If you are in Singapore now, you can sign up at Myanmar in Singapore, a special social network for Myanmar who are studying or working in Singapore so that we can help to each other if one gets in trouble.
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Visas
| | Singapore’s open immigration policy provides an environment conducive for businesses to bring in employees in no more than two weeks. Professional Visas Professional visas are issued to foreign professionals who have found employment in Singapore and are about to commence work, those who need to make short visits in their professional capacities, and others who seek training opportunities. |
Visas for Entrepreneurs
Singapore offers tailor-made visas for those who intend to set up businesses in the country, as well as entrepreneurs who would like to explore business opportunities in the region.
For more details on programmes for investors, click here.
General Visit Visas
Typically provided to tourists, families and friends, these visas allow visitors to stay for durations ranging from a few days to a few months.
Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Tool
The online Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) calculates the likelihood of applicants successfully obtaining an Employment/S Pass to work in Singapore, based on these provided information:
• Fixed monthly salary;
• Highest qualifications attained;
• Occupation applied for; and
• Work Experience.
To check if you qualify for an Employment/S Pass, please take the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test.
You can see more information about Singapore Embassy in Myanmar and Myanmar Embassy in Singapore.
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Accommodation
There is a wide variety of short-term accommodation available in Singapore to suit all budgets and personal preferences, ranging from budget hostels, service apartments to world class five-star hotels.
Please visit the Singapore Tourism Board website to access a comprehensive directory of places to stay and their estimated price range.
If you are looking to stay in Singapore for a significant period of time, long-term public and private housing for rental, and limited sale of certain private properties are available for foreigners.
If you are looking to rent, public housing apartments built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) located all over the island is a good option. These government-subsidized flats are located in convenient, self-contained neighbourhoods with basic amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, malls, libraries as well as access to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. Click here (link to below) to find out how you can rent one of these flats.
Private apartments, condominiums and houses are also available for rental. Rental rates depend on the location, such as proximity to the MRT station and amenities, size and condition of the flat or house, the facilities provided and whether the place is furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished. Click here (link to below) to find out how you can rent or buy a private property under Singapore regulation.
Most Singaporeans live in apartments built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). These government-subsidized flats are located in housing estates all over the island. Each estate is a self-contained neighbourhood with basic amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, clinics, schools, malls, libraries as well as access to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system.
A major advantage of the HDB accommodation is the reasonable rental. The flats range from one-room to five-room and executive models. Please click here to find out the latest rental estimates in each neighbourhood.
By regulation, to rent a HDB flat, you must be either a:
- Singapore Citizen or
- Singapore Permanent Resident or
- Non-citizen legally residing in Singapore (holder of Singapore blue Identity Card, Employment Pass, Work Permit or Student Pass).
Please visit the HDB website for further details on rental eligibility.
If you prefer private housing, take your pick of private apartments, condominium units or houses listed in the classified advertisements of the Straits Times, or approach a housing agent for the rental and purchase rates of private property.
Rental rates depend on the location, such as proximity to the MRT station and amenities, size and condition of the flat or house, the facilities provided and whether the place is furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished.
If you are interested in renting an apartment, you need to:
- Sign a lease with the owner. This is a legal contract between you and the owner, which sets out the duties and responsibilities of both parties;
- Sign an inventory, listing all the items provided by the owner, including their condition;
- Pay rent in advance;
- Put down a deposit or “security bond” equivalent to one month’s rent if your lease is for one-year period, which will be returned when you leave unless there are rental charges or other costs outstanding.
Under the Residential Property Act (RPA), foreigners can buy restricted properties only with approval. Restricted properties are landed properties as well as apartments in non-condominium developments of less than 6 levels. Please visit the Urban Redevelopment Authority website for more details on foreign ownership of residential properties under the RPA.
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Getting Around
| | | Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) & Light Rail Transit (LRT) The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operates a network of trains, which serves 51 stations, covering most business, shopping and residential areas in Singapore. These trains are highly reliable, arriving every three to eight minutes from 5.30 am to 12.30 am daily. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a 7.8km feeder rail service of 14 stations, covering only Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang estates currently. Click here to find out more details on train routes, fares and travel times. To travel on both the MRT and LRT, you can either buy tickets at any train station, or pay using an EZ-Link cash card purchased at any station or bus terminal. You can use the same EZ-Link card to travel on public buses in Singapore. |
Buses
Public buses run daily from 5.30am to midnight, and their pick-up routes are extremely comprehensive throughout the island at regular intervals (less than 30 minutes between buses). There are also extended night services which cost slightly more. You can either pay via cash, or an EZ-Link cash card you can buy or top up value at any bus interchange or MRT station.
