Hi, I am Anuradha, living in Singapore, a mom of two, content creator, and someone who’s been through the overwhelm of doing everything alone specially after second baby. There was a time when I couldn’t even eat in peace, let alone work or rest. That’s when we decided to hire a helper ,and it changed our life.
If you’re living in Singapore and wondering “Can I get help at home like in India?” The answer is yes. And here’s everything you need to know before hiring a full-time domestic helper in Singapore.
1.Why It’s a Blessing That Singapore Allows Full-Time Helpers ?
Unlike many countries where live-in help is not very common , Singapore legally allows full-time foreign domestic workers (FDWs) for families with children, elderly, or special needs.
Yes, the cost may seem high initially, but the relief and balance it brings ,especially for working professionals or moms managing kids alone is truly worth it.
2. A Fair & Transparent System: Kudos to Singapore Government.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has designed a structured and fair system that:
Protects the helper (salary, rest days, rights)
Protects the employer (proper documentation, verified helpers, insurance)
Ensures the entire process is transparent, legal, and safe for both parties.
This gives peace of mind to families like ours who want genuine, honest help and not informal or risky arrangements.
➡️ All facts in this blog are based on official information from https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker www.mom.gov.sg.
3. Documents & Eligibility to Hire a Helper in Singapore
Before you get too excited about finding the perfect helper, it’s important to make sure you are eligible to hire one in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has set clear guidelines for this and trust me, following the process right from the start can save you from unnecessary stress later.
✅ Who Can Hire a Helper in Singapore?
You are eligible to hire a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) only if you meet all the following criteria:
You apply for a valid Work Permit for your helper through the MOM portal
You are a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident (PR), or hold a valid Pass
You meet the minimum income requirement set by MOM .
You live in a proper residence and not in workers’ dormitories, hostels, or commercial properties
You are mentally and physically capable of being a responsible employer
✅ Documents You Will Need:
Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to keep ready:
✅ Your identity & employment proof
→ NRIC / EP / S Pass, family details
→ Latest salary slips or employment letter
✅ Helper’s documents
→ Valid passport copy
✅ Signed employment contract
→ If you’re hiring through an agency, they usually help you prepare this
→ If hiring directly, make sure to use the MOM standard employment contract format
✅ Insurance and security bond
→ You must buy medical & personal accident insurance for your helper
4. How to Find a Reliable Helper: Agency vs. Direct Hire
Finding the right helper is honestly one of the most crucial and honestly, most exhausting parts of this journey. It’s not just about money, it’s about trusting someone with your home, your babies, and your peace of mind. So yes, choosing the right person matters… a lot.
There are mainly two ways to find a domestic helper in Singapore:
(1) Through a licensed maid agency or (2) via direct hire/transfer helper. Let me explain both options in simple terms.
✅ Option 1: Licensed Maid Agencies
These agencies are approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and tend to be more trustworthy. They usually provide basic training to helpers things like how to use common household appliances, how to manage cleaning schedules, and sometimes even basic baby care.
Why go for an agency?
- They handle everything — from bio-data to paperwork, medical tests to insurance.
- Ideal if you’re a first-time employer or don’t want the headache of admin work.
- You get to choose from pre-screened candidates with verified backgrounds.
Yes, they charge a fee (sometimes quite a bit), but the peace of mind and convenience often make it worth it especially when you’re already juggling a million other things at home.
✅ Option 2: Transfer Helpers
Transfer helpers are already working in Singapore and are simply looking to switch employers either because their current contract is ending or for personal reasons.
I personally feel this is a great option, especially if:
- You want someone available immediately
- You’re looking for someone already familiar with Singapore’s lifestyle and work culture
- You want to save on costs (no airfare, no SIP training fees if already completed)
You can find transfer helpers through:
- Friends’ or neighbours’ recommendations
- Maid agencies (some also handle transfer helpers)
- Facebook and WhatsApp groups (be extra cautious always ask for feedback from previous employers and verify details!)
A small tip: Always ask for the helper’s reference from their previous employer. If they hesitate to provide, that’s your red flag.
My Personal Experience 💛
My first helper was a transfer maid from Indonesia, and she lived with us for five years. She was with me through so many phases of life from pregnancy to newborn care, from sleepless nights to managing the household while my husband traveled often.
She wasn’t just a helper for us she was truly a part of our family. I will always be grateful for her presence in our home.
5. How to Choose the Right Helper – Interview Tips
Choosing the right helper is not just about experience or bio-data it’s about compatibility and clear communication. A helper may have great skills but still not be the right fit for your home if expectations aren’t discussed openly from Day 1.
A well-done interview helps both sides understand each other better. And trust me taking this one step seriously can save you so much time, money, and emotional energy. Hiring the wrong helper can be draining in more ways than one.
Tips for a Successful Interview:
Here are some simple yet powerful tips I have personally followed (and they’ve helped a lot!):
Ask Real-Life, Practical Questions
These give you a better idea of her daily work readiness than just reading her biodata:
- Have you cared for babies or toddlers before?
- Are you comfortable cooking Indian food or following YouTube videos for recipes?
- Are you okay working in a vegetarian household?
Clarify Important Terms
These often become a source of conflict if left vague:
- Salary and how/when it will be paid
- Weekly/monthly off days
- Wi-Fi access, usage of phone
- Sleeping arrangement (shared room/separate room)
- Whether you’ll be using CCTV (always disclose this)
Always Check References (If Available)
Especially for transfer helpers , a quick chat with the previous employer can tell you so much that a bio-data won’t.
