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12 Best Maid Agencies in Singapore (August 2026)

An honest ranking of the 12 best maid agencies in Singapore for 2026. Each reviewed for MOM ratings, retention rates, pricing, and who they serve best.

Happy family welcoming a domestic helper into a modern Singapore HDB apartment, representing the best maid agencies in Singapore

This guide is part of Terris Recommends, my researched, hands-on picks of the best local businesses and services in Singapore. Every recommendation is researched and ranked by me.

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Featured Spotlight #1 in this guide

JForce Employment Service

#1 Rated Agency

4.9 · Google reviews

My top pick of the list: MOM-licensed, rated 4.9 on Google, with transparent published fees and genuinely strong post-placement support.

Get a Free Match

Researched and written by Terris

Featured Spotlight #2 in this guide

A.W. Maid Agency

Featured Agency

A featured pick: MOM-licensed (24C2126) with competitive, transparent pricing, a five-day in-house training programme, and a six-month replacement guarantee, all through a fast paperless hiring flow.

Get a Free Match

Researched and written by Terris

Featured Spotlight #3 in this guide

Nation Maid Agency

Featured Agency

A featured pick: operated by Nation Human Resources Pte Ltd under EA licence 12C5507, with 2,517 work passes approved in the previous 12 months, 70.67% retention against a 62.26% industry average, and zero demerit points on MOM Employment Agencies Directory data checked in July 2026, plus the Singapore Prestige Brand Award 2025.

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Researched and written by Terris

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is one of the most high-stakes household decisions you will make. Get it right and you gain a trusted member of your household who keeps everything running smoothly. Get it wrong and you are looking at months of stress, wasted agency fees, and the exhausting process of starting over from scratch.

The agency you choose matters more than most families realise. A good maid agency in Singapore does not just hand you a stack of biodata sheets. They screen candidates properly, match personalities and skill sets to your household needs, handle the mountain of MOM paperwork, and stay available long after placement day. A bad one rushes you through the process, hides fees in the fine print, and disappears the moment problems arise.

I spent several weeks researching the best maid agencies in Singapore for 2026, cross-referencing MOM retention rates, Google reviews, pricing transparency, and real client feedback across multiple platforms. This list covers 12 agencies across different specialities and price points, so whether you need a first-time helper, a transfer maid, or a specialised caregiver for an elderly parent, there is an agency here that fits.

How to evaluate a maid agency in Singapore

Before diving into the rankings, here is what I looked at when researching each agency. These are the same criteria you should use when making your own decision:

  • MOM retention rate. The Ministry of Manpower publishes retention and transfer rates for every licensed agency. A retention rate above 65% means the helpers placed by that agency tend to stay with the same employer for at least six months. The industry average sits around 63%, so anything in the 70s is genuinely strong.
  • Transfer rate. This measures how often a placed helper gets transferred to a different employer. A transfer rate below 1% is excellent. High transfer rates suggest poor matching, inadequate screening, or both.
  • Pricing transparency. The best agencies publish their fee structures clearly. Watch out for agencies that quote a low headline number, then add on documentation fees, insurance charges, and "processing costs" that double the final bill.
  • Post-placement support. Placement day is just the beginning. Strong agencies offer mediation if conflicts arise, handle work permit renewals, manage home leave logistics, and provide ongoing support for both employer and helper.
  • Verified reviews. I cross-referenced Google reviews, Facebook recommendations, and mentions on third-party platforms like SearchMaid and Hometrust. An agency with hundreds of reviews averaging 4.5 stars or above has earned that score through consistent delivery.

One more thing: always verify that an agency is licensed by checking the MOM Employment Agency Directory. Unlicensed agencies have no accountability and no regulatory oversight. It is not worth the risk.

The 12 best maid agencies in Singapore at a glance

Here is the full shortlist in one view. Each agency is ranked and reviewed in detail below, but if you just want the quick comparison, start here.

