Compare
Agency fees, biodata quality, replacement policy, training, insurance, and the clarity of employment paperwork.
Singapore Guide
Maid And Helper Agencies In Singapore
Use this as a starting point when comparing agencies, transfer helpers, training support, placement fees, and after-placement service.
Check
MOM licence status, recent reviews, total cost, refund terms, and whether expectations are explained clearly before placement.
Useful For
Families hiring a first helper, changing agencies, or comparing live-in domestic support with part-time cleaning.
Start Here
Use The MOM Directory Before Shortlisting
MOM says employment agencies need a licence to operate, and its EA Directory lets you search agencies, compare service quality and performance indicators, and identify agencies under revocation, suspension, or surveillance.
- Check that the agency is licensed and the person serving you is registered.
- Compare replacement terms, successful retention indicators, and what happens after placement.
- Ask for the full cost, not only the headline agency fee.
Household Fit
Compare Support After Placement
The agency relationship does not end when a biodata profile is selected. Ask how the agency handles communication issues, medical checks, training gaps, transfer requests, replacement timelines, and fee adjustments if the placement does not work out.
Be clear about household duties, rest-day expectations, language needs, eldercare or childcare requirements, pets, cooking, and sleeping arrangements before shortlisting candidates. A realistic brief protects both the household and the helper.
- Ask for a written breakdown of agency fees, insurance, levy, medical, training, and placement costs.
- Check whether replacement terms are based on calendar days, number of matches, or specific conditions.
- Confirm who handles work-permit administration and what documents the employer must provide.
- Keep interview notes and agreed duties so expectations are not rebuilt from memory later.
Agency Comparison
Look Beyond Biodata And Headline Fees
Hiring a helper is a household relationship, not a simple purchase. A useful agency should explain suitability, documentation, medical checks, training, transfer timing, replacement terms, insurance, and post-placement support in a way the employer can understand before committing.
Prepare a realistic household brief before interviews: children, eldercare, pets, cooking, languages, rest-day expectations, sleeping arrangements, medical needs, and the tasks that matter most. The more honest the brief, the less likely the match depends on assumptions.
- Use MOM's directory to check the agency and registered personnel.
- Ask for a written total-cost breakdown, not only the agency fee.
- Clarify replacement rules, refund rules, and what support exists after placement.
- Keep interview notes and agreed duties so expectations remain clear.
Should I use only agencies listed by MOM?
Yes. MOM says the first thing to do is ensure the agency is properly licensed, and its EA Directory is the official place to check agencies and registered personnel.
What is more important than a low fee?
Clarity after placement: replacement policy, support if the match fails, total cost, and whether the agency understood your actual household needs before recommending someone.
Is a maid agency the same as a cleaning company?
No. A live-in helper arrangement is a different legal and practical commitment from part-time home cleaning, so SG LifeKit keeps those categories separate.