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Helper cost calculator
What a live-in domestic helper really costs an expat household in Singapore — monthly, in the first year and over a two-year contract. Official MOM figures are filled in; salary and agency fees are market estimates you can change.
Why expats pay the S$300 levy. The concessionary levy of S$60 applies only if your household
includes a Singapore Citizen child under 16, a Singapore Citizen aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities, among a few other
cases — every condition involves a Singapore Citizen. Most Employment Pass families therefore pay the normal rate of
S$300 a month for the first helper.
—per month, ongoing
—first 12 months, incl. one-off costs
—two-year contract
S$5,000security bond (guarantee, not a cost unless forfeited)
| Item | Monthly | One-off | Basis |
|---|
Planning estimate only. Salary, agency fees and insurance premiums vary; confirm with your agency and insurer.
MOM does not publish a minimum household income for employing a helper — your Work Permit application is assessed case by case.
Budgeting for preschool too?
Compare preschool fees for foreigners in every district of Singapore.
Sources
- Levy rates
- Levy concession eligibility
- Security bond
- Insurance requirements
- Work Permit fees
- Settling-In Programme
- Employers' Orientation Programme
- Typical salaries, agency fees, premiums (market estimates)
Official figures checked 2026-10-19. Market estimates are labelled as such.