Working in Singapore

Working in Singapore: Jobs, Passes & Business Etiquette

Singapore blends global opportunity with efficiency and safety. Here’s a crisp guide for expatriates: how to find work, what passes you’ll need, where the jobs are, and how to show up well in a multicultural workplace.

Why Singapore for Careers
  • Established hub for banking, trade, tech & logistics.
  • English is the working language; contracts and HR processes are clear.
  • Transparent regulation and strong IP protection foster regional HQs.

Historically, surveys have noted high expat earnings and favourable tax perceptions. Today, full “expat packages” are less common and usually reserved for senior roles.

Visas & Eligibility · Employment Pass Basics

  • To work legally, you need an employer-sponsored pass (e.g., Employment Pass / S Pass, etc.).
  • Applications are submitted by the employer; criteria include salary, role, and qualifications.
  • Processing is generally efficient; always review the latest criteria with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Tip: Get your documents (degree certs, employment letters) ready for verification early.

Finding a Job · Where to Look

Channels
  • Recruitment agencies (tech, finance, logistics are strong verticals).
  • Company career portals (regional HQs hire directly).
  • Job boards & LinkedIn; check The Straits Times “Recruit” (Sat edition).
In-Demand Functions
  • Banking & Markets · Wealth/Asset Management · Insurance
  • Tech & Data · Cybersecurity · Product/Engineering · Supply Chain
  • Biomedical sciences · Healthcare · Tourism/MICE

Many roles now offer competitive salaries without housing or school allowances—negotiate total compensation (base, bonus, relocation, medical).

Hours & Contracts

Topic What to Expect
Work Week Commonly Monday–Friday; some firms observe a half-day Saturday. Legal standard generally centres on ≈44 hours/week — confirm your contract.
Leave & Benefits Annual leave, medical coverage and bonus vary by employer. Check probation terms, notice periods and non-competes.
Taxes Individual income tax is assessed by IRAS; some expats may benefit from double-tax treaties. Verify your resident vs non-resident status.

Business Culture & Etiquette

Core Norms
  • Punctuality & preparation signal respect.
  • Dress smart; presentations are detail-oriented and concise.
  • Observe hierarchy; address seniors formally unless invited otherwise.
Names & Address
  • Chinese: Family name first; many use English given names.
  • Malay: Personal name + bin / binte + father’s personal name.
  • Indian: Personal name + “s/o” or “d/o” + father’s personal name (varies by community).
DoDon’t
Offer and receive business cards with both hands; read the card briefly before keeping it. Don’t write on a card in front of the giver or shove it into a pocket.
Use a light handshake; maintain polite, calm tone. Don’t overuse nicknames or first names until invited.
Be sensitive to multicultural teams and public holidays of all groups. Don’t assume Western norms apply in every situation.

Practical Tips

  • Line up references and accreditation (some fields require local registration).
  • Tailor your CV for APAC scope and impact metrics; keep it to 2 pages.
  • Network through chambers of commerce, trade groups and meetups.
  • Before you accept, review total cost of living (rent, schools, transport) vs net pay.

Always verify the latest rules with official sources (e.g., MOM & IRAS). Criteria and forms can change.

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