Direct Hire Maids Singapore

Direct hire maids are helpers you personally source through your own network — typically referrals from family, friends, a former helper or personal contact — rather than selecting from Nation’s available maid pool. The key difference is that you identify the helper yourself. Nation then assists with the relevant documentation, MOM processing and coordination.

Most employers prefer to engage a licensed agency because direct hire processing can involve several parties, time-sensitive documents and different requirements depending on where the helper is located. Nation helps coordinate the paperwork, MOM processing, insurance, security bond, medical arrangements and relevant overseas or local-transfer steps — so you have one consultant guiding the case instead of managing every requirement yourself.

The timeline depends on whether your helper is overseas or already in Singapore, her nationality, document readiness, current employer consent for local transfer cases, and MOM requirements. Our consultants will provide a realistic estimate once your helper’s details are confirmed.

Overseas documentation requirements vary by nationality. For Myanmar helpers, this typically includes documentation processed through the relevant Myanmar overseas employment authorities, a pre-departure medical examination, and the employment contract. For Indonesian helpers, documentation is coordinated through the relevant Indonesian overseas worker placement process. Nation Maid Agency will advise on the specific requirements based on your helper’s nationality and coordinate all overseas documentation on your behalf.

The Settling-in Programme (SIP) is a mandatory one-day orientation required by MOM for first-time foreign domestic workers arriving in Singapore. It covers workers’ rights and responsibilities, safety practices, and adapting to life in Singapore. Nation Maid Agency will assist with SIP registration where applicable.

Salary is negotiated directly between you and the helper. As a general guide, typical monthly salaries in Singapore range from SGD $520 for first-time helpers to SGD $700–$900+ for helpers with specialised experience in infant care, elderly care, cooking, or caregiving. Our consultants can advise on fair market rates based on the helper’s nationality and experience.

Yes. When you have independently identified a helper who is currently in Singapore and available to move to a new employer, Nation can assist with the relevant documentation and MOM transfer processing. This is different from selecting a transfer helper from Nation’s available pool, and it remains subject to the current employer’s consent and MOM requirements.

To hire an FDW in Singapore, you must be at least 21 years old, not an undischarged bankrupt, and demonstrate a stable income sufficient to support employing a domestic worker. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and eligible foreigners residing in Singapore may hire an FDW subject to MOM’s eligibility criteria. Nation Maid Agency will advise on eligibility as part of the enquiry process.

Ongoing monthly costs include the helper’s salary, the FDW levy (standard rate or concessionary rate if eligible), food and accommodation, and any medical expenses. You must also ensure at least one rest day per week (or compensate accordingly if the day is waived by mutual agreement), and send your helper for mandatory six-monthly medical examinations as required by MOM.