Hiring a domestic helper through an agency in Singapore can cost anywhere from S$1,000 to S$4,000 — and most first-time employers have no idea what they're actually paying for. Agency fee structures are often confusing, with vague line items like "documentation fee," "processing fee," and "third-party charges" that can vary wildly between agencies.
This guide breaks down what's standard, what's inflated, and what MOM says you're entitled to get back if things don't work out.
What Agencies Typically Charge
Service fee (the agency's commission)
This is the agency's own fee for matching you with a helper, handling paperwork, and providing post-placement support.
Typical range:
- New helper (from overseas): S$600 – S$1,500
- Transfer helper (already in Singapore): S$800 – S$2,500 Transfer helpers often have higher agency fees because the agency handles more coordination between outgoing and incoming employers.
Third-party costs (pass-through charges)
These are real costs that the agency pays on your behalf:
- MOM Work Permit application + issuance: S$70
- Medical examination: S$50 – S$80
- Insurance bundle (security bond + medical + personal accident): S$400 – S$600 for 26 months
- Settling-In Programme (SIP): S$75 (first-time helpers only)
- Air ticket (new helpers from overseas): S$200 – S$500 depending on origin country These should be listed as separate line items. If an agency bundles them into a single "package fee" without itemization, ask for a breakdown.
Helper's placement fee (loan)
Many agencies charge the helper a placement fee, typically 2 months' salary, which is deducted from her wages over the first few months. This is legal under MOM rules, but the employer does not pay this — it comes from the helper's salary.
Be aware of this because it affects your helper's financial situation during her first months. Some employers choose to help cover part of this cost as a goodwill gesture.
MOM's Refund Rules
This is where most employers get caught off guard. MOM requires agencies to refund part of the service fee if the employment relationship ends within 6 months.
What MOM mandates
According to MOM's Employment Agency regulations, if a helper is repatriated or transferred within the first 6 months:
- The agency must refund at least 50% of the service fee (not third-party costs)
- This applies regardless of the reason for termination
- The agency cannot refuse this refund by claiming it only applies to "their" replacements
What agencies often do
Many agencies don't volunteer this information. Common tactics:
- Telling you the refund only applies if you hire a replacement through them
- Bundling most costs under "third-party fees" to minimize the refundable service fee
- Offering a "free replacement" instead of a cash refund (which may not be what you want)
How to protect yourself
- Get the fee breakdown in writing before signing — ask which portion is "service fee" vs. "third-party costs"
- Keep all receipts and contracts
- Know the MOM rule: Service fee refund of at least 50% within 6 months is your right
- If the agency refuses, you can file a complaint with MOM's Employment Agency Department
New vs. Transfer: Cost Comparison
| Cost Item | New (overseas) | Transfer (in Singapore) |
|---|---|---|
| Agency service fee | S$600 – S$1,500 | S$800 – S$2,500 |
| MOM Work Permit | S$70 | S$70 |
| Medical exam | S$50 – S$80 | S$50 – S$80 |
| Insurance (26 months) | S$400 – S$600 | S$400 – S$600 |
| SIP | S$75 | S$0 (usually exempt) |
| Air ticket | S$200 – S$500 | S$0 |
| Total range | S$1,395 – S$2,825 | S$1,320 – S$3,250 |
Transfer helpers can be more expensive at the agency fee level, but you save on air tickets and SIP. The net cost often ends up similar.
Hiring Without an Agency
It is legal to hire a transfer helper directly without an agency. You handle the Work Permit application through MOM's FDW eService yourself.
Pros:
- No agency service fee (savings of S$800–S$2,500)
- Direct relationship from day one
- You control the timeline Cons:
- All paperwork is your responsibility
- No post-placement support if issues arise
- Finding candidates requires your own network or online platforms
- Insurance and medical arrangements are on you Many experienced employers who've been through the process once or twice choose direct hiring for subsequent helpers. First-time employers generally benefit from agency support.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No itemized breakdown: If the agency can't tell you exactly what each charge is for, that's a problem.
- Pressure to decide quickly: "This helper will be taken by tomorrow" is almost always a sales tactic.
- Changing prices after deposit: If the agreed price changes after you've paid a deposit, you have the right to withdraw and get your deposit back.
- Refusing to discuss MOM refund policy: Any licensed agency knows the 50% service fee refund rule. If they claim ignorance, consider a different agency.
- Excessive "documentation fees": Some agencies inflate this category to reduce the refundable service fee portion.
How to Compare Agencies
When comparing 2–3 agencies (which you should always do):
- Ask each for an itemized quote with service fee and third-party costs separated
- Ask about their refund policy within the first 6 months
- Ask about post-placement support — how many months, what's included
- Check their MOM license at mom.gov.sg
- Read Google reviews — but take extreme reviews (both positive and negative) with a grain of salt
How HelperMate Helps
HelperMate doesn't replace agencies — but it gives you the tools to manage the employment relationship independently after placement:
- MOM compliance tracking — Work Permit expiry, medical exams, insurance renewal alerts
- Financial records — Clear salary and expense history for both sides
- Document storage — Keep contracts, receipts, and agreements in one place Whether you hire through an agency or directly, HelperMate ensures nothing falls through the cracks after your helper arrives.
Download HelperMate on Google Play → | App Store →
This guide is based on MOM Employment Agency regulations as of 2026. For current rules and to verify agency licenses, visit the MOM official website. This article is for informational purposes and not legal advice.