Whether you’re looking to hire a new maid in Singapore or a transfer helper, these maid agencies in Singapore can help you every step of the way
Having a maid in Singapore is a huge help and we are so grateful for the extra hands with young kids especially. But all the paperwork, rules, fees and bureaucracy can be tedious to deal with. Unless you opt for a part-time helper, hiring a maid means having them live in your house with you so you need to ensure you have the space and that they are the right fit for your family – but where do you start? If you’re unsure about the steps and want a maid agency to take care of the hard work, here’s our list of helpful maid agencies in Singapore. If you prefer to hire without a maid agency, we’ve got all the handy tips and important must-knows to consider when hiring a domestic helper in Singapore.
Read more: Top 10 Tips for Managing Your New Helper & Best Movers in Singapore
↓ Keep scrolling to read more about these helpful maid agencies in Singapore!
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What to know about maid agencies in Singapore
Transfer maids, part-time helpers & other Singapore maid agency services
List of recommended maid agencies in Singapore
What you should know about maid agencies in Singapore
For starters, check out the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s guidelines, which outline requirements like the online Employer Orientation Programme, how to cover a domestic helper bond, the monthly levy and more. Maid agencies in Singapore are a vital part of the helper hiring process and can help you better understand all these guidelines. There are literally thousands of maid agencies in Singapore, ranging from well-established maid agencies to shoestring operations that could be shady and deceptive to helpers and employers alike.
We applaud the MOM for making employment agency data as transparent as possible. With their extensive database, you can not only search Singapore maid agencies by name but also check which agencies are under surveillance or have received demerits from the MOM. Employers are also able to rate maid agencies in Singapore on a scale of 1 to 5, with all scores easily viewable.
To check the data for maid agencies in Singapore (be warned: there are nearly 4,000 of them!), just click “Search Agencies”, then click “Download” to put it into a sortable Excel file. This is key because it allows you to view three important factors:
- Retention Rate
This is the percentage of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) placed by the maid agency who stay with the same employer for at least one year (a standard contract lasts for two years). It’s always good to see that someone is steadily employed and that the relationship is seemingly beneficial for both parties. The industry average is 64.4% – the top maid agencies have retention rates in the high 50s or 60s (some small agencies have even higher averages, but this is amongst agencies that also have a high volume of placements).
- Transfer Helper Rate
This is the percentage of FDWs who have transferred to three or more employers within one year – that’s a major red flag. The industry average is 0.94%.
- Placement Volume
This is the number of helper work passes applied for by a maid agency. A high volume (the industry average is 48) indicates that the maid agency in question probably runs pretty professionally and would generally have better resources in terms of responsiveness to a problem (for instance if you need to hire a replacement or part-time helper, require assistance with maid insurance and more) and housing (as helpers stay in dorms before they are hired, and can also live in them while employers are away). Of course, the flip side to this is that both employers and helpers are less likely to get the personal touch that might come with a smaller maid agency in Singapore.
Other factors to consider when hiring a maid agency in Singapore include the fees charged to both helpers and employers; most maid agencies charge helpers a finders fee that can take up to eight months to pay back. Can you imagine working eight months without making any salary? While employers have the option of covering this fee (usually around $1,000) it’s obviously a high up-front cost for everyone involved; some maid agencies don’t charge this fee to helpers, and we think it’s worth employers absorbing some of the cost. When you hire a transfer helper this fee isn’t involved, which is part of why it’s a popular option.
Transfer maids, part-time helpers & Singapore maid agencies
Beyond the initial hiring process – when you describe your needs to a maid agency and then interview suitable candidates – maid agencies in Singapore can assist further down the line with issues like renewing contracts, arranging home leave for your helper, and helping you find a replacement or part-time helper if your initial hire doesn’t work out (hey, it happens!). In the unfortunate circumstance where your helper gets into legal trouble or you find cause for immediate termination, an agency can also be very helpful with the repatriation process (although shady agencies have been known to simply send helpers back out to new families!).
