If you're considering moving to Singapore for work, there are several key factors to think about before making the move. From understanding visa requirements to finding a place to live, moving to Singapore for work as a foreigner requires some planning and research.
In this article, I'll break down the essential things to consider to help you prepare for your new life in Singapore. Let's dive right in!
8 Things to Consider When Moving to Singapore for Work As a Foreigner
When moving to Singapore for work as a foreigner, it's essential to understand the job market and industry trends. You'll also have to research the demand for your skills, and the average salary ranges. Doing this will help you negotiate a fair package and ensure a smooth transition.
Below are things you need to consider when moving to Singapore for work as a foreigner:
Visa Requirements for Foreigners moving to Singapore for work
Taxes and Finance for foreigners moving to Singapore for work
Accommodation
Job opportunities
Cost of living
Work culture
Building connections as a foreigner moving to Singapore for work
Educational system
1. Visa Requirements for Foreigners Moving to Singapore for Work
Before relocating to Singapore for work, it's important to understand the visa requirements for foreign workers. The Singapore government has implemented a streamlined visa system to help bring in foreign talent who can contribute to the country's economy. This is done to minimize the impact on the local workforce.
As a foreigner moving to Singapore for work, here are various visa types you need to take note of:
Visa for Professionals
EntrePass: If you're an entrepreneur looking to start or operate a new business in Singapore, you'd need to get this Visa.
Personalised Employment Pass: This is for overseas foreign professionals or high-earning existing Employment Pass holders. This working visa offers more flexibility than the Employment Pass.
Employment Pass: You need to get this visa if you're an executive, professional, and manager.
Visa for Skilled and Semi-skilled Workers
Work Permit for Semi-skilled Foreign Workers: If you're a foreigner looking to be a domestic worker when you move to Singapore, you'll need this permit. Also, if you work in the construction, marine, process or service sector and you're moving to Singapore to continue in that field, you'll need to get this permit.
Work Permit for Foreign Performers: For foreigners who want to work in clubs, nightclubs, and bars.
Work Permit for Malaysian Confinement Nannies: To work in Singapore for a short-term period of up to 16 weeks, aligned with the arrival of your employer's new baby, you'd need to get this work permit.
S Pass: If you're moving to Singapore for work as a mid-level skilled staff you'll need to be earning at least $2,200 a month.
Visa for Trainees and Students
Work Holiday Programme: If you're a foreign student or graduate moving to Singapore for work or holiday for six months and you're between the ages of 18-25, you'd need to get this visa.
Training Employment Pass: This visa is for individuals undergoing training who are earning at least $3,000 per month.
Training Work Permit: If you're moving to Singapore for practical training for up to six months as a student or semi-skilled trainee you'll need to get this visa.
To find out the required documents for the different types of work visas, you'll need to visit the Ministry of Manpower Singapore.
2. Taxes and Finances
Singapore has a progressive tax system. For residents, the personal income rate starts at 0% for income up to SGD 20,000. If your income is up to SGD 1 million, your tax rate is about 24%. For non-residents, your tax rate is 24%. This is different from your employment income which is taxed at 15% or resident rates.
As a foreigner, you'll be considered a tax resident if you live in Singapore for at least 183 days in a calendar year. Also, some types of income, such as foreign-sourced income, may be exempt from tax. You may be eligible for tax reliefs, such as:
Personal income tax relief
Child Relief
Parent relief
Furthermore, when moving to Singapore for work, you'll also need to carefully plan your finances. You'd have to consider factors like salary packaging, tax planning, investment opportunities, and retirement planning.
Salary packaging is an arrangement where you choose to receive a part of your salary in the form of non-cash benefits rather than receiving it in full. This can include life insurance, housing allowances, health insurance or a company car. When making arrangements for salary packaging, you'd need to ensure that it complies with tax laws or regulations.
3. Accommodation
Accommodation is an important aspect to consider when moving to Singapore for work. However, finding a place to live in Singapore can be competitive. Especially if you're planning to live in popular areas. Singapore has various housing options.
