A Complete Guide to Working in Singapore as a Foreigner | 2024 Guide

Singapore, a city-state with nearly 6 million people, is Asia's most prosperous economy. But it doesn’t stop there, as Lion City also claims the title of the fourth most competitive economy in the world and one of only a few countries that can claim a triple A (AAA) credit rating with net zero debt. Yes, zero.

What does this mean for expats looking to start living and working in Singapore as a foreigner? Simply put, it means that working in Singapore is a super attractive proposition. Perhaps that’s why nearly half of the workforce are expats.

From lucrative salaries to lucrative lifestyles, expats living and working in Singapore can reap significant benefits. We’ll detail what they are in this guide and delve further into the economic environment and work culture, insights and tips for finding Singapore work, salary expectations for working in Singapore, and common FAQs about living and working in Singapore as a foreigner.

Though small in size, the Lion City packs a considerable punch when it comes to its economic landscape and opportunities. With its low tax rates, low unemployment rates, and fiercely competitive markets, Singapore is widely viewed as one of the wealthiest countries in the world. 

Working in Singapore is therefore seriously recommended if you’re looking for a high-paying job. This is especially true for those interested in the technology sector, which is one industry that is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years with the addition of automation, AI, and digitalization. This will be aided by the emerging trends of digital literacy and focus on sustainability. 

As such, expats have plenty of opportunities to come live and find the best company to work in Singapore. But first, there are a few things you have to know before leaping. First, it’s the Singaporean working culture!

There are five key differences to note when it comes to Singapore's work culture, which is:

1) Punctuality and Time Management: 

Punctuality is essential in any professional setting, but for those working in Singapore, this trait carries additional significance as a demonstration of respect for others’ time. The emphasis on punctuality in the workplace is complemented by a strong commitment to effective time management. This combination not only underscores personal responsibility but also reflects a cultural value placed on the efficient use of time in Singapore.

2) Dedication to Job Responsibilities

Singaporeans are widely recognized for their sense of ownership and accountability towards their tasks and projects. As we will delve into later, this dedication is often expressed through extended working hours, showcasing the profound work ethic prevalent among Singaporean professionals. The commitment to job responsibilities is a cornerstone of the work culture in Singapore, reflecting the high standards individuals set for themselves in fulfilling their roles.

3) Recognition and Rewards: 

In the Singaporean workplace, dedication to job responsibilities and exceptional performance are the primary criteria for earning recognition and rewards. The prevailing ethos places a premium on hard work and commitment, making these attributes more likely to garner acknowledgment and tangible incentives than other factors. 

In essence, the work culture in Singapore strongly emphasizes the correlation between dedication, performance, and the ensuing acknowledgment and rewards in the professional realm.

4) Team collaboration and harmony

Collaboration is highly valued in Singapore's work environment. Team cohesion and working seamlessly with colleagues are considered essential skills. The emphasis on teamwork is rooted in the belief that a harmonious working relationship contributes to increased productivity and overall success. Singaporean professionals often prioritize collaboration, recognizing that collective efforts yield superior outcomes compared to individual endeavors. This emphasis on team harmony is reflected not only in the work processes but also in the social dynamics within the workplace.

5) Adaptability and Continuous Learning:

Singapore's rapidly evolving business landscape demands adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. Professionals in Singapore understand the importance of staying abreast of industry trends and embracing technological advancements. The willingness to adapt to change and acquire new skills is highly regarded. The work culture fosters an environment where individuals are encouraged to pursue ongoing education and training, ensuring that they remain agile and competitive in a dynamic global marketplace. This commitment to continuous learning is seen as an investment in personal and professional development, reflecting the forward-looking nature of Singapore's work culture.

According to Morgan McKinley, the annual average salary in Singapore is S$70,000, while the monthly average salary is S$5,783. The maximum monthly salary range is S$2,140 to S$37,700.

Individual income will, of course, depend upon certain factors like your designated industry for Singapore work, professional experience, and level of education. So, in reality, you could be earning anywhere from S$0 to S$200,000 plus.

Why S$0, you ask? That’s because Singapore doesn’t have a minimum wage, meaning that while Singapore boasts some of the highest salaries in the world, technically, there’s no cap to how low your salary can go…But do not worry if you’re in any of the following industries, as they all have substantial average salary increases:

Average salary increase by industry

• Banking: 7%
• Energy: 5%
• IT: 3%
• Healthcare: 3%
• Travel: 8%
• Construction: 6%
• Education: 4%

 Source: Time Doctor

In order to legally work in Singapore as a foreigner, you must first obtain a job offer. After that, you need to determine which type of employment pass you will need. Only then will you be able to enter the country and start working:

• Employment Pass for Professionals: This is an employment pass, or visa, for foreign professionals. In order to qualify for this visa, you will need to have a monthly salary of at least S$5,000.
• S Pass for Mid-skilled Workers: This is a Singapore work pass for mid-skilled workers earning at least S$3,150 a month.
  
• Work Permits for Foreign Workers: There are several permits available for those working in Singapore as a foreigner, such as the Work Permit for Migrant Workers for skilled and semi-skilled workers in construction or manufacturing.

Confused? There’s no need to be with this short and snappy guide on how to find a job in Singapore!

Step 1: Network and Search

First, let’s get you out there looking for employment opportunities from job posting sites in Singapore. Not to toot our own horn (we’re definitely tooting away over here), but CakeResume features many international and local companies based in Singapore, with many of them even offering working from home in Singapore opportunities!

Step 2: Update / Create Your CV or Resume

You’ve found your dream job at the best company to work in Singapore with the ideal Singapore office hours. Now what? Now it’s on crafting your resume or CV, which is your opportunity to share a snappy overview of the most significant facts and figures in your academic and professional career that are relevant to the role.

