Employment In Singapore For Foreign Job Seekers

Singapore remains one of the most appealing points of attraction of international talent yet by January 1, 2025, the game has evolved. Now that new salary floors have been established, and that the complete system of COMPASS is in place, creating a resume is no longer enough to be hired in the Lion City, but a tactic to crack the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements.1

Whether you are an expert in AI, a finance expert, or a skilled worker in the middle, this guide dissects the steps required to negotiate the employment environment in Singapore in the 2025-2026.

Best industries to be a foreigner (High demand professions)

The 2025 economy in Singapore is laser-oriented to digital transformation, sustainability and high value manufacturing. Increase your likelihood; apply to jobs that appear on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) where bonus points are awarded to work pass applications.2

IT and AI: AI Scientists, Cybersecurity Engineers, and Cloud Architects in demand.3 The biggest area of foreign talent consumption remains the tech sector.
Financial Services: Singapore is also a global fintech center, where they are recruiting Green Finance Specialists, Family Office Investment Advisor, and Compliance Officer.4
Healthcare & Life Sciences: A Graying Workforce has generated a Talent War against Registered Nurses, Diagnostic Radiographers, and Biotech Researchers.5
Green Economy: As the Green Plan 2030 is well underway, there is an enormous influx of positions to Carbon Project Manager and ESG Consultant.6
Semiconductors: This industry is also new to the list of priorities in 2025 and is looking to hire Process Engineers and IC Designers.

Employment In Singapore for Foreign Job Seekers

Employment roadmap: 5 essential steps, 2025

The process of application is employer-driven only.16 You cannot apply to be given a work pass on your own, first of all, you need to be offered an employment.

Check Eligibility through SAT: The official MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT). In case it indicates that you are ineligible, your application by the employer will most certainly be rejected.
Advertising Period The 14-Day Advertisement Rule: In the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), the period of advertisement on MyCareersFuture should be 14 days prior to a foreigner being given the position.18
Third-Party Verification: By 2025, all qualifications obtained in educational fields would have to be confirmed by MOM approved agencies (such as DataFlow or Risk-Check) prior to the application being made.19
In-Principle Approval (IPA): After being approved you will be issued with an IPA letter.20 which is your entry ticket to Singapore.
Registration of digital ePASS: Undergo biometrics at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) when arriving.21 Your pass is mostly turned digital and can now be accessed using the SGWorkPass app.

Where to Find Legitimate Job in Singapore

Singapore has a huge size of the so-called hidden job market, which is often based on in-house referrals and headhunting agencies.

MyCareersFuture: It is mostly focused on locals, but it is the best place to visit to see which companies are currently doing roles on the FCF.
LinkedIn and NodeFlair: A necessity among tech and white collar professionals. Make sure that in your profile it is stated that you are related to a certain niche (e.g., SaaS Sales, Rust Developer).
Recruitment Agencies: Use expert companies such as Robert Walters, Michael Page, or Morgan McKinley.23
Government Portals: To work in the positions associated with the public sector, access Careers@Gov.24.

FAQs

Is it possible to find employment on a tourist visa in Singapore?

Yes, you will be able to attend interviews. Nevertheless, you cannot work before you get your work pass. Your employer will apply for your pass during your visit pass or after you go home provided that you find a job.25

What success rate does Employment Pass application in 2025 have?

Your COMPASS score is crucial to success.26 With 40 points and the appropriate salary level, you are likely to be successful. The processing of applications is usually done in 3 weeks.27.

Does it have a quota of Employment Pass (EP)?

No. There is no official EP quota (as there is with the S Pass, which has a dependency ratio ceiling of 10-15 percent of the labor force).

Reckoning the duration of the work pass?

The initial 2-year period of first-time EPs is typically renewable up to 3 years, and successful technology professionals can receive a 5-year EP.28

Would I be able to take my family to Singapore?

Yes, when you make a minimum of S6,000 monthly, you may apply to include a Dependant Pass of your spouse and kids.30

Final Thought

The 2025 plan of Singapore is very clear: it is a Flight to Quality. The city-state is seeking the most viable global talent to coach its domestic work force. Concentrating on Shortage Occupations and having your educational qualifications confirmed early enough will easily see you through the new COMPASS era.31

Disclaimer

This job information is passed on as an educational, and information purpose only. Before submitting an application, please confirm information on the official employer or government site (including the Ministry of Manpower Singapore).