helper in Singapore? We break down the income criteria, what MOM looks at, hidden costs, and how to prepare your finances — so you can start your hiring journey with confidence.

So you are thinking about hiring a domestic helper. Maybe you have got a newborn on the way, your parents are getting older and need more help around the house, or you are just tired of spending your weekends cleaning instead of resting. Whatever the reason, the first question that usually comes up is: how much is this actually going to cost me? It is a fair question. Between the salary, the levy, the insurance, the food, and all the little things that add up, the numbers can