At a Glance
- Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets no minimum wage for foreign domestic workers. Salary is agreed between the employer, the helper and the helper's home country rules.
- The Philippines requires new Filipino helper contracts to pay at least S$650 a month in Singapore, for contracts processed from 21 October 2025 (DMW Advisory 25-2025).
- A new Filipino helper needs her contract verified by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) at the Philippine Embassy before she can leave the Philippines.
- Filipino helpers cannot be charged placement fees, and recruitment costs cannot be deducted from their salary under Philippine rules.
- Indian and Filipino helpers both come under the same MOM Work Permit rules in Singapore: levy, security bond, medical insurance and a weekly rest day.
- The right choice depends on your household's needs: language, diet, care duties and budget matter more than nationality alone.
Friends,
Many employers ask us the same thing: should I hire an Indian helper or a Filipino helper? Both can be great. The better question is which helper fits your home. Below, we compare them factor by factor, using only rules we could verify.
How do Indian and Filipino helpers compare at a glance?
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| Factor | Indian helper | Filipino helper |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Varies by state. May speak Hindi, Tamil or other Indian languages; English level differs by person. | English is an official language of the Philippines and is widely used in schools. |
| Home country salary floor | Check the current requirement with your agency before signing. | S$650 a month in Singapore for new contracts. |
| Home country paperwork | Indian embassy steps can apply. Ask your agency which documents are needed today. | MWO contract verification and an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for departure. |
| Singapore rules | Same MOM Work Permit rules | Same MOM Work Permit rules |
| Best fit for | Homes that want Indian cooking or a shared Indian language with elderly family. | Homes that want daily communication in English, for example with young children. |
Which helper communicates better in English?
- English is widely used in the Philippines, so many Filipino helpers handle instructions, school notes and doctor visits in English.
- Indian helpers speak many different languages depending on their home state. Some speak good English; others do not.
- If your parents speak Tamil or Hindi, an Indian helper who shares that language can make daily care easier.
- Tip: always test language skills in the interview with a real task, such as reading a medicine label aloud.
How much does a Filipino helper cost compared with an Indian helper?
Filipino helper
Minimum S$650 a month for new contracts (Philippine minimum). Indicative only: first-time hires about S$650 to S$750, experienced helpers about S$700 to S$900 (filipinos.sg, 2026).
Indian helper
Salary is agreed with the helper and agency. Ask for a written quote and confirm any embassy salary requirement before you sign.
On top of salary, every employer pays the same Singapore costs for either nationality: the monthly levy, security bond, medical insurance, food and accommodation.
What paperwork do I need to hire a Filipino helper?
- Agree a contract at S$650 a month or more, with one full rest day a week, accommodation, meals and medical care.
- Have the contract verified by the MWO at the Philippine Embassy (20 Nassim Road).
- Get MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) for the Work Permit.
- The helper gets her OEC so she can leave the Philippines. The IPA alone is not enough.
What do I need to hire an Indian helper?
- MOM Work Permit rules are the same as for any other helper.
- Indian embassy requirements for domestic workers can change. Ask your agency for the current list, and check directly with the High Commission of India in Singapore if unsure.
- Read more in our guide: Should I hire an Indian maid?
Which helper has more experience?
- Experience depends on the person, not the passport. Ask for past employers, countries worked in and duties done.
- Transfer helpers already in Singapore have local experience you can check with the previous employer.
- For caregiving, ask about specific tasks: feeding, transfers, medication reminders.
- Curious why so many families choose Filipinas? See Why are Filipino maids so popular in Singapore?
Find the right helper for your home
Browse Indian, Filipino and other helper profiles, and talk to helpers directly.
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P.S. Salary floors and embassy rules change. Before you sign, check the latest with your agency or the embassy, so there are no surprises at the counter.
Sources: Migrant Workers Office Singapore and DMW Advisory 25-2025; MOM FAQ on FDW minimum wage; Inquirer (DMW $500 floor); filipinos.sg (indicative salary ranges, 2026). Checked October 2026.
