.jpg)
Are you considering hiring a live-in maid in Singapore? Having this extra support can be really beneficial for you. It’s no secret that hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) can be a game-changer. They can help with household chores, caring for children or elderly parents, and giving you more quality time with your loved ones. However, before you take the plunge, it’s important to understand the full cost of employing a maid, and the most significant ongoing expense is the maid levy.
What Is the Maid Levy?
Employers of Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) are required to pay a monthly fee, known as the maid levy, to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The levy serves several purposes: it regulates the employment of foreign domestic workers, supports policy administration, and helps prevent abuse of the system. For families planning to hire a maid, the levy is a major financial consideration—one that combines with the maid’s salary, agency fees, housing costs, and daily expenses.
Standard Levy Rates
Under current regulations, the standard levy rates in Singapore are:
- $300 per month for the first FDW
- $450 per month for additional FDWs
If you employ more than one helper, you’ll pay the higher levy rate for each extra maid. This tiered pricing reflects government policy aimed at ensuring sustainable demand for foreign domestic workers. It’s crucial to factor these monthly costs into your household budget before signing any contracts.
Payment of the levy begins on the fifth day following your Foreign Domestic Worker's (FDW) arrival in Singapore. For example, if she arrives on June 1, the levy begins on June 5. For subsequent helpers, payment is required starting from the next calendar day after they arrive.
The levy is required to be paid by the 17th of the subsequent month. If the 17th is on a weekend or a public holiday, then it will extend to the next business day. Late payments trigger a penalty greater than 2% of the levy owed or $20, and can escalate to serious consequences:
- Revocation of your maid’s Work Permit
- A ban on hiring or renewing Work Permits
- Legal proceedings to collect outstanding levy payments
To help families manage these payments, MOM allows levy payment via convenient methods such as GIRO and PayNow QR.
FWD Levy Concession
Singapore provides substantial levy relief for families caring for young children, persons with disabilities, and elderly relatives. Since April 2022, the government has placed a strong focus on supporting eldercare at home.
Families employing FDWs to care for seniors 67 and older qualify for the same $60 concessionary levy rate as those caring for young children. The requirements are simple, the elderly person must be a Singapore citizen, 67 years or older, and living at home.
So, Who Qualifies?
You’re eligible for the concessionary levy rate of $60 per month (instead of the standard $300) if your FDW is primarily employed to care for:
- A child under 16 years old
- An elderly person aged 67 or older
- Individuals with disabilities
These concessions apply automatically when the person requiring care is present in the household. For other situations, you’ll need to submit an application through MOM or the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).
Understanding the Impact on Your Budget
Even with subsidies, hiring a maid remains a significant monthly cost. Here’s how the financials break down:
- First helper (standard levy): $300/month
- Second helper (standard levy): $450/month
- First helper (concessionary levy): $60/month
These figures are just the levy. You’ll also need to budget for:
- Monthly salary
- Agency or placement fees
- Medical insurance and personal protective equipment
- Daily living expenses (food, transport, SIM card, etc.)
By comparing these costs against your household income and support needs, you’ll get a clear picture of what it really takes to hire and support a foreign domestic worker.
The Importance of Timely Payment and Compliance Matters
If you decide to hire an FDW for your house, it is important to note that you should follow the timely payment and compliance very strictly. Paying your levy punctually protects your maid's work permit and legal standing. It also shields your household from financial penalties or legal repercussions. More importantly, it demonstrates that you’re a responsible employer, someone who values fairness and follows Singapore’s regulations.
Seeking Other Alternatives?
If the levy and other consistent upkeep costs feel overwhelming, there are other options you can explore. You can hire a local domestic helper to help you instead. Don't worry about where to start, because you can leave it to Luce. Luce is a top maid agency in Singapore, we can help you connect directly with qualified maids, so the hiring process will be stress-free on your end.
Whether you need a maid for the elderly, for child care, or to help you out with general housework, our reliable helpers can help you out!
