Maid Agency FAQ Singapore — Clear Answers from Jans Maid
This Maid Agency FAQ Singapore page is your quick guide to hiring and working with a helper: fresh vs transfer, MOM rules, costs, banking and salary, insurance, privacy, and replacements. Use the shortcuts below to jump to a section.
Legal, MOM & Salary – Maid Agency FAQ Singapore
For first-time employers, these steps help you stay compliant and organised from the start.
Eligibility & basic duties — Maid Agency FAQ Singapore
I’m a first-time employer. What should I do?
Be at least 21, not an undischarged bankrupt, and complete the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) online. MOM allows combined family income to meet eligibility.
Do I need to attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP)?
Yes—first-time FDW employers must complete the EOP before the work permit application.
Why did MOM call my maid for an interview?
MOM conducts a routine well-being check to ensure she understands her rights and working conditions. This typically happens within the first six months of employment.
Accommodation & pay — Maid Agency FAQ Singapore
Does my maid need her own room?
Ideally yes; otherwise provide a private partitioned space. Sharing is allowed only with a consenting female family member.
How should I pay my maid’s salary in Singapore?
Pay monthly by bank transfer or use signed acknowledgements. Jans Maid provides a Salary Schedule for both parties to sign and keep on file.
Will my maid have a bank account?
Yes. It is usually set up during the Settling-In Programme (SIP). The bank mails the card and details to your address; activate the account before she can use it.
Can I transfer her salary to the bank account?
Yes. Salary can be paid by bank transfer. Keep the Salary Schedule signed monthly; MOM commonly reviews the schedule during helper interviews.
Safety & privacy
What is the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
SIP is a mandatory one-day programme for first-time helpers covering safety, rights and responsibilities.
Can my maid clean windows or fans?
Yes—under direct supervision. Windows must have locked grilles; fans should be cleaned safely with oversight to prevent falls.
Should I install a camera at home?
You may install CCTV in common areas if you inform your helper. Never place cameras in private spaces such as bedrooms or bathrooms.
Can I keep her passport or work permit?
No—employers must not retain these documents without explicit consent.
Choosing & Interviews (Domestic Helper Hiring)
Select between fresh and transfer helpers based on timing, experience and budget. Our team prepares you to interview with confidence.
Making the choice — Maid Agency FAQ Singapore
Should I hire a fresh maid or a transfer maid?
Transfer: Already in Singapore—faster start, local references, in-person interviews.
Fresh: Overseas training and onboarding—often lower initial fees but longer processing.
Fresh: Overseas training and onboarding—often lower initial fees but longer processing.
What’s the difference between transfer and fresh?
Transfer helpers can start quickly and you can meet them face-to-face. Fresh helpers arrive from overseas, so processing takes longer but you get guided orientation from day one.
Shortlisting & prep
How do I know which maid suits my family?
We review your priorities—skills, care needs and personality—and recommend best-fit candidates. We also share interview checklists so you can compare fairly.
What do you do before my interview?
We pre-screen candidates, conduct structured pre-interviews, provide transparent employment histories, and schedule video or in-person interviews with translation if needed.
Helper Nationalities & Fit
Many families consider language, caregiving style and cooking preferences when shortlisting a helper.
Strengths to consider — Maid Agency FAQ Singapore
Why employ a Myanmar helper?
Polite, respectful and diligent. Communication improves quickly with guidance and translation apps.
Why hire an Indonesian helper?
Gentle and patient; often experienced in childcare and elderly care. Clear routines help them thrive.
Why hire a Filipino helper?
Often stronger English proficiency for smooth communication; caring and reliable with kids and seniors.
House Rules, Phone Use & Privacy
Set expectations early to avoid misunderstandings later. As a result, daily routines run more smoothly.
Day-to-day guidelines
Can my maid use her phone?
Yes—agree on fair usage. Many employers allow evening use after duties. If she cares for infants or elderly, plan usage around rest times.
Can my maid post pictures of my family on social media?
No, unless you explicitly approve. To protect privacy, helpers should not share images or personal details online without permission.
Can my maid use my home address for online deliveries?
