Maid Placement Fee Singapore: What It Covers & How It Works
Maid Placement Fee Singapore: Costs, Cap, Refunds
A maid placement fee in Singapore (sometimes called a placement loan) is the upfront placement cost tied to recruiting and arranging your helper’s deployment. In practice, it usually includes agency services and mandatory processing steps (such as paperwork and coordination) so everything is handled properly.
To keep things clear, always ask for a written breakdown before you confirm a helper. That way, you know what’s included, what’s optional, and what happens if plans change.
What is a maid placement fee?
A placement fee is the amount charged for recruiting and placing a helper in Singapore. It is typically governed by industry rules and MOM requirements. In general, it’s commonly described as being capped based on contract length (often referenced as up to one month’s salary per year of contract, capped at two months).
How much does it cost and when do you pay?
Placement fees in Singapore are commonly seen in the SGD 2,000 to SGD 4,000 range (depending on profile and arrangement). At Jans Maid, we cap our placement fee at SGD 2,500 and keep it transparent.
If you prefer to spread out the upfront amount, ask us about the 6-month installment arrangement (GIRO or PayNow), with clear documentation so there are no surprises.
Illustrative 6-Month Placement Fee Installment Example
Example only: SGD 2,500 over 6 months is about SGD 417/month. Salary arrangements remain separate and should be documented clearly.
What the placement fee commonly covers
- Local agency service & recruitment charges
- Documentation coordination and processing support
- Medical screening and insurance arrangements (where applicable)
- Embassy coordination and visa formalities (where applicable)
- Doorstep delivery and replacement support (terms apply)
- Replacement policy: 2 free replacements within 1 year (charges may apply)
Refunds and what happens if plans change
If you cancel before deployment, refunds are typically handled on a prorated basis depending on what has already been completed. The safest move is to confirm the refund terms in writing before you proceed.
For levy-related guidance and concession eligibility (children below 16, seniors 65+, persons with disabilities), refer to our guide here: Maid Levy Singapore Guide
Budgeting tips for employers
- Decide upfront whether you prefer a one-time payment or a 6-month installment arrangement.
- Keep salary expectations, off-days, and other monthly costs separate from placement fees.
- Request a clear breakdown so you can compare packages properly.
Placement Fee FAQs
1. What exactly is a placement fee?
2. How much will I pay, and when?
3. What happens if I cancel before deployment?
4. What is levy concession and who qualifies?
5. Are there hidden or surprise charges?
6. How do I get started?
What Our Clients Are Saying
Our clients value clear pricing, responsive support, and a smooth process. Here are a few of their 5-star reviews:
Jans Maid was upfront from the start—the $58 agency fee was exactly as advertised, with everything clearly laid out. They even explained what would be refunded if we decided not to proceed. No surprises, just honest service.
Cheapest maid agency in Singapore with fast, reliable, and professional service. Highly recommended for anyone looking for quality helpers at affordable prices!
I highly recommend Jans Maid Agency! As a first-time employer needing a helper, the experience was seamless. A special thanks to Zee for being patient and helpful with all my inquiries. Everything was handled over the phone, and my helper was delivered to my doorstep.