
Hire a domestic helper directly – no extra costs, no placement fees, no middlemen.We’re working on a platform that makes direct hiring easier and more accessible for everyone – grounded in the real needs of those who give care, and those who rely on it.Are you an employer or a helper with questions about direct hiring? Email us or DM us on Instagram – we'll walk you through it.
Why Direct Hire?
1. Helpers Lose Months of Salary – and Fall into a Cycle of DebtMany domestic helpers in Singapore don’t start earning until their fourth, fifth, or even sixth month on the job. That’s because their salary is being deducted to repay recruitment debts – usually $2,000 to $4,500, depending on their country of origin and agent arrangement.These debts aren’t optional. Most helpers don’t have the savings to pay upfront, and are either forced to borrow (from family or sometimes illegally) or accept deductions arranged by agencies. This puts them in a position of dependence from day one – less able to speak up and negotiate fairer terms.
2. Employers Face High Costs – With Little ClarityEmployers can pay up to $2500 in agency fees, often without clarity on what they’re actually paying for. These costs are layered on top of government levies, insurance, and caregiving expenses – and yet don’t guarantee a better match or smoother hiring process.Agencies may prioritise placing helpers with ongoing loan obligations or those easiest to process, rather than those who are the best fit. As a result, employers sometimes find themselves rehiring repeatedly, with little continuity or support.
3. Hiring Is Confusing and GatekeptFor employers, hiring a domestic helper can feel overwhelming. There’s no single place to start – just a mess of agencies, job sites, and Facebook groups, all offering different packages, promises, and price points. On top of that, the rules and responsibilities around hiring aren't always clear, leaving employers unsure about what they're liable for – and what support they can expect when things go wrong.Helpers, meanwhile, are frequently placed without full clarity on job terms or expectations. Contracts can be confusing, and many aren’t fully aware of MOM’s requirements – or how to navigate the process independently.The result is a system where both sides rely heavily on intermediaries, without always understanding what they’re agreeing to.
4. Direct Hiring Is Simple and AffordableNot many people realise that you can legally hire a domestic helper in Singapore without going through an agency. The process can be done directly through MOM’s website – and it’s simpler than it seems.With direct hire, employers and helpers:
- Connect independently
- Set job terms together
- Submit documents through MOM’s online systemThe total cost? Around $510++, covering essentials like the application fees, work permit, insurance/security bond and a medical check. That’s at least 70% cheaper than typical agency costs. Bonus: your helper gets to keep her hard-earned salary from day one.
📊 See the Difference:
Cost Item | Direct Hire | Agency Hire |
---|---|---|
MOM Application Fee | $35 | $35 |
Work Permit | $35 | $35 |
Insurance & Security Bond | $400-$650 | $400-$650 |
Medical Examination | $40-$150 | $40-$150 |
Flight to Singapore (if needed) | $200-$500 | $200-$500 |
Admin/Documentation Fees | - | $0-$300 |
Agency/Service Fees | - | $600-$2500 |
Total Upfront Cost (Employer) Excluding Monthly Salary & Levy | $510-$1370 | $1110-$4170 |
Placement Fees/Salary Deduction (i.e. Helper's Loan) | - | $600-$4500 |
Total Hiring Cost (Employer+Helper) | $510-$1370 | $1710-$8670 |
*Costs are estimated from MOM website, interviews with helpers and employers, and employment contracts from selected agencies
5. Finding The Right Match – That's Where We Come In!Even when you’re ready to hire directly, it’s not always easy to find the right fit. Without a central platform, most people rely on word of mouth, Facebook posts, or WhatsApp groups to find or offer work. That’s where we will come in.While our platform is still in development, we’re offering one-on-one support – to help you navigate the process, and to learn from your experience as we build something better.If you’re an employer who’s found a helper (or if you're a helper approached by an employer) and need guidance, email us or DM us on Instagram – we’re happy to help.
What's Coming
Right now, we offer personalized, step-by-step support to guide you through the direct hiring process. We want to show you that it really can be that simple.Soon, we’ll launch a platform to make direct hiring even easier. You'll be able to:
Browse verified profiles
Use smart filters and matching to find the right fit, faster
Chat and negotiate directly
We’re rolling this out in three phases: first, education and outreach; second, easy-to-follow tools and manual matching via forms; and third, the full platform launch.Thanks for your patience while we take the time to build something that truly works.👥 Want to collaborate? Email us at [email protected].
📩 Need help now? DM or email us – we'll walk you through it.