In other words, you need to tailor your CV according to the job description, company, and role in question. You should also try to make this an ATS-friendly resume, but that’s easily done with CakeResume’s ATS-compliant templates.

Step 3: Write a Professional Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, but we’ve got you. From tailoring each cover letter for their respective application to keeping it short, concise, and relevant and using a suitable tone throughout, there are plenty of ways to make your professional cover letter pop with our helpful cover letter tips.

Step 4: Nail That Interview

CakeResume is an excellent resource for job seekers looking for tips on how to ace their interviews. Here are a few simple tips for standing out during an interview:

• Research your interviewer and learn about their background and role at the company. 
• Engage with your interviewer and show your enthusiasm about the company and the position.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions to ensure you're ready for anything that comes up.
• Ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the role.
• Be mindful of your body language, as it can communicate a lot about your confidence and demeanor.
• Make sure to control the pace of the conversation and steer it in a positive direction, so that you leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

In addition to opportunities for working in Singapore’s soaring skyscrapers, there are also plenty of jobs tailored for working from home in Singapore. 

Take freelancing, for example. There are several online job sites boasting about the best company to work for in Singapore. However, CakeResume has a significant advantage when it comes to searching for remote Singapore work, with nifty toggles to refine your search for jobs with 100% Remote, Partial Remote, and Optional Remote working environments. 

Which makes it super easy to find freelance writing, customer service, tutoring, computer programming, and e-commerce selling jobs, among many others.

You can even be a self-employed business owner while working in Singapore, which, according to InterNations, is a pretty easy process to go through. First, you’ll need to register your business with the regulatory authority, ACRA, whom you will then have to provide your company name with. 

After that, it’s smooth sailing so long as your company has at least one shareholder, one Singapore resident who is a director, one Singapore resident who is a company secretary, paid-up capital of S$1 minimum, and a registered physical office. 

Ready to start working in Singapore but just need a little bit more information? We’ve got you, and we applaud you; taking the first step to working in Singapore as a foreigner can be daunting. To help ease some of those pre-Singapore work nerves, we’ve provided a few answers to some of those burning questions about working in Singapore that you’ve probably got raging around in your head.

What Are Typical Working Hours in Singapore?

While the working hours in Singapore vary from company to company, there are some regulations. Most prominently, employees in jobs that are classified under the Employment Act (managers and executives, government workers, domestic workers) must not work more than 12 hours a day..

This makes the average working hours in Singapore lie somewhere between 40 to 60 hours for a 5-day week and 40 to 72 hours for a 6-day week. So it really just depends on your company, profession, and industry for how lengthy your Singapore office hours will be. 

Is Lunch Break Included in Working Hours in Singapore?

Lunch breaks aren’t really considered within working hours around the world, yet you may be wondering, “Is lunch break included in working hours in Singapore?”. Unfortunately, it’s not. That said, those working in Singapore should expect half an hour to one hour of unpaid lunch break. 

How Does Maternity Leave Work in Singapore?

A woman working in Singapore as a foreigner is eligible for maternity leave so long as their child will be a Singapore citizen and they have been working in Singapore for at least 3 months prior to giving birth. If eligible, mothers will have 12 weeks of paid leave and a paid benefit of S$20,000 for each child, followed by S$40,000 for every child after the mother’s first two children.

How Does Paternity Leave Work in Singapore?

A man working in Singapore as a foreigner is not eligible for paternity leave unless their child is a Singaporean resident. If eligible, they are granted two weeks of paid leave at a maximum of S$2,500 per week. 

Can Malaysians Work in Singapore? What Are the Requirements?

Yes, Malaysians can work in Singapore. As for the regulations for Malaysians working in Singapore, there aren’t any special work passes to obtain aside from the ones already mentioned in ‘How to find jobs in Singapore.’

Can I Move to Singapore Without a Job?

Unfortunately, prospective individuals wanting to start working in Singapore as a foreigner will need a job offer prior to making the move. What’s more, they will need to be relatively skilled in order to meet the salary requirement needed for work passes, as mentioned above in ‘How to Find Jobs in Singapore for a Foreigner.' 

Which Job is Easy to Get in Singapore?

Even if you’re looking for the best company to work in Singapore, there are actually plenty of jobs to find that may allow for easier access to start living and working in Singapore. Aside from careers in hospitality - which are easy to get but not so helpful for visa requirements - you should look for jobs in digital marketing, sales, and engineering fields, as these are in high demand.

Do I Need to Pay Tax if I Work in Singapore?

Yes, foreigners working in Singapore need to pay taxes. More specifically, you will need to pay personal income tax. You are not, however, expected to pay tax on income that is made overseas (even if it’s placed into a Singapore bank), capital gains, or earnings from foreign sources like dividends and the like.

The exception to the rule is if you are working in Singapore for short-term employment, for 60 days or less, in which case you will be exempt from paying income tax. This does not apply to directors of companies.

How Much is Income Tax for Expats in Singapore?

While income tax varies on income and residency classification, all individuals working in Singapore are taxed on any income above S$20,000. 

Non-residents are taxed 15% to 22% of their annual personal income, however, as of 2024, the cap will be increased to 24%. Tax residents, on the other hand, have “lower progressive tax rates” that start at 0% and go to 22%, although the cap will also increase to 24% in 2024.

Key Takeaways

From high average salaries to low taxes, working in Singapore as a foreigner is an expat dream. While it may be a strict process to get there initially, and one that you’ll need a job offer for first, there are many benefits.

Ready to start living and working in Singapore? With the right preparation and the right CV crafted using CakeResume’s free resume builder, you’ll be in the perfect position to easily find a job at the best company to work for in Singapore. 

Did you find this article useful? Feel free to drop us a question or comment below - we’d love to hear from you!

— Originally written by Eva O’Mara —