Singapore - Work in Singapore?

This is absolutely off-topic and moderators should feel free to move or close the post as they see fit... just wanted to share an observation and pose a question.



Has anyone had luck finding work within Singapore using web based job sites like Monster.com.sg?



I've been searching for months and so far not even an acknowledgement of the applications, both direct and via job sites like Monster.


I was looking for work before using the same channels in Australia and had much better communication with potential employers even when they were totally not interested in me.

Am I getting snubbed by the Singaporeans?

--Russ

If you're not legally entitled to work in SIN (work visa), you're going to have a really, really tough time getting a decent job there.

IM not looking for a decent job.

I got a work and holiday visa for six months of legal employment. Looking for temporary job, not to relocate. But no one even answers with a "no"

We've discussed this, you and I, as has Braindrain. Yes, you're being snubbed but the clues to why this is so are all in the thread that you started on this question last year.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/singapore/1099592-singapore-should-i-do.html

(As a gentle reminder to Braindrain: TrueBlue is holding a visa that allows him to work for any Singapore company that is willing to hire him no questions asked. Only bad thing is that it's only good for 6 months although it might be possible to extend, not sure about this though.)

The key issue still remains, why should a company hire you? Yes, Monster and jobsdb.com work but mainly for Singaporeans. Granted your Work Holiday Visa is a big help but as Braindrain noted in the previous thread, a company will not want to invest 6 months into teaching you how to work within their system just to see you leave right after that because your employment status couldn't be converted to an employment pass. Again, why should a Singapore company hire a non-Singaporean when there's a lot of Singaporean and Singapore permanent residents applying for jobs?

If you really want to give this a try, you've got to minimize the risk to the employers. You do that by coming to Singapore for say three weeks. Investigate the cheapest way to get to Singapore and identify specific dates. Then given those dates find a place to stay say at one of the backpacker's hostels. In the meantime go back to the Singapore Consulate in NY (as I suggested earlier), pick up the Saturday Straits Times and identify possible opportunities especially those offering direct e-mail addresses. Then when you've got your confirmations on the lodging and plane ticket, apply again this time indicating that you will be in Singapore and on what dates. You should get some responses. Once you're in Singapore you can continue to apply for jobs making clear that you are around until whatever is your departure date. BTW don't forget that you need to find out how to write a Singapore style resume and figure out how to compensate for the things that they expect but which you don't have because you're American. (Example: Singaporeans include their secondary school details and O and A level results, which you won't have.) Last but not least you need to see if you can enter Singapore as a tourist rather than your Work Holiday status (even though that presumably is already stamped in your passport), or else the clock will start ticking right away.

There's not much choice about going through this effort. It's still largely an employer's market and if you are looking for a job on local (Singaporean) terms then you have to apply for work as if you are Singaporean. Local companies won't commit to you if you don't show some interest, if not commitment, in return.

PS A small tip: in Singapore, employers distribute the end of year bonus at or around Chinese New Year. This means a lot of the people who were thinking of changing jobs will do so right after they get the bonus in their hands. Companies know this so they prepare for this as well. CNY this year is February 3. Thus the golden period for hiring will start say mid February. I would think that a lot of the openings will be filled by end March.

PPS Considering your previous thread and the one year that you have spent in jobs and traveling in Europe, what have you learned that would makie a difference in your decision making?

Yeah, I didn't realize it was the same guy.

thank you again, dsgtc0408 for your helpful tips.

I think unlike last time when I was weary to travel before hearing back, this time I should be in Singapore late February or early March. Given your CNY comment it confirms that it would be a good idea to travel at this time.


I plan to put my BA miles to good use (travel on CX via HGK) and possibly return in August via London, meet up with the family in Europe before heading back to the US and therefore doing a true RTW trip.


I'm happy today because I got my first response from dozens of e-mails sent with my resume... It was from a German firm and I was rejected because I don't speak mandarin... but it I was happy to receive it.

I agree with the previous comments - you really need to be here to get a job so it's good that you're coming.

I'm not sure what level of job you're looking for but it's a good idea to find a recruitment agent who is well connected otherwise you'll find a lot of emails go unanswered and voicemail boxes that are full.