Be Clear About Your Expectations from Day One
Most issues later arise because we don’t set boundaries early.
✅ Create a daily task list
✅ Discuss off days, sleeping time, and rules of the house
✅ Clarify diet (vegetarian/non-veg allowed or not)
✅ Mention camera monitoring if you’re using one
I always tell moms , be very specific in the interview itself. Don’t assume anything. That helps avoid disappointment for both sides.
7. After Hiring – What You Must Do as a Responsible Employer
Hiring a helper comes with serious responsibilities. Singapore law is very clear and strict when it comes to the treatment and well-being of domestic worker and as employers, it’s our duty to follow the rules with empathy and respect.
Here are the must-do things once your helper joins your household:
1. Provide Insurance
You must purchase both medical insurance and personal accident insurance for your helper before she arrives in Singapore.
👉 This is a legal requirement under MOM guidelines.
👉 You can compare policies and costs on the official MOM website.
2. Medical Check-Ups
- Within 2 weeks of her arrival, your helper must undergo a medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor.
- Only if she passes this check, her Work Permit will be issued.
- If she fails, she will need to be sent back to her home country.
After that, she must also undergo 6-monthly medical check-ups and you must ensure these are done on time.
3. Give Weekly Rest Days
Helpers are legally entitled to 1 rest day per week if she agrees to work on that day, you must compensate her fairly in cash. Have this discussion early and respectfully to avoid future misunderstandings.
4. Provide Proper Living Conditions
Give her a clean sleeping area, with privacy and ventilation.
Make sure she gets enough sleep and rest helpers deserve personal time too.
6. Offer Nutritious Meals
You must provide your helper with nutritious, regular meals.
✖ Don’t expect her to survive on leftovers or scraps.
✔ Treat her like you’d want someone to treat your family member abroad.
7. Respect Her Rights
It is illegal to withhold:
- Her passport
- Her salary
Treat these as her basic rights, not optional benefits.
8. How to Avoid Future Conflicts
Like every relationship, the one with your helper also needs mutual respect, clear boundaries, and open communication. Small misunderstandings can easily grow into big issues if not handled the right way so it’s always better to be proactive.
Here’s what worked well for us and might help you too:
✅ Install a camera but be transparent.
It’s not about spying, but for safety and accountability for both sides. Just make sure to inform her clearly before installation.
✅ Respect her privacy and dignity.
She’s not just “help” , she’s a human being who deserves basic respect, rest, and personal space.
✅ Keep communication open.
If something isn’t working, talk calmly. Don’t let resentment build up clear and respectful conversations can prevent most issues.
✅ Appreciate her efforts.
A small thank you, a kind word, or even a simple smile can make a huge difference. Helpers often go unrecognized, but appreciation goes a long way in building trust.
✅ Have monthly check-ins or reviews.
This can be casual but consistent. Share your feedback kindly and also ask her if she is facing any challenges. A two-way conversation helps strengthen the bond.
9. What Are the Costs Involved? (Approximate Overview)
Hiring a full-time helper in Singapore is a long-term financial commitment, and it’s important to understand the different components that make up the total cost. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
Monthly Salary
This varies based on the helper’s experience, nationality, and your household needs.
MOM Levy
The monthly levy payable to the Ministry of Manpower depends on your family profile. For PR and expats its around 300 sgd
Agency Fees
If you are hiring through a maid agency, you will need to pay a one-time service fee which includes paperwork, training, and placement services.
Insurance & Security Bond
Employers are required to purchase personal accident insurance and medical insurance, along with a security bond.
Medical Check-Ups
Helpers must undergo a mandatory medical examination within two weeks of arrival, and also attend six-monthly health check-ups as part of MOM’s guidelines.
Meals & Daily Essentials
As an employer, you are expected to provide your helper with proper meals, toiletries, and basic daily necessities. This is a recurring monthly cost.
So all in all, hiring a full-time helper in Singapore can roughly cost around SGD 800–1200 per month, considering not just the monthly salary and levy, but also agency fees, insurance, medical check-ups, meals, and other initial expenses. While it may seem like a big investment, for many families especially with young kids or working parents ,it truly brings much-needed support and peace of mind.
Tip: Always plan your budget in advance and factor in all these costs to avoid surprises later. While the expenses may seem high initially, having a reliable helper can make a significant difference in your daily life especially when managing kids, work, and home alone.
Final Thoughts: My Life Changed After Getting Help
Hiring a helper was not a luxury for me. It was a necessity for survival. From not having time to shower peacefully to being able to work on my goals again , the journey felt magical.
Today, I can play with my kids, focus on my work, and even take a walk when I need a break.
And all of this started by saying “I need help” and choosing to accept it.
❤️ From One Mom to Another…
If you’re overwhelmed specially in foreign countries far from your loved ones, then please don’t suffer silently. You deserve help.
And Singapore gives you the system to get it ,legally, safely, and respectfully.
Have questions? DM me on Instagram @fussy_mom_n_happy_kid I reply personally, because I know how hard it feels to do it all alone.
📌 Save or Share This Blog
Know another mom struggling in silence? Share this link with her. You never know , it might be the lifeline she needs.
