HOW TO FIND A JOB IN SINGAPORE
Singapore is a small island country in the south-eastern part of 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 labour migrants from all over the world to the country. The population of Singapore in 2025 is just over 6 million people. At the same time, more than 1.5 million foreigners and businessmen officially work and more than 7,000 transnational companies operate in the country.
Working in Singapore for foreigners in 2025 is a great opportunity to increase your wealth and move to one of the most prosperous countries on the planet. Most of the vacancies in the Singapore labour market are in information technology, medicine, tourism, finance and banking sectors.
Unemployment in Singapore is about 2-3%, corruption is practically absent, and the ideal infrastructure and favourable investment climate create conditions for effective business. The government favours the attraction of skilled foreign workers in every possible way, which only strengthens the local economy. Further, learn about the employment procedure in Singapore, all types of work visas, available jobs, salaries and in-demand professions in 2025, job search options and much more.
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Employment in Singapore for foreigners
In order to engage in professional gainful employment in Singapore, a foreigner must obtain a work visa from the Singapore Diplomatic Office in his or her home country. This requires finding an employer in advance, signing an employment contract and obtaining a work permit.
Depending on the profession/qualification, salary level, economic sector and many other criteria, local laws provide for different types of work permits for foreigners in Singapore.
Types of work permits in Singapore
| Pass type | Who is it for |
| Employment Pass | For foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates need to earn at least $5,000 a month and pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). |
| EntrePass | For foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies. |
| Personalised Employment Pass | For high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. The PEP offers greater flexibility than an Employment Pass. |
| Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass | For top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, as well as academia and research. |
| Pass type | Who is it for |
| S Pass | For skilled workers. Candidates need to earn at least $3,150 a month. |
| Work Permit for migrant worker | For skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. |
| Work Permit for migrant domestic worker | For migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to work in Singapore. |
| Work Permit for confinement nanny | For Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore for up to 16 weeks starting from the birth of the employer's child. |
| Work Permit for performing artiste | For foreign performers working in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs. |
| Pass type | Who is it for |
| Training Employment Pass | For foreign professionals undergoing practical training. Candidates must earn at least $3,000 a month. |
| Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme) | For students and graduates aged 18 to 25 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months. |
| Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programmes) | For Australian and New Zealander students and graduates aged 18 to 30 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 12 months. |
| Training Work Permit | For semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months. |
| Pass type | Who is it for |
| Dependant's Pass | For spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
| Long-Term Visit Pass | For parents, common-law spouses, step-children or handicapped children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
| Pre-approved Letter of Consent | For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+ issued by ICA. The holder is pre-approved to work in Singapore. They can only apply for a PLOC when applying for, or renewing the LTVP/LTVP+. |
| Letter of Consent for ICA-issued LTVP/LTVP+ holders | For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+ issued by ICA. The LOC allows the holder to work in Singapore. The employer must apply for the LOC. |
| Letter of Consent for Dependant’s Pass holders who are business owners | For eligible Dependant’s Pass holders who wish to operate a business. |
| Pass type | Who is it for |
| Miscellaneous Work Pass | For foreign speakers, religious workers and journalists taking on a short-term work assignment of up to 60 days in Singapore. |
| Work Pass Exempt Activities | For performing eligible short-term activities without a work pass. Candidates must still notify MOM of their activities. |
| Work pass exemption for foreign students | For foreign students studying full-time at an approved school or institution in Singapore. |
| Work passes for holders of Long-Term Visit Passes issued by ICA | For foreigners married to a Singaporean or permanent resident, or parents accompanying a child who is studying in Singapore. |
Note.Official information on foreign worker requirements and details of work permits can be found on the Singapore Ministry of Labour's government portal – mom.gov.sg.
As stated above, in addition to the main candidates, close relatives of migrant workers, including spouses, children and parents, as well as family members of Singapore citizens or permanent residents are eligible for employment in Singapore. In addition, foreign students studying in educational institutions in Singapore can officially work.
Initially, a work permit in Singapore is issued for up to one year, renewable. There are special quotas for certain types of vacancies, except for highly skilled professionals. Generally, a company cannot employ more than 20 per cent of its workforce from overseas, and quotas are also provided for certain industries.
Employers must register all employees (citizens and permanent residents) and make monthly contributions to the Singapore National Pension Fund. Contributions as a percentage of salary are 17 per cent for employers and 20 per cent for employees. The amounts are capped at S$1,020 and S$1,200 respectively.
Finding a job in Singapore
To successfully find a job in Singapore in 2025, it is important to assess your competitive advantages and be patient. In most cases, English proficiency should be at a high level, even in unskilled labour. Working in Singapore without language skills is basically illegal employment at your own risk.
A foreigner's qualifications, experience and unique skills will be crucial to an employer's interest. A diploma from a European institution or work experience in Europe can significantly improve the chances of an applicant. It is very important to be in good health. By the way, passing a medical examination is a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit and applying for a work visa to Singapore.
Compose a concise, well-written CV and cover letter, using recommendations from local specialised resources as an example (see links below). Summarise your strengths and skills. Undertake a specialised background check via a government online service. This does not guarantee 100% certainty of finding a job vacancy, but will give some insight into your eligibility to work in Singapore.