If you're looking at a lower level job for just a few months you could try the Chamber of Commerce for your country as they may know companies that are looking for short term workers

flights booked for early March

currently looking for accommodation... I've never stayed at hostels as typically I can find hotel deals that are reasonably priced, just a few bux more than what hostels typically go for.


the MOM web site has listed a number of recruiters and big companies that are apparently keen on hiring short term talent. So far without any response. If people can recommend good recruiters I am certainly willing to give them a shot.


The type of job I am applying for varies. I am not interested in very low paying jobs like cafe's or restaurants as I'm sure I can find something better. But I am also looking for something flexible enough that would allow me to do some weekend travel like I did in Australia. I am very interested in visiting other countries in the SE Asian region on the cheap. I am sure I will frequent AirAsia, Tiger and JetStar web sites often while in Singapore. (among others, I love flying)

I have ten years experience working in ground transportation, worked my way up through college doing everything from dispatch to operations management, business development to affiliate relationship building, everything but driving. More recently I went into the construction field, specifically construction management and software development, using laser technology for surveying. I have a masters degree, so I hope I qualify for something...


This should be an interesting adventure! :)

Sorry for the delay in responding. I saw your most recent post a few days ago and wanted to think about it for a bit first.

I didn't know that you have a master's. What is it in? And is it something you want to do?

In your case the situation is somewhat complicated given your educational level. All of us coming from the US knows that if we want to do anything special and/or serious with our lives, it's going to take a master's degree. However educational requirements here (Singapore for sure and probably elsewhere in Asia) haven't quite caught up to that point. Consequently there are a fair number of folks who have been working for many years and worked up the ladder to senior management levels (eg VP's even) but only have the equivalent of a high school diploma. Of course this dramatic sort of contrast is becoming rarer and rarer, however the fact is that many folks here hold a polytechnic diploma and after a few years get advanced credit for their diploma to apply against a bachelor's degree. They're often relatively low on the totem pole at their jobs and use their bachelors (once they've earned it) to get promoted to manager and higher levels. The point I am trying to make is that generally Masters holders are perceived to be working within a specific industry and such folks have been working for some time, at a fairly high level. You're not fitting that particular pattern so unless you know that a particular company has an opening for a specific mid to upper level position that perfectly matches your qualifications and experience, it's going to be tough since you're not really credible applying for a job strictly for experience or exposure (which is what the Work Holiday visa is about and what I think you're trying to do as well). Keep in mind that it is quite possible that you have had more education than the folks that will be interviewing you. This too can impact on the outcome of how your application is regarded when it is received, not just during an interview. Again, please keep in mind that you're not coming into Singapore with a Singapore based job or internship pre-processed say at the HQ of a US multinational company. You're applying to local Singapore companies and Singapore subsidiaries of foreign companies, competing with Singaporeans and other Asians for Singapore employment/internships and being evaluated by locals against Asian requirements.

As a suggestion, upon arrival in Singapore you might try networking with the local members of the various expatriate communities to see if they can give you any leads, also of any industry specific groups if you know what industries you want to work in. You would stand a better chance of finding something that fits your qualifications this way.

PS I assume that when you apply for positions that you know to keep your interest to check out the neighboring countries as a tourist to yourself. In Singapore, a lot of people really live to work - some managers expect their staff to work weekends regularly and stay reacheable on their cells 24/7.... Yes this is FT and we would love to see your trip reports. But remember you're asking us for our opinions and maybe help regarding your career. You're better off if you make sure that when you are on your job hunt that you really focus on that.

very good advise and certainly paints an accurate picture of the reality in Singapore, thank you for that.

you know what you are saying is no different than the reality I experienced in Australia... while they were more open to hire the "backpacker" type, most of the decent jobs wanted to hire local Australians.

maybe I should adjust my search for the "internship" type jobs... however I'm not sure how that will work as I've been out of school for quite a few years now. But the intention is there, to learn how another culture lives and works.

No company is going to hire you for 6 months only.. and Singapore firms if they decide to reply to you can give you any sort of excuse why they are not hiring you. Not speaking Mandarin in a German based firm is ridiculous. It sounds like they just wanted to brush you off, kindly. There is no law against discrimination in Singapore.

One of the reasons you can't get a temp job is that as a rule, as a foreigner, your pay salary is at higher than what a local will get. So, if a company has a choice, who do you think they will hire first? You can't even get a job as a waiter even if you want to. All staff working in restaurants and hotels are mostly foreigners from lower wage earning countries than Singapore ie Malaysia, Phillippines, Indonesia. There they are given a contract for at least 6 months. Taking weekends off? Forget it.

