How much does it cost to hire a maid in Malaysia?

The total cost includes an agency fee, a government levy paid annually, FOMEMA medical screening, a security bond, and personal accident insurance. Government fees are set by regulation; the agency fee varies. Contact PMA for a current written quotation specific to your situation.

What is the government levy for a domestic helper in Malaysia?

An annual levy is payable by the employer to the government for each foreign domestic helper. The rate is set by the Malaysian government and may change — verify the current rate with the Immigration Department or your licensed agency before payment.

Is there a cap on agency fees for Indonesian helpers?

Yes. Under the Malaysia–Indonesia MOU, there is a regulated maximum on the agency fee chargeable for placing an Indonesian domestic helper. Always request a written fee breakdown before signing any agency agreement to ensure compliance with the MOU cap.

Maid Agency Fees in Malaysia — Government Costs Guide (2026)

Last reviewed: 6 August 2026 — Reviewed by: Ms Shirley Yap, Director — PMA

Government fees change. All government rates are set by regulation and subject to revision. Confirm current rates at imi.gov.my and jtksm.mohr.gov.my before making any payment.

Quick Answer

Government levy (FDH): paid annually by employer to government — verify current rate with Immigration Department.
FOMEMA medical screening: annual requirement since Jan 2024 — verify current fee at fomema.com.my.
Security bond: government-held deposit, amount differs by nationality — confirm with your agency.
Agency fee: contact PMA for a current written quotation.
Minimum monthly salary: set by MOU for each nationality — confirm current rate with PMA before signing.

Why Most Agencies Don't Publish Their Fees

Domestic helper agency fees are one of the most searched but least-answered questions in the Malaysian market. Most agencies keep fees off their websites because they prefer to quote each family individually — often adjusting based on perceived willingness to pay, rather than a published standard.

PMA publishes this breakdown because we believe families making a significant household decision deserve to understand what they are paying, what it goes toward, and whether the figures they are being quoted elsewhere are reasonable.

Government-Mandated Fees

The government fees for hiring a domestic helper in Malaysia are set by regulation — they are the same regardless of which agency you use. These include the levy, FOMEMA, security bond, and insurance. On top of these, you will pay an agency service fee; contact PMA for a current written quotation.

Government Fees — What You Pay to the Government

Foreign Domestic Helper Levy: Paid annually by the employer to the government. Rate is set by regulation — confirm the current rate with the Immigration Department before payment.
FOMEMA Medical Screening: Annual requirement since January 2024. Fee set by FOMEMA — confirm the current amount at fomema.com.my.
Security Bond: A government-held deposit paid by the employer. The amount differs between Indonesian and Filipino helpers — confirm with your agency before placement.
Personal Accident Insurance: Mandatory. Amount depends on chosen insurer and policy — your agency can advise on options.
PLKS (Work Permit) Application: Applied through FWCMS or MyPass@JIM. May be bundled into the agency fee — confirm this with PMA when getting your written quotation.

Agency fee: PMA's agency fee varies and is quoted individually based on your requirements. Contact any branch for a current written quotation before committing.

Ongoing Monthly Cost — Helper's Salary

Beyond the one-time placement costs and annual government fees, the ongoing monthly cost is the helper's salary. Minimum salary levels are set by government-to-government MOUs and are subject to revision. Contact PMA to confirm the current applicable minimum salary for your chosen nationality before signing any employment contract.

Payment Breakdown — Who Gets What

A clear picture of where your money goes, because this question is asked often:

To the Malaysian government: Levy, FOMEMA fee, security bond, PLKS fee.
To PMA (the agency): Agency service fee — covers recruitment, screening, documentation, liaison, and post-placement support.
To the helper: Monthly salary. The helper receives their salary in full — deductions are not permitted except where explicitly agreed in writing and permitted by law.
To the insurer: Personal accident insurance premium.

Questions to Ask Any Agency Before Signing

What is your JTKSM licence number? (Then verify it yourself.)
Is your agency fee an all-in figure, or are there additional charges?
What government fees are included, and what do I pay separately?
Do you charge anything to the helper? (If yes, under what arrangement?)

Frequently Asked Questions — Fees

Yes. The Malaysia–Indonesia MOU sets a regulated maximum on the total agency fee for placing an Indonesian domestic helper. No licensed agency can legally charge above this cap. Contact PMA for a written fee breakdown — this does not include separate government fees (levy, FOMEMA, security bond, insurance) which are paid directly to the government.
Most agencies require a deposit or partial agency fee payment when you confirm a placement. The balance is typically paid on or around the helper's arrival, along with government fees. PMA will give you a payment schedule in writing before you commit to anything.
The levy is the employer's legal obligation. If you and your helper agree in writing to share the levy cost, this is a separate private arrangement — but it must be in writing and agreed to before employment starts. Do not deduct anything from salary without explicit written agreement, as this may violate the terms of the employment contract and potentially immigration regulations.

Ready to get an accurate, current quote? Call any PMA branch for a no-obligation consultation and written fee breakdown for your specific situation.

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