Quick Job Application

In a rush? Simply drop off your CV by clicking on the button to your right, and we'll get in contact if we have a suitable vacancy.

CV Dropoff

Working as an expat in Singapore

Singapore is a hive of energy sector activity, with businesses servicing the offshore Oil & Gas industry, as well as employing workers onto shipyard, construction and engineering projects.

With employment opportunities remaining strong, Singapore continues to attract high numbers of expats. We take a look at what you can expect if you are working as an expat in Singapore, relocating on a contractor or permanent employee basis.

Beautiful sunset picture of Singapore

At a glance

Singapore offers a culture of business opportunity, with a high standard of living and the ability to work in a country which predominately speaks English. Here are some quick facts:

Main language: English (used as the language of business)
Other languages: Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Tamil
Religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism
Driving: Cars drive on the left
Currency: Singapore dollar ($S, SGD)
Local time: GMT +8:00
Public Holidays: 11

This is a multi-cultural environment with 42% of the population being foreigners, bringing Chinese, Malay, Indian and British influences, and a vibrant expat community.

Multi-cultural Singapore picture of preformers

Right to work in Singapore

Under the Employment Act, expats must have a valid work visa to be able to work in Singapore.

All visitors to Singapore must meet the following entry requirements:

Valid travel document (minimum validity of 6 months at the time of departure)
Confirmed onward or return tickets (if applicable)
Entry facilities, including visas, to the next destination
Sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Singapore; and,
Visa for entry into Singapore (if applicable)
Yellow Fever Vaccination (if applicable)

Admission is normally refused to visitors holding damaged passports and passports with missing pages, so make sure your passport is intact. At First Recruitment Group we organise both Employment Passes and S Passes.

Employment Pass (EP): This is the main type of work permit for skilled workers, who must be on a fixed monthly salary of more than S$3,600.
S Pass: This is for mid-skilled employees who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,300. These are assessed on an employer’s quota edibility and the applicant’s qualification.

Salaries and Taxes

With a healthy economy and business opportunities growing, Singapore companies need more overseas workers to help support their projects with specialist skills in Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Technology and Construction. As a result, salaries and contractor pay is lucrative and remains high.

Taxes in Singapore are relatively low by international standards.

The top marginal income tax rate for residents is 22% and only applies to incomes above S$320,000 per year. If you live in Singapore for between 61 and 183 days per year, you are considered a non-resident and will be charged the higher of 15% or the marginal tax rate for your income level.

In addition, you will also have to pay 7% Goods and Service Tax (GST; aka sales tax) on most goods and services while living in Singapore.

Driving in Singapore

To drive a vehicle in Singapore, you must possess a valid Singapore driving license for the class of vehicle that you want to drive. Make sure you convert your international driving license within a year of relocation.

Picture of driving in Singapore

Low crime and corruption

Singapore is ranked the 5th least corrupt country in the world, after implementing reforms and strong law enforcement over the years. Laws are upheld by The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, who enforce long-term jail sentences and huge fines up to S$ 100,000. All crimes, even minor offences are treated with extreme severity, acting as a deterrent to society in general.

Residents feel safe and business deals are straight forward and clear, steering clear of corrupt practices.

Day to day do’s and don’ts

While travelling, do not carry too much cash or valuables to avoid snatch theft.
Do not point with your finger - use your hand to gesture.
Do not spit or litter in public places.
Do not smoke in any indoor places where the public congregates, which includes multi-purpose halls, pedestrian overhead bridges, covered walkways and link ways, hospital outdoor compounds, and a five-meter perimeter around bus shelters, common areas of residential buildings etc.
Do not chew chewing gum. This has been banned.
Always keep your passport with you if your work permit has not been issued.
Keep your notification letter with you, after the MOM appointment as a proof that your permit is on the way and you’ve the right to work
Always buckle up when traveling by taxi or car.
Make sure you look for marked pedestrian lanes before crossing any street. No Jaywalking.

