New to working in Singapore? All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid pass, commonly known as a work visa.

Typically, expatriates who relocate to Singapore will have already secured a job, which means that their work visa arrangements will be handled by their employer. 

Below are three work visas in Singapore, which are most relevant for professionals:

• The Employment Pass allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work in Singapore. Applicants need to meet the minimum qualifying salary, and take note of upcoming changes that might affect one’s eligibility to secure an Employment Pass. 

• The EntrePass is for eligible foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and run a business in Singapore that is venture-backed, or has innovative technologies. 

• The Personalised Employment Pass is for high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals—it offers greater flexibility than an Employment Pass. 

If you are just beginning to explore the possibility of working in Singapore, you can learn about the different work visas on Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower website. You can also get an overview of the skills that are sought after in Singapore, to see if there is a fit. 

Before you apply, do use the Ministry of Manpower’s self-assessment tool, which can help you to gauge if you will be able to qualify for a work visa in Singapore. But please note that the self-assessment tool is merely a guide, and will not guarantee the outcome of your application.

Culture buffs will appreciate our serviced suites properties located in Kampong Glam, a vibrant Malay enclave known for its heritage attractions, rich foods, and interesting shops.

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, Beach Road, Singapore offers one- and two-bedroom suites, with suite sizes ranging from 45 sqm to 66 sqm. Guests have the option to keep fit at the hotel fitness centre or rooftop pool, and the hotel’s meeting room offers a conducive environment to attend to business matters.

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites, Singapore offers one- and two-bedroom suites, with suite sizes ranging from 51 sqm to 93 sqm. Guests will also enjoy access to the Wellness Floor, which includes a gym and aerobics studio, as well as the award-winning St. Gregory Spa. 

For those who thrive on city life, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore is ideal for indulging in fine dining and shopping. One- and two-bedroom suites are available, with suite sizes ranging from 49 sqm all the way to 157 sqm. Wellness facilities here include a fully equipped fitness centre, pool, and hydro-therapy spa.

Do note that at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard and PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore, a minimum six-night stay is required. This is not a requirement for Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road.

With over 110,000 expatriates and 7,000 multinational companies operating in Singapore, global citizens can feel right at home forging a career here.

Most companies in Singapore ensure fair working environments that reward individuals based on merit. Locals are known for their high literacy rate, competency levels, and their ability to bridge Asian and Western cultures.

Here is some basic information about life in Singapore:

Time Zone: GMT +8 hours

Language: While Singapore’s official national language is Malay, the country’s most widely spoken and written language is UK English. 

The colloquial version of English in Singapore is known as Singlish, and this can be tricky for a newcomer to decipher. However, many Singaporeans will code-switch to regular English when conversing with a foreigner.

About three-quarters of the country’s population are ethnic Chinese—many of them can speak Mandarin, if that is your preferred language of communication. If you wish to converse with the Indians in Singapore in their mother tongue, note that their preferred language is Tamil. 

Currency: The local currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD). In common usage, notes are usually in ​$2, $5, $10, $50, and $100 denominations, while coins come in 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and there is a dollar coin as well. 

Credit cards are widely accepted at the Singapore Changi Airport, malls, hotels, restaurants, and bars, and ATMs are easily found in malls (including suburban malls) and within the city centre. 

There are money changers within the airport, but you will likely get better rates in the city. For a list of money changers with favourable rates, refer to Money Smart, a site used by many locals for good deals. 

Cost of Living: Get an estimated breakdown of living costs—such as food, transport, utilities, accommodation, and childcare—on the crowd-sourced database Numbeo. (But do note that this data is not peer-reviewed.) 

While the cost of owning a car in Singapore may be prohibitive, public transport is cheap and efficient on the island nation. Hence, many expatriates choose to get around on public buses and trains.

Tipping: Most Singapore restaurants, cafes, and bars will impose a 10% service charge on customers, so there is no need to leave a tip. Of course, if you would still like to reward exceptional service, you’re welcome to do so.

Weather: Singapore has a tropical climate, so it is a good place to be all year around! The average range is from 31°C in the day to around 24°C in the evening. 

Drinking Water: Singapore’s water is monitored by the country’s Public Utilities Board, and it is safe to drink from the tap.

Electrical Plugs: You will need a Type G electrical plug in Singapore. 

Want more information on settling into Singapore? Please refer to the Ministry of Manpower’s resource section. To explore Singapore and discover top attractions and hidden gems, browse our Destination Insights guides!