Working in Singapore
General
Most companies in Singapore operate on a five-day work week, Annual leave varies from seven to 14 days, usually increasing with length of service and seniority. Contracts often include two to three weeks of paid sick leave.
Tax for foreigner working in Singapore
One of the main attractions for global talent is Singapore’s personal income tax rates, which are among the lowest in the world. If you have been in Singapore for at least 183 days in a calendar year, you are considered a tax resident and will be taxed on all income that is incidental to employment in Singapore. Non-residents, who are in Singapore for less than 183 days a year, will be taxed only on income earned in Singapore. To find out more information and tax rates, visit the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website.
Work pass
Only holders of a valid Employment Pass may work in Singapore. There are four types of Employment Passes (P1, P2, Q1 and S).
| Pass type | Type of applicants | Examples of eligibility criteria |
| P1 Employment Pass | Professional, Managerial, Executive or Specialist jobs | – Fixed monthly salary = $8,000 |
| P2 Employment Pass | Professional, Managerial, Executive or Specialist jobs | – Fixed monthly salary = $4,000 – Possesses recognised qualifications |
| Q1 Employment Pass | Professional, Managerial, Executive or Specialist jobs | – Fixed monthly salary = $2,800 – Possesses recognised qualifications – In lieu of recognised qualifications, compensatory factors such as skills and years of experience may also be considered (a minimum of five years relevant work experience is recommended) |
Please visit the Ministry of Manpower website for more details
Another pass, the Personalised Employment Pass, allows a foreigner to stay on in Singapore for six months, even after he decides to leave his company to seek new employment. The pass is granted on the strength of an EP holder’s individual merits.
For foreigners who have not yet secured a job, they can apply for the one-time only Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC), which grants them a Social Visit Pass valid for a year, while they seek employment in Singapore. All EPEC applications have to be submitted online.