From luxurious apartments and condominiums to public housing flats (HDBs) and shared accommodations there's a lot to choose from. The popular option for expats is renting, with prices varying greatly depending on location, size, and amenities.
For a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of the city, you'd get it for around SGD 3,625. If it's outside the centre of the city, it's about SGD 2,696. A three-bedroom apartment in the centre of the city costs about SGD 7,211 and SGD 4,725 outside it.
Just in case you want to save money in Singapore on accommodation, you can decide to share an apartment with your colleagues or friends. This option is best if you don't have a family. You can check out the prices of more buildings here.
Furthermore, if you're planning to buy a property in Singapore, you'd need to be aware of the restrictions and additional taxes you'd experience. However, when searching for accommodation, you’d have to consider proximity to work, public transportation, schools, and other amenities.
4. Job Opportunities
Singapore is a great city to find a job, with many different industries to choose from. Whether you're in finance, technology, healthcare, or manufacturing there's a job out there for you. If you're planning to get jobs in the finance, technology industry or other professional services, you'd find such opportunities in the Central Business District.
For opportunities in the manufacturing and logistics industry, you can check out Jurong— a region in Singapore. The Singapore government has programs to help foreigners start their own businesses or invest in existing ones. If you're looking to get hired when you move to Singapore for work, you'd have to focus on developing skills that are in high demand.
Networking is one way you can get a job when you move to Singapore. For example, if your boss or a colleague has a presence in Singapore, you can ask to get referred or get you a job there.
5. Cost of Living
According to Business Times, Singapore is the most expensive city to live in the world. So, if you're moving there for work as a foreigner, you'd have to consider the various expenses involved in living there. For a family of four, the estimated monthly cost is SGD 11,075 but if you're a single person, the cost is SGD 6,846.
Another thing that contributes to Singapore's expensive cost of living is its housing prices. Aside from housing, dining out and groceries add to the cost. To get a meal in a mid-range restaurant is SGD 80.
6. Work Culture
When moving to Singapore for work, you need to be aware of its working culture. Singapore values hard work, discipline, and respect for authority. To succeed in the Singapore working environment, you'd need to know the hierarchy available in your office and respect them. Also, for the working hours, the
e standard working hours of Singapore is 40 hours on weekdays.
Usually 8 hours a day for five days then a one-hour lunch break. For non-shift workers or anyone earning below SGD 2,600 monthly get to work 44 hours weekly. However, it mustn't exceed 12 hours daily. Additionally, as a worker, you're entitled to 11 paid public holidays yearly.
7. Building Connections
As a foreigner moving to Singapore for work, you'd need to build connections. These connections will help you build a social network, find job opportunities, etc. You can start building connections by attending industry events and conferences. In these events, you get to meet like-minded professionals and learn about the latest developments in your field.
You can also join professional organizations and networking groups for expats. These organizations can provide valuable opportunities for job opportunities and career advancement. Additionally, you can volunteer for causes you're passionate about.
This is another great way to meet like-minded people. By putting yourself out there and being open to new experiences, you can build a strong network of connections that will help you thrive in Singapore.
8. Educational System
When you're relocating to Singapore for work as a foreigner with kids, you'd need to understand the educational system. Singapore has various schools available with different curricula. The public school system in Singapore is highly regarded and follows a national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education.
However, there are also international schools that offer curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). In addition to public and international schools, Singapore also has private schools that offer a range of curricula.
Some schools may have a specific focus, such as arts or sports, while others may offer a more holistic education. So, as a foreigner moving to Singapore for work, understanding the educational system can help you make informed decisions about your child's education.
Conclusion
Moving to Singapore for work can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. That's why SirMove Services is here to help. Our team will make your move easy and stress-free. From packing to settling in, we've got you covered.
All you need to do is contact us for your relocation and you can focus on your new job and enjoy your new life. Let us help you and your family have a smooth transition.
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