You might want to come to town - and then applying for permenant position here where your work visa will be exchanged with a permenant employment pass.

Note that home rentals are very high in Singapore too. Expect to pay at least US$1200 for a room in a house ! You only get the room..!

After you get a permenant job, then think about your weekend travels. Another possible job is perhaps free lancing writer for magazines, newspapers etc.

Thank You

After you get a permenant job, then think about your weekend travels. Another possible job is perhaps free lancing writer for magazines, newspapers etc.
Good luck with that: the pay is laughably bad and getting gigs is near-impossible without connections.

Good luck with that: the pay is laughably bad and getting gigs is near-impossible without connections.

The pay is better than waiting on tables!

The pay is better than waiting on tables!
But at least as a waiter you have some idea of how much you'll earn each month.

I suppose I should qualify this by stating that my experience with freelance writing in Singapore is limited to a bit of scribbling for Jetstar and assorted travel-oriented SPH magazines. The deal landed in my lap quite unexpectedly and I took it on a lark as I was traveling anyway, but this was quite enough to convince me that trying to earn a decent living this way would be well nigh impossible.

Note that home rentals are very high in Singapore too. Expect to pay at least US$1200 for a room in a house ! You only get the room..!

It's not that bad. Most rental listings for a room in an apt start at S$1000 for the master BR (with en suite), which is about US$800. You negotiate from there. House-shares are far less common but do exist - and for US$1200 it's usually because the master lease holder isn't trying to cram 10 pp into the house.

If you want to go cheap, I think there are options for S$600 but it'll be a bedroom with no attached bath, or a house-share with usually at least 4-5 other people, and in a not so naff house.

I have paid AU$1200 a month for a single room in Australia in a shared house. But it wasn't a big deal as I had a job. Looks like here it will be a little harder to accomplish.


Since I started searching until now, nothing has changed. You guys were all right with your "why would they hire you" comments.


But I remain positive... after all why would the Singapore MOM office give out the work and holiday visa's if NOBODY actually got work on them as a result?


Again I'm not looking for a permanent opportunity down there. Not all jobs require significant investment from the company to train you... after all I do have some experience and education to go along with my will to work for cheap, just to experience life in another country. And I have more value to offer when I go back to the US... in fact just two months ago my Australian boss and I represented his company at a trade show here in Atlantic City, NJ which proved very useful to him to drum up more reciprocal business with US firms for the Australian market.

But I remain positive... after all why would the Singapore MOM office give out the work and holiday visa's if NOBODY actually got work on them as a result?
Because they're happy for people to fly into Singapore and spend money looking for work?

Because they're happy for people to fly into Singapore and spend money looking for work?

Today I visited the Singapore Consulate in New York... they gave me some interesting info and sent me to Contact Singapore which is also based in NYC a few blocks up from the consulate.

The info I got there was even more interesting and will require quite an adjustment on my part.


Keep in mind I am from Ukraine and know how many Ukrainians travel abroad on a variety of student or tourist visas, look for work and remain in the country illegally. My family was fortunate enough to get green cards and live/work in the US legitimately until obtaining the citizenship.


What I learned at Contact Singapore was a bit shocking to me coming from this Ukrainian background. Like all of you guys that have commented in my post, I was advised that Singaporean companies look for long term candidates. Not shocking, what was though is the encouragement I received to seek those long term positions. Whereby its OK to get a job that was more than one year or multiple-year contract, or even more long term than that even though I only have a six months visa. I walked away with an understanding that amending the six months work holiday visa to a proper multi-year work visa is not a problem and in fact is encouraged.


This changes things. Even though I already have a return ticket booked just after the Singaporean F1 Grand Prix... should an opportunity present itself for a more long term employment I might actually consider it. If nothing else this would provide me an opportunity to travel long distance (even after a few years experience put in to earn the time off) to visit home for the holidays, while working in Singapore.


To be honest I don't care if I live in Zimbabwe, so long as I have a reliable job I enjoy and get to travel once in a while to get out of the routine. (OK a lot of flying would be a cherry on top of a really good cake)



Anyway, with some luck this might actually work out.

