- MOM approves 13 source countries or regions for helpers: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand. Pakistan is not on the list.
- Most Singapore families hire from the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar or India.
- Pick on factors that matter to your home: language, experience, diet and religion, cost and paperwork.
- Some embassies set their own minimum salary. The Philippines has the highest floor in 2026.
- Every helper must be female, aged 23 to below 50 at application, with at least 8 years of formal education.
Choosing a helper's country is really choosing a set of practical trade-offs. Nationality tells you about language, paperwork and typical salary. It tells you nothing about one person's character. Interview the person, then use this guide for the rest.
Which countries can I hire a maid from in Singapore?
MOM sets the rules. A helper needs to meet all of these to get a Work Permit:
| Requirement | MOM rule |
|---|---|
| Sex | Female |
| Age | 23 to below 50 at application. Helpers aged 50 and above can only renew until 60. |
| Source country or region | Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand |
| Education | Minimum 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate |
Swipe to see more. Source: Ministry of Manpower, MDW eligibility page (checked Oct 2026).
What should I compare when choosing a helper's country?
How do Filipino, Indonesian, Myanmar and Indian helpers compare?
| Country | Language | Indicative salary (2026) | Things to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | English is widely used in schooling | From S$650 (Philippine minimum) | Embassy contract verification and Philippine-side clearance add time |
| Indonesia | Bahasa Indonesia, close to Malay. English varies | About S$600 to S$650 expected minimum | Ask your agency for the current embassy rules before you commit |
| Myanmar | Burmese. English varies, often basic for first-timers | About S$550 to S$750 | Departure paperwork in Myanmar can shift. Ask the agency about current timelines |
| India | Varies by state. Many speak some English or Hindi | Agency quotes vary. Confirm with your agency | Smaller pool, so fewer candidates to choose from |
Swipe to see more. Salary ranges are indicative only, gathered Oct 2026 from filipinos.sg (Philippine S$650 minimum), HelperChoice (Indonesia) and Upwill (Myanmar). Experience and duties push pay up. Always confirm with your agency.
Do embassies set a minimum salary for maids in Singapore?
- Singapore: no legal minimum wage for helpers. You agree salary in the contract.
- Philippines: the DMW set the minimum for Filipino household workers in Singapore at S$650 a month.
- Indonesia: expected minimum is reported at about S$600 to S$650 in 2026.
- Myanmar: we could not confirm a current published embassy minimum. Ask your agency.
What else will I pay on top of salary?
| Item | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| MOM levy, first helper | S$300 |
| MOM levy, second helper | S$450 |
| Concessionary levy (if eligible) | S$60 |
| Food, toiletries, phone | Varies by household |
Source: MOM levy rates. Concession applies for households with young children, elderly or persons with disabilities.
Where can I read more about each nationality?
- Why are Filipino maids so popular in Singapore?
- Should I hire an Indian maid?
- Should I hire a Myanmar maid?
Filter by country, language and experience, then shortlist the ones who fit your home.
Browse SearchmaidP.S. Shortlist two or three countries, not one. You'll get more good candidates to interview.