As an alternative to maid agencies, particularly if you hire a transfer helper, you can either handle the paperwork yourself through MOM or hire a paperwork specialist to streamline the process at a much lower cost. The downsides to these options are that they can be more time-consuming, and you’re on your own if something goes wrong.
In the meantime, we’ve scoured the data and shared our own personal experiences to come up with a list of helpful maid agencies in Singapore – all with solid statistics and good reputations.
Recommended Maid Agencies in Singapore
We Are Caring
Retention rate: 74.82%
Helper Transfer rate: 0.45%
Placement volume: 952
We Are Caring is known for being one of the most ethical maid agencies in Singapore, with a fair-hiring model that eliminates helper salary deductions or placement fees. Additionally, it’s the only maid agency in Singapore that’s accredited by the Ministry of Manpower to provide the Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP) for new employers. Helpers are thoroughly screened, and you can view their profiles, references from current employers and videos before setting up interviews. We Are Caring connects you directly to the helpers, and you can arrange to meet them at your home. Not only can you transfer helpers from within Singapore and from abroad, but this Singapore maid agency also offers fast screening times and all the mandatory paperwork is done digitally, making it a hassle-free experience. Their customer care team is available on the ground seven days a week to assist you if you have any queries. Plus, We Are Caring is a social enterprise supported by the DBS Foundation and a certified B Corporation.
We Are Caring, 61 Killiney Rd, level 2, Singapore 239522, Tel: (+65).3163.4636, www.wearecaring.com
Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd
Retention rate: 74.76%
Helper Transfer rate: 0.8%
Placement volume: 688
With more than three decades of experience, Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd is passionate about understanding your requirements and will assist you in the placement of foreign domestic helpers mainly from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar for your family. Customers often rave on Google and Facebook about this maid agency’s professionalism and high-quality services. If you’re in the market for a transfer helper, Universal can help, as they are one of the few maid agencies in Singapore that always have a ready pool of transfer helpers for your selection.
Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd, 304 Orchard Road, #01-97 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863, Tel: (+65) 6735 3456; WhatsApp: 9645 3456, universalmaidagency.com
Thumbs Up Employment Agency
Retention rate: 70.49%
Helper Transfer rate: 0%
Placement volume: 65
Thumbs Up Employment Agency prioritises finding the right fit for your family, as they understand that every household has unique needs. Through personalised matchmaking consisting of screenings and training, you can ensure a hassle-free experience when choosing a helper. This maid agency in Singapore boasts a full range of services, which includes placing new and experienced domestic helpers and managing transfer helpers or direct hires from Indonesia and Myanmar – all at affordable prices! What’s more, you don’t have to worry about any hidden costs because their pricing packages are comprehensive and straightforward.
Thumbs Up Employment Agency, Blk 74 Whampoa Drive #01-342 Singapore 320074, Tel: (+65) 8821 4292, www.thumbsupsg.com
1.Alpha Employment Agency
Retention rate: 65.96%
Helper Transfer rate: 1.47%
Placement volume: 233
1.Alpha Employment Agency prides itself on ensuring customers are satisfied with a suitable domestic helper. Domestic helpers in this maid agency in Singapore are carefully selected from Myanmar, the Philippines, and Indonesia. They go through an interview with assessors, a practical assessment, communication and skills training in an overseas training centre before they are picked to come to Singapore. When in Singapore, these domestic helpers will go through another round of training to ensure they familiarise themselves with the local household needs. 1.Alpha Employment Agency’s company values focus on affordability, assurance, attentiveness and approachability- so you can look forward to genuine service. The staff will also ensure that they follow up on the progress of their FDWs after they’re placed with the households, guaranteeing a reliable and smooth journey.
1.Alpha Employment Agency, 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-23 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, Singapore 588179, Tel: (+65) 8883 2566, www.1alpha.com.sg
A1 Employment Agency
Retention rate: 64.6%
Helper Transfer rate: 0%
Placement volume: 146
With 15 years of experience in the local scene, A1 Employment Agency has successfully served over 10,000 households. They hire maids from the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, and India, with past customers singing praises for their exceptional service. Some families have maintained relationships with their helpers through this maid agency for over a decade! Their low transfer rate is a testament to this and their dedicated customer service continues even after the maid is placed in your home. A1 Employment Agency is also accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, ensuring reliability and quality service.
