You can hire a helper directly in Singapore without an employment agency. MOM says employers can apply for or renew a Work Permit themselves in FDW eService with their Singpass. Going direct saves agency fees but means you find, check and process the helper yourself. An agency handles much of that work for a fee, and MOM puts specific duties on it, such as housing a new helper until placement and offering a refund option of at least 50% of its service fee if employment ends within the first six months.
Direct hire vs agency at a glance
| Direct hire | Through an agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Who applies for the Work Permit | You, in FDW eService with Singpass | The agency, after you authorise it in FDW eService |
| MOM application and issuance fees | $35 + $35 | $35 + $35, plus the agency's own fees |
| Finding and checking candidates | You | Agency sources and vets; must give you detailed biodata |
| Helper's upkeep before placement | Not applicable | Agency's responsibility from arrival until placement |
| Safety agreement | You still need one signed | Agency must arrange it |
| Refund if it ends early | Not applicable | Refund option of at least 50% of service fees within the first six months |
Sources: MOM FAQ: hiring without an agency, Apply for a Work Permit, What the agency is responsible for and MOM: Employment agencies.
What MOM says about each route
MOM's own hiring guide puts it simply: licensed agencies can handle much of the administrative work, such as legal requirements, finding candidates and vetting qualifications, but charge for it. Direct hiring could be more affordable but takes more effort, which may not suit you if you are short of time. See MOM: Eight steps to hiring a helper.
If you hire directly
- First-time employers attend the Employers' Orientation Programme at least 2 working days before applying.
- Check the helper meets MOM's criteria: female, 23 to below 50 at application, approved source country, at least 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate.
- Check her employment history in FDW eService using her FIN and nationality, if she has worked here before.
- Get her written consent, then apply in FDW eService. MOM aims to process within 1 week.
- After approval, buy the security bond and insurance, arrange the Settling-in Programme if she is a first-timer, and sign the safety agreement. MOM's safety agreement page says an agency arranges it, so ask MOM how to complete it if you have no agency.
Direct hire of a transfer maid
A helper already working in Singapore can move to you by direct transfer. Her current employer approves your request in FDW eService, she must have done her 6ME, and her Work Permit must be valid for more than 30 days when you apply. See Transfer an MDW directly to a new employer and our transfer maid vs new hire guide.
If you use an agency
- Check it is licensed in MOM's EA directory. MOM says engaging an unlicensed agency is an offence.
- Ask for a written service agreement covering replacement, termination and refund terms.
- Authorise it in FDW eService before it applies for you.
For direct hiring a Filipino helper specifically, see direct hiring a Filipino maid.
Related guides
- Work Permit application: employer checklist
- How agencies submit Work Permit applications for you
- Using MOM EA directory stats
This is a practical guide, not MOM. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on mom.gov.sg before you act. Last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