Because they're happy for people to fly into Singapore and spend money looking for work?

If that was the case I'm sure I'd have come across a ton of people bi|ching and moaning about the scam... I didn't. I have come across a ton of backpackers on CouchSurfing that have a hard time finding work they like, but people still go there.

If that was the case I'm sure I'd have come across a ton of people bi|ching and moaning about the scam... I didn't. I have come across a ton of backpackers on CouchSurfing that have a hard time finding work they like, but people still go there.
"Scam"? :rolleyes: The Singapore government, in its grandmotherly kindness, is giving you as the citizen of a privileged nation the opportunity to stay in Singapore and look for work for six months virtually for free, when there are quite a few impoverished workers around Asia's poorer countries who have paid thousands of dollars in bribes to dodgy agents for the same opportunity. But the government is not promising you a job, and whether or not you actually succeed in finding work is not the government's concern.

What Contact Singapore told you is quite true in the sense that, if you do manage to land a job in Singapore on the working holiday visa, your employer will indeed be able to reasonably easily get you a multi-year employment pass (EP) if they want to keep you. However, the essential problem of getting your foot in the door and actually landing that first job will still remain.

I'm Singaporean. Here's some information you might want to consider:

1. We have lots of public housing in Singapore. They are called HDB flats. At least 85 % of people live in them. If you are happy to do so too, you can get a room with airconditioning from US$500 easily. I know some people who only pay about US$400. Poorer location etc.

2. Many foreigners work in Singapore. Easily one in four people you meet on the streets is not Singaporean. So, lots of jobs go to non-locals. Lower level people are poorly paid. Higher ups can be on different schemes; local packages or expatriate ones. My guess though, is that you are not an easy fit, ie your abilities/qualifications and the jobs you applied for don't gel together.

3. It's true, most employers would prefer a longer term employee. So, go in with the idea that you would want to work in Singapore for several years. You can leave after 6 months, but that's a different story. We have an 'employment at will' system in Singapore. This means that your rights are mostly based on your Contract of Employment. Usually, both employer and employee can terminate the contract of employment by giving notice. Often, from one to three months. No reasons need to be given.

4. One possible job area you might want to look at could be teaching. With a master's degree, you would be a right fit for a job in one of our Polytechnics. (eg Singapore, Temasek, Republic, Nanyang, Ngee Ann Polytechnics) Work's not too difficult, and you definitely do have your weekends free!

If that was the case I'm sure I'd have come across a ton of people bi|ching and moaning about the scam... I didn't. I have come across a ton of backpackers on CouchSurfing that have a hard time finding work they like, but people still go there.

But keep in mind what this program is for: a chance for younger people to try out life in Singapore with no strings. It's not a scam - if anything the name of the visa makes it clear: Work Holiday Visa. There might be a lot of folks on this program who end up doing more holiday (vacation) than work, but it seems to me that as long as either of these purposes is achieved, then the function of this visa is fulfilled. As jpatokal says, the Singapore government didn't promise anyone a job, simply the opportunity to earn one on a level playing field (educational qualifications, professional/legal requirements, experience etc) with the locals. I presume the folks who hold this visa realize this regardless of whether they find the job hunting situation easy or difficult.

To trueblueflyer - I'm glad you finally went to the Singapore Consulate in NYC and then to the Contact Singapore offices. I had thought you had gone there much earlier, but now you see why I recommended that early on (one year agp).

You're getting a good range of replies. From the tone of the comments the various posters are expats to locals. Examples: it's hard finding a job vs tons of people on the street are foreigners. Or - housing is going to cost a fortune vs it can be economical. Even yourself - i'm after a cultural experience vs if the opportunity is good I'll stay longer than the end of September (that's the F1 race). So the commentary is comprehensive, I think that all positions are covered.

