Understanding the Costs of Transferring a Maid in Singapore

Hiring a transfer maid has its benefits. Since the maid has working experience in Singapore, it will take less time for her to adjust to your household. 

Also, she brings her past work experience, which may translate to less training time. Not to mention you can conduct face-to-face interviews, too.

Keep in mind that the costs associated with hiring a transfer maid are different from those of hiring a new maid. Understanding the costs of transferring a maid in Singapore is necessary. If you understand the costs, you will be able to anticipate and adjust your household budget as needed.

Understanding the costs of transferring a maid in Singapore

1. Initial Costs

The hiring process comes with several costs, which include the following:

• Agency fees

These are the fees employers pay to maid agencies to assist with the transfer. A lot of employers choose to go through a maid agency for transfer maids. Agencies facilitate not only the hiring process, but also offer various related services.

Agency fees might include document processing, submission fees, matching services, arrangement of interviews, and initial orientation. The rate of these fees varies depending on the agencies, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

• Processing fees

As an employer, you must apply to the Ministry of Manpower for a new work permit for the maid. You can expect the fees for a work permit and other necessary documentation to be around $100.

• Training fees

If you have specific requirements for the maid, there may be further costs to cover the maid’s additional training.

2. Monthly Costs

Understanding the costs of transferring a maid in Singapore means understanding the monthly expenses of hiring a transfer maid. You need to factor in the maid’s salary, food, and medical expenses.

• Salary

The salary for transfer maids varies. It depends on the maid’s experience and skills. The more experience and skills a maid has, the more likely she demands a higher salary.

• Food

Employers must provide three meals a day.  When you hire a maid, you have another adult to live with you. Expect your budget for food to increase.

• Medical expenses

Employers are responsible for the medical costs of their maids. You need to account for not only regular check-ups for your maid but also unforeseen medical emergencies.

3. Additional or Hidden Costs

Understanding the costs of transferring a maid in Singapore involves factoring in less obvious expenses. The additional or hidden costs of hiring a transfer maid include

• Insurance and security bond

Maid insurance is a legal requirement. The average cost of maid insurance is $580. Keep in mind that the insurance must include medical coverage (at least $15,000 per year) and personal accident insurance (at least $60,000).

In addition to the mandatory insurance plan, non-Malaysian maids must be covered under a security bond of $5,000.

• Home leave expenses

You also need to take the costs of your maid’s home leave into consideration.

• Incentives or bonuses

Giving year-end incentives or bonuses is a common practice for employers. It is a gesture that shows appreciation for hard work and dedication. While giving incentives or bonuses to a maid isn’t mandatory, such a gesture goes a long way in fostering a positive and healthy working relationship.

FAQs Understanding the Costs of Transferring a Maid in Singapore

Why should I consider hiring a transfer maid?

Hiring a transfer maid is often easier because she already has work experience in Singapore, which means less adjustment and training time. A major benefit is that you can conduct a face-to-face interview with her before making a decision.

What are the main initial costs I need to pay?

The initial costs typically include the agency fee (which can range from $1,000 to $3,000), a work permit processing fee of around $100, and potential training fees if you need her to learn specific skills.

What are the regular monthly expenses?

Every month, you need to budget for the maid’s salary (which depends on her experience), provide her with three meals a day, and cover all her medical expenses, from regular check-ups to emergencies.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs of transferring a maid in Singapore is necessary. By understanding the initial costs, monthly costs, and additional or hidden costs, you will be able to prepare and adjust your budget as needed.

As a maid agency with good reviews, we understand that hiring a transfer maid is more cost-effective. 

At Your Maid Agency, we strive to provide you with the best possible candidate that fits your household. 

We are a recommended maid agency specializing as both an Indonesian maid agency and a Myanmar maid agency, providing a wide range of services including direct hiring, work permit application, maid insurance, medical checkups, and renewal of passport and work permit. For more information on our service, please visit Your Maid Agency.