Despite its small size, Singapore has so much to offer. Renowned for its cleanliness and safety, Singapore is often called the “Lion City or the little red dot.” The country is a melting pot of different cultures, with a diverse population that includes Chinese, Malays, Indians, and expatriates worldwide. Singapore is also known for its vibrant food scene, boasting a wide array of local cuisines and global culinary offerings. Singapore is also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a mix of modern attractions and a rich cultural heritage.
Singapore is home to a diverse population. As of 2020, the population was approximately 5.7 million. There are four official languages that are recognized in Singapore: English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. English is widely spoken and is the primary language for business.
Singapore is one of those destinations in Southeast Asia that expats gravitate to. Living in Singapore offers many advantages, especially regarding employment opportunities. As a global business hub, Singapore attracts foreign professionals from all over the world. The process of applying for employment passes and visas is relatively straightforward, with clear requirements that must be met. There are many reasons why foreigners are drawn to the little red dot.
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8 Reasons why Foreigners move to Singapore
1. Economic Opportunities: Singapore is known for its strong economy and is considered a key financial and business hub in Asia. It offers various job opportunities and competitive salaries, attracting professionals from various fields.
2. High Standard of Living: Singapore consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, with excellent infrastructure, efficient public transportation, a clean environment, and high healthcare standards. The city-state also offers various recreational and cultural activities, providing a good work-life balance.
3. Safety and Security: Singapore is known for its low crime rate and strict law enforcement. Personal safety is highly valued, making it an attractive destination for individuals seeking a safe and secure environment to live and work in.
4. Education and Healthcare: Singapore has a well-regarded education system, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Additionally, the city-state offers quality healthcare services and has renowned medical facilities and specialists.
5. Cultural Diversity: Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, with a diverse population of people from various ethnicities and backgrounds. This cultural diversity contributes to a vibrant and multicultural society, offering individuals the opportunity to experience different cuisines, traditions, and festivals.
6. Strategic Location: Singapore’s strategic location in Southeast Asia provides easy access to other regional countries. The city-state serves as a gateway to the broader Asia-Pacific region, making it an attractive destination for companies and individuals seeking business and career opportunities.
7. Efficient Infrastructure: Singapore boasts modern and efficient infrastructure, including one of the best airports in the world and an extensive public transportation system. This makes it easy for residents to travel both within Singapore and internationally.
8. Advancements in Technology: Singapore is known for its focus on innovation and technology-driven industries. It has invested heavily in research and development, creating a thriving tech ecosystem that attracts professionals in fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and blockchain.
What type of visa do I need to live and work in Singapore?
Below is a list of visas you can apply for to live and work in Singapore. However, many more are on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.Â
- Employment Pass (EP)
- S Pass
- Overseas Network and Expertise Pass (ONE pass)
- Personalised Employment Pass( PEP)
- EntrePass
- Dependant Pass (DP)
- Long-Term Visit Pass
- Letter of consent – LOC
Can foreigners get work in Singapore?
Yes, foreigners can get work in Singapore. However, they must secure a valid work visa to be legally employed in the country. Different work visa types are available. The required visas are subject to specific eligibility criteria and regulations set by the government. Many organizations are seeking overseas foreign professionals with specialized skills and qualifications.
A few of the employment visas explained
What is an Employment Pass (EP)?
Singapore offers various types of employment visas for foreigners who wish to work there. The most common type is the Employment Pass (EP), which is meant for high-skilled professionals, managers, executives, and entrepreneurs. The EP has different categories, including P1, P2, and Q, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and salary. The EP allows holders to work and live in Singapore.
What is an S Pass?
Another type of employment visa is the S Pass, which is for mid-level skilled workers, such as technicians or service professionals. The S Pass holders enjoy similar benefits as EP holders but with some limitations.
For foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, or marine sectors, there is the Work Permit. This permit has different tiers, including basic, higher, and unskilled, depending on the worker’s skill level and salary. Work Permit holders have limited stay periods and are subject to certain restrictions.
What is a Personalized Employment Pass( PEP)?
There is also the Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) for high-earning individuals. The PEP is more flexible than the EP as it allows holders to switch jobs without the need to reapply for a new pass. It is available to overseas professionals with a minimum base salary, is valid for three years, and is non-renewable.
What is An Overseas Network and Expertise Pass (ONE pass), and how does it work?
An Overseas Network and Expertise Pass refers to a type of program or visa that grants individuals with specific knowledge, skills, and expertise the opportunity to work or engage in professional activities in another country. This pass typically allows individuals to utilize their expertise and network in a foreign country to contribute to the growth and development of that particular industry or sector. It is often designed to facilitate knowledge transfer, promote international collaboration, and enhance global talent mobility. The pass may require individuals to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as holding advanced degrees, having a particular number of years of work experience, or possessing recognized expertise in a specific field.
What is a Letter of Consent (LOC)
An LOC (Letter of Consent) visa in Singapore is a document issued to allow eligible foreign workers to work in Singapore. It is not a standalone visa but is a component of a work pass application.
Foreign workers who require an LOC visa typically hold a Dependant’s Pass (DP), Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), or other types of passes in Singapore. Their employers must apply for the LOC on their behalf, allowing them to work for a specific employer and duration stated in the application.
Employers must apply for the LOC to comply with Singapore’s employment regulations and ensure that their foreign workers can legally work in Singapore.
Can You Bring Your Family Members With You With a Singapore Work Visa?
Yes, bringing family members with you to Singapore on a work visa is possible. Various visa schemes allow eligible foreign workers to bring their immediate family to Singapore, including spouses and children. These include the Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass schemes. However, the eligibility criteria and requirements for family members may vary depending on the specific visa scheme. It is important to check the MOM website or consult with the appropriate authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Singapore offers various employment visas to attract skilled individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors, contributing to its vibrant multicultural workforce and thriving business environment.
Please note that all the above information is correct at the time of Publication. However, please be advised that you need to check on the MOM website for updated information or contact specialized companies like Sleek for advice on all work visa applications and legal matters regarding employment pass holders, as this article is meant as a guide only.
If you require information on monthly salary or minimum fixed monthly criteria, other Singapore visa types, processing time or training work permits, please contact MOM for more information.
Want to know more about living in Singapore? Check out this extensive guide here.
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