It's time to get back to basics. What do you really want to accomplish when you come out here? It can't be for opportunitistic reasons because the locals will spot that in a heartbeat and let that view color their behavior towards you. So the Contact Singapore people were encouraging - their function is to encourage migration of professional and highly qualified human talent to Singapore but it is crucial to remember that they are paid to be cheerleaders for Singapore. Singapore government people are often like that to anyone who wants to do something that is consistent with government policy objectives. To be fair their story is more compelling than that of most other countries and that the chances of getting a win-win is higher here than most. It's just that once here, you still need to deal with the local situation and I think that is what most of us have been trying to caution you on. Carpetravel is giving you an alternate view which he writes from a local Singaporean's point of view. Your ability to capitalize on his point 1 and 4 depends greatly on your ability to shift to a local lifestyle where you might have to live in ways dramatically different from how you're used to living in New York. To be direct - much of your commentary to roughly this time has been about wanting to learn more about other cultures, about travel (I note some of your posts up to say one week ago in the other forums inquiring about things like budget travel, different ways to earn mileage points, countries that charge the least for visas etc). But notice that our posts generally have been about how you find a real job - that's because that's how this town (and much of this part of the world) is geared. Notice even Contact Singapore is telling you that it's not an issue with them to convert the Work Holiday visa to an appropriate employment pass (ie it's all about real work). With due respect to carpetravel's post, I would not be quite so fast to plan for regional travel if you get a lecturer's job at one of the polytechnics because you're not local - you have to earn your spurs first.

Coming back to three questions I asked you earlier:

post 4: Considering your previous thread and the one year that you have spent in jobs and traveling in Europe, what have you learned that would makie a difference in your decision making?

post 9: What is your Masters in? And is it something you want to do?

We can help you more if you reply these questions.

I have an MS in Information Systems

I have learned that there is incredible opportunity to work abroad, the type of work I enjoy more than local work with an added bonus of travel. With a little more international experience I should be able to start my own business.

The local travel I have booked so far will be for March, I plan to spend one month looking for work on the ground. If it doesnt work I have enough miles to nest another trip into my current schedule to make two holiday visits to SIN.

The hardest question to answer is what do I want to do. If I knew my sdarch would be much easier. All I can say is i'll know it when I see it.

alright... scheduled my first interview! woo hoo...

also discovered that Gmail has a 500 e-mail limit...

Congrats on the interview - that's really good news.

On your earlier post: that's a pretty serious Masters. This suggests that you know your way around computers and presumably MIS. That's good as this town is heavily IT driven and there is a basic demand for such people. Given your education, you should be able to swing a computer/IT/MIS related job here as long as you keep at the job hunt long enough. One other thing: with a Master's degree, no one here will ever believe that all you want is an internship. If you've been writing your cover letters that way, that may well be why you're not getting too many responses. If so, change your approach. Forget about the internship part, just apply for a job that will keep you here for the next couple of years (and mean it). More companies will want to talk to you then.

[duplicate]

Perhaps I should start a new thread. Open to suggestions in that direction.

An MNC for whom I worked over a decade ago is interested in hiring me for a position in Singapore. The only thing left in order to get an offer is to assess the possibility of getting a visa. As the company is fairly large they have some folks in India looking into the visa issue as the Singapore office doesn't have dedicated HR due to the small size. These folks are taking a long time to get back to the hiring manager with answers.

I've reviewed some of the visa options on the Singapore gov't websites and tried to go through the Self Assessment Test. It seems like it should be possible for me to get a visa and I guess a PR eventually but I'm finding it a bit confusing. Perhaps someone with some experience may have some insight to share.


US/Israeli citizenships
I'll be employed by the local branch of a multinational
No degree, but I've been working in the IT industry for 16 years


I'm looking for the quickest way to start working for this company as an employee of the Singaporean entity so any ideas with regards to temporary solutions which I can then convert to a multi-year work visa/PR later are also fine.

Any suggestions about expat forums that any of you in Singapore participate in would be welcome. I know that Thaivisa is a great resource of this kind of information for Thailand, but I'm not aware of a similar forum for Singapore.

I'm looking for the quickest way to start working for this company as an employee of the Singaporean entity so any ideas with regards to temporary solutions which I can then convert to a multi-year work visa/PR later are also fine.
Long story short, if your salary is high enough to qualify for a P1 pass (base salary over S$7000/mo, degree not a concern), getting a standard extendable 2-year employment visa is absolutely no problem.

PR used to be dead easy to get, but they've tightened up the criteria considerably lately and most folks are now looking at at least a 2-year wait before it's even worth applying. However, the elections are now over, so they may well start loosening the screws again.

Any suggestions about expat forums that any of you in Singapore participate in would be welcome. I know that Thaivisa is a great resource of this kind of information for Thailand, but I'm not aware of a similar forum for Singapore.
Try http://singaporeexpats.com, you may spot a familiar handle as one of the moderators :p

Thanks jpatokal!

