Hiring a helper comes with two kinds of cost: one-time upfront costs to get her started, and ongoing monthly costs for as long as she is employed. Knowing both up front helps you budget realistically and avoid surprises. The figures below are typical estimates — your actual costs depend on the provider, the coverage you choose and the helper's profile.
Upfront costs
- ✓Helper agency fee — shared clearly upon enquiry.
- ✓MOM application & issuance fees — around S$70.
- ✓Settling-in Programme (SIP), for helpers new to Singapore — around S$77.
- ✓Initial medical check-up — S$60–100.
- ✓26-month helper insurance — S$490–700.
- ✓Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) — Required for first-time FDW employers. Fees vary by format and provider: approximately S$29–S$76 (online or classroom).
- ✓Transportation (Singapore) & lodging — S$100–300.
- ✓Helper placement loan — 1–6 months of the helper's salary. This is a pre-payment of her salary for the first few months, not an additional cost to you.
Ongoing costs
- ✓Basic salary range — S$500–850/month.
- ✓Foreign Domestic Worker levy — S$60 (concessionary) or S$300.
- ✓Rest-day compensation — basic salary divided by 26 days, per rest day worked.
- ✓6-Monthly Medical Exam (6ME) — S$30–100.
- ✓Living expenses — food, utilities, basic toiletries and medical/outpatient costs.
All amounts above are approximate estimates. They may vary based on third-party provider pricing, chosen coverage packages and the helper's profile. Monthly household expenses and the 6ME depend on actual clinic fees, MOM-mandated test scopes and your household's consumption.
Want the bigger picture on agency fees and how it all adds up? Read our complete helper agency costs guide, or see how to hire a helper in Singapore step by step.