The two main bus operators in Singapore are SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd. Visit their websites for more information on respective bus routes and fares.
Taxis
Over 19,000 taxis ply the streets of Singapore round the clock. You may flag down a taxi from the street, queue for one at a taxi stand, or make a booking through the taxi company’s hotline or website. Taxis carry a maximum of four passengers by regulation in Singapore. Other than the travel fare, surcharges may include Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), peak hour and public holiday charges. A surcharge is also imposed by taxis for picking up passengers from the Changi International Airport.
To find out more details or to book a taxi, please contact the respective taxi companies:
| 6552 2222 | |
| 6552 1111 / 6552 2222 | |
| Premier Taxis Pte Ltd | 6476 8880 |
| 6299 1551 | |
| 6555 8888 | |
| 6287 6666 | |
| 6552 1111 / 6552 2222 |
Driving in Singapore
Cars in Singapore are on right-hand drive, driven on the left side of the road. If you find it too expensive to own a car, leasing a car from major companies like Avis and Hertz is another option.
If you are here on a Social Visit Pass, all you need is an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS). This Permit is valid for a year. Visit the AAS website for more details on how to apply.
However, if you are a Permanent Resident or have been in Singapore for more than twelve months, a Singapore driving licence is required by the Traffic Police. You need to obtain a Class 3 licence for cars and a Class 2 licence for motorcycles. To convert your foreign driving licence, please contact any of the following driving centres:
While driving in Singapore, it is of utmost importance that you adhere to local traffic rules, such as putting on your safety belt, avoiding the bus lane during certain hours, or using your mobile phone without the hands-free device. Visit the Singapore Police Force website for a complete guide to local traffic regulations and penalties.
Buying a Car
The number of vehicles on Singapore roads is carefully controlled by the Vehicle Quota System. The Land Transport Authority determines the number of new vehicles allowed for registration every year, and administers this quota through the release of Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) every month. A prospective owner is required to go through a tender process to bid for one, in order to register his new car.
Visit the Land Transport Authority One Motoring website for more details on how to:
- Bid for a COE
- Bid for a Vehicle Number
- Calculate Car Cost including Road Tax
- Calculate your Monthly Fuel Consumption
- Self-import and Register your Vehicle
- Install your Vehicle License Plate
Please visit the Land Transport Authority website for more details on vehicle ownership, policies and schemes.
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Communication
| | | Telephone and Mobile Phones There are three main telecommunication providers in Singapore, namely Singtel, Starhub and M1. All three are offering competitive subscription plans for mobile phones. Currently, only Singtel offers fixed line services to homes and offices. If you are in Singapore for the short term, you can either use your existing roaming-enabled mobile and SIM card, or opt to purchase a pay-per-use SIM card with a local number. The latter offers the obvious advantage of being much cheaper since you are effectively paying local rates. Click here to find out more about other interim mobile service plans for visitors to Singapore. |
Public Payphone Services
Public payphones are operated by credit card or stored-value phonecards. They can be used to make both local and international calls. Public payphones can be found in most shopping complexes and MRT stations, and local calls are charged at 10 cents per 3 minutes.
Stored value phonecards are available in denominations of Singapore dollars 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 at post offices and convenience stores. Click here to find out the locations of these post offices.
Internet
Broadband or wireless services are widely and easily accessed through three main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Singapore, namely Singnet, Starhub, and Pacific Internet.
Other than ISPs, the other option is to log on to Wireless@SG. This is a nationwide programme where users can enjoy free indoor and outdoor seamless wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512kbps at most public places. Click here to register or find out more details about coverage areas.
Postal Services
SingPost operates a network of more than 60 postal outlets and 200 Self Automated Machines (SAMs) conveniently located throughout the island. Fax and air-parcel postage services are available at all outlets. Visit the SingPost website for more information.
