Neither a Filipino maid nor an Indonesian maid is simply better. MOM's rules are identical for both: the same eligibility criteria, the same $300 levy (or $60 with a concession), the same $5,000 security bond and insurance. The useful differences are in the individual helper's experience, language and fit with your home. On SmartMaid, the practical difference today is supply: 1,888 Indonesian profiles from 10 agencies against 63 Filipino profiles from 3 agencies, as of 11 October 2026.
Same MOM rules for both
Both the Philippines and Indonesia are on MOM's list of approved source countries. A helper of either nationality must be female, aged 23 to below 50 at her Work Permit application, and have at least 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate. Levy, security bond, insurance and the six-monthly medical examination do not change with nationality. Sources: MDW eligibility and Paying levy.
Before she leaves home, MOM asks employers to check with the helper's embassy whether she needs anything extra to leave her country, such as a visa or government letter. Requirements can differ by country, so ask the embassy or your agency early. See Apply for a Work Permit.
What SmartMaid profiles show
| Filipino profiles | Indonesian profiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Live biodata | 63 from 3 agencies | 1,888 from 10 agencies |
| Recorded infant care experience | 60 (about 95%) | 1,678 (about 89%) |
| Recorded elderly care experience | 26 (about 41%) | 815 (about 43%) |
| Recorded cooking experience | 62 (about 98%) | 1,868 (about 99%) |
| Listed past work in Singapore | 11 | 237 |
| Listed work in another country | 34 | 634 |
| Transfer helpers already in Singapore | 1 | 18 |
Profile figures describe biodata listed on SmartMaid on 11 October 2026 (published profiles from licensed agencies). They change daily and describe this catalogue only, not all helpers of any nationality. Experience fields are as recorded by agencies on each biodata.
The Filipino sample is small, so its percentages can swing a lot as a few profiles are added or removed. Read each biodata rather than the averages.
How to compare two real candidates
- Write down your needs first: infant care, elderly care, cooking, language, and whether you need her to work independently quickly.
- Check language in the interview. MOM suggests using the interview to see whether your family can communicate with her.
- Check past work. If she has worked in Singapore, MOM lets you check her employment history in FDW eService.
- Ask about food and religious practice. MOM tells employers not to force a helper to eat food she should not or is not comfortable with, for example because of her religion.
- Agree rest days and the contract in writing.
You can browse Filipino helpers on SmartMaid and compare individual profiles side by side with Indonesian ones.
Related guides
- Myanmar maid vs Indonesian maid
- Hiring a Filipino maid: complete guide
- Hiring an Indonesian maid: complete guide
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.