#AgencyBest forStandout signal
1JForce EmploymentReliable, well-trained helpers with transparent fees4.9 Google rating, MOM licence 14C717, salaries published by nationality
2A.W. Maid AgencyTrained helpers with a 6-month replacement guarantee5-day in-house training, paperless remote-interview hiring
3Nation Maid AgencyProven scale and retention70.67% retention, 2,517 work passes approved, zero demerit points (MOM directory, July 2026)
4Universal EmploymentTransfer maids already in Singapore75.35% retention, since 1986, 10,000+ families served
5Status EmploymentMyanmar and Indonesian helpers75% retention, 30,000+ households, 7 to 10 day placement
6Island MaidsIsland-wide convenience11 branches, 500+ placements a year
7MaidcityLong-term helper retention25+ years, MOM Advance Placement Scheme since 2016
8Green EmploymentFirst-time employersSub-0.4% transfer rate, 4.9 Google, embassy-accredited
9A1 EmploymentEmployer protection guarantees0.75% transfer over 19 years, refund and replacement policy
10Best Home EmploymentCaseTrust-accredited peace of mind1 of about 19 CaseTrust-accredited agencies, since 1996
11Inter Great EmploymentSpecialised caregiving needs4.9 Google rating, childcare, eldercare and patient-care focus
12Able Best EmploymentBulk or repeat hiring75% retention, 4-star MOM rating, 10-day turnaround

Rankings reflect my own research across MOM retention and transfer data, verified reviews, pricing transparency, and post-placement support. The full write-ups follow.

Featured Spotlight

1. JForce Employment Service: best for reliable, well-trained helpers with transparent fees

JForce Employment Service has spent more than a decade placing domestic helpers with Singapore families, and it shows in the details. Licensed by the Ministry of Manpower (licence no. 14C717) and rated 4.9 on Google reviews, JForce built its reputation on a simple promise captured in its tagline, "Together is Home": match the right helper to the right household so families stay supported and connected under one roof. For parents and caregivers who want a trusted, well-reviewed agency without the hard sell, this is the one to call first.

The agency covers the full spectrum of household needs, including housekeeping and cooking, childcare, elderly care, and care for persons with disabilities. JForce handles both new overseas hires and transfer maids already in Singapore, sourcing experienced helpers from Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Every candidate goes through meticulous screening and tailored training, and the team manages the entire process end to end: work permits, travel and deployment logistics, medical checks, and insurance. After placement they stay involved with integration guidance and ongoing support, and they help eligible families (those with young children, elderly members, or persons with disabilities) tap the concessionary maid levy.

JForce backs its track record with industry recognition, including the 2015 Top 25 Prestige Award and the 2016 Singapore Enterprise Award, alongside features in theAsianparent, Sassy Mama, and Vulcan Post. With three conveniently located branches in Boon Keng, Ang Mo Kio, and Jurong East, plus a responsive WhatsApp line, booking a face-to-face consultation or getting a quick answer is easy. Pricing is refreshingly transparent: helper salaries are published by nationality, ranging from roughly S$500 to S$600 for Cambodian helpers up to S$580 to S$800 for Filipino helpers, with Indonesian and Myanmar helpers in between.

Website: jforce.com.sg
Best for: Families who want a trusted, MOM-licensed agency with transparent fees, broad nationality options, and strong post-placement support.
Pricing: Agency fees vary by helper type; transparent monthly helper salaries from S$500 to S$800 depending on nationality.
Standout strength: 4.9 Google rating, MOM licence 14C717, 10+ years in business, three branches island-wide, and hands-on maid levy concession guidance.

Contact JForce Employment Service directly

Featured Spotlight

2. A.W. Maid Agency: best for well-trained helpers with a 6-month replacement guarantee

A.W. Maid Agency has spent more than a decade placing domestic helpers with Singapore families, and it has built its reputation on two things families care about most: helpers who arrive genuinely prepared, and a hiring process that does not drown you in paperwork. Licensed by the Ministry of Manpower (licence no. 24C2126) and based at City Plaza in Geylang, A.W. Maid pairs a growing pool of vetted helper profiles with a six-month replacement guarantee, so if a match does not work out you are not left stranded. For families who want trained helpers without the usual admin headache, this is an easy agency to shortlist.

