According to the data provided by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), as of June 2021, there are a total of 1,197,100 foreign workforces in Singapore. This number is greatly influenced by the country’s strong economy, quality of life, and progressive immigration processes. This Lion City is also loved by expatriates due to its political stability, diverse crowd, and greater economic opportunities. Find out why Singapore is often referred to as “destinations of international migrants” by clicking here.
If you wish to move and secure a job in Singapore, we have prepared a list of things that you must pay attention to before you pack your bags and book your flight ticket.
What you need to know before you apply for a job in Singapore
Different work passes
First things first, before you make any rash decisions, you need to determine if you are eligible to work in the country. In Singapore, all foreigners who wish to work in the country must have a valid pass or work visa before they start working. Here is a breakdown of the types of work passes available in Singapore:
- Professional Work Visas
- Employment Pass – This pass is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives that earn at least S$4,500 a month and have acceptable qualifications.
- EntrePass – Work pass for eligible foreign entrepreneurs keen on starting and operating a business in Singapore. For eligible foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies.
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) – PEP is for high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals that want greater flexibility than the Employment Pass.
- Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers
- S Pass – This pass is for mid-level skilled staff that earn at least S$2,500 a month and meet the assessment criteria.
- Work Permit for migrant workers - Permit for semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector.
Salary expectations
Did you know that Singapore is among the top 20 countries with the highest median salary? As of March 2020, the average salary in Singapore is S$67,152, which is about US$47,740. In the US, this is already considered middle-class income. However, the salary range for workers in Singapore differs depending on the job categories, typically ranging from S$2,731 to S$8,581 on average. Do keep in mind that the cost of living in Singapore is fairly high but it is not a significant concern if you start working in the country.
Thriving job industries in Singapore
Now that you have understood the salary expectations and different types of work visas, let’s take a look at the thriving industries in Singapore to help you make informed decisions upon your plan to start a career in the Lion City.
1) Engineering Industry
Engineers enjoy a hefty salary in Singapore, especially if they specialise in particular industries. Engineers with managerial experience are in high demand and can easily obtain a salary close to S$200,000 a year. Construction engineers can earn between S$6,836 and S$9,000 a month.
2) IT Industry
Information technology is vital in this fourth industrial revolution. An IT director with up to 10 years of experience can earn up to S$15,000 a month meanwhile an IT security manager with the same years of experience can earn up to S$12,000 a month. As one of the most vital sectors in Singapore, jobs in the IT industry offer competitive salaries.
3) Health Industry
Similar to jobs in the engineering industry, healthcare professionals are always in high demand in Singapore, especially during this pandemic. And they come with competitive salaries too. If you have experience as a managing director or sales manager, you can earn an average of S$8,000 per month.
4) Marketing Industry
Almost every industry requires a good marketing team. And after the pandemic, more and more companies are adopting digital marketing for their business. If you have experience working as a marketing director, there is a high chance that you can secure a high-paying job. Because marketing directors for large companies can earn about S$18,000 per month.
5) Financial Industry
The financial industry is home to the most competitive salaries in the country as the regulatory system in Singapore is very business-friendly. Professionals with a background in finance can work as financial advisers, directors, and officers. With several years of experience, they can expect to earn about S$15,000 and S$50,000 a month.
All in all, Singapore is a great place to work and live, thanks to its job opportunities and a strong economy. However, choosing to relocate to another country to pursue a career is not an easy decision. A lot of research and careful planning goes into relocating to another country. If you need more clarification about what you need to do to move and work in Singapore, get in touch with us and we will assist you with the immigration process. For more information, send in your immigration-related questions with us.