The Solution to Hiring in Singapore
Key Chapters:
Why Singapore is an Excellent Destination for Hiring and Setting Up Your Business
When considering expanding your business into Asia, Singapore stands out as one of the top destinations for both hiring talent and setting up operations. Its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and highly skilled workforce make it an attractive choice for companies looking to tap into the Southeast Asian market. In this blog, we will explore the strength of the Singapore economy, the benefits of hiring local nationals, how using an EOR can benefit your business, and why setting up an entity in Singapore is a smart decision for international companies. Gibson Watts Global can assist with your business expansion plans.
Singapore Economy: A Global Powerhouse
Singapore boasts one of the most stable and robust economies in Asia, with a global reputation as a leading financial and business hub. It is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most competitive economies, offering an attractive environment for both local and international businesses. Singapore’s open economy, strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, and strong infrastructure make it an ideal gateway for trade and investment in the region.
Additionally, Singapore’s government has fostered a pro-business climate, implementing policies that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and global trade. The country’s strong financial services industry, low tax rates, and excellent connectivity make it a favoured location for multinational corporations, entrepreneurs, and startups alike.
How Hiring Singapore Nationals Can Benefit Your Company
Hiring Singapore nationals can provide numerous benefits, particularly in terms of talent acquisition, cultural integration, and cost efficiency. With the local market offering a highly skilled and adaptable workforce, companies can more easily fill key positions across a wide range of industries.
Another significant advantage is the cultural compatibility of Singaporeans in international business environments. As a melting pot of cultures, Singaporeans are accustomed to interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, which can enhance the collaborative dynamic within global teams. Their professionalism, strong work ethic, and adaptability make them an asset to any organization.
Moreover, hiring local talent can help build credibility and trust with local clients, suppliers, and partners. When your company employs local nationals, it signals a commitment to the community and the local economy, which can lead to stronger relationships and business opportunities.
The Role of an Employer of Record (EOR) for Hiring Singaporean Locals
Gibson Watts Global’s EOR offering enables businesses to hire employees in foreign countries without establishing a local entity. The EOR assumes all legal responsibilities, such as:
- Managing payroll and taxes
- Ensuring compliance with local labor laws
- Handling employee benefits and compensation
- Managing employment contracts and legal requirements
This arrangement is ideal for companies looking to quickly scale their teams in new markets, without the administrative burden of setting up a legal entity in each country.
At Gibson Watts Global, we specialize in helping businesses hire Singapore nationals quickly and compliantly through our comprehensive EOR services. This means that your business can hire top talent in Singapore without the need to establish a legal entity or manage the administrative complexities that come with direct employment. We handle all aspects of employment, including drafting contracts, managing payroll, and ensuring compliance with Singapore’s tax and social security requirements.
By partnering with Gibson Watts Global, your business can quickly onboard and manage local employees, allowing you to focus on your core operations while we take care of the regulatory and administrative details. This streamlined approach enables you to benefit from Singapore’s highly skilled workforce, competitive salary expectations, and business-friendly environment—all while staying compliant with local labor laws. Whether you’re hiring one employee or building a larger team, our EOR solution offers the flexibility and support you need to grow your presence in Singapore with confidence.
Why EOR Providers Cannot Hire Expats in Singapore
Singapore is known for its strong regulatory framework and well-defined labour laws, especially concerning expats. This means that EOR providers are restricted to only employing local nationals. One of the key reasons EOR providers face challenges when employing expats in Singapore is the Employment Pass (EP) requirement. To employ an expat under an EP, a company must be a legitimate business entity registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). The company must also be able to demonstrate that it is operational in Singapore and meet other eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Additionally, in Singapore, the responsibility for applying for work passes and sponsoring foreign employees lies with the employer. For a client to sponsor an individual, they must have an established legal entity in Singapore.
For companies that wish to hire expatriates in Singapore whilst ensuring full compliance with local laws, the best solution is to establish a local entity. By doing so, companies can sponsor Employment Passes directly and hire expats through their own business structure. Gibson Watts Global Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services can support you in establishing an entity in Singapore.
How Gibson Watts Global Can Help Your Company Set Up and Operate in Singapore Using PEO Services
By partnering with Gibson Watts Global, you gain access to a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of international expansion. Whether you need assistance with how to set up an entity, payroll, employment contracts, compliance, or HR management, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to simplify your expansion into Singapore.
With our PEO services, you can:
- Utilise our local knowledge to ensure you set up your entity compliantly and seamlessly
- Focus on growing your business while we handle the HR-related functions.
- Ensure full legal compliance with Singaporean labor laws and tax regulations.
- Collaborate through our co-employment, offering you support and guidance at every step
Let Gibson Watts Global be your trusted partner in establishing and managing your operations in Singapore. Reach out today to learn more about how our PEO services can help your business grow and thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
How Long do you Need an Entity Set up in Singapore Before you can use a PEO
In Singapore, you do not need to wait for a long period after setting up a company before you can use a PEO. Once your business entity is legally established and registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), you can begin outsourcing your payroll functions immediately. Many businesses, especially startups or companies entering the Singaporean market, choose to use a PEO to reduce administrative burdens and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Benefits of Setting Up an Entity in Singapore
Setting up a legal entity in Singapore offers businesses numerous advantages that can drive growth and increase profitability. One of the most compelling reasons for establishing an entity in Singapore is the country’s favourable tax system. The corporate tax rate in Singapore is capped at 17%, and there are several tax incentives and exemptions available for qualifying companies, particularly those in the tech and research sectors.
Additionally, Singapore’s business environment is characterized by transparency, ease of doing business, and a simple regulatory framework. The country ranks highly in global ease of doing business indexes due to its straightforward company registration processes, efficient legal system, and well-established infrastructure.
Singapore also serves as a gateway to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market, offering businesses access to a market of over 600 million people. Its trade agreements and position as a regional hub make it an excellent base for companies looking to expand into Southeast Asia and beyond.
Conclusion: Why Singapore is a Great Place to Hire and Set Up Business
Whether you’re looking to hire top talent or establish a regional headquarters, Singapore provides the perfect combination of economic stability, skilled labor, and a supportive business ecosystem. With the right support, such as leveraging Employer of Record (EOR) services for local hires, or a Professional Employer Organisation to help support you in setting up an entity, businesses can seamlessly enter the Singaporean market and focus on growth with confidence.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Gibson Watts Global can assist with your business expansion plans, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation, or visit our website for more information on our EOR and PEO services.
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Written by Gibson Watts Global Relationship Manager, Hollie Parker
With over 6 years of experience as a Relationship Manager, Hollie specialises in building and maintaining strong connections between clients, employees, and local teams. Holding a 2:1 Honours Degree in Accounting and Finance, Hollie’s expertise combines financial knowledge with a deep commitment to customer service.
In her current role, Hollie not only prioritises an exceptional, human-led service, but also plays an active role in the company’s marketing activities. Hollie collaborates with external partners on innovative projects, and contributes to the creation of industry-relevant content that informs and engages.