A1 Employment Agency, Far East Shopping Centre, 545 Orchard Road #05-12, Singapore 238882, www.a1maid.com.sg
ZecruitX
Retention rate: 51.92%
Helper Transfer rate: 0%
Placement volume: 65
ZecruitX is a veteran in Singapore’s helper industry, boasting a rich legacy of over 14 years of expertise under its belt. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, they maintained their reputation for offering the highest number of quality transfer maids. Central to their approach are values of Honesty, Attentiveness, and Trust, which guide their dedicated team in matching households with the most suitable helpers. What sets ZecruitX apart is its commitment to personalised service over mass-market solutions. They pride themselves in delivering swift results with past customers often securing their helpers within 3 days, even when helpers are overseas. ZecruitX offers a flexible payment structure tailored to experience levels with some fees starting as low as $500. Additionally, they accommodate clients by offering instalment payment options!
ZecruitX, 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #01-K10 Beauty World Centre, Singapore 588177, Tel: (+65) 9327 8489, www.zecruitx.com
1 Assist Agency
Retention rate: 65.26%
Helper Transfer rate: 1.42%
Placement volume: 882
1 Assist Agency is a licensed employment maid agency in Singapore that specialises in connecting domestic workers to employers in Singapore. Here, you can find professional and reliable domestic helpers from Indonesia, Philippines and Myanmar. Over the years, they have established a good working relationship with their contacts abroad so they can work closely with them to hire trusted helpers as needed to cater to the changing demand for maids in Singapore throughout the year. If you prefer to hire a maid whom you can train from scratch, they will receive some preliminary training on household skills and basic elderly and childcare, so that they will have foundational skills you can build upon. Those with infants and seniors at home will appreciate their partnership with Accredited Training Providers and the Agency for Integrated Care, so that maids can receive specific training upon request before working in your home.
1 Assist Agency, 170 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #03-31 / #03-48 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, Singapore 588179, 1assist.com.sg
First Maid Pte Ltd
Retention rate: 66.75%
Helper Transfer rate: 2.95%
Placement volume: 472
This specialist maid agency is wholly focused on placing foreign domestic workers and has grown to become a reliable maid search specialist that families in Singapore trust. First Maid has an extensive database of qualified maids from Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines. Service is one of their top priorities and because of it, they’ve been able to forge a long-lasting relationship with customers. Their belief in the three ‘fits’ helps to provide employers with the fittest maids who possess the Skill Fit (where recommended maids are equipped with the right skills and well trained to perform), Cultural Fit (with the right personalities and characters for the employer) and Motivational Fit (where the domestic helpers are motivated and genuinely interested in working with the employer).
First Maid Pte Ltd, multiple locations in Singapore, including Far East Shopping Centre, Katong Shopping Centre and Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, www.firstmaid.sg
Help Is Here
Retention rate: 61.34%
Helper transfer rate: 0.6%
Placement volume: 187
Help Is Here provides personalised consultations for hiring domestic helpers and prides themselves in exceptional after-sales service. Each home has its unique household needs, and their team of experienced consultants take the time to understand employers’ requirements, working closely with employers to find the perfect match. They believe in providing a hassle-free experience – they’ll even deploy your new helper directly to your home! Their helpers come from the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar and they handle all the necessary paperwork, work permit and insurance applications too. Help Is Here also provides other services such as helping expat employers relocate their existing helpers when they move to Singapore; processing a direct hire (which is when an employer has found their own helper and only requires help to process the helper); helper’s passport renewal; and they can take over a helper for transfer when an employer is leaving Singapore.
