A Singapore family and their maid preparing food in a kitchen
Hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore means paying the maid levy every month. This fee, set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), helps manage the number of MDWs while supporting local jobs. Knowing how the levy works keeps your household running smoothly and within the rules. Thousands of families in Singapore rely on helpers, so understanding the levy saves you time and money.
What Is the Maid Levy?
The maid levy is a monthly fee that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) collects from employers who hire a foreign domestic workers. The fee helps regulate demand, promotes responsible hiring, and supports policies that protect Singapore’s local workforce. You pay the levy throughout the entire employment period, even when your helper is on leave. As of June 2025, there were 308,700 helpers working in Singapore, and the levy helped maintain a balanced and organised domestic workforce across the country.
For official background details, you can refer to the MOM: Foreign Domestic Worker Levy page.
Current Maid Levy Rates in 2025
Current maid levy rates as of 2025 charge S$300 per month for your first helper. If you hire additional helpers, each one costs S$450 per month. Some households qualify for a lower levy of S$60. This includes families with young children under 16, seniors aged 67 and above, or those with disabilities. Understanding these rates helps you plan your household expenses and ensures you can budget accurately for hiring a helper.
Who Qualifies for the Maid Levy Concession?
Elderly Singaporean woman being assisted by a maid at home.
You qualify for the S$60 concessionary maid levy if your household includes a child under 16 who is a Singapore citizen. The concession also applies if you care for an elderly citizen aged 67 or older, or a person with disabilities. This concession helps families with special caregiving needs reduce their costs while ensuring they receive the support they need. Levy concession can only be granted for 1 helper per eligible person and is capped at 2 helpers per household. To qualify for levy concession for a second helper, there must be 2 eligible persons in your household.
Refer to MoM website (https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/levy-concession) for information about levy concession.
How to Pay the Maid Levy
Payment happens automatically through GIRO. When you hire your helper, set up a GIRO account to pay the levy hassle-free. MOM will deduct the levy around the 17th of each month. If the 17th falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment is processed the next working day. You can check your payment status anytime on MOM’s FDW eService portal, and if the GIRO payment fails, make the payment immediately using PayNow QR or other approved methods to avoid penalties.
For guidance, you can refer to MOM’s official resource: MOM: Foreign Domestic Worker Levy.
Penalties for Late or Non-Payment of Maid Levy
Missing levy payments results in a late payment penalty. The penalty is calculated using a formula. Which is 2% of the unpaid amount, pro-rated daily, and subject to a minimum of $20 or 30 percent of the unpaid levy, whichever is lower. Repeated late payments can lead to your helper’s Work Permit being revoked and may prevent you from applying for or renewing work permits. To avoid this, ensure your GIRO account always has sufficient funds.
Maid Levy Waivers: When and How to Apply
You can apply for a levy waiver under specific situations. These include when your helper takes overseas leave for at least 7 consecutive days, capped at 60 days per year, or is on hospitalisation leave issued by a Singapore-registered doctor, also capped at 60 days per year. Other eligible situations include when the helper is in police or embassy custody or has passed away.
You must submit the waiver application through MOM’s FDW eService from the first day of the month after you receive the levy bill and within one year of the bill date. If approved, the waived amount is credited to your levy account and used to offset future levy bills. Keep travel and hospital records ready to support your application and ensure it is processed smoothly.
Levy Refunds
You may be eligible for a levy refund if there is a credit (‘CR’) in your levy account. This usually occurs after an approved waiver or an overpayment. You can apply for a refund through MOM’s eService if there are no upcoming levy bills for the helper to offset the credit. Applications must be made within one year from the date the 'CR' was credited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When does the maid levy start and end?
A: For first-time helpers, the levy will begin on the 5th day of their arrival (including the arrival date). Otherwise, the levy will begin the next day after the helper arrives. The levy ends when the Work Permit is cancelled or expires.
Q2: Do I pay a levy during home leave?
A: Yes, you must pay the levy during home leave. However, you can apply for a levy waiver to recover the amount for periods when your helper is on overseas leave for at least 7 consecutive days. This waiver is capped at 60 calendar days per year. The waiver is not automatic; you must apply for it within one year of the levy bill date.
Q3: What if my helper leaves mid-month?
A: The levy is strictly pro-rated. You only pay for the number of days the helper was actually under your employment. MOM calculates this by dividing the monthly rate by the number of days in that specific month.
Q4: Can I pay manually?
A: While GIRO is the mandatory and preferred method for automatic deductions, manual payment is possible if GIRO fails or is not set up. In such cases, you can make immediate payment via PayNow QR through MOM's "Check and pay foreign worker levy" eService. It is highly encouraged to set up GIRO to avoid missed payments and penalties.
Key Takeaways & Next step
The maid levy is an essential monthly fee for employing a foreign domestic worker in Singapore. Understanding rates, payment methods, waivers and penalties helps you manage your household budget and stay compliant. On the other hand, being proactive keeps employment smooth and stress-free.
For a concise overview of the government policies that shape current levy rules, you may refer to the Singapore Budget 2024 – Domestic Worker Policies.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the maid levy rates and information in this guide, policies are subject to change. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is the final authority on all regulations concerning Foreign Domestic Workers. We strongly encourage readers to verify the current levy rates and latest requirements directly on the official MOM website before making any decisions.
Hire Your Helper Stress-Free Today !!
If you’re ready to hire a foreign domestic worker or want to manage your maid levy with ease, our maid agency Singapore team is here to support you. We’ll guide you step by step through levy payments, concessions, and permit matters. With our help, you can handle everything smoothly, keep your household running efficiently, and enjoy peace of mind.
Contact us today to get reliable assistance and order our maid agency services you can trust.