What sets A.W. Maid apart is the combination of training and convenience. Every helper goes through an intensive five-day in-house training programme in Singapore before deployment, covering household skills, safety, and the language and cultural adjustments that make settling in smoother. On the employer side, the agency runs a modern, paperless hiring path: remote interviews with candidates in their home countries, digital document submission, and swift deployment, which spares you the repeated office visits that hiring a helper usually involves. They source and screen helpers across the main nationalities, with a focus on language proficiency and real household readiness rather than just handing over a stack of biodata.

Pricing is another reason A.W. Maid keeps coming up. The agency positions itself on competitive, transparent packages with flexible payment options, and reckons it saves families roughly S$300 compared with typical agency costs, helped by shorter helper loan tenures that lower your upfront outlay. Post-deployment support carries on well past placement day, and the team is quick to answer questions over WhatsApp, which matters when a small issue crops up in the first few weeks. For a value-conscious family that still wants a trained helper and a real safety net, A.W. Maid is a strong, no-nonsense pick.

Website: awmaid.sg
Best for: Value-conscious families who want a well-trained helper, transparent pricing, and a paperless, remote-interview hiring process.
Pricing: Competitive, transparent packages with flexible payment; positioned around S$300 cheaper than typical agencies, with shorter loan tenures.
Standout strength: MOM licence 24C2126, a five-day in-house training programme, a six-month replacement guarantee, and a fully paperless hiring flow.

Contact A.W. Maid Agency directly

Featured Spotlight

3. Nation Maid Agency: best for proven scale and retention

Nation Maid Agency, operated by Nation Human Resources Pte Ltd under EA licence 12C5507, is one of the most established and highest-volume agencies featured here, and the MOM numbers are the reason it earns a featured spot. The brand has been placing helpers with Singapore families since 1993. According to MOM Employment Agencies Directory data checked in July 2026, it had 2,517 work passes approved in the previous 12 months against an industry average of 48, its retention rate was 70.67% versus the 62.26% industry average, and it carried zero demerit points.

The agency was awarded the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA) 2025 under the Established Brands category, and it is backed by Advancer Global Limited (SGX-listed), the first listed maid agency company. It sources helpers from the major origin countries and provides structured matching based on household requirements, work experience, and personality compatibility. You can view available helper profiles online or find the nearest Nation service centre, with five across the island.

On the same July 2026 directory data, Nation held a 4 out of 5 customer rating across 1,040 reviews, one of the largest verified review bases of any agency in Singapore. Clients note the professionalism of its consultants, the thoroughness of its screening, and the reliability of its post-placement support. More than 90,000 households have been served since 1993.

Website: nation.sg
Best for: Families who want an established, high-volume agency with verified MOM performance data.
Pricing: Contact Nation for its current package and itemised fee breakdown.
Standout result: 2,517 work passes approved in the previous 12 months, 70.67% retention rate, Singapore Prestige Brand Award 2025, zero demerit points (MOM directory, July 2026).

Contact Nation Maid Agency directly

4. Universal Employment Agency: best for transfer maids

When an agency has been operating since 1986, there is very little they have not seen. Universal Employment Agency has nearly four decades of experience and has served over 10,000 families, making them one of the longest-running maid agencies in Singapore. That longevity is not just a vanity metric; it translates into institutional knowledge about matching, training, and managing the complexities that come with live-in domestic help.

Best for
Families who want a transfer maid already in Singapore with a proven track record.
Pricing
Agency fees from S$800 to S$2,000 depending on maid nationality and type.
Standout result
75.35% retention rate, nearly 40 years in operation, 10,000+ families served.
Website
universal.sg

5. Status Employment (Status Maids): best for Myanmar and Indonesian helpers

Status Maids started as a supplier to other agencies before becoming a direct service provider for families. That origin story matters because it means they built their reputation on the quality of helpers they sourced, not on marketing spend. Over 20 years and 30,000+ households later, the results speak for themselves: a 75% retention rate that puts them among the top performers in Singapore.

