Hiring Domestic Help in the Philippines as an Expat
Moving to the Philippines comes with a lot of perks — warm weather, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. But everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry can still pile up and take away from the experience. That’s where hiring domestic help in the Philippines comes in. It’s affordable, flexible, and can give you back time to enjoy your new life.
Whether you’re a full-time expat or just settling in, hiring help can take the stress out of your day and make daily life a whole lot smoother.
Know What You Need Before You Start Looking
Before you begin your search, take a moment to think about what kind of help would make the biggest difference in your life.
What tasks do you need help with?
Is it just cleaning, or do you want help with cooking, laundry, or childcare too?
How often will you need someone?
Are you looking for part-time help, full-time, or even someone who lives in?
Do you have special requests?
If you have pets, make sure the person is comfortable around animals.
Being clear about your needs from the start helps narrow down your options and makes the hiring process faster and easier.
Where to Find the Right Domestic Helper
There are two main ways to find help: through agencies or personal referrals. Each has its pros.
Licensed Agencies
Agencies can be helpful if you’re new to the country. They pre-screen candidates, check backgrounds, and understand labor laws. They also make contracts easier to manage.
Word-of-Mouth
If you’ve already made connections in your neighborhood or community, ask around. A recommendation from someone you trust can go a long way, especially if the helper has experience working with expats.
No matter the source, make sure to interview candidates and ask about past experience, references, and daily routines.
What to Ask During the Interview
An interview is your chance to get a feel for the person. Go beyond basic questions and try to picture how they would fit into your life.
Experience with Similar Households
If you have kids, ask about their childcare background. If you need someone to cook, ask what meals they’re familiar with.
Comfort with Communication
Make sure you both understand each other clearly. Good communication avoids confusion and helps build trust.
Cultural Fit
Someone who understands expat life can often adjust more easily to your routines and expectations.
Set Expectations and Build a Positive Relationship
Once you’ve found the right person, take a few simple steps to make sure things go smoothly from the start.
Write a Clear Contract
List duties, salary, time off, and working hours. This protects both sides and sets clear expectations.
Be Upfront About Tasks
Let them know what you expect — whether it’s how you like the floors cleaned or how you want the kids’ toys put away.
Show Respect
Treat your helper like a valued member of the household. A little kindness and appreciation go a long way.
Stay Open to Cultural Differences
You might do things differently, but open communication and flexibility can create a great working relationship.
How to Tailor Domestic Help to Fit Your Life
One of the best parts about hiring domestic help in the Philippines is how customizable it is. You can find someone who fits your routine, your needs, and your budget.
What Tasks Can They Handle?
With Laundry:
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Sweeping, mopping, dusting, kitchen and bathroom cleaning (around ₱3,500 per month)
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Laundry and ironing (add ₱1,000 to ₱2,000)
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Meal prep based on your preferences
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Errands like groceries or dry cleaning (may cost more depending on time and distance)
Without Laundry:
All of the above except laundry, and you’ll usually save about ₱1,000 to ₱2,000 monthly.
Do You Have Children or Pets? Here’s What to Consider
With Children:
Helpers can take care of playtime, feeding, bath time, and help with routines. Some even help with light homework or educational play. These services usually add to the monthly rate depending on experience and hours.
Without Children:
If it’s just you or you’re a couple, focus on cleaning, cooking, errands, and keeping the home in top shape.
What Equipment Do You Need to Provide?
You’ll usually need to supply cleaning tools — like brooms, rags, or mops. If you want deeper cleaning, you might need to provide a vacuum, steamer, or other equipment. Being prepared helps your helper do a better job.
Find the Right Fit by Being Clear Upfront
When speaking with an agency or interviewing someone directly, explain your exact needs. Mention if you want help with or without laundry, childcare, or specific errands. This avoids confusion and helps you get an accurate rate from the beginning.
Enjoy the Perks of Local Help and Live More Freely
Hiring domestic help in the Philippines isn’t just about convenience — it’s a way to make your life better. With the right helper, you can free up time, reduce stress, and settle into your new home more easily. Be clear, be respectful, and the rewards are well worth it.
Live-In or Live-Out? How to Choose the Right Setup for You
When hiring domestic help in the Philippines, one of the first decisions to make is whether you want someone to live with you or just come in during work hours. Both setups have pros and cons — it all comes down to your lifestyle, your space, and how much help you need each day.
Why Some People Choose a Live-In Helper
A live-in helper stays in your home full time. This setup works well for busy households that need daily help or extra flexibility.
What makes it a good fit:
Always Available
Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, or weekend help, live-in helpers are nearby and ready when needed.
Extra Security
Having someone at home throughout the day (and night) adds peace of mind, especially if you travel often or live alone.
Stronger Relationship
Over time, sharing space often leads to better communication and a deeper understanding of each other’s routines.
But there are trade offs too:
Less Privacy
You’ll be sharing your space with another person, which might feel like a big shift — especially at first.
Setting Boundaries
It’s important to talk about quiet time, private areas, and days off so both sides feel respected.
Extra Costs
As the employer, you’ll likely provide food, housing, and maybe help with utilities.
When a Live-Out Helper Might Be Better
A live-out helper works only during scheduled hours and returns to their own home afterward. This setup is common in cities or apartments with limited space.
Why it might be right for you:
Full Privacy
You and your family keep your space to yourselves outside of work hours.
Clearer Boundaries
Since the helper leaves after their shift, it’s easier to separate work from home life.
