10 Best Maid Agencies in Singapore (2026)

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.

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.

Where Universal truly differentiates is their transfer maid expertise. Transfer maids are helpers already in Singapore who are switching employers, which means shorter waiting times (often 1 to 2 weeks), no overseas deployment delays, and the ability to meet candidates face-to-face before committing. Universal maintains one of the deepest transfer maid pools in the market, sourcing from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Their MOM retention rate of 75.35% is well above the industry average of 63.35%, confirming that their matching process actually works.

The agency has three branches and has earned the SME500 Award for business excellence. Clients consistently praise the responsiveness of their consultants, particularly when navigating the paperwork-heavy process of transferring a helper's work permit. If you want a helper who is already acclimated to Singapore and can start quickly, Universal should be your first call.

Website: universal.sg
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.

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.

Their specialisation in Myanmar and Indonesian helpers gives them deep sourcing networks in both countries. Status operates its own screening and training processes, which means the helpers reaching your doorstep have been evaluated for household skills, language ability, and temperament compatibility. Their placement turnaround is impressively fast, typically 7 to 10 days for transfer maids, which is well below the industry norm.

The agency has earned the Singapore Excellence Award and has been featured in The Straits Times for its professionalism. Clients note that the team is straightforward about fees, does not push unnecessary add-ons, and provides genuine post-placement support. If you specifically want a Myanmar or Indonesian helper and value an agency that has earned its reputation through two decades of supplier-level quality, Status is a strong choice.

Website: statusmaids.com
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.

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.

Since their founding in 2011, Island Maids has grown into one of the largest maid agencies in Singapore by volume. Their placement numbers far exceed the industry average, currently sitting at over 500 placements compared to the typical 48. That scale gives them access to a broader pool of candidates from Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines, which means more options for families with specific requirements like infant care experience, elderly care skills, or cooking expertise for particular cuisines.

Island Maids won the Reader's Digest Best Quality Service Award in 2020. Clients frequently mention the professionalism of their consultants, the efficiency of their paperwork handling, and reasonable pricing. The trade-off with a high-volume agency is that you may not get the same boutique-level hand-holding as smaller firms, but for families who want a reliable, well-organised process with easy physical access, Island Maids delivers consistently.

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

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.

The agency has been part of MOM's Advance Placement Scheme (APS) since its pilot phase in 2016. APS agencies allow employers to conduct face-to-face interviews with helpers before making a commitment, which significantly reduces mismatches. Maidcity sources helpers from Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Mizoram, and handles all administrative requirements from work permit applications to insurance and home leave processing.

They have been named one of the Top Maid Agencies by ThreeBestRated for three consecutive years and maintain strong five-star Google reviews across their three branches in Toa Payoh, Kovan, and Clementi. Clients highlight the transparency of their charges, the quality of their post-placement support, and the willingness of staff to address concerns quickly. If your priority is finding a helper who stays for years rather than months, Maidcity's matching-first philosophy is worth the conversation.

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

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.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in "Love and Compassion," Green Employment treats the relationship between employer and helper as a partnership that needs nurturing, not just a transaction to be processed. Their consultants walk you through every step: from understanding your obligations under MOM's Employment of Foreign Manpower Act to setting realistic expectations about the adjustment period. The agency holds accreditations from the Embassies of Indonesia and the Philippines, which speaks to the quality of their sourcing channels.

The numbers back up their approach. With a placement volume of 305 and a transfer rate below 0.4%, Green Employment is one of the lowest-risk agencies in Singapore. Their Google rating of 4.9 across their Toa Payoh and Serangoon branches reflects the level of personal attention they provide. If you have never hired a helper before and want an agency that will hold your hand through the entire process, Green Employment is the right fit.

Website: greenemployment.sg
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.

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.

Their MOM metrics tell a compelling story: a transfer rate of just 0.75% over 19 years of operation. That is exceptionally low, and it suggests their screening and matching processes are thorough enough to get placements right the first time. The agency sources helpers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar, and provides structured pre-deployment training to ensure candidates are prepared for Singapore households.

Clients consistently praise A1's professionalism and after-sales support. Multiple reviews highlight specific consultants who stayed responsive well beyond the initial placement, helping with everything from work permit renewals to mediating minor household conflicts. For families who want the peace of mind that comes with strong financial guarantees and a proven low-risk track record, A1 is a solid pick.

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

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 Home operates on values they spell out explicitly: Best, Ethical, Sincere, and Trustworthy. Beyond the acronym, what this means in practice is a consultative process where staff take time to understand your family's needs rather than pushing the first available candidate. They specialise in screening and training helpers for core competencies: general housekeeping, cooking, and caregiving. They also offer part-time cleaning and cooking concierge services for families who do not need a full-time live-in helper.