Help Is Here, No.1 Jalan Berseh, New World Centre #03-14, Singapore 209037, Tel: (+65) 8922 2123, [email protected], hih.com.sg
My Employment Agency
Retention rate: 68.47%
Helper transfer rate: 2.09%
Placement volume: 663
My Employment Agency is one of the top maid agencies in Singapore, with a vision to create value and make a difference to both employers and domestic helpers. This maid agency has been operating since 2019, with great reviews from families all over Singapore. My Employment Agency conducts personalised screenings for every helper to ensure they are matched with the right family. Some of their helpers are trained by professional nurses in elder care, while some can speak Mandarin if that’s a skill you require. You can rest assured that they will offer full transparency during the entire process, with no hidden after-sales service. Their representatives are highly responsive and efficient providing required services before, during and after the placement of helper.
My Employment Agency, 14 Scotts Road, #02-60 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213 and 10 Anson Road, #13-01 International Plaza, Singapore 079903, Tel: (+65) 9720 0099, myemploymentagency.sg
HelperPlace
HelperPlace is not an agency, but is a leading online platform that connects employers with reliable domestic helpers in Singapore. In just few clicks, you can access thousands of candidates directly without any middlemen. Based on your needs, you can easily shortlist, chat, interview and hire the right helper for your family. Moreover, the team ensures that employers have access to skilled and experienced domestic helpers who can assist with household chores, childcare and eldercare. HelperPlace promotes transparency in the hiring process. They never charge any fees to the candidates (no placement fees nor salary deductions), and the platform contributes to reduce the financial burden and exploitation of the domestic workers.
HelperPlace, [email protected], www.helperplace.com
Anisya: helper employment marketplace
Retention rate: 75%
Helper Transfer rate: 0%
Placement volume: 15
Founded in 2012, Anisya is an open employment marketplace where domestic helpers in Singapore and employers can come together. It empowers helpers to post their own information and set their own preferences free of charge, and employers can also view maid profiles for free (though they pay to access more information or post their info for helpers to respond to). We think it’s fab that fees are kept low for everyone and that the website does so much to empower helpers, who can sometimes be rendered helpless in the hiring process.
Anisya, www.anisya.com
Bestmaid
Retention rate: 58.06%
Helper Transfer rate: 0.55%
Placement volume: 218
Get matched to some of the best maid agencies in Singapore through this website. While the website itself can be a tad chaotic, there’s an easy FAQ guide to get you started. There’s also a helpful list of maid agencies in Singapore that you can consult.
Bestmaid, www.bestmaid.com.sg
Contact Asia
Retention rate: 73.33%
Helper Transfer rate: 0.96%
Placement volume: 235
With 19 years of experience, this maid agency takes a personal yet professional approach to the process of hiring a maid in Singapore. Their philosophy is all about viewing the process not as a one-time transaction, but as a journey for both the family and the helper to ensure that everyone is happy and finds the right fit.
Contact Asia, 140 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #02-06 Beauty World Plaza, Singapore 588176, Tel: (+65) 6466 2696, www.mygoodhelper.sg
EK Maid Agency
Retention rate: 73.68%
Helper Transfer rate: 0%
Placement volume: 20
Specialising in maids from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, this Singapore maid agency screens its domestic helpers thoroughly, which has earned it a stellar reputation for high helper retention rates. The team can also help with helper transfers, paperwork and all other administrative issues.
EK Maid Agency, 27A, Chai Chee Road, #01-367 Singapore 461844, Tel: (+65) 9679 6844, www.ekmaidagency.emaid.com.sg
Imtidad Employment Solutions
Retention rate: 67%
Helper Transfer rate: 0%
Placement volume: 520
This maid agency in Singapore offers in-house and office visits to help you settle any paperwork or documentation requirements, live Skype interviews with potential helpers, instalment plans for payments, and even home-based training or counselling.
Imtidad Employment Solutions, IMM, Yishun and Geylang Serai, www.imtidad.com.sg
Island Maids
Retention rate: 65.48%
Helper Transfer rate: 0.67%
Placement volume: 1,509
At this maid agency, each domestic helper in Singapore is interviewed first and undergoes a background check, health screenings and more before being matched to your family.
