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Work in Singapore for expats: employment features, types of work visas and where to look for work

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Work in Singapore for expats: employment features, types of work visas and where to look for work

A high standard of living, a developed economy and high-quality social security attract expats from different parts of the world to Singapore. Find out where foreigners work in Singapore, what conditions and what types of visas are available for relocation

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside your home country
An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside your home country
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Singapore is a great place to work, with a thriving economy, friendly culture, and second-to-none childcare and education systems. Low crime rates, favorable tax rates and numerous business opportunities can also be added to the advantages.

However, before packing your bags and leaving for Singapore to work, it is important to find out which foreigners are eligible to work there and which specialists are lacking in the local labor market.


Which foreigners have the right to work in Singapore?


According to the order of the Singapore Ministry of Manpower, all foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a special permit, better known as a work visa.

In order to receive it, an expat must have a full-time job offer in Singapore. A visa can also be obtained on a part-time basis, but most permits have minimum earnings requirements that will be difficult to meet with part-time work.


Types of work visas in Singapore


The most common types of work visas in Singapore include:


1. Professional work visas

- Employment Pass – for foreign professionals who earn at least S$3,600 per month.

- EntrePass – for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business.

- Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) - for highly paid current Employment Pass holders who want more flexibility.


2. Skilled and semi-skilled workers

- S Pass – for skilled mid-level staff earning at least S$2,300 per month.

- Work permit for foreign workers – for semi-skilled foreign workers in construction, manufacturing, naval shipyards, technology sector or service sector.


In addition to the main types of work permits described above, close relatives of migrant workers, including spouses, children and parents, as well as family members of Singapore citizens or permanent residents, are eligible to work in Singapore.

Foreign students who are studying in educational institutions in Singapore can also work officially.


What industries do expats work in Singapore?


Traditionally, the most developed industry in Singapore is the financial market, so the country is constantly full of professionals in this sector, especially those who deal with auditing and securities.

In addition, new industries are also developing rapidly - the number of vacancies for IT workers and digital marketers is increasing.

The hospitality and tourism industries have also developed here.


Where to look for a job in Singapore?


One of the best places to find jobs in Singapore is online. The following sites are the most used by job seekers in Singapore:

- Best Jobs contains a huge archive of vacancies from many industries.

- Monster contains offers from various markets in Singapore.

- Jobs.com.sg uses a single search engine to help find listings from multiple sites.

- eFinancialCareers has vacancies in Singapore's largest financial market.

- Jobs Central contains a huge number of listings in many industries.

- Job Street - here you can simply create a personal profile and post your resume so that employers can find you.


Should I work with recruitment agencies to find a job in Singapore?


Working with a staffing agency has many advantages for finding a job in Singapore. The recruiter will help you prepare your resume, cover letter and prepare for the interview. They will give you a better understanding of your industry and potential employer, as well as advice on the company's history and culture.

Some of the most trusted companies in Singapore include:  3C Synergy, Aegis, American Association Career Resource Center, Career Hub Consultants and Spencer Stuart.


Peculiarities and conditions of employment of foreigners in Singapore


- Initially, a work permit in Singapore is issued for a period of up to one year with the right to an extension.

- Special quotas are provided for some types of vacancies, except for highly qualified specialists. Usually, a company cannot have more than 20% of employees from abroad, and even quotas are provided for certain sectors of the economy.

- It is very important to speak English at a high level, even in the field of unskilled labor.

- Qualification, experience and skills are of great importance for a foreign applicant.

- A medical examination is a mandatory condition for obtaining a work permit.


Working in Singapore is a great opportunity to increase your earnings and move to one of the best countries in the world. Therefore, we advise expats to consider this country for relocation.


We will remind you! Choosing a country and city to move to is one of the most important stages of migration. Finding the best place to live can be quite difficult, because the choice is influenced by many factors - the cost of living, working conditions, the quality of the social sphere, etc. The rating of the best cities for employment of highly qualified specialists in 2024 by link.






Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department


To simplify moving abroad, as well as facilitate the employment procedure, consult a migration specialist. We help solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any corner of the world.



Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Singapore;

Legal advice on immigration to Singapore;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Singapore;

Medical insurance all over the world.




We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.


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