Hiring a Helper in Singapore: Complete Guide for First-Time Employers

Do You Actually Need a Helper?

Our helper has been with us for two years now, and honestly, I don't know how we functioned without her. But hiring a domestic worker is a big decision — financially, logistically, and in terms of having someone live in your home. Let me help you think it through properly.

> TL;DR: A domestic helper in Singapore costs $800-$1,200/month all-in (salary + levy + food) with the concessionary levy, with one-time agency fees of $1,500-$3,000+. For families with 2+ children, a helper is often more economical than two childcare centre places. Transfer helpers (already in Singapore) are faster and cheaper to hire than new overseas hires.

A helper makes sense if:
• Both parents work full-time with no family support nearby
• You have two or more young children
• Childcare logistics (pickup, drop-off, sick days) are unsustainable
• A family member with care needs lives with you
• The cost is comparable to or less than commercial childcare for multiple kids

You probably don't need one if:
• One parent works from home with flexible hours
• Grandparents are willing and able to help
• You only have one child in full-day care
• You strongly value your privacy at home

The maths: Full-day childcare for two children: $1,400-$4,000/month (government vs private). A helper: $900-$1,400/month total, plus flexibility for sick days, school holidays, weekends, and all the housework. For families with two or more kids, a helper is often the cheaper option.

What It Actually Costs

Upfront Costs

• Agency fee: $1,500-$3,000+ for a new helper from overseas; $500-$1,500 for a transfer helper already in Singapore
• Air ticket: $300-$600 (one-way, Philippines/Indonesia/Myanmar)
• Work permit: $35
• Security bond: $5,000 (refundable deposit, typically covered by insurance for ~$50-$80/year)
• Medical exam: $50-$80 (required within 14 days of arrival)
• Settling-in programme (SIP): $30-$75 (compulsory for first-time helpers)
• Employer orientation (EOP): Free (compulsory for first-time employers)
• Insurance: $200-$300/year ($15,000 minimum coverage required by MOM)

Monthly Ongoing Costs

• Salary: $600-$800 (new helpers), $700-$1,000 (experienced). Filipino and Myanmar helpers generally command slightly higher salaries.
• Levy: $300/month standard, or $60/month concessionary (if you have a child under 16, elderly parent 67+, or person with disabilities)
• Food: $200-$300/month (if giving a food allowance instead of cooking for them)
• Total monthly: $900-$1,400 (with concessionary levy)

Annual Total

At $700/month salary with concessionary levy:
• Salary: $8,400
• Levy ($60/month): $720
• Food allowance ($250/month): $3,000
• Insurance: $250
• Medical checkups (6-monthly): $150
• Home leave flight (every 2 years, amortised): $300
• Annual total: ~$12,820

Most families with young children qualify for the concessionary levy of $60/month — saving $2,880/year compared to the standard $300 rate.

The Hiring Process

Step 1: Complete the Employer Orientation Programme

Required for first-time employers. Available online or in person, takes about 3 hours. Covers your responsibilities and MOM regulations.

Step 2: Choose Agency or Direct Hire

Agency (recommended if it's your first time):
• Handles paperwork, matching, work permit application
• Provides replacement guarantee (typically 3-6 months)
• Look for MOM-licensed agencies on MOM's website
• Get referrals from friends and parent groups — the agency matters a lot

Direct hire (for transfer helpers):
• Find helpers finishing contracts through Facebook groups, Carousell, or helper-matching platforms
• Lower cost (no placement fee on the helper side)
• You handle the work permit yourself
• You can interview in person

Step 3: Interview Thoroughly

Whether through an agency or direct, ask about:
• Experience with children (ages, specific responsibilities)
• Cooking abilities and dietary preferences
• Comfort with household tasks
• Rest day preferences
• Previous employer references (actually call them)
• Health conditions
• Phone and social media expectations

Red flags: Agency pushing you to decide on the spot. Can't provide references. Helper's expectations on rest days or salary are way off from what you can offer.

Step 4: Work Permit Application

Submit through MOM's Work Permit Online (WPOL) system. You'll need your NRIC, helper's passport details, contract details, insurance, and security bond. Processing: 1-3 working days.

Step 5: The First Month (This Is Critical)

Write a daily schedule. Wake-up time, meals, childcare duties, cleaning routine, rest periods. Put it on paper. Don't assume anything.

Create a house rules document. Phone usage, cooking preferences, laundry routine, recycling, visitor policy, emergency procedures. Written. Clear.

Establish communication. WhatsApp group, daily verbal check-in, weekly sit-down — whatever works. Be patient with language barriers initially.

Ensure rest days. One day per week, or compensation in lieu (agreed in writing). A rested helper is a better helper. This is non-negotiable.

Your Legal Obligations

As an employer, you must:

1. Pay salary on time — within 7 days of each pay period ending 2. Provide adequate food — 3 meals/day, or food allowance of at least $200/month 3. Provide acceptable accommodation — a room or defined space with privacy. Cannot share with an adult male household member. 4. Ensure one rest day per week — or compensation if mutually agreed in writing 5. Buy insurance — minimum $15,000 personal accident and medical coverage 6. Pay for medical treatment 7. Never retain the helper's passport — they must have access to it 8. No hazardous work — no cleaning external windows in high-rise apartments, no working at your business premises

Penalties for non-compliance: Fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment. MOM takes this seriously.

What Experienced Employers Wish They'd Known

On expectations: Your helper is a person, not a robot. They need rest, social interaction, and understanding. The first 3 months are adjustment for everyone — be patient. Give clear, specific instructions. "The floor is not clean enough" is infinitely more helpful than silent dissatisfaction.

On the relationship: Treat them with respect and dignity. Praise good work — everyone responds to recognition. A good employer-helper relationship means better care for your children and a more harmonious home.

On childcare specifically: If your helper's primary role is looking after young children, set clear safety guidelines: no phone while supervising kids, what to do in emergencies, when to call you. But don't rely solely on the helper for your child's development — parental engagement is irreplaceable. Consider enrolling your child in part-time childcare or enrichment for peer socialisation.

On saving money:
• The concessionary levy ($60 vs $300) saves $2,880/year — make sure you're eligible
• Cooking at home (with the helper) vs giving a food allowance saves $100-$150/month
• Budget for annual costs upfront so nothing catches you off guard

When Things Don't Work Out

Sometimes the fit is wrong. If issues come up:

1. Communicate first. Most problems come from miscommunication, not malice. 2. Document issues. Keep a written record. 3. Contact your agency if you hired through one — they may mediate. 4. Transfer, don't terminate. If you need to part ways, help the helper find a new employer. Transfer is better for everyone. 5. For serious issues, contact MOM at 6438 5122.

The typical adjustment period is 3-6 months. Give it time before making a decision, unless there are safety concerns.

The Bottom Line

A good helper can genuinely transform your family's quality of life, especially when both parents work full-time. The key is clear expectations, mutual respect, and patience. Budget roughly $1,000-$1,400/month all-in, and weigh that against the flexibility and household support you receive.

Sources

1. MOM — Hiring a Foreign Domestic Worker 2. MOM — FDW Employer Responsibilities 3. MOM — Foreign Domestic Worker Levy 4. Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) 5. MOM — Settling-In Programme

For working parents weighing childcare options, also read our guide on childcare options for working parents.