Some additional thoughts to the good advice that jpatokal has given here.

First, I'd suggest not to think about PR for now. Once you're here and you have legal employment status in Singapore, then you can start planning for it. Make the employment visa happen first.

In terms of the great variety of Singapore employment visas, my sense is it looks like the S pass is fairly certain, and the Q1 employment pass is reasonably likely. (To be clear, the differences is that Singapore employment passes for white collar management and/or specialized job types ordinarily with bachelors degrees, work permit holders are blue collar near manual labor types, and S pass are in between. The higher employment passes ie P1, P2 are for more senior management types.) The difference between these types are the privileges attached to each; for example a P1 will be able to bring family members while a work permit type will not be able to do so. Having said that it would be better if you can get the Q1 as a minimum because it will make future PR applications easier (P1, P2 easier still). Just be aware that the requirements for getting a visa approved are not absolute. That is, you will always need to be an individual with good character, but the fact that you have 16 years of experience in IT and a company wanting to hire you is a plus, while having only a diploma (not a degree) is either a neutral or a minus. The officer will review your case based on the overall profile (quals, experience, relevant personal history) along with the needs of the company that wants to hire you (a big plus: a foreigner who has hiring authority and thus add Singaporeans to the company's payroll, or a foreigner who as part of the job spec will be training Singaporeans in higher level job skills), and make the decision based on the overall balance of things. At the end of the day, if you can show that you can also somehow improve the abilities of ordinary Singaporeans through your job above and beyond the job spec or generate lots of tax revenue, this will be a big plus.

As for the MNC operating in Singapore with no local HR capability, this isn't really crucial, if you're williing to do some legwork you can move things along briskly. Singapore operates on foreign talent and will not hold up an employment visa application unnecessarily (it's not at all like what non-Americans have to deal with when they apply for a H1-B). If I recall at one point the processing time on a typical application is same day. Also, you may (I emphasize may) be able to arrive in Singapore as a tourist, and with employment contract and other paperwork in hand get a relevant employment visa approved on that visit, ie having your visa status converted without having to return to your country of origin for the visa to be processed at the relevant Singapore embassy. If this guess of mine is correct one thing you can try is to have the MNC (through its Singapore subsidiary) issue you an employment contract (with a clause stating validity contingent on Singapore government issuing you a the visa), and going to the Ministry of Manpower yourself upon arrival in Singapore to do the paperwork. My suggestion is that you approach the nearest Singapore embassy/consulate or an overseas office of the Singapore Economic Development Board to see if my presumptions here are correct and act accordingly.

To be clear, visas are handled by two Singapore government agencies. For anything job related, it's the Ministry of Manpower (MOM); for long term visits, PR, the folks who give the 10/30/90 day visit passes for tourists arriving at the airport, it's Immigration and Customs Authority (ICA). Make sure you approach the right agency (for you it's MOM).

On the nationality, I would suggest that you apply using your US status. There's a healthy presence of Americans in Singapore and relations between the governments are friendly. On the other hand, your other nationality may be somewhat problematic on the personal (not government, that's fine) level. Trust me on this, when/where I was growing up, I was the shabbos goy for my observant neighbors. Let us just say that after years of living in Singapore I have never seen any male wearing a yarmulke.

I am not as certain as jpatokal that you can achieve a P1 but I wouldn't worry about it - ultimately it will be the MOM that decides what visa you get. The key is to get it, then you can figure out your next steps. I just want to emphasize that this particular Singapore government process will be quick, largely painless and sort of transparent (well, more so than most other governments I know of).

Any questions or thoughts you can reply on this thread or you may PM me.

In terms of the great variety of Singapore employment visas, my sense is it looks like the S pass is fairly certain, and the Q1 employment pass is reasonably likely.
No, it really is all about the salary: the sole requirement for P1 is an employer guaranteeing that they will pay over S$7000/month. An acquaintance of mine does not even have a high school diploma, and his P1 was approved in under 24 hours. Take a look at the MOM site:

http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/employment-pass/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx

At the end of the day, if you can show that you can also somehow improve the abilities of ordinary Singaporeans through your job above and beyond the job spec or generate lots of tax revenue, this will be a big plus.
As far as I can tell, Singapore cares about a) bringing in money to the economy, and b) not taking local jobs, in that order. This is why high-fliers are welcomed with open arms, and why the requirements are increasingly stringent as you go down the salary ladder.

