SINGAPORE PEO & EOR
Hire in Singapore without a local entity today
As a Global PEO & EOR service provider, we pride ourselves on our global reach, in-country knowledge, and ability to swiftly and efficiently mobilize workers around the world. Our robust PEO/EOR covers everything from global HR, payroll, compliance, in-country support, immigration, visas, and more.
Get started and hire in Singapore today with Gibson Watts Global.
DID YOU KNOW
- Alongside its main island, Singapore is made up of an additional 63 islands, most of which are uninhabited.
- Chewing gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992.
- Singapore’s time zone has changed 6 times since 1905.
- Singapore is the largest port in Southeast Asia, and one of the busiest in the world.
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Singapore EOR Services
The Solution to Hiring in Singapore
Hiring talent from Singapore offers numerous advantages for foreign companies looking to expand their operations in Asia. As a global business hub with a highly educated and skilled workforce, Singapore provides access to top-tier professionals across various industries, particularly in technology, finance, and research. The country’s strong emphasis on education, innovation, and continual skills development ensures that its workforce remains competitive on the global stage.
Furthermore, Singapore’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, combined with its excellent infrastructure and connectivity, allows businesses to tap into a vast regional market. The politically stable environment, robust legal framework, and transparent business policies make Singapore an ideal place for foreign companies to hire talent whilst ensuring compliance with labor regulations. Additionally, Singapore’s unique cultural blend of Eastern and Western influences fosters a dynamic, collaborative work environment that facilitates seamless communication between international teams.
At Gibson Watts Global, we help businesses seamlessly hire Singapore nationals through our Employer of Record (EOR) services, allowing companies to expand their workforce in Singapore. Our EOR solution takes care of all legal, compliance, and payroll responsibilities, ensuring that businesses can quickly onboard talent whilst adhering to local labor laws. With our expertise in managing employment contracts, taxes, and social contributions, we simplify the process and enable businesses to focus on growth and operations in the dynamic Singaporean market.
Whilst Singapore’s strict regulations and labor laws make it difficult for EORs to hire expat workers, with Gibson Watts Global’s PEO services, you can focus on running your business and growing your operations, whilst we handle the complexities of local labor laws, employment contracts, and other HR responsibilities in Singapore. Our team ensures that your business complies with Singapore’s regulations, helping you avoid any legal issues or delays that can arise from international expansion.
Working in Singapore
Financial Year Dates
In Singapore, the financial year typically follows the calendar year, from 1st January to 31st December. Businesses may choose to adopt a different financial year depending on their accounting needs, but the calendar year is the most commonly used for tax purposes.
Minimum Wage
Singapore does not have a national minimum wage. However, the government encourages businesses to offer fair compensation through the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), which ensures that workers in specific sectors, such as cleaning, security, and landscaping, receive fair pay in line with the industry’s standards.
Key Principles of the PWM:
- Wage Progression: The PWM sets a clear pathway for wage increases based on workers’ skills and the complexity of their jobs. As workers gain experience and acquire new skills, their wages gradually increase.
- Skills Upgrading: The model emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and skills development. Employers are encouraged to invest in training programs to help their workers improve their skills and advance their careers.
- Productivity Improvement: The PWM is linked to productivity gains. By investing in training and technology, employers can improve their workers’ productivity, which in turn justifies higher wages.
- Tripartite Collaboration: The PWM is developed and implemented through collaboration between the government, unions, and employers. This tripartite approach ensures that the needs and concerns of all stakeholders are considered.
Standard working hours
Singapore follows a standard 9-hour work schedule per day for a 5-day work week. Employers must provide break times of at least 45 minutes per working day after 6 to 8 hours of work.
Overtime
Employees in Singapore are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked beyond the standard 44 hours per week. Overtime pay is calculated at a minimum of 1.5 times the employee’s regular hourly rate. Overtime applies only to non-managerial and non-executive employees who earn a monthly salary of less than SGD 2,600. Generally, employees can work up to 72 hours of overtime per month.
Holiday Allowance
Singaporean employees are entitled to a minimum of 7 days of paid annual leave after their first year of service.
This entitlement increases by 1 day each year, up to a maximum of 14 days after 8 years of service.
Sick Leave
Employees in Singapore are entitled to paid sick leave, which is typically 14 days for outpatient treatment and 60 days for hospitalization if they have been employed by the same employer for at least 3 months. Employees must provide a medical certificate to receive paid sick leave.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Maternity leave in Singapore is typically 16 weeks for employees who have worked for the same employer for at least 3 months. Mothers are entitled to 8 weeks of government-paid leave, and the remaining leave is covered by the employer. Paternity leave is typically 2 weeks for fathers who meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
Public Holiday
In addition to annual leave, employees are also entitled to paid public holidays each year:
- New Year’s Day
- Chinese New Year (3 days)
- Good Friday
- Hari Raya Puasa
- Hari Raya Haji
- Labour Day
- Vesak Day
- National Day
- Deepavali
- Christmas Day
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically observed as a substitute holiday.
Social Contributions
In Singapore, both employers and employees are required to contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF), a mandatory social security savings plan. The contribution rates are as follows:
- Employer’s CPF Contribution: 17% for employees under 55 years old.
- Employee’s CPF Contribution: 20% for employees under 55 years old.
Income Tax
Singapore offers one of the most competitive tax systems globally, with low personal income tax rates, which are progressive up to 22% for annual earnings above SGD 320,000. Corporate income tax is also low, capped at 17%. Singapore has a territorial tax system, which means that income earned outside Singapore is generally not taxed, making it an attractive location for businesses and expats.
Health Care
Singapore has a world-class healthcare system that combines public and private healthcare services. While the public healthcare system is highly subsidized, many employers offer medical insurance as part of their employee benefits package to ensure access to both public and private healthcare services. All employees contribute to the Medisave fund, which is used to pay for their own healthcare and hospitalization costs.
Visas
To employ foreign workers, companies in Singapore must ensure that the employee holds the appropriate work pass. Some common work passes are:
- Employment Pass (EP): For foreign professionals earning a monthly salary of at least SGD 4,500 (or SGD 5,000 for those in the financial sector).
- S Pass: For mid-skilled foreign workers with a salary between SGD 2,500 and SGD 2,800.
- Work Permit: For low-skilled foreign workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services.
Foreign companies wishing to employ workers in Singapore must apply for the appropriate work pass through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
13th salary?
There is no statutory 13th-month salary requirement in Singapore. However, some employers choose to provide a 13th-month bonus or end-of-year bonus as part of the employment contract or company policy.
Cultural Information
- Singapore’s unique and diverse social fabric has a blend of Eastern and Western influences. Primarily, there are 4 official languages in Singapore: English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil. English is the main language in Singapore.
- Looking at the cultural divisions, roughly 75% of Singaporeans are ethnically Chinese, with most from Hokkien or Teochew communities. About 15% are Malay Muslims, 6% are Tamil, and 4% are from other heritages.
- The city is home to many global events, such as the Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore Food Festival, and numerous international conferences, attracting global talent and business leaders from all over the world.