Work in Singapore

Summary: Singapore was already a favourite expatriate destination but it has expanded in popularity massively in recent years and the government of Singapore remain committed to attracting foreign workers to its shores by offering certain tax exemptions and also a flexible immigration policy.

Singapore was already a favourite expatriate destination but it has expanded in popularity massively in recent years and the government of Singapore remain committed to attracting foreign workers to its shores by offering certain tax exemptions and also a flexible immigration policy.

If you’re looking for work in Singapore it can be found in abundance in particular sectors and it can be very easy to secure depending of course on your skills and experience.

In terms of the sectors that attract the majority of expatriate workers these include the financial and banking sectors as Singapore is Asia’s international banking hub.  The country has enjoyed a recent and significant influx of foreign funds because of the European Union’s crackdown on money laundering and the introduction of the EU Savings Tax Directive that affected some 39 countries worldwide.  As a direct result of this the country has surged in popularity in terms of its status as an offshore jurisdiction of note and this has attracted more companies to Singapore and created more vacancies for those looking to secure work in Singapore.

Other sectors that are strong employers include manufacturing particularly in the electronics industry, sales and marketing, IT, accounting and engineering.  To get into the country to take up an assignment you will need an Employment Pass - if you have a concrete job offer your employer will supply it for you, if you’re coming to look for work you can get a local to sponsor you or, depending on the country you herald from, you can come as a visitor to Singapore and remain temporarily while you look for suitable work.  For an initial visit you won’t need a visa if you come from Western Europe, the USA or Canada, Australia or New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines or Thailand.

Expatriate key workers often enjoy a significant salary with attractive benefits that makes the cost of living in Singapore seem very reasonable if not cheap!  In terms of the taxation you’ll be liable for if you work in Singapore you’ll be very pleased to know that rates are significantly lower than any European country for example, with the maximum income tax band charging just 22%.  If you take temporary work in Singapore however you can avoid taxation altogether if you remain in the country for less than two months.  Alternatively if you remain for up to 183 days you’ll only be liable for tax at a maximum of 15%.

Securing housing in Singapore can be an expensive business, particularly if you want to purchase real estate.  Property prices are high because of the attraction of the destination and because demand outstrips supply.  Foreign buyers have significant restrictions placed upon them when it comes to what they can actually buy and as a result most expatriates rent.  Many employers offer their key workers certain housing benefits as part of their overall remuneration package and this can be a point worth negotiating hard on especially if you’re being asked by an employer to relocate to Singapore.

Expect to find working standards similar to those in any Western country but with particular focus placed on overall employee welfare.  Other benefits you gain when you work in Singapore include access to first class medical facilities should you be unlucky enough to need them and you’ll be working in a safe and almost crime free environment.  Your family will benefit from excellent standards of living, quality educational facilities and you’ll all enjoy good entertainment, recreation, sporting and shopping attractions and events. 

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