Singapore employers pay a monthly foreign worker levy for a migrant domestic worker (MDW) while the Work Permit is valid. Some households may qualify for a concessionary levy if they meet criteria published by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Rates and rules change — treat any third-party summary as guidance only and verify on mom.gov.sg before you budget or sign.
Smart Maid Singapore is a search platform, not a maid agency. We help you browse biodata and enquire with licensed agencies. Levy payment, eligibility, and Work Permit compliance remain between you, MOM, and your licensed employment agency.
Why levy matters when you hire
Levy is separate from:
- Monthly salary paid to your helper
- Agency professional / placement fees
- Insurance, bond, and medical costs
If you only plan for salary, you will under-budget. For the full cost map, read Maid salary and total cost in Singapore.
Normal vs concessionary levy (high-level)
Normal levy: the standard monthly levy path when concession criteria do not apply.
Concessionary levy: a reduced path available only if your household meets MOM's published conditions (commonly discussed in relation to certain young-children or elderly-care situations — exact eligibility is defined by MOM, not by agencies or platforms).
Do not assume you automatically qualify because you have children or elderly relatives at home. Confirm whether your situation matches current MOM criteria, what documents are required, and when concession starts or changes.
What to confirm before you commit budget
- Current levy rates and concession rules on mom.gov.sg (check every hiring cycle)
- Your agency's written package — salary, fees, and what is included
- Payment setup — many employers use GIRO or an approved method to avoid renewal friction
- Timeline — transfer vs overseas new hire can change when costs start, even if levy rules are the same
Related: GIRO setup for FDW levy.
How this affects shortlisting on Smart Maid
Levy is not a biodata filter like "elderly care" or "Filipino." It is an employer-side cost. Use Smart Maid to shortlist helpers who match skills and experience, enquire with the licensed agency that published the biodata, then confirm levy path with that agency and MOM.
Helpful starts: Search maids, Transfer maids, elderly care, baby care, or nationality pages.
First-time employers: How to hire a domestic helper in Singapore.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating an old blog "levy rate" as current
- Mixing up salary and levy in the same budget line
- Choosing a helper on salary alone without total-cost planning
- Expecting Smart Maid to certify concession eligibility
FAQ
Q: Can Smart Maid tell me if I get the concessionary levy?
A: No. Only MOM's rules applied to your household facts — usually confirmed with your licensed agency and official MOM channels.
Q: Is levy part of the helper's salary?
A: No. Levy is paid to MOM. Salary is paid to your helper under the employment contract.
Q: Where do I find official levy amounts?
A: Always mom.gov.sg. Do not rely on memorised figures from articles.
Q: Does transfer vs overseas hire change levy?
A: Levy rules are employer/Work Permit based. When employment (and costs) start can differ — confirm with your agency and MOM guidance.
Ready to plan your hire?
Browse maids · Transfer maids · Salary & total cost · Agencies
