7 Tips to Choose the Right Maid Agency in Singapore

Hiring a domestic helper can be life-changing for busy households, especially when it comes to childcare, eldercare, or simply managing daily chores. But with so many maid agencies in Singapore, how do you know which one to trust?

Choosing the right helper agency can make the difference between a smooth hiring experience and months of stress. This blog shares 7 practical tips to help you confidently choose a maid agency that’s reputable, transparent, and a good fit for your family’s needs.

1. Make Sure the Agency Is Licensed by MOM

First and foremost, always check that the maid agency is licensed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This is a non-negotiable.

A licensed maid agency will have a valid Employment Agency (EA) license and appear on MOM’s Employment Agency Directory. There, you can also see if the agency has:

• Any demerit points (for rule violations)

• Its transfer rate (how often helpers are moved from one household to another)

• Retention rate (how long helpers stay with the same employer)

We are proud to be a licensed maid agency in Singapore, accredited by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) under Employment Agency License No. 17C8735.

2. Review the Retention & Transfer Rates

Not all maid agencies are equal. One useful way to compare them is by looking at two key indicators:

• Retention rate: Measures how long helpers stay with one employer. The higher the better—it reflects good matching and post-placement support.

• Transfer rate: Reflects how frequently the agency moves helpers from one household to another. A very high rate may be a red flag.

Use MOM’s EA directory to review these statistics. Look for:

• Retention rate > 50% (above national average)

• Transfer rate < 2% (lower is better)

3. Check the Agency’s Fee Transparency

Cost should never be a surprise. A reliable agency will provide:

• A clear breakdown of agency fees

• Transparent details about placement fees (whether paid by employer or maid)

• A proper invoice or contract

Ask upfront:

• Are there any hidden costs?

• How much does the replacement cost if things don’t work out?

• What’s included in the package (e.g. insurance, medical check, SIP)?

4. Read Genuine Reviews 

It’s easy for any agency to showcase hand-picked testimonials—but real feedback from platforms like Google gives you a clearer picture of how the agency truly operates.

Look for:

• Consistent 4–5 star ratings

• Specific mentions of support, transparency, and after-sales service

• How the agency responds to negative reviews, if any

Here’s a snapshot from our Google Business profile:

5. Ask About Their Helper Screening & Matching Process

A good agency doesn’t just “assign” a helper—they match one based on your family’s lifestyle, preferences, and needs.

Ask the agency:

• How are the helpers screened?

• Do they offer caregivers for elderly or infant care?

• Can I interview the helper before selecting?

You should feel involved in the decision, not just handed a biodata sheet.

6. Understand the Agency’s Post-Placement Support

Even with the best match, adjustments or misunderstandings can still happen. That’s why it’s important to choose a maid agency that offers after-sales support, instead of stopping their service once the helper starts work.

Good agencies typically offer:

• Guidance or mediation if issues arise during the adjustment period

• Replacement options when necessary (terms vary, so clarify upfront)

• A support team you can reach out to if you need advice or follow-up

7. Understand Their Policies Around Replacement, Refunds & Responsibilities

Before signing anything, always clarify:

• What happens if the maid quits in the first month?

• How many replacements are included?

• Are there admin fees for a second or third helper?

If the answers aren’t clear—or worse, not written down—look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right maid agency in Singapore isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust, safety, and long-term peace of mind. A reputable agency will not only match you with a suitable helper but also stand by you when challenges arise.

If you’re just getting started and feeling unsure, our team at Helpers Inc., a reliable maid agency in Singapore, is here to guide you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on transparency, MOM compliance, and a strong commitment to both employers and helpers.