Are you looking to hire a Transfer Maid (MDW) in Singapore to save on overseas processing fees? While hiring a helper who is already in Singapore can be faster, understanding the total upfront cost is crucial. Many employers are caught off guard by the diverse fee structures among agencies. In this comprehensive guide, we reveal every component of the Singapore Maid Transfer Fee and provide an Extra-ordinary Interactive Calculator below to help you plan your budget with 100% transparency in 2026.
🇸🇬 Singapore Maid Transfer Fee Calculator (2026)
Plan your budget by adjusting the service options below.
Estimated Total Upfront Cost:
Breakdown of Singapore Maid Transfer Fees (2026 Guide)
Hiring a Transfer Maid involves diverse costs that are often not transparently listed by agencies. While you save on overseas processing fees and airfare, you must budget for localized administrative and professional services. Here is a complete breakdown of what you are paying for:
1. Professional Agency Service Fee
This is the main fee charged by the maid agency for their services. It covers the matching process, administrative work, MOM application, and post-placement support. As our calculator shows, this can range from S$1,000 to over S$2,000, depending on the agency’s reputation, service level, and whether they provide additional training for the helper.
2. Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Mandatory Fees
These are fixed costs that must be paid to the government for any work permit transfer:
- MOM Transfer Fee (S$35): Charged for the application to transfer the Work Permit from the previous employer to you.
- Work Permit Issuance Fee (S$35): Charged once the transfer application is approved, for the issuance of the new Work Permit card.
3. Maid Insurance and Security Bond Package
MOM regulations require all employers to purchase a minimum insurance coverage for their MDWs, which must include a S$5,000 security bond.
- Basic Plan (Est. S$250): Meets the minimal MOM requirements for medical coverage and personal accident.
- Comprehensive Plan (Est. S$450): Provides much higher coverage for critical illnesses, hospitalization, and repatration. We highly recommend this for households with elderly family members or helpers with a medical history.
The Hidden Trap: Placement Fee vs. Transfer Fee
It is crucial to distinguish between the Transfer Fee (what you pay the agency) and the Placement Fee (often referred to as a “Loan” that the maid pays back to the agency).
While you are responsible for the Transfer Fee, many agencies also require you to advance the Placement Fee on behalf of the maid. This loan can amount to 4 to 8 months of their salary. Ensure your agency is transparent about whether the quoted Transfer Fee includes this loan advancement. Our calculator focuses solely on the upfront costs that you, as the employer, must absorb.
FAQ: Singapore Maid Transfer Fee & Agency Cost (2026)
Can I process the transfer myself without an agency to save on fees?
While it is possible to do a DIY transfer via MOM’s portal, we advise against it for first-time employers. The process is administratively complex, requires specific knowledge of insurance and bond purchasing, and offers no placement guarantee if the helper is not a good fit.
Does a Transfer Maid get a mandatory day off?
Yes. Under current MOM rules, Transfer Maids are entitled to one mandatory day off per month that cannot be compensated away, just like new maids.
How long does the maid transfer process typically take?
A transfer can be completed in as little as 1-3 weeks, significantly faster than the 2-4 months required for new maids from overseas.