Agency fees: what you can legally be charged

Paying an employment agency to help you find a job in Singapore is normal. But there is a legal limit to how much you can be charged, and you have real rights around it — a receipt, a refund if things end early, and a way to report anyone who breaks the rules. This guide explains it simply, using MOM's own figures.

The MOM fee cap: how much can an agency charge you?

By law, a Singapore employment agency (EA) cannot charge a foreign worker more than one month of your fixed monthly salary for each year of service — and never more than two months' salary in total, no matter how many years your contract runs.

For example, if your fixed monthly salary is $650:

• 1-year contract → the agency can charge at most $650 (one month's salary).
• 2-year contract or longer → the agency can charge at most $1,300 (two months' salary) — this is the absolute ceiling, even for a 3-year or 4-year contract.

This is a maximum, not a target — many workers are charged less. If you are unsure what you agreed to pay, check your In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which MOM sends before you arrive. It states your fixed monthly salary and the fee you agreed to pay your Singapore EA.

What counts as your "salary" for this calculation?

MOM bases the cap on your basic salary plus any fixed allowances — not on bonuses, commissions or overtime pay, which can change from month to month.

No fee for work pass renewal

When your Work Permit or pass is renewed, your agency is not allowed to charge you any fee for that renewal. Costs like the foreign worker levy and MOM's application fees are the employer's responsibility — they can never be passed on to you, whether by your employer or your agency.

You have a right to a receipt

Whenever a licensed agency collects a fee from you, it must give you a written, itemised receipt. This is a legal requirement, not a favour — an agency that fails to issue one is committing an offence and can be fined. Keep every receipt safely; it is your proof of what you paid and when.

If your job ends within 6 months: the refund rule

If your employment is terminated within 6 months of starting, you are entitled to a refund of at least 50% of the agency fees you paid. This applies even if the agency that charged you has since closed down — you can still contact MOM for help recovering what you are owed.

How to report overcharging or a missing receipt

Before you report, gather what you have: your IPA letter, any receipts, and any written agreement about fees. Then:

1. Report it to MOM using the "Report an infringement" e-service, available online any time. Your identity is kept confidential from the agency.
2. Or call the MOM Enquiries Hotline to speak to someone directly.
3. If you need help in your own language, or support while you sort things out, the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) runs a 24-hour helpline in about 10 languages.

MOM staff will never ask you to transfer money or share banking passwords by phone or email. If a call or message about "fees" or "fines" feels wrong, hang up and verify it — call the ScamShield Helpline to check.

Quick questions

How much can an employment agency legally charge me?

No more than one month of your fixed monthly salary per year of service, capped at two months' salary in total — whatever your contract length.

Can an agency charge me again when my work pass is renewed?

No. Work pass renewal fees for foreign workers are not allowed. That cost sits with your employer.

Do I get a receipt when I pay agency fees?

Yes — a written, itemised receipt is required by law every time a fee is collected from you.

What if my job ends within 6 months — can I get money back?

Yes, at least 50% of the fees you paid, even if the agency has since shut down.

How do I report an agency that overcharged me?

Use MOM's "Report an infringement" e-service or call 6438 5122. You can also call MWC's 24-hour helpline on 6536 2692.