- India sets no embassy minimum salary for helpers; most agencies quote about $500 to $650 a month
- Levy is $300 a month, or $60 with a concession
- She must be 23 to below 50 with 8 years of formal schooling (MOM)
- Agency fees usually run $1,000 to $2,500
- Medical insurance of at least $60,000 a year plus a $5,000 security bond
Friends, this question lands in our inbox more often than you'd think.
Sometimes from Indian families who want someone who gets their food and festivals.
Sometimes from Chinese families who saw a good profile and aren't sure how it would work at home.
Both are fair questions. Here's what we'd tell a friend.
Why Do Families Choose an Indian Helper?
Every helper is an individual, so treat these as possibilities to check at interview.
How Much Does an Indian Maid Cost in Singapore?
Indonesia and the Philippines set minimum salaries for their helpers. India doesn't, so pay is agreed between you and her.
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly salary | About $500 to $650 (agency estimates) |
| Monthly levy | $300, or $60 with a concession |
| Agency fee | About $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Work Permit | $70 |
| Settling-In Programme | $75 (first-time helpers) |
| Insurance and bond | $60,000 medical cover a year, $5,000 bond |
Experience and English usually push the salary up. Whatever you agree, declare it accurately to MOM and pay within 7 days of each month's end.
Who Can Work as a Helper in Singapore?
MOM rules apply to every nationality, India included.
- Aged 23 to below 50 when the Work Permit is applied for
- At least 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate
- First-timers attend the Settling-In Programme
- First-timers also attend 2 MOM interviews in their first year, run by CDE
Will an Indian Helper Speak English?
It depends on the person.
India has many languages, and English levels vary a lot.
Helpers from Mizoram are often mentioned for stronger English. Test it at interview anyway.
Do a video interview, ask her to describe her last job in her own words, and ask the agency for references from past employers.
I'm From a Chinese Family. Can an Indian Maid Work for Us?
Yes. Plenty of Chinese households employ Indian helpers happily.
It comes down to fit and expectations. Talk these through at interview:
How Do I Help Her Settle In?
- Expect a learning curve of a few weeks with any new helper
- Give one clear instruction at a time, and show rather than tell
- Let her keep her own food habits for her own meals
- Judge her as herself, without comparing her to your last helper
- Give feedback kindly and early, before small things pile up
So, Should I Hire an Indian Maid?
If language, Indian cooking or festivals matter to your home, she could be a lovely fit.
If you're a Chinese family, an open mind and a good interview matter more than nationality.
Pick the person... the passport is just paperwork.
Looking for an Indian helper?
Browse helpers from licensed agencies across Singapore. Filter by nationality, language and experience.
Browse SearchmaidP.S. Fair warning: once you've had home-cooked dal every week, the hawker centre version may start to feel like a downgrade. Sorry in advance.
