Why Singapore?
Singapore is Asia's premier business hub, home to regional headquarters for thousands of multinationals and one of the world's most competitive economies. The country offers political stability, world-class infrastructure, low crime, and a personal income tax rate capped at 22%. English is one of four official languages and the primary working language. However, securing an Employment Pass has become significantly harder since the introduction of the COMPASS points-based framework in 2023. Applicants must now clear both a salary threshold (starting at S$5,600/month, rising with age) and score at least 40 points on COMPASS β a dual-gate system that rejects a meaningful share of applications.
Nearly all international hiring is concentrated in central Singapore β the CBD, One-North, Changi Business Park, and Jurong. Technology, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and logistics are the dominant sectors. Singapore's small size means commuting is manageable: most journeys are under 45 minutes by MRT. The lifestyle is cosmopolitan, with a diverse food culture, high safety, and excellent public services β but the cost of living is among the highest in Asia.
What to know before you move
Live visa-sponsored roles in Singapore
Every listing below is verified to sponsor international workers. New roles are added daily β create a free account to get instant alerts when matching jobs go live.
Top industries hiring internationally
Technology, financial services, biomedical sciences, and logistics dominate Singapore's international hiring. The government actively shapes the labour market through the COMPASS framework, the Shortage Occupation List, and the Fair Consideration Framework, which requires employers to advertise roles on MyCareersFuture for 14 days before applying for an EP.
Popular work visa programs for Singapore
Singapore's work pass system is structured around salary tiers and role seniority. The Employment Pass is the primary route for professionals, managers, and executives. Higher-earning applicants may qualify for the ONE Pass or Personalised Employment Pass, which offer greater flexibility. Your employer applies on your behalf through MOM's myMOM Portal. Use the Workbeyond Visa Explorer to match your profile to the right route.
Steps to move to Singapore with a job
These steps cover the Employment Pass route β the path Workbeyond is built to support. From signed offer to arrival typically takes 4β10 weeks, depending on whether your degree requires manual verification. The COMPASS scoring framework is the main uncertainty: your application may be rejected even if you meet the salary threshold, because the points assessment also evaluates your employer's workforce composition and hiring history.
Important:Β These steps must happen in order. Your employer must apply for the Employment Pass through MOM's myMOM Portal. You cannot self-apply for a standard EP. The employer must also advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for 14 days before submitting the EP application. The job offer comes first, every time.
What does life cost in Singapore?
Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Asia. Housing is the biggest cost, with a wide range depending on location and type. Central areas (Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, River Valley) command premium rents. Outer areas and HDB towns are significantly cheaper but may require longer commutes. The MRT network makes most of the island accessible within 45 minutes.
On an EP salary of S$8,000/month (S$96,000/year), your take-home after income tax is roughly S$88,000βS$91,000 per year. Singapore's low tax rate means the gap between gross and net is small compared to Europe β but the high cost of rent, food, and transport absorbs the difference.