Also, you may (I emphasize may) be able to arrive in Singapore as a tourist, and with employment contract and other paperwork in hand get a relevant employment visa approved on that visit, ie having your visa status converted without having to return to your country of origin for the visa to be processed at the relevant Singapore embassy.
Almost, but not quite. The way it works (for citizens of countries that get visas on arrival, anyway) is that the employment pass is applied for before arrival (up to 60 days in advance, IIRC), and an approval in principle (AIP) is granted. The employee-to-be flies to Singapore, gets standard short visit pass ("tourist visa") on arrival, and then goes to MOM to get the actual EP, which is always granted unless they (say) notice that your diploma is photoshopped or you forgot to tell them about axe murder conviction.

jpatokal, ok I stand corrected on the EP criteria, you're right about the P1. I'm still inclined to think that it should be possible for him to apply for the EP after arrival into Singapore and have his visa status converted but to be fair this might have changed when MOM took over issuance of work permits and EP's.

To yosithezet I'd say follow jpatokal's advice and see what happens. Please come back to this thread and let us know the outcome.

Just an update to share with others.

Been really blessed with my experience in Singapore (knock-on-wood)

Am doing exactly what I wanted to do, the job is supportive of my travel wants and needs, and the living place is smack in the middle of things. Couldn't ask for more.

Just a few more months before I head home, time is flying too fast! Can't wait to actually participate in the Singtel Formula 1 Grand Prix this September. Then its back home for a quick stay in NY before heading to New Zealand for a year on a similar program there.


Thanks for all your input guys, I hope others find it useful.

My EP was approved either in a week or 3 weeks. Unclear as the person dealing with it at my new employer was on vacation during the middle so I can't be sure when she actually submitted the application. Anyway, went to MOM for fingerprints on Wed and Monday I'll pick up the EP.

TrueBlueFlyer, are you still in SIN? Care to grab a drink and chit chat about life here?

sounds good guys, i just submitted my request for EP so hopefully i will get it asap! :-)

My EP was approved either in a week or 3 weeks. Unclear as the person dealing with it at my new employer was on vacation during the middle so I can't be sure when she actually submitted the application. Anyway, went to MOM for fingerprints on Wed and Monday I'll pick up the EP.

TrueBlueFlyer, are you still in SIN? Care to grab a drink and chit chat about life here?

Want to make 3 ppl? I live here too.

Want to make 3 ppl? I live here too.

Doggone! Would have been great! Met up with TrueBlueFlyer and had a great time swapping stories and experiences. Anyway, I'm always happy to meet up with FTers. PM or email me.

Folks I am moving to SIN in Aug. My employer asked me to come on visit visa. They would would then apply for EP. Is that possible? Or as stated in earlier post my employer needs to apply before I am on Sin soil? Thanks

I'll be back to Singapore :p

I agree with the previous comments - you really need to be here to get a job so it's good that you're coming.

I'm not sure what level of job you're looking for but it's a good idea to find a recruitment agent who is well connected otherwise you'll find a lot of emails go unanswered and voicemail boxes that are full.

If you're looking at a lower level job for just a few months you could try the Chamber of Commerce for your country as they may know companies that are looking for short term workers


Like the OP, I didn't have much success either with websites like monster a few years back, so I am wondering if a recruitment agent would be more effective. As opposed to only 6 months I would be looking for long term employment. I can find long lists of recruitment agencies on the web, and for selecting one the keyword is probably "well connected". Would it be advantageous to use a local recruiter rather than an international firm?

Depending upon your industry there may be specialized local firms or practices. Share more about your profile and it will be easier to direct you. I spoke to people I knew working in Sungapore and got from them the names of revelvant headhunters.

Mr. Nacho tried applying several jobs in SG but never heard from them. He is a Project manager in a Telecommunciation company. I guess the competition is tough and there are enough people for the job market in SG. Is that true? Or they still lack skilled professionals?

Thanks in advance!

There isn't really a shortage of talent but there are a lot of opportunities as well. However, it is more rare for someone to be hired from outside the region. More likely to be relocated within a company you already work for or hired away from another company if you already live in Singapore.

