Hiring a helper is one of the bigger ongoing commitments a Singapore household takes on, and the sticker price you see in an agency advertisement is rarely the full story. Between one-off setup costs and the monthly commitments that follow, it helps to see everything laid out plainly before you decide. Here is an honest 2026 breakdown so you can budget with confidence and no nasty surprises.
One-off costs when you first hire
These are the upfront amounts you pay once at the start of the employment, before or shortly after your helper arrives.
- Agency placement fee — covers sourcing, documentation, Work Permit application and processing. This varies between agencies and depending on whether you hire a transfer helper (already in Singapore) or a new helper from overseas.
- Air ticket and arrival costs — flights from her home country, airport pick-up and initial medical screening.
- Settling-In Programme (SIP) — a mandatory one-day programme for first-time helpers, with a modest fixed fee set by MOM.
- Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) — required for first-time employers; the online version is free, classroom sessions may carry a small fee.
- Initial kitting-out — bedding, clothing, a personal phone and basic toiletries so she can settle in comfortably.
The recurring monthly costs
This is where most of your real spend sits, so it pays to understand each line.
| Monthly item | What it is |
| Helper’s salary | Paid in full each month; the range depends on nationality and experience |
| FDW levy | A government fee; a concessionary (lower) rate applies if your household qualifies |
| Food and living | Meals, toiletries and day-to-day needs |
| Insurance (amortised) | Medical and personal accident cover, usually paid yearly |
For exact figures, salary ranges and the current levy amount, always check MOM and your insurer for the latest — these move over time and we never want you working from a stale number.
Easy to forget: the mandatory 6-monthly medical examination (6ME) and the yearly insurance renewal both come around on a schedule. Set a calendar reminder so neither lapses — a lapsed Work Permit or insurance can create real headaches.
Costs people forget to budget for
- Security bond — a $5,000 banker’s guarantee or insurance bond is required for non-Malaysian helpers (it is waived for Malaysian helpers). It is not a sum you spend, but you should understand your obligations under it.
- Rest day arrangements — since 1 January 2023, your helper is entitled to at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away. Additional rest days can be taken or compensated by mutual agreement.
- Home leave and renewal — return flights for home visits and the cost of renewing the Work Permit when it expires.
- Medical bills — beyond what insurance covers, you remain responsible for your helper’s upkeep and medical care.
So what should I set aside?
A sensible approach is to separate your one-off budget (agency fee, flights, kitting-out, programmes) from your monthly running budget (salary plus levy plus food plus an amortised slice of insurance and the bond). Build in a small buffer for medical check-ups, renewals and the occasional unexpected cost. Households that plan both buckets up front almost never feel caught out later.
How Ming Hwee helps
As an MOM-licensed employment agency (Licence 12C6072), Ming Hwee walks you through every cost in plain language before you commit — no hidden fees, no surprises. We help you match with a suitable helper, handle the paperwork, and make sure you understand your levy rate, bond and insurance obligations from day one. Ready to start? Find your helper or message us on WhatsApp and we will give you a clear, itemised picture for your household.
