Singapore is a small island nation in southeast Asia, located between Indonesia and Malaysia. The high standard of living of the population, a developed economy and the quality of social security attract a large number of labor migrants from all over the world to the country. The population of Singapore in 2017 is just under 5.7 million people. At the same time, more than 1.3 million foreigners and businessmen officially work in the country, and more than 7,000 transnational companies operate.
Working in Singapore for Russians and Ukrainians in 2017 is a great opportunity to improve their well-being and move to one of the most prosperous countries on the planet. The largest number of vacancies for foreigners in the Singapore labor market are in the field of information technology, medicine, tourism, financial and banking sectors.

Unemployment in Singapore in 2017 does not exceed 2%, corruption is practically absent, and an ideal infrastructure and a favorable investment climate create conditions for efficient business. The government does its best to attract skilled foreign workers, which only strengthens the local economy.

Employment in Singapore for foreigners

In order to conduct a professional paid activity in Singapore, a foreigner needs to obtain a work visa from the diplomatic office of Singapore in his country. To do this, you need to find an employer in advance, sign an employment contract and obtain a work permit. Depending on qualifications, salary levels and the sector of the economy, local laws provide for various types of permits for the employment of foreigners.

Types of work permits in Singapore

Highly qualified specialists. The permit is issued to foreign workers with higher education and experience. Salary must be at least 3.3 thousand dollars per month. For example, these can be company managers or senior managers, as well as entrepreneurs who open their own business in Singapore.
Experienced workers with intermediate qualifications. Monthly wage requirements start at $2,200. For example, this type of permit is issued to migrant workers to work in construction, production, service or entertainment (hotels, nightclubs, casinos, bars), as well as domestic staff.
Students and trainees. A work permit in Singapore is granted to international students for internships or temporary employment. Usually the term is limited to 6 months, and the salary level must be at least 3 thousand dollars per month. But there are exceptions.

In addition to the main types of work permits described above, close relatives of migrant workers, including spouses, children and parents, as well as family members of Singaporean citizens or permanent residents of this country, are eligible to work in Singapore. In addition, foreign students studying at educational institutions in Singapore can officially earn extra money.

Initially, a Singapore work permit is issued for up to one year, renewable. For some types of vacancies, with the exception of highly qualified specialists, special quotas are provided. Usually a company cannot employ more than 20% of employees from abroad, and quotas are also provided for certain sectors of the economy.

Official information on the requirements for foreign workers and a detailed description of work permits is available on the government portal of the Singapore Ministry of Labor

How to find a job in Singapore. Job search.

For a successful job search in Singapore for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians and other foreigners from the CIS countries in 2017, it is important to assess their competitive advantages and be patient. In most cases, English proficiency must be at a high level, even in the unskilled field. Working in Singapore without knowing the language is basically illegal employment at your own risk.

Qualifications, experience and skills of a foreigner will be decisive for the interest of the employer. A diploma from a European educational institution or work experience in Europe may well significantly increase the applicant’s chances. It is very important to be in good health. By the way, a medical examination is a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit and obtaining a work visa to Singapore.

Compose a competent, concise resume and cover letter, for example, take the recommendations of local specialized resources. Briefly describe your strengths and skills. Pass a special check through the government online service. This does not guarantee 100% confidence in finding a job, but will give some insight into the right to work in Singapore.

Chat with foreigners who have experience in Singapore on forums and social networks. If possible, visit the country on a tourist visa. Use a professional social network. Many vacancies are not publicly available, so contact Singaporean employers directly. There are a huge number of large companies in Singapore, for example, Shell Eastern Trading, Exxon Mobil, Wilmar International and many others.

Jobs and salary in Singapore in 2017

In terms of GDP per capita, Singapore ranks 6th in the world. The country’s economy is developing rapidly, and in different directions. All this creates huge competition in the local labor market, especially among foreigners. Nevertheless, any foreign worker, including citizens of the post-Soviet space, can get a job in Singapore.

Jobs in Singapore for Russians and Ukrainians in 2017 are available in the field of IT, tourism, hotel and restaurant business, medical workers, pharmacists, engineers, builders, financiers, bankers, marine professionals and some other workers are required. It is worth noting that there are not so many unskilled jobs in Singapore that are popular among residents of the CIS countries.

For example, it is almost impossible to find a job as a nanny in the Singaporean labor market, mostly such vacancies are given to Malaysian citizens. Jobs in Singapore for girls are available in the modeling business, as well as in entertainment venues, bars, nightclubs, for example, dancers are needed. Moreover, the work is quite decent and with decent wages. Among Russian men there is a demand for experienced programmers.

The average salary in Singapore in 2017 is about $4,000 per month. The official minimum wage in the country is not set, everything is prescribed individually in labor contracts. Foreigners may well count on 2-3 thousand dollars and more, depending on the profession. In fairness, it must be said that daily expenses in Singapore are very high.