Not unless you clearly approve. Set this rule upfront to avoid lost packages or privacy issues.
My maid damaged something—can I deduct her salary?
Yes, but only with her written consent. MOM limits deductions to 25% of monthly salary and requires mutual agreement.
Handling Issues & Replacements
Coaching & checks
How long should I monitor my maid’s work performance before deciding or updating Jans Maid Agency?
Give at least one month for adjustment. During this time, set clear routines, provide written house rules and coach daily. After four weeks, update Jans Maid so we can advise on counselling or a replacement if needed.
My maid keeps making mistakes. What should I do?
Start with patient coaching and a task diary. Explain appliances and routines step by step.
What if my maid continues making mistakes?
Contact Jans Maid. We will arrange counselling with her home-country agent to resolve issues early.
When problems escalate
My maid is not compatible with my family. What can I do?
We offer 2 free replacements within 1 year (admin charges may apply). Speak to us early to consider counselling or a replacement.
Do maids get training before coming to Singapore?
Yes. They undergo structured training in their home countries. Provide clear guidance on routines and appliance use at home.
My maid ran away. What should I do?
Report immediately to the police, MOM and her embassy, then notify Jans Maid so we can assist with documentation and next steps.
My maid stole something. What should I do?
File a police report and inform MOM. We will guide you through the process and evaluate replacement options if needed.
My maid borrowed from a loan shark. What should I do?
Report to police and MOM to prevent harassment. Inform us; we coordinate with her overseas agent and advise on counselling or replacement.
Costs, Termination & Refunds – Maid Agency FAQ Singapore
Plan your budget with a clear view of fees, levies and refund policies. For example, separate the upfront costs from monthly salary and levy.
Cost basics — Maid Agency FAQ Singapore
How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore?
Expect agency fee, insurance, medical and travel. Upfront outlay often ranges S$2,000–S$4,000 (excludes salary and levy). See our Maid Levy guide.
What does the agency fee cover?
Helper screening, interviews, MOM documentation, medical checks, training coordination and doorstep delivery.
What happens to the S$300 levy?
The levy is paid to MOM and is non-refundable. You may qualify for levy rebates (e.g., with young children). We will guide you through eligibility.
Policies & refunds
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Flexible plans—typically over six months—are available to spread upfront costs.
Can I get refunds if I terminate early?
After the cooling-off period, pro-rated and transparent charges may apply. We issue a clear invoice so you know every component.
What does repatriation involve?
Cancel the work permit, purchase a flight ticket, ensure passport and belongings are returned, and settle any outstanding loan with the agency.
Can my maid break contract early?
Yes. Either party can terminate with notice or payment in lieu. Discuss notice periods, fees and replacement options with us.
My maid finished her contract and wants to continue. What should I do?
If both parties agree to renew, inform us and MOM. We handle paperwork, insurance renewal and submission for a smooth extension.
Insurance & Safeguards – Maid Agency FAQ Singapore
Insurance protects you against unexpected costs and is required by MOM. In short, it’s essential.
Required coverage
What insurance does MOM require?
Medical insurance and personal accident insurance with at least S$60,000 per year each; coverage typically spans 26 months.
How long is my helper covered?
Coverage generally matches the employment term—up to 26 months including repatriation. Check your insurer’s refund terms if you end early.
Managing your policy
Do you recommend enhanced insurance over basic?
Enhanced plans often include outpatient cover and wage compensation for stronger protection.
What happens if I repatriate my maid early?
Insurers commonly prorate premiums and may refund the balance. We can liaise with the insurer and file the claim.
Can Jans Maid help me buy and manage insurance?
Yes. We compare policies, recommend the right tier, and handle renewals, claims and cancellations so nothing lapses.
Contact Jans Maid – Maid Agency Singapore
Get in Touch
Address: 1001 Lower Delta Rd, #01-02, Singapore 099307
Phone: +65 9770 7078
WhatsApp: Chat on WhatsApp
Instagram: @jansmaid
Hours: Mon–Fri 11am–8pm, Sat 11am–4pm
Useful links: About Us · Maid Levy · Contact Page