Network with foreigners who have experience working in Singapore on forums and social media. If possible, visit the country as a tourist and try to make business contacts during this time. Use a professional social networking site – linkedin.com.
Many jobs are not publicly available, so contact Singaporean employers directly. Singapore has a huge number of large companies, such as Shell Eastern Trading, Exxon Mobil, Wilmar International, Citibank, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Siemens and many others.
The official website of Singapore's employment service – careers.gov.sg.
Famous Singapore newspaper – the Straits Times.
Singapore government job search website – mycareersfuture.gov.sg.
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.
Job vacancies, salaries and in-demand professions
In terms of GDP per capita, Singapore ranks among the first in the world. The country's economy is developing rapidly, and in different directions. All this creates huge competition in the local labour market, especially among foreigners. Nevertheless, almost any foreign job seeker can get a job in Singapore.
Vacancies in Singapore for foreigners in 2025 are available in IT, tourism, hotel and restaurant business, medical workers, pharmacists, engineers, builders, bankers, sailors and many other specialists. It is worth noting that there are not many unskilled jobs in Singapore. Such positions are very quickly occupied by representatives of Asian countries.
For example, to find a job as a nanny in the Singaporean labour market is almost impossible, mostly such jobs are given to citizens of Malaysia. Work in Singapore for girls is available in the modelling business, as well as in entertainment venues, bars, nightclubs, for example, need dancers. And the work is quite decent and with decent wages.
Attractive areas for job search in Singapore with potential growth are artificial intelligence, agro-technology, logistics, aviation, biotechnology, healthcare and finance (audit, securities market). Jobs for programmers and digital marketers are increasing. Analysts and data scientists and software developers are in high demand.
| SECTOR | OCCUPATION |
| Agritech |
|
| Financial services | Financial or investment advisor |
| Green economy |
|
| (Healthcare) |
|
| Infocomm technology |
|
| Maritime |
|
Note.The information on in-demand occupations in Singapore is based on current data from the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Trade and Industry as of 2025. Holders of the occupations listed in the table above have a high chance of obtaining a work visa under the Employment Pass programme.
There is no official minimum wage in Singapore, but from 1 July 2024, a specialised agency, the National Wages Board, has recommended that low-income workers be provided with basic salaries of S$1,600 ($1,185). The minimum hourly rate in Singapore for full-time workers is S$10.50.
According to official data from the Ministry of Labour, the average salary in Singapore in 2025 is S$5,500 per month ($4,125). Over the past 10 years, the average gross monthly income of local workers aged 15 and above has increased by S$1,730 ($1,300). The annual income of a Singaporean worker is S$66,000 ($49,500). Foreigners can well expect a monthly S$2,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the occupation.
Important.The highest paid professions in Singapore are CEOs and managing directors of companies, medical practitioners, lawyers, financial and investment consultants, computer programmers, pharmacists and biotechnologists, aerospace, marine and shipbuilding engineers.
Tax and social security numbers
In order to engage in professional gainful employment in Singapore, a foreigner must obtain a work visa from the Singapore Diplomatic Office in his or her home country. This requires finding an employer in advance, signing an employment contract and obtaining a work permit.
Depending on the profession/qualification, salary level, economic sector and many other criteria, local laws provide for different types of work permits for foreigners in Singapore.
To be officially employed and reside in Singapore, you must obtain an identification number (ID) for tax and social security purposes.
For citizens and permanent residents, this is the National Registration Identification Card (NRIC) number.
For overseas workers with a residence permit, it is a Foreign Identification Number (FIN).
The application for a FIN is submitted to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA ) as soon as you arrive in Singapore. After a short time, an identity card with a unique FIN number is issued. The document consists of the letter M followed by seven numbers and another letter. The FIN will remain unchanged as long as the foreigner lives and works in Singapore. In the case of citizenship or permanent residence, the FIN changes to NRIC.
Business culture in Singapore
Negotiations. Show restraint and tact during negotiations or interviews. Singaporeans often think carefully about answers to questions and pause in conversations.
Subordination. Refrain from directly criticising management and supervisors. Show tact and restraint in meetings. Older employees are respected.
Dress code. An elegant and conservative style prevails in Singapore companies. Classic trousers and shirts are acceptable in most cases. Skirts should be below the knee.
Punctuality. Be sure to turn up for meetings on time and turn in projects on time.
Gifts. Refuse gifts in the business sphere, especially to government officials. Such actions may be regarded as bribes, for which there are long prison sentences in Singapore.
Benefits of employment in Singapore
Most companies in Singapore:
- pay employees a per diem travelling allowance and also reimburse them for work travel.
- offer additional private medical services that cover non-work related accidents.
- provide employees with additional paid holidays of 14 to 20 days per year.
- regularly pay an annual bonus equal to one month's salary and sometimes two to three times that amount.
- allow employees to work flexible hours or from home.
- facilitate the relocation of an employee's family by covering the cost of shipping personal belongings, airfare, housing, utilities and tuition.
- provide the workplace with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Safety and social security
High salaries
Strong labour market
Quality health care and education
In conclusion, Singapore's labour market is currently thriving and despite its small size, the demand for foreign labour is very high. The country is one of the main business centres not only in Asia but also in the world. Most locals speak English, it has a multicultural friendly environment and optimal conditions for quick adaptation.
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