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Schooling
| | | There is a strong focus on education in Singapore. Teachers are well-qualified while schooling facilities are amongst the best in the world. Please visit the Ministry of Education website for more information on the education system and the directory of schools in Singapore. Enrolment Procedure As a foreign student, your child may submit his or her application directly to the schools at all levels. Approach the schools for admission to kindergartens, private schools, universities or polytechnics. To study in Singapore, you are required to either apply for a Student Pass or a Dependant’s Pass. |
Please click on the following links for more information on:
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For a graduating student studying overseas looking for a job
- Employment Pass
- To work in Singapore, you need an Employment Pass. A local sponsor, your employer in most cases, is required to apply for the Pass. For more information about the four categories of employment passes (P1 Pass, P2 Pass, Q1 Pass and the S Pass), please visit the Ministry of Manpower website.
- To check if you qualify for an Employment Pass, please take the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test.
- Growth Industries
- Finding a Job in Singapore
- Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC)
- If you are not a Singapore citizen and wish to work in Singapore, you have to first secure a job offer here. To spend some time in Singapore to look for a job, you can apply for the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC). EPEC grants the holder a Social Visit Pass valid for up to one year. The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is strictly non-renewable.
- You may apply for EPEC if you hold any of the selected universities qualifications or if you are a current or former holder of selected skilled migrant visas. You should apply for an EPEC only when you are ready to come to Singapore. You will still require the relevant visa to enter Singapore (if a visa is required) even if you hold a valid EPEC.
- With effect from 2 May 07, all EPEC applications must be submitted online.
- Documents you need to prepare:
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Educational certificates & transcripts
- Proof of professional membership (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Children's Birth Certificates (if applicable)
- Passport-sized colour photos
- Join our mailing list to get updates on opportunities, events and much more!
Find a Job in Singapore
| | | To find out about job openings in Singapore, you could begin with one of the many online job search facilities available on the internet. Find the job that suites you best and discover the boundless opportunities right here in Singapore. Click on the links below to check out the sites for Singapore-based jobs and find out what we have in store. Good luck! |
Job Sites
There are many job sites you can look at to find the job that suites you best. You can submit you resume online and apply for the job of your interest from anywhere anytime. Click here for a list of job sites.
Executive Search Firms
Employment agencies, international search agencies and Singapore executive recruitment firms provide a wide range of services including management consultancy, recruitment and placement. Click here for a list of executive search firms.
Employers
There are numerous employers from various industries that are always looking for talent from overseas. Click here for a list of our partner employers.
Classified Ads
Check out the ‘Recruit’ section of The Straits Times, Singapore’s national daily English language newspaper. It has a comprehensive list of career opportunities in Singapore.
Career Fairs
For information on career and trade fairs in a city near you, you may wish to check out the events that are featured on our website.
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Applying for a Job
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For Professionals
| | | If you are a professional and looking for opportunities in Singapore, from full time employment, to how to get started, click on the links below for more info. Who are you? |
If you are a Singaporean citizen working overseas, please sign up for our mailing list to keep updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more.
For Students
| | | If you are a student and looking for opportunities in Singapore, be it full time employment, work holiday programmes or internships, click on the links below on how to get started. Who are you? |
If you are a Singaporean citizen studying overseas, please sign up for our mailing list to keep get updated on employment trends, career opportunities, events and more.
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Cost of Living
| | | Esitmated Living Costs - A Snapshot Mercer's cost of Living Survey 2006 lists the following as the 5 most costly cities to live in. They are as follows: Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and London. Other Asian cities costlier than Singapore include Osaka and Beijing. Singapore was placed 17th. |
| Item/Cost (SGD) |
| Accomodation
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| Utilities |
| Public Transport
Indicative fare: from residential areas to CDB during peak hours. |
| Communication
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| Meals
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| Entertainment
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Quality of Life
| | | Singapore is amongst one of the best places to live in. Mercer ranked Singapore 1st for its quality of life in Asia (Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Worldwide Quality of Living Index 2007), as well as Asia’s No. 1 place to live, work and play (Mercer Human Resource Consulting 2005-2006). Singapore is one of the most stable societies in Asia. The city fuses modernity with tradition while both are celebrated in equal parts. Its society is multi-racial, multi-religion and multi-lingual. This is reflected through the ethnic mix of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians and smaller minority groups who make up its population of 4.4 million. |
The relatively low crime rate offers foreign professionals a unique opportunity to live in ease alongside the local community without having to pay a premium for security.
