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Asia-Pacific Β· Singapore

Work in Singapore

Asia's business capital with world-class infrastructure and low taxes, but a points-based system that makes the Employment Pass harder to secure than most destinations.

● MediumPR in 3–5+ years
7 Live Jobs
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Every listing verified to sponsor international workers.

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7
Live jobs available
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78,000 SGD
Average salary / year
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2.1%
Unemployment rate
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Medium
Visa difficulty
Overview

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.

Capital
Singapore
Currency
SGD
Official language
English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
English at work
Universal β€” primary business language
Fastest PR pathway
3–5+ years
Spouse work rights
Dependent's Pass holders need a separate Letter of Consent (LOC) to work; granted based on the employer's application
Healthcare
Mixed public-private system; employer must provide medical benefits; no universal free healthcare
Annual leave
7 days minimum (first year), increasing to 14 days after 8 years; most professional contracts offer 14–21 days
Income tax (avg)
2–22% progressive (effective rate ~5–12% for most EP holders; no capital gains tax)
Key Highlights

What to know before you move

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Low personal income tax
Singapore's progressive tax rate tops out at 22%. Most EP holders earning S$80,000–S$150,000 pay an effective rate of 5–12%. No capital gains tax. No inheritance tax. Your take-home goes significantly further than in Europe.
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COMPASS makes EP approval harder
Since 2023, EP applicants must score at least 40 points across salary, qualifications, workforce diversity, and local employment support. A strong salary alone is no longer enough β€” your employer's hiring profile matters too.
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Salary floor rises with your age
The EP minimum starts at S$5,600/month (S$6,200 for financial services) but increases progressively with age. A 45-year-old needs roughly S$10,700/month. Plan your salary expectations by age band, not the headline floor.
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Spouse needs separate work approval
Your spouse receives a Dependent's Pass but cannot work automatically. They need a Letter of Consent from an employer willing to hire them. This is a meaningful restriction compared to the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands.
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Cost of living is high
Singapore ranks among Asia's most expensive cities. A one-bedroom in the central area costs S$2,800–S$4,500 per month. HDB flats in outer areas are cheaper at S$1,800–S$2,500 but are less accessible to new arrivals.
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Permanent Residence is discretionary
Unlike the UK or Germany, Singapore offers no guaranteed timeline to Permanent Residence. Applications are assessed case-by-case based on salary, sector, time in Singapore, and integration. Many applicants are rejected on their first attempt.
Job Market

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.

Science & TechnologyScience & Technology
4 jobs
Information TechnologyInformation Technology
3 jobs
Job postings β€” last 6 months
↑ 0% growth
Visa Routes

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.

The Process

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 4–10 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.

1
Find a visa-sponsored job
Search Workbeyond for visa-sponsored roles in Singapore. Every employer on Workbeyond has confirmed willingness to apply for an Employment Pass on your behalf. Filter by city, industry, and seniority level, then apply directly through the listing. Before accepting an offer, use MOM's Self-Assessment Tool to estimate whether your profile will clear the COMPASS threshold for that employer β€” a strong salary does not guarantee approval. Also, make sure to tailor the CV to local standards.
2
Accept your offer and your employer applies for EP
Once you accept, your employer submits the EP application through the myMOM Portal. The application includes your employment contract, passport, degree certificates (which must be verified by a MOM-approved screening firm), and COMPASS-related information about the company's workforce. The employer pays the S$105 application fee. Standard processing takes about 10 business days; complex cases or degree verifications can extend this to 8 weeks.
3
Receive your In-Principle Approval and travel
If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval letter valid for 6 months. Travel to Singapore within this window. You can start work once you arrive, and the EP card issuance process begins.
4
Complete EP card issuance
After arrival, your employer registers your EP card issuance through the myMOM Portal and pays the S$225 issuance fee. You complete biometrics and photo registration at MOM's Employment Pass Services Centre. Your EP card is typically ready within 4 business days.
5
Set up your life
Open a Singapore bank account (DBS, OCBC, and UOB all accept new EP holders with a passport and an EP card), register for a mobile plan, and find housing. Most landlords require a 2-month security deposit plus 1 month's rent upfront. If your employer provides housing support, confirm the terms before arrival. Register with a GP or clinic β€” there is no universal healthcare system, but your employer must provide medical benefits as part of your employment contract.
Cost of Living

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$88,000–S$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.

ExpenseMonthly cost
Rent β€” 1-bed city centre S$2,800–S$4,500 (outer areas / HDB: S$1,800–S$2,500)
Groceries S$400–S$700
Public transport monthly pass S$120–S$180 (MRT + bus)
Health insurance Employer-provided medical benefits; private comprehensive plans S$200–S$500/month if self-funded
Dining out β€” mid-range restaurant meal S$25–S$50
Income tax on S$96,000 salary ~S$5,000–S$8,000/year (effective ~5–8%)