Start you career in Singapore today

Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits of working as an expat in Singapore, it’s time to get the ball rolling.

We are constantly getting new roles for Project Management, Construction, Engineering, Project Services, Subsea, Quality, HSE and Logistics within the Energy and Construction industries.

If you are an expat looking to work in Singapore, search all our current jobs in Singapore here.

Or register your CV with us here and sign up to Job Alerts from Singapore.

Testimonials

"Their knowledge of the industry, our organisation and candidates is one of the leaders in the market. They have always been able to supply us with the right calibre of engineering candidate no matter what the discipline or regional location is.

"First Recruitment Group’s service delivery has always been to a high standard and the customer service provided by the team has ensured that First Recruitment Group will remain a preferred supplier of engineering personnel to WorleyParsons on our future engineering projects."

WorleyParsons

"In my dealings with First I have found them to be responsive, knowledgeable, quality-focused and engaging in their approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of First Recruitment Group to any prospective customers."

Global Engineering Consultancy

"We have a good working relationship with First Recruitment and they always put every effort in to filling our positions whether it's on a permanent or contract basis. First have an honest and open approach to recruitment and their clients which is refreshing. First offer an excellent payroll service which compliments their overall delivery service to MWH Treatment."

MWH Treatment

“As the biggest services supplier to the nuclear industry our demand for personnel is significant, when I have an urgent requirement I know I can rely on First Recruitment to rise to the challenge.

“As a preferred supplier for temporary labour and a fundamental part of our permanent recruitment process we get the right people at the right time. Whether its highly technical/specialist resources or back office support personnel the approach is to the same high standard.”

Veolia Nuclear Solutions

"It’s great to work with a recruitment agency we trust. The team at First Recruitment Group are friendly and straight talking and they continue to provide an excellent service. We’re proud to still be working with them after 20 years."

Simon Carves Engineering Ltd

"First Recruitment are on the 1st Tier of Sweett Europe’s preferred supplier list. We have found First recruitment to be hugely supportive and value adding partners to Sweett, helping us source a wide range of roles. The consultants at First are hugely knowledgeable and have a real desire to listen to, and understand, our needs. They have shown an unrivalled desire to work on hard to fill roles using innovative methods to ensure they always supply us with CVs.

"I have been hugely impressed by their willingness to support us, even when we have simply been after guidance which would not attract them a fee. I would be more than happy to recommend First Recruitment Group to any prospective organisation, and to discuss in more detail their capabilities."

Sweett Group

“We’ve worked with First Recruitment for over 12 years and have built up a great relationship with their team. They’ve helped us in sourcing contractors for our chemical division, maintaining consistently high standards in delivery, and we hope to continue building on this relationship in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending First to others.”

Haden Freeman Limited

"We have used First Recruitment to support the recruitment of several key roles within our business. The quality of the candidates put forward were extremely high which helped enormously in our ability to fill all roles, also the candidates have all been a success since joining our business. They were prompt, knowledgeable and very professional and made the recruitment process for us extremely simple. The service we have received has been first class and I would highly recommend the services of First Recruitment to any Company looking to fill a vacancy."

Meadow Vale Food Group

“I have worked with First Recruitment frequently over the last couple of years. Their ability to understand our business and support me in terms of recruitment has been excellent. Candidates are screened initially to meet our requirements and taken through the process in a professional way. I would have no hesitation in recommending First Recruitment to any employer who needs that little extra support in their recruitment process."

Bokomo Foods (UK) Limited

“I have found First Recruitment to be very efficient and professional in their approach to recruitment. They were able to gain an in depth understanding of the needs of our business and source high quality candidates. I would highly recommend their services to anyone with a recruitment need.”

AAK

"First Group are one of the key suppliers to Cobham. The team are quick to respond, friendly and professional, and as such have made a massive difference to the account. The team have supported and filled a variety of roles. Without hestitation I would recommend First."

Cobham

Read all Testimonials

Help us with our survey

Do you feel the jobs market has picked up?