While Singapore is just a tiny speck on the world map, its economy is anything but small. One of the world’s freest economies and a modern city-state, this tiny country in South East Asia definitely has it all. As an idyllic getaway in the Asia-Pacific region with low corporate taxes and a friendly bureaucracy, Singapore attracts many foreign workers. It is, however, difficult for foreigners to find jobs in Singapore because of its highly competitive job market. All foreigners who intend to commence work here must possess a valid work pass.
Albeit, securing a job opportunity as a foreigner can be a confusing process, especially in a bustling city like Singapore. But fret not, my friends. If you’re ready to embark on an epic quest to find your dream job, then you’re on the right track as you’re about to learn some handy tips to help you win the job search race in Singapore.
What Are The Benefits Of Working In Singapore?
Now, you must be wondering what exactly makes the City of Lions such an impeccable place to kickstart your career. Well, get ready to strap on your jetpack and blast off into a world of amazing opportunities!
Competitive Salaries
With a booming economy, companies in Singapore are eager to recruit overseas specialists by offering top salaries and incentives to attract highly skilled workers. This means you can earn a comfortable living and enjoy all the exciting things Singapore has to offer. So if you’re looking to make some serious dough, Singapore is the place to be!
Career Opportunities
Singapore is home to many top global companies, which means there are plenty of employment opportunities to advance your career and work on cutting-edge projects that will help you grow professionally. Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, you name it.
Work-life Balance
Yes, Singapore citizens work hard, but they also know how to enjoy their time off. Companies in Singapore offer a good work-life balance, which means you’ll have the time to explore every nook and cranny of the city, hang out with your friends and even pursue your hobbies. Additionally, under Part IV of the Singapore Employment Act, workers making less than SGD 2,600 per month are given more protection (concerning “Rest Day, Hours of Work and Overtime, Public Holidays, Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Other Variable Payment”).
Low Crime Rates
It’s a well-known fact that Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and strict laws. They have high surveillance, police presence, and strict consequences for committing crimes. Having said that, you can work and live with peace of mind, knowing you and your loved ones are safe and sound.
Top Notch Healthcare System
There has long been recognition that Singapore’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world among economists and politicians. Singapore government has implemented various policies to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for foreigners. For example, foreign workers in Singapore are required to have health or medical insurance, and employers are responsible for providing this coverage. Overall, Singapore’s healthcare system is renowned for its efficiency, quality, and accessibility.
How to Find a Job in Singapore?
Finding a job in Singapore is highly doable for expats- but how do you get started? Now, back to what you came here to read. This guide will walk you through some helpful steps for finding employment opportunities in Singapore.
Do Your Research
Now before you even start to scout for jobs, make sure to do heaps of research- especially on the minimum salary, contract of service of a job position, number of days for leave entitlement, employee benefits, the job market and working procedures. This will give you a better understanding of what companies are looking for in potential employees. A quick Google search should get you up to speed.
If you do get offered a job, make sure there is an employment contract provided to you. It is an agreement between the employer and employee that specifies the terms and conditions of employment. It is advisable to have a written employment contract in Singapore. Typically, only senior management employees might have the option of negotiating their employment contracts. Aside from that, companies must contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts of their employees.
Find a Job through Online Search
It doesn’t matter where you live or whether you’re currently living in Singapore looking for a job, there are tons of websites where you’ll find what you’re looking for. You may want to try out some of these websites; Monster, MyCareersFuture, JobsDB, Indeed Singapore and LinkedIn.
Contact an Employment Agency
Sometimes, you need a sidekick to help you on your quest. Contact a Singapore manpower agency to help you find job opportunities that fit your skills and experience. They can also provide you with some juicy tips for acing your interviews and improving your resume. Soon after, you will be able to secure employment in Singapore. Be sure not to miss out!
Apply for Work Pass
Sure, getting a job offer is a huge accomplishment, but hang onto your hat, folks! Why? Because you’ll need to apply and obtain a Singapore work pass. There’s a couple of them, depending on your skills and qualifications. To apply for one, you’ll need a job offer, to pay a registration fee and to submit your application. Bear in mind that the processing time for work passes can vary, so bide your time with calmness.
Types Of Work Pass In Singapore
How to apply for a work permit? If you’re interested in getting one, be sure to know what type you qualify for before applying. They can be divided into three groups: Professionals, Skilled and semi-skilled workers and trainees and students.
Below is a breakdown of the Professionals passes, along with which ones are best suited:
Employment Pass (EP)
To be eligible for EP, you have to hold recognized qualifications and relevant work experience. You have to at least earn a minimum of SGD 5,000 (or SGD 6,000 if you’re a recent graduate from a recognized institution) for a monthly salary.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
PEP is a sort of employment pass that is not tied to any particular employer, which means you can switch jobs without having to reapply for a new pass. This work visa is for highly qualified foreign professionals who earn at least SGD 144,000 per year.
EntrePass
This work visa is specialised for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business here. To be eligible for EntrePass, you must have a business plan that meets certain criteria such as innovation, scalability and job creation.
Now we’re moving onto the skilled and semi-skilled workers. You might want to take a close look at these details if you fall in this category.
S Pass
S Pass or also known as Singapore Pass is for those foreign workers or mid-level technical workers earning a minimum monthly salary of SGD 2,200 are eligible to apply for this pass. Of course, not to forget, you also need to meet certain other criteria, like having relevant qualifications and work experience.
For more information about the different work permits or work passes in Singapore, click here.
Work Permit for Foreign Workers
This visa is also known as an employment visa as it allows unskilled foreign labourers to do blue-collar work. To be eligible, you have to have a job offer from a Singaporean employer, and your employer has to apply for the work permit on your behalf.
Last but not least, the Trainees and students visas. If you’re a student or trainee looking to gain work experience in Singapore, this one’s for you.
Training Employment Pass (TEP)
To be eligible for a TEP, you’ll need to have a valid job offer from a Singaporean company, and your training must be relevant to your job. Furthermore, you’ll also need to meet certain salary and educational requirements.
Work Holiday Pass
Looking for the perfect way to make some money, gain new experiences and meet new people? This pass is the perfect one for you! To be eligible for this, you’ll need to be a student for recent graduates from one of the participating countries. Moreover, it allows participants to stay in Singapore for up to 6 months while working and traveling around the country. How fun is that?
Contact an Employment Agency in Singapore Today
So folks, bear in mind that finding a job takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. Even Rome wasn’t built in a day. Interested in working for Singapore renowned organizations but unsure how to start? Yuanyii Agency, a Singapore manpower agency, has got you covered. We’ve helped many candidates to find their company of choice and desired job. We’ve also worked with many companies with amazing job opportunities that will definitely match your talent.
A career in Singapore offers a higher and better wage, exceptional living conditions, as well as a better lifestyle. By using our foreign placement consultancy services, you could get a better job, a higher future, and more rapid advancement in your career. Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you manage your search for employment in Singapore.
Planning to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)?
Immigration Services – How to Apply for Singapore PR?