With three branches and nearly three decades of operation, Best Home has built a loyal client base. Reviews highlight the helpfulness of staff during contract renewals and the quality of their post-placement mediation services. If CaseTrust accreditation and the financial protections it brings are important to you, Best Home should be on your shortlist.

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

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.

Inter Great sources helpers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar, with a particular focus on candidates who have verifiable caregiving experience. Their consultants do not just hand you biodata sheets; they walk through each candidate's care experience in detail, matching specific skills to your household requirements. Whether you need infant care with newborn experience, eldercare with dementia management skills, or post-surgery patient care, Inter Great has the screening depth to find the right fit.

The agency maintains a 4.9-star Google rating, which is among the highest in the industry. They have convenient branches in Katong, Ang Mo Kio, and Bugis, and handle the full administrative stack from work permits to home leave. The one caveat: pricing transparency could be stronger. Some clients have noted that transfer maid fees are not always clearly published on the website, so ask for a full fee breakdown upfront before committing.

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

Nation Employment takes a methodical approach to helper placement. Founded in 2009, the agency has grown to three branches and now places nearly 300 helpers per year. What distinguishes them is their focus on data and process: their MOM retention rate sits at 69.42% (above the 63% industry average) and their transfer rate is an impressively low 0.35%.

The agency was awarded the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA) 2025 under the Established Brands category, recognising their commitment to ethical placement and professional care services. They source helpers from the major origin countries and provide structured matching based on household requirements, work experience, and personality compatibility.

On Facebook, Nation has a 92% recommendation rate from nearly 300 reviews. Clients note the professionalism of their consultants, the thoroughness of their screening, and the reliability of their post-placement support. No demerit points on their MOM record either, which is a clean bill of regulatory health. If you are the type who makes decisions based on numbers rather than marketing promises, Nation's published metrics give you something concrete to evaluate.

Website: nation.sg
Best for: Employers who want to evaluate agencies based on verified MOM performance data.
Pricing: Standard agency fees; transparent pricing.
Standout result: 0.35% transfer rate, 69.42% retention rate, Singapore Prestige Brand Award 2025, zero demerit points.

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.

What sets Able Best apart is their suitability for repeat and bulk hiring. They offer a one-time free replacement guarantee, transparent consultation-based pricing with no hidden fees, and a turnaround time of approximately 10 working days. For families who have multiple helpers (second-time employers pay the higher S$450 monthly levy) or businesses that need domestic staff across multiple households, Able Best's structured process handles volume without sacrificing quality.

The agency sources helpers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar, and works with multiple overseas training centres to ensure pre-deployment readiness. Their end-to-end service covers everything from sourcing and matching to documentation, work permits, medical checkups, insurance, and travel arrangements. Clients appreciate the no-surprises pricing model and the dedicated post-placement support that extends well beyond the initial settling-in period.

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

The total first-year cost of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore typically falls between S$15,000 and S$20,000. That number surprises many first-time employers, so let me break it down:

• Agency fees: S$800 to S$3,000, depending on the helper's nationality, experience level, and whether she is a new hire or a transfer maid. Transfer maids are generally cheaper because overseas deployment costs are eliminated.
• Monthly salary: S$500 to S$1,000 per month. Filipino helpers typically command higher salaries (S$600 to S$800+) due to English proficiency. Myanmar and Indonesian helpers often start from S$500 to S$650. Experienced helpers with specialised skills like infant care or eldercare earn more.
• Monthly levy: S$300 for your first helper, S$450 for subsequent helpers. Eligible households (those with young children, elderly members, or persons with disabilities) qualify for the concessionary rate of S$60.
• Work permit fees: S$35 for the application, another S$35 when the pass is issued.
• Settling-in Programme (SIP): S$76.40 including GST. This is a mandatory one-day orientation for first-time helpers.
• Insurance: Employers must purchase a minimum S$15,000 personal accident insurance and a S$5,000 security bond. Annual premiums typically run S$250 to S$500.
• Living expenses: S$250 to S$500 per month for food, toiletries, and other daily necessities.

A transfer maid can reduce your upfront costs significantly. Since she is already in Singapore, you avoid overseas airfare, overseas training fees, and the weeks-long deployment wait. Total first-year costs for a transfer maid start from around S$12,000 to S$15,000, compared to S$15,000 to S$20,000 for a new overseas hire.

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 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.