Island Maids, multiple locations in Singapore, including Ang Mo Kio, Bedok and Bukit Timah, www.islandmaids.com.sg
JForce
Retention rate: 69.43%
Helper Transfer rate: 1.07%
Placement volume: 746
An award-winning maid agency in Singapore, JForce matches families with domestic helpers from Indonesia. JForce has its own training centre in Indonesia, which means your helper’s training can be customised to suit your family’s needs. Furthermore, their experienced and helpful sales consultants will thoroughly screen their applicants before matching them with your family. With three outlets islandwide, JForce is known for its reliable service and remains a favourite with families in Singapore.
JForce, multiple locations in Singapore, including Bendemeer, Ang Mo Kio and Jurong East, www.jforce.com.sg
JPB Maid Agency
Retention rate: 68.19%
Helper Transfer rate: 1.09%
Placement volume: 850
This maid agency has more than 15 years of supplying domestic helpers in Singapore and is one of the biggest maid agencies in the region. Clients often report good customer service, quality domestic helpers and plenty of value-added services at competitive prices.
JPB Maid Agency, multiple locations in Singapore, including Katong Shopping Centre, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre and Eunos, www.jpbgroup.com
Lis Agency
Retention rate: 60.89%
Helper Transfer rate: 1.99%
Placement volume: 178
With 8 years of experience in the foreign domestic worker industry, Lis Agency is a humble maid agency located in Upper Bukit Timah. Customer service is pretty good here – expect speedy replies and enthusiastic staff.
Lis Agency, 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #01-02 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, Singapore 588179, www.facebook.com/lisagency
Ministry of Helpers
Ministry of Helpers is an integrated platform for employers and helpers to be matched and grow together, providing equal access for all. With hundreds of profiles to choose from, Ministry of Helpers has a search filter for preferences, shortlists for matches, and an interview system to speed up the hiring and decision-making process.
Ministry of Helpers, Tel: (+65) 8010 1532, www.ministryofhelpers.com
Nation Employment
Retention rate: 70.13%
Helper Transfer rate: 1.85%
Placement volume: 2083
Not only are there 20 consultants to help you at this maid agency in Singapore, but help can also be obtained outside of regular working hours should you need it.
Nation Employment, multiple locations in Singapore, including Jurong, Toa Payoh and Tampines, Tel: (+65) 6388 8888, www.nation.sg
Netmaid
Netmaid isn’t a Singapore maid agency per se, but it’s a vast information resource if you’re looking to hire a domestic helper. Search through its useful tags section, which is sorted by your domestic needs (eldercare, babies, helper nationality etc), or browse through its helpful FAQ section for all the answers you need about settling-in programmes, MOM guidelines, insurance for your FDW and much more.
Netmaid, www.netmaid.com.sg
Prestige Management Services
Retention rate: 74.73%
Helper Transfer rate: 0.87%
Placement volume: 241
With outstanding numbers across the board, heaps of personal recommendations, and 30 years of experience, Prestige is consistently rated as one of Singapore’s preferred employment agencies.
Prestige Management Services, 442 Orchard Road, #03-07 Claymore Connect, Singapore 238879, Tel: (+65) 6738 2100, www.prestigemgmt.com.sg
Taj Employment Agency
Retention rate: 73.41%
Helper Transfer rate: 3.09%
Placement volume: 118
If you’re looking for an Indian maid agency in Singapore, Taj specialises in helpers from India. Book an appointment on their Facebook page to speak with a consultant.
Taj Employment Agency, 2 Serangoon Rd, #B1-25 Tekka Place, Singapore 218227, Tel: (+65) 6334 1055, www.facebook.com/tajmaids
Wonderful Maid Agency
Retention rate: 63.44%
Helper Transfer rate: 0.47%
Placement volume: 473
Expect helpful and prompt service when you engage this maid agency in Singapore. The reviews on Facebook are a testament to its popularity!
Wonderful Maid Agency, 293 Changi Road Singapore 419771, Tel: (+65) 6788 9161, www.facebook.com/wonderfulhelper