Best for
Families seeking well-trained Myanmar or Indonesian helpers with fast placement.
Pricing
Competitive agency fees; transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
Standout result
75% retention rate, 30,000+ households served, 7 to 10 day placement turnaround.
Website
statusmaids.com

6. Island Maids: best for island-wide convenience

With 11 branches spread across Singapore, from Tiong Bahru and Bedok to Jurong, Yishun, and Punggol, Island Maids has made convenience a core part of their value proposition. No matter where you live, there is likely an Island Maids office within a short drive. That matters more than you might think, because meeting your consultant face-to-face and reviewing biodata in person makes a real difference when choosing someone who will live in your home.

Best for
Families who value convenience with 11 branches across Singapore.
Standout strength
11 branches island-wide, Reader's Digest Best Quality Service Award, 500+ placements per year.
Pricing
Reasonable agency fees; contact nearest branch for current rates.

7. Maidcity: best for long-term helper retention

Maidcity has been in business for over 25 years, and their approach centres on one thing: getting the match right the first time. Unlike agencies that focus on volume, Maidcity takes the time to understand each family's household dynamics, daily routines, and personality preferences before recommending candidates. That consultative approach pays off in lower turnover and happier households.

Best for
Families who prioritise long-term retention and careful personality matching.
Standout strength
25+ years in business, MOM APS participant since 2016, ThreeBestRated Top Agency three years running.
Pricing
Competitive rates with no hidden fees; contact branches for current packages.
Website
maidcity.com.sg

8. Green Employment: best for first-time employers

Hiring a domestic helper for the first time is overwhelming. Between MOM regulations, levy payments, insurance requirements, settling-in programmes, and the emotional adjustment of having someone new live in your home, the learning curve is steep. Green Employment has built its entire service model around guiding first-time employers through this process with patience and clarity.

Best for
First-time employers who need guidance through every step of the hiring process.
Pricing
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees; value-for-money positioning.
Standout result
Sub-0.4% transfer rate, 4.9-star Google rating, embassy-accredited sourcing.

9. A1 Employment Agency: best for employer protection guarantees

A1 Employment Agency has served over 10,000 families since 2007. What makes them stand out is their "Ultimate Maid Assurance Policy," which goes beyond the standard MOM-regulated 50% refund guarantee. If a placement does not work out, A1 offers both a refund and a replacement, giving employers an extra layer of financial protection that most agencies do not match.

Best for
Risk-averse employers who want strong refund and replacement guarantees.
Standout strength
0.75% transfer rate over 19 years, Ultimate Maid Assurance Policy with refund and replacement.
Pricing
Standard agency fees; Ultimate Maid Assurance Policy included.
Website
a1maid.com.sg

10. Best Home Employment Agency: best for CaseTrust-accredited peace of mind

In business since 1996, Best Home Employment Agency is one of only 19 agencies in Singapore with CaseTrust accreditation. That accreditation, administered by the Consumers Association of Singapore, means they cap initial deposits at 20% and must maintain a deposit performance bond. If the agency closes mid-contract, your deposit is protected. In an industry where agencies occasionally shut down overnight, that matters.

Best for
Families who want CaseTrust accreditation and deposit protection guarantees.
Standout strength
1 of only 19 CaseTrust-accredited maid agencies in Singapore, nearly 30 years in business.
Pricing
Transparent, no hidden fees; contact for current rates.
Website
besthome.com.sg

11. Inter Great Employment: best for specialised caregiving needs

If your primary need is a helper trained in childcare, elderly care, or patient care, Inter Great Employment has built its reputation specifically around these specialisations. Founded in 2013, the agency has quickly earned recognition, including the Singapore 500 Enterprise Award and Best Maid Agency from Parents World, both of which signal credibility in the family services space.

Best for
Families needing helpers with specialised childcare, elderly care, or patient care skills.
Standout strength
4.9-star Google rating, Parents World Best Maid Agency award, caregiving specialisation.
Pricing
Processing fees from S$210 to S$430; ask for full fee breakdown.
Website
intergreat.sg

12. Able Best Employment Agency: best for bulk or repeat hiring

Established in 2003, Able Best has built a reputation for reliability and consistency over more than two decades. Licensed by MOM with a 4-star agency rating, they have earned a 75% retention rate, which puts them in the top tier alongside Universal and Status. That consistency is particularly valuable for families who have hired helpers before and know exactly what they want.

