HOW TO FIND A JOB IN SINGAPORE
Singapore is a small island state in southeast Asia, located between Indonesia and Malaysia. The high standard of living of the population, developed economy and quality of social security attract a large number of labor migrants from all over the world to the country. The population of Singapore in 2023 is slightly less than 6 million people. At the same time more than 1.3 million foreigners and businessmen are officially working in the country, as well as more than 7 thousand transnational companies.
Working in Singapore in 2023 is a great opportunity to raise the level of prosperity and move to one of the most prosperous countries in the world. The greatest number of vacancies for foreigners in the Singapore labor market are in information technology, medicine, tourism, financial and banking sector.
Unemployment in Singapore is about 2-3%, corruption is virtually absent, and the ideal infrastructure and a favorable investment climate create the conditions for the efficient conduct of business. The government strongly encourages the attraction of skilled foreign workers, which only strengthens the local economy. Below, learn about Singapore's employment procedures, available jobs and salaries in 2023, as well as the main options for finding a job.
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Employment in Singapore for foreigners
For the purpose of carrying out professional paid activity on Singapore territory a foreigner needs to get a work visa at the diplomatic mission of Singapore in their country. For this purpose, it is required to find an employer in advance, sign a work contract, and obtain a work permit. Depending on the qualifications, salary level and economic sector, local laws provide different types of work permits for foreigners.
Types of work permits in Singapore
Highly skilled specialists. The permit is issued to foreign workers with higher education and experience. The salary must be at least 3.6 thousand dollars per month. For example, it could be company managers or senior managers, as well as entrepreneurs who open their own business in Singapore.
Experienced workers with medium-level qualifications. Monthly wage requirements start at $2,200. For example, this type of permit is issued to migrant workers to work in the construction, manufacturing, service or entertainment industry (hotels, nightclubs, casinos, bars), as well as to domestic staff.
Students and trainees. A work permit in Singapore is granted to foreign students for internships or temporary employment. Usually the period is limited to 6 months, and the salary level must be at least $3,000 per month. But there are exceptions.
In addition to the basic 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 of this country have the right to work in Singapore. In addition, foreign students pursuing studies at Singapore's educational institutions may also be formally employed.
Initially, work permits in Singapore are issued for a period of up to one year with the right of renewal. There are special quotas for certain types of vacancies, except for highly skilled specialists. Usually a company cannot employ more than 20% of workers from abroad, quotas are also stipulated for certain sectors of the economy.
Official information on the requirements for foreign workers and detailed descriptions of work permits are available on the government portal of the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore – mom.gov.sg.
How to find a job in Singapore. Job Search.
To successfully find a job in Singapore for foreigners in 2023, it is important to assess your competitive advantages and be patient. In most cases, English language skills should be at a high level, even in unskilled employment. Working in Singapore without knowledge of the language is mostly illegal employment at your own risk.
Qualifications, experience and skills of a foreigner will be crucial for the employer's interest. Diploma from a European educational institution or work experience in Europe may well increase the chances of the applicant. It is very important to be in good health. By the way, a medical examination is a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit and a work visa to Singapore.
Prepare a competent resume and cover letter, taking as an example the recommendations of local specialized resources (see links below). Briefly describe your strengths and skills. Do a special background check through a government online service. This won't guarantee 100% certainty of finding a job, but it will give some insight into your eligibility to work in Singapore.
Talk to foreigners who have experience working in Singapore on forums and social media. Visit the country on a tourist visa if possible. Use a professional social networking site – linkedin.com. Many jobs are not publicly available, so contact Singaporean employers directly. There are a huge number of large companies in Singapore, such as Shell Eastern Trading, Exxon Mobil, Wilmar International and many others.
Visit the official website of the Singapore Employment Service – careers.gov.sg.
Read local newspapers like the Straits Times.
Popular Singapore job search sites
International job search portals for jobs in Singapore
If you can't find a job in Singapore on your own, contact one of the local recruitment agencies. Use the Singapore Association of Employment Agencies website at aeas.org.sg or yp.sg.
Jobs and wages in Singapore
In terms of GDP per capita Singapore is one of the highest in the world. The country's economy is growing rapidly, and in different directions. All this creates a huge competition in the local labor market, especially among foreigners. Nevertheless, any foreign worker can get a job in Singapore.
Jobs in Singapore in 2023 are available in IT, tourism, hospitality industry, medical professionals, pharmacists, engineers, construction workers, financiers, bankers, maritime professionals and some other workers are required. It is worth noting that there are not many unskilled jobs in Singapore that are popular with residents of third countries.
For example, to find a job as a nanny in the Singapore labor market is almost impossible. Such jobs are usually given to citizens of Malaysia. Jobs in Singapore for women available in the modeling business, as well as in entertainment establishments, bars, nightclubs, for example, need dancers. And the work is quite decent and with a decent wage. There is a demand for experienced programmers.
The average salary in Singapore in 2023 is about 5,000 dollars a month. The official minimum wage in the country is not set, everything is prescribed individually in employment contracts. Foreigners can expect to earn $2,000-3,000 and more, depending on the profession. It is fair to say that the daily expenses in Singapore are very high.
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