Singapore is one of Asia’s biggest economic
hubs. It has been ranked as one of the top countries in the world where you can
live and work. That is why every year people are striving to either launch a
business or look for a job in Singapore due to the numerous opportunities
available there.
All these factors together with good
infrastructure and incredible tourist attraction sites have made Singapore
attract a huge number of tourists and people seeking employment. Many global
companies are operating in Singapore meaning that there are opportunities
available too.
When you are touring Singapore, you are given a social visit pass (SVP). You cannot change
this social visit pass into a work visa. However, you are allowed to extend
your SVP for an additional 30 days if you are looking for work.
How do you obtain a work visa, then?
Once you land a job, your employer or an
appointed employment agency will have to grant you a visa from one of the three
available categories depending on your level of skill and experience. You can
either get an S pass, a Q pass, or a P pass. You must have one of these passes
to be allowed to work in Singapore.
Alternatively, if eligible, you can apply for
the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate so that you can be allowed to stay
and look for jobs. Once you obtain a job, you will then upgrade to any of the
above passes or even permanent residency. You can seek the services of professionals
to assist you with the employment pass application. If you need an employment
pass, check more info here.
Do you need a Singapore work visa?
It is a requirement that all foreigners in
Singapore must acquire a work visa to be legally employed. The come in the form
of work passes and you can find details about these passes on the Singapore
government website.
The work visa application process
There are various work visas that your employer
can file for on your behalf. These visas are awarded according to your skill
level and experience.
For instance, if you are experienced earning
more than 3600 SGD in a month, your employer will apply for an employment pass.
The minimum salary level is set to restrict new graduates from applying for
this pass. If you earn anything less than this amount, then you cannot be
considered. At the same time, your qualifications, work experience, and record
must speak for you before you are awarded this pass. The fee for applying this
pass is 200 SGD paid by your employer and the processing will take a week.
Your employer can apply for an S pass for you if
you are a mid-level skilled employee earning 2200 SGD or more. However, each
and every employer has a limit on the number of S passes that they can request
for their employees. You must fall within that number to be considered. This
pass takes into account your level of education and years of experience.
Remember, this pass is for a single employer. If you get a new job with a
different employer, then you need to apply for a new pass with your new
employer.
The required documents
Your employer will be required to submit the
following documents if you are applying for either the S pass or employment
pass:
·
Passport photo
·
Academic certificates
·
Copies of the business’s registration certificates
·
A copy of your passport
On top of that, the applicant’s scope of work
must be within the limits stated in work permits. The applicant is not allowed
to start their own business or work for a different employer.
Singapore work visas for part-time and seasonal workers
If you are a foreigner and
are going to Singapore to work for a short time, you are required to apply for
a pass. However, there are situations where you will not be required to apply
for the above-mentioned passes.
For instance, if you are below 30 years old, you
can be issued with a working holiday visa, which is valid for up to 6 months.
If your visit to Singapore is for job training purposes, then you can be issued
with a training visa, which is valid for three months. Your employer applies
for this visa on your behalf and at the same time you must be earning 3000 SGD
or above to qualify.
There are also visas for unskilled trainee
workers lasting for six months and also foreign domestic workers and performing
artists, but these are all short-term.
What type of work visa can an entrepreneur apply for?
If your intention is to start a business in
Singapore, then you can apply for a special visa called the EntrePass. However, you must meet some
financial requirements before being awarded this visa. You can apply for this
pass before registering your business and then register it later. Bear in mind
that business like bars and massage parlors are not eligible for this pass.
Conclusion
Thousands of foreigners are flocking into
Singapore in search of greener pastures every year. There are several business
and employment opportunities available in Singapore, but always remember to
stick to your scope of work once you have been granted your work visa. This
will keep you on the right side of the law at all times.
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Business