Lower Cost
You usually won’t need to cover meals or housing, which can save money long term.
Things to consider:
Limited Availability
If something comes up after hours or on weekends, you’ll need to make other arrangements.
Home Alone
Your house may be empty for long stretches, which could be a concern if you travel often.
Plan Ahead
Make sure both sides understand the daily routine, especially if you need things done at specific times.
Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
Live-in might be ideal for:
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Families with small children
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Households needing full-time help
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People who want more flexibility
Live-out might be ideal for:
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Professionals who prefer privacy
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Homes with limited space
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People needing part-time or weekday help
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — just the setup that works best for your home.
Don’t Forget to Talk with Your Partner First
Hiring domestic help in the Philippines isn’t just your decision — it affects your whole household. If you live with a spouse, girlfriend, or partner, their opinion matters too.
Why it’s important to include them:
Shared Space
Bringing in a helper changes how the home feels, and your partner might have strong feelings about privacy or routines.
Keep Things Peaceful
Surprises can lead to tension. Open talks help avoid misunderstandings and make sure everyone’s on board.
Tips for a Smooth Decision Together
Talk It Through
Explain why you want help and ask how they feel about it. Get on the same page before making any decisions.
Involve Them in Interviews
Let them meet candidates and share their input. This helps build trust and sets the tone for teamwork.
Set Clear House Rules
Boundaries about space, schedules, and responsibilities keep things smooth between everyone in the house.
Listen to Concerns Early
If your partner has worries, talk them through right away. Small issues are easier to fix before they turn into big ones.
What If You Hire a Family Member?
Sometimes your helper might be a relative — like a niece or cousin. That can bring trust and comfort, but it’s still important to treat it like a job.
Here’s what helps:
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Set clear expectations from the start
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Write down the responsibilities
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Keep things professional during work hours
You’ll avoid awkward moments and keep the relationship strong.
Build a Home That Works for Everyone
Whether you choose a live-in or live-out helper, the key is to find a setup that matches your lifestyle — and keeps your household running smoothly. Be clear, be respectful, and involve your partner in the process. When everyone feels heard, everything just works better.
Know the Legal Side of Hiring Domestic Help in the Philippines
Hiring domestic help in the Philippines comes with more than just a salary — it comes with legal responsibilities too. Knowing the basics helps you stay compliant and shows you care about doing things right. Here’s what every expat employer should know.
Registering for SSS and PhilHealth
If you hire a full-time helper, you’re expected to register them with the Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth. These government programs provide support in case of illness, injury, or retirement.
SSS Contributions
If your helper earns above the minimum set by SSS, you’ll need to register them and contribute each month. The contribution is split between you and your helper. Visit sss.gov.ph for details.
PhilHealth Enrollment
PhilHealth covers basic healthcare needs and is another required benefit. You’ll register your helper and make monthly payments based on their income. Learn more at philhealth.gov.ph.
These programs help protect your helper and show you’re a responsible employer.
13th Month Pay Is Required by Law
Every domestic helper in the Philippines is entitled to a 13th month pay. It’s equal to one month of basic salary and is usually given in December. This isn’t a bonus — it’s a legal requirement. Make sure to plan for this in your yearly budget.
Need help drafting a contract?
The Department of Labor has helpful templates and clear guidelines: RA 10361 Info
What Domestic Helpers Really Cost in the Philippines
You might have heard stories about ₱3,000-a-month helpers, but that’s quickly becoming a thing of the past. The cost of living has gone up, and with it, the cost of hiring good help.
Minimum Wage in Metro Manila
The legal minimum is around ₱6,000 per month. But that’s just the starting point.
Market Rates Today
Most experienced helpers in Metro Manila now earn between ₱8,000 and ₱10,000 per month — especially if they offer cooking, childcare, or other specialized skills.
Other Expenses to Expect
Don’t forget to include these in your budget:
Food and Toiletries
If your helper lives with you, you’ll usually cover meals and basic hygiene supplies. This can add ₱1,000 to ₱2,000 a month.
Room and Utilities
A live-in helper needs a private place to sleep and access to water and electricity. Factor in those extra costs too.
Hiring help in the Philippines is still more affordable than in most countries — just be sure to look at the full picture.
Keep It Professional: Boundaries Matter
A domestic helper can make life easier, but it’s important to remember this is a working relationship. Clear boundaries protect both you and your helper and help prevent misunderstandings down the road.
Why it matters:
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It builds mutual respect
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It avoids blurred lines or emotional confusion
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It keeps communication focused on the job
Tips to Maintain Professional Boundaries
Set Expectations Early
Be clear about work hours, tasks, and days off right from the start.
Stick to Work Topics
Friendly is good — but try not to make conversations too personal.
Respect Their Time
Let your helper enjoy their rest days and personal time. It helps them come back refreshed.
Stay Respectful Always
You don’t have to be close friends to have a great working relationship. Kindness and professionalism go a long way.
Why Your Helper’s Location Might Matter
It’s not a hard rule, but hiring someone from outside your local area can sometimes help you avoid problems. Here’s why distance can make a difference.
Fewer Outside Distractions
When a helper lives far from friends and family, they may have fewer interruptions and more focus at work.
Lower Risk of Theft
Being far from home often creates a stronger sense of loyalty and responsibility. It’s not a guarantee — but it’s something to consider.
Still, Respect and Trust Are the Real Keys
No matter where your helper is from, success comes down to trust, fair treatment, and open communication. When you offer a stable, respectful work environment, you’re more likely to have a happy and committed helper.