Best for
Repeat employers or families hiring multiple helpers who need a reliable, process-driven agency.
Standout strength
75% retention rate, 4-star MOM rating, 10-day turnaround, free replacement guarantee.
Pricing
Transparent consultation-based pricing; free one-time replacement guarantee.
Website
ablebest.com.sg

How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore in 2026?

The total first-year cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore typically falls between S$15,000 and S$20,000 for a new overseas hire. That number surprises many first-time employers, so here is the full breakdown in one table:

Cost itemWhenTypical 2026 amount
Agency feeOne-timeS$800 to S$3,000 (transfer maids cheaper)
Helper salaryMonthlyS$500 to S$1,000 (Filipino S$600 to S$800+, Myanmar and Indonesian S$500 to S$650)
Maid levyMonthlyS$300 standard, S$60 concessionary, S$450 for a second helper
Work permitOne-timeS$35 to apply, S$35 on issue
Settling-in Programme (SIP)One-timeS$76.40 (first-time helpers only)
Medical examOne-time, then every 6 monthsS$30 to S$100 per exam (the 6-monthly medical exam, or 6ME, is mandatory)
Insurance + S$5,000 security bondAnnualS$250 to S$500 in premiums (MOM-mandated medical and personal-accident cover; bond waived for Malaysian helpers)
Living expensesMonthlyS$250 to S$500 (food, toiletries, daily needs)

Over a full two-year contract, most families spend roughly S$27,000 to S$38,000 once 24 months of salary, levy and living costs are added to the one-time fees, with concessionary-levy households at the lower end. Filipino helpers usually cost more monthly because of English proficiency; Myanmar and Indonesian helpers start lower. See my guide to affordable maid agencies if budget is the priority.

A transfer maid cuts the upfront outlay. Since she is already in Singapore, you skip overseas airfare, overseas training fees, and the weeks-long deployment wait, so first-year costs start from around S$12,000 to S$15,000 versus S$15,000 to S$20,000 for a new overseas hire. More on that in my transfer maid agency guide.

How to choose the right maid agency for your family

With over 1,000 licensed maid agencies in Singapore, narrowing down to the right one takes deliberate effort. Here is the process I recommend:

  1. Check the MOM directory first. Search the agency by name on MOM's Employment Agency Directory. Look at their retention rate, transfer rate, placement volume, and demerit points. An agency with a retention rate above 65%, transfer rate below 1%, and zero demerit points is a strong starting point.
  2. Define your requirements clearly. Do you need a helper experienced in infant care? Eldercare? Cooking for dietary restrictions? An agency that specialises in your specific need will have a deeper candidate pool and better screening for those skills.
  3. Ask for a full fee breakdown upfront. Request an itemised quote that covers agency fees, documentation costs, insurance, medical checkups, airfare, and any ongoing charges. If an agency is vague about fees or says "we will discuss later," that is a red flag.
  4. Read reviews on multiple platforms. Google reviews, Facebook recommendations, and SearchMaid listings each tell a different story. Look for patterns in complaints: repeated mentions of hidden fees, poor communication, or slow response times are warning signs that individual 5-star reviews cannot mask.
  5. Test their responsiveness. Send an enquiry via WhatsApp or their website form. How fast do they reply? Is the response generic or tailored to your question? An agency that takes three days to respond to a pre-sales enquiry will take a week to respond when you have a post-placement issue.
  6. Ask about their replacement policy. Things do not always work out. A good agency offers at least one free replacement within a defined period (typically 3 to 6 months). Understand the terms before you sign.

Finally, consider visiting the agency in person. The office environment, the professionalism of the staff, and how they treat the helpers in their care tells you a lot about how they will handle your case.

