Maid Agency Fees Explained: What You're Paying For
What should a maid agency fee in Malaysia cover? What's included, what's often charged separately, red flags, and the questions to ask before you pay.
When you hire a domestic helper, the agency fee is often the part that confuses families most. What does it pay for? Is it the same as the total cost? Why do quotes differ so much? This guide explains it in plain terms, so you can recognise a fair, transparent quote.
Agency Fee vs Total Cost
The agency fee is not the total cost of hiring a helper. The total also includes government charges, the FOMEMA medical, insurance and your helper’s monthly salary. Those are covered in our Cost of Hiring a Maid in Malaysia guide. This page is about the agency fee only.
What a Fair Agency Fee Should Include
| Usually included | Often charged separately (ask!) | Red flags |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing and interviewing candidates | Government levy and permit | No fixed price in writing |
| Matching to your household’s needs | FOMEMA medical | Payment to a personal bank account |
| Paperwork and processing | Insurance | No JTKSM licence number |
| Coordinating medicals, permits and arrival | Helper’s travel | “Fast placement” with a very low deposit |
| Support after placement and an assurance period | Pressure to pay before seeing candidates |
Why Quotes Differ Between Agencies
- What is included: some fees bundle in a longer assurance period or insurance; others do not.
- Source country: costs differ depending on where your helper comes from.
- Level of service: more support and better follow-up take more work.
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. A fee that includes strong support and a solid assurance period often saves money and stress later.
Why We Don’t Publish a Single Price
Our fee depends on the source country and the package you choose, which differ in the level of support and the length of the assurance period. A single “average” figure would mislead you. Instead, before you pay anything, we put your exact fee and everything it covers in writing.
Our price is fixed and already includes your helper’s flight to Malaysia and the first year’s levy, work permit and visa, FOMEMA medical and insurance. Nothing is added on later, unless you ask for a special flight or arrival arrangement. Renewals in later years are separate, and we remind you before they fall due.
A Warning About Unusually Cheap Fees
An unusually low fee can be a warning sign: hidden charges added later, no assurance period, or an unlicensed agent operating outside the law. With an unlicensed agent, you have no protection if something goes wrong. Before you pay anyone, check the agency’s JTKSM licence.
Questions to Ask About Any Agency Fee
- What does this fee include, and what is charged separately?
- Is the assurance period included, and how long is it?
- Could any costs come up later?
- Is this a fixed price, in writing, with nothing added on later?
- Which company account do I pay into, and will I get a receipt?
A trustworthy agency answers all of these clearly and in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a maid agency fee include in Malaysia?
Usually sourcing and matching, paperwork, coordinating medicals and permits, and support after placement. Always ask for a written list of what is and isn’t included.
Is the agency fee the total cost of hiring a maid?
No. The total also includes government levy, permit, FOMEMA, insurance and your helper’s monthly salary.
Does Smart Recruit’s price include government charges?
Yes. Our fixed price includes the first year’s levy, work permit and visa, FOMEMA medical and insurance, as well as your helper’s flight to Malaysia, with nothing added on later.
Why is one agency much cheaper than another?
Usually because of what is included, the source country and the level of service. Be careful with very low quotes. They can hide extra charges or signal an unlicensed agent.
See the full picture in our cost guide, or get your own written quote from our team, with no hidden costs.