Depending upon your industry there may be specialized local firms or practices. Share more about your profile and it will be easier to direct you. I spoke to people I knew working in Sungapore and got from them the names of revelvant headhunters.

Life sciences R&D, and to a large part software development.

Its not so easy to find a job in Singapore as a foreigner. Local companies often allow only Singaporeans or Permanent Residents to apply for their open positions (quite common up to mid-management level and in certain industries). For senior positions requiring special skills chances would be higher to find a job. But to work for a Singaporean company as a foreigner is often not easy, even locals prefer working for multinationals. The salary-packages in such companies are often not that attractive, but expections (and working hours) high.
Its more likely that regional subsideries of overseas companies will hire a foreigner on a local contract (or if you are lucky on an expact package).

There is a highly trained workforce available, its definetly competetive. And salaries for young graduates are quite low.

has anyone working in Singapore ever experienced difficulties with doing their taxes?


I'm experiencing something very un-Singapore-like... someone at IRAS is stalling my application process... I lived in Singapore longer than the minimum required stay to qualify as a tax resident, I worked there and didn't make enough to actually qualify to pay tax, but I understand I must file it...

what is getting to me, every time I send them evidence they request... like letter from the company stating income, or photocopy of my passport entry/exit stamps from Singapore... I get no acknowledgement, and when I follow up they request same info again.

I just spend over an hour on the phone with them while passing thru Singapore this weekend, and nobody could resolve the problem on the phone. I suggested I stop by their HQ before heading to the airport, but there were no appointment slots available.


what gives?

What exactly are you trying to do? Do you stay in Singapore for more than 183 days a year, entering the country with an Employment Pass (so no more filling in the landing cards)?

just got a response from IRAS hopefully this one will be the last one before my assessment arrives


I was in SG on a six month working holiday visa... my actual stay in SG was seven months, took me one month to find a job... the difficulty it seems lies in what the company labelled me when I worked there as a "consultant" although frankly I don't see what difference it would make... to be a tax resident in SG you either have to "live" or "work" in the country, doesn't have to be both.


will report back once the tax is done

Exactly, if you are present in Singapore for 183+ days in a calendar year then you are treated as a tax resident.

Do you file your taxes on your own (employer should give you an IR8A sheet each year by March 1st) or do you never have to do anything (big companies have some auto-inclusion scheme or something like that)?

If you file on your own then the easiest thing to do is get a SingPass which is a login/password that allows you to check your tax status among other things. It also allows you to file online, which literally takes a few minutes each year when the time comes. :)

I don't think I qualified for SingPass but I managed to get a PIN for my FIN number... unfortunately of course the last time I tried logging in the system locked me out so now I'm waiting for a new PIN to be sent to the US while I'm still in NZ.

I worked for a tiny Singaporean firm so they filed nothing on my behalf. Instead they listed me as a "consultant" so IRAS kept asking me whether I had opened my own business while in Singapore and what other income had I earned.

would be very happy once this is settled... its been driving me crazy for months

Did they hire you as a Singaporean resident at the time? They still need to give you an IR8A then.

What exactly was the problem with filing? You could have gone online, declared your income, and finito. Wait a few months for the letter of assessment from IRAS and make your payment. Job done for the year. :)

I think your problem is this "consultant" status. Unless you gave the company an invoice and receipt, how were you an external consultant? This means you were on payroll. If this is the case then you should get the IRAS from them.

Hi TrueBLueFlyer

....... while I'm still in NZ.



Are you still in NZ? If so and you are in Wellington any time then PM me if you fancy a drink.

Are you still in NZ? If so and you are in Wellington any time then PM me if you fancy a drink.
I've left already, heading back to Asia soon :)

I don't think I qualified for SingPass but I managed to get a PIN for my FIN number...

Just go to one of these locations, sign a form, and you'll get a SingPass on-site:
http://www.singpass.gov.sg/sppubsvc/location1.html

Bring your I/C.

Just go to one of these locations, sign a form, and you'll get a SingPass on-site:
http://www.singpass.gov.sg/sppubsvc/location1.html

Bring your I/C.

Well... after much back and forth via e-mail and phone calls... I have gotten a phone call back (late late at night New Zealand time) got a letter in the mail in the US and an e-mail stating I'm tax exempt for 2011... Hallelujah!