How to hire a maid in Singapore, step by step

Once you have shortlisted an agency, the actual hiring runs through the Ministry of Manpower. Here is the sequence, whether you go through an agency or hire directly:

  1. Check you are eligible. You must be 21 or older, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to prove you can financially support and maintain a helper. MOM assesses your income and household circumstances when it reviews the application.
  2. Complete the Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP) if you are a first-time employer, or have not employed a helper in the past three years. It is a short course on your legal responsibilities.
  3. Buy insurance and the security bond. Medical and personal-accident insurance are mandatory, plus a S$5,000 security bond for non-Malaysian helpers (bought cheaply as a bond policy).
  4. Apply for the Work Permit. Your agency usually submits this; approval typically comes within a week.
  5. Helper arrives and takes the medical exam. First-time helpers sit a pre-employment medical, then a 6-monthly medical exam (6ME) twice a year after that.
  6. First-time helpers attend the Settling-in Programme (SIP) within three working days of arrival, a one-day orientation on safe work and adapting to Singapore.
  7. Get the Work Permit issued and register the helper's fingerprints. She can start work once the pass is issued.

A licensed agency handles most of this for you, which is the main reason first-time employers use one. If you are weighing the do-it-yourself route, see my direct hire guide.

Red flags to walk away from: an agency that will not put an itemised fee breakdown in writing, pressures you to sign the same day, discourages interviewing the helper, is not listed on the MOM directory, or loads the helper with excessive placement loans. Any one of these is reason enough to look elsewhere.

How long does it take to hire a maid through an agency?

For a transfer maid already in Singapore, the process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. For a new overseas hire from Indonesia, the Philippines, or Myanmar, expect 4 to 8 weeks depending on document processing, training completion, and deployment logistics. Agencies on the MOM Advance Placement Scheme can sometimes expedite the process.

What is the difference between a transfer maid and a new hire?

A transfer maid is a helper already working in Singapore who is changing employers. She is acclimated to life here, which means a shorter adjustment period and no deployment wait. A new hire comes directly from her home country, which takes longer but gives you access to a wider pool of candidates and often lower salary expectations.

Can I interview a maid before hiring?

Yes. Agencies under MOM's Advance Placement Scheme allow face-to-face interviews before commitment. For overseas hires, video interviews are standard. Always insist on at least one interview; agencies that discourage it are not prioritising your interests.

What happens if my maid does not work out?

Most reputable agencies offer a replacement guarantee within 3 to 6 months of placement. MOM also mandates a minimum 50% refund of agency fees if the helper leaves within the first 6 months. Check your agency's specific policy, as some (like A1 Employment) offer stronger guarantees than the MOM minimum.

Do I need to provide my maid with a day off?

Yes. MOM requires that all domestic helpers receive at least one rest day per week. If the helper agrees to work on her rest day, you must compensate her with at least one day's salary. At least one rest day per month cannot be compensated away; she must take it off.

Choosing the right maid agency is about more than scanning a few Google reviews. The agency you pick influences who enters your home, how well they are trained, and how much support you get when the inevitable hiccups arise. Take the time to check MOM metrics, compare fee structures, and speak to consultants in person before committing.

Every agency on this list has earned its place through verified performance data, consistent client feedback, and transparent business practices. Whether you need the transfer maid expertise of Universal, the caregiving specialisation of Inter Great, or the first-timer guidance of Green Employment, there is a best maid agency in Singapore here that matches your situation.

Still narrowing down by need? I keep deeper guides for specific situations: the best agencies for Filipino, Indonesian and Myanmar helpers, plus specialised picks for newborn care, elderly care and affordable hiring. There is also a Sri Lankan maid agency guide for a smaller source country most agencies do not handle well, and if MOM performance is the only filter you care about, my MOM-approved maid agency list ranks purely on that. Match the guide to your situation and you will shortlist faster.

And if you are a maid agency looking to stand out online, a professional website with strong local SEO is what turns Google searches into actual enquiries. That is exactly what we do at Terris. Take a look at our web design services or get in touch for a free consultation.

Spotted something out of date in this guide? Suggest an edit or a business to add. This guide is pre-filled for you.
Sources and references (4)
  1. mom.gov.sg › employers guide
  2. income.com.sg › helper costs
  3. moneysmart.sg › cost of hiring maid in singapore ms
  4. msig.com.sg › guide finding best maid agency singapore
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Chief Recommender · I do the digging so you don't have to

I've built websites and run marketing for Singapore businesses full-time since 2018, across 290+ projects. That work has me talking to business owners every week, reading their reviews and seeing which providers actually deliver. Terris Recommends is where I turn that legwork into plain shortlists.

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