A choice of housing exists for professionals in Singapore to suit individual lifestyles and budgets. Rental apartments can be found in public housing developments, equipped conveniently with its own shopping and entertainment hub, education and healthcare facilities. Private properties, available for rent or purchase, varies from condominiums, to houses and bungalows across various locations on the island.
Living conditions in Singapore are among the best in Asia, with state-of-the-art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation. The Global Country Brand Index ranked Singapore as the world’s 2nd for its shopping, nightlife and dining.
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Domestic Help
| | | You can bring in foreign domestic workers either on your own or by going through an agency. All applications have to be submitted to the Work Pass Division (WPD) under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). In general, employers cannot apply for a Work Permit (WP) for a foreigner who is on a social visit such as on holiday or short term visit to Singapore. If you are applying for a WP for a foreign domestic worker who has never worked in Singapore before, she must be 23 years of age or above and below 50 years old at the time of the application. Also, she must have received a minimum of 8 years of formal education. |
Please click on the following links for guidelines and requirements that you should note when employing foreign domestic workers:
- Guidelines for Employers
- Employers' Orientation Programme
- Employers Who Change More Than Four Foreign Domestic Workers in a Year
- Maintain a Valid GIRO Account with a Bank for Payment of Levy
- Obtain for the FDW, a Personal Accident Insurance (minimum coverage of $10,000)
- Work Permit (WP) Application for Domestic Workers
- Obtain a Security Deposit of $5000
- Renewal of Work Permit for Domestic Workers
- Salary and General Terms of Employment
- Termination of In-Principle Approval and Work Permit
- Useful Publications and Resources
- Work Pass Legislation
- E-Services and Forms
Taxation
You are considered a tax resident if you:
- Have been in Singapore for at least 183 days in a calendar year.
- Have been physically present or working in Singapore for three consecutive years, even though the number of days you have spent in Singapore is less than 183 days in the first and third year.
What this means for a tax resident is that:
- All income earned in Singapore and any overseas income that is brought into Singapore will be taxed.
- After deducting personal relief, income will be taxed at graduated rates from 0% to 20% (See IRAS website for more on tax relief).
- ·Types of relief you are entitled to, subject to conditions, include support of dependants, course fees paid for attending academic and professional courses, and premiums paid on life insurance policies.
Click here to view income tax rates for residents
You are considered a non-resident if you have been in Singapore for less than 183 days in a calendar year.
You will be exempted from paying income tax if you have been employed for 60 days or less in a calendar year. However, this rule does not apply if you are a director, public entertainer or exercising a profession in Singapore.
Non-residents will be:
- Taxed only on income earned in Singapore.
- Unable to claim for personal relief.
- Taxed on their employment income at a flat rate of 15% or the resident rates, depending on which gives rise to higher tax (For director's fees and income other than employment, they will be taxed at a flat rate of 20% from Year of Assessment 2005.)
- Exempted from tax on remittances made to Singapore.
Click here to view income tax rates for non-residents.
For further information, please visit www.iras.gov.sg.
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Useful Numbers
| Emergency | |
| Police | 999 (toll-free) |
| Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade | 995 (toll-free) |
| Important Public Services | |
| Police Hotline | 1800 225 0000 (toll-free) |
| Traffic Police Hotline | 1800 547 1818 |
| AAS Emergency Road Service | 6748 9911 |
| Non-Emergency Ambulance Service | 1777 |
| Information | |
| Flight Information (24-hour) | 1800-542 4422 (toll-free) |
| STB Touristline (24-hour automated tourist information system) | 1800-736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only) |
| CitySearch (operator-assisted Yellow Pages) | 1900 777 7777 |
| Time of Day | 1711 |
| Weather | (65) 6542 7788 |
| International Calls | 104 |
| Trunk Calls to Malaysia | Dial 109 for operator assistance, or 02 for direct dial. |
| Dial-A-Cab | |
| Comfort CabLink | 6552 1111/6552 2222 |
| CitiCab | 6552 4525 |
| Premier Taxis/Silver Cab | 6476 8880 |
| SMRT Taxis | 6555 8888 |
| Smart Automobile | 6485 7777 |
| Trans-Cab Services | 6555 3333 |
Singapore Job Directory
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