Business, technology, and finance are global hubs in Singapore, attracting talent from around the world. Professionals, especially those with specialized skills, are drawn to Singapore because of its vibrant economy and high quality of life. Obtaining visa sponsorship is essential for foreign workers seeking employment in Singapore. This guide will tell you about the different types of visas available, the industries that offer sponsorship, and the top companies that provide visa sponsorship in Singapore.
1. Introduction to Singapore’s work visa system
Depending on the qualifications, job role, and salary of foreign workers, Singapore offers different work visa categories. Employers in Singapore may sponsor the following visas for workers seeking employment:
• Employment Pass (EP): This visa is typically granted to professionals, managers, and executives earning a monthly salary of at least SGD 4,500. Education and work experience are required for candidates. The Employment Pass is one of the most sought-after visas in Singapore, allowing foreigners to work for up to two years and to renew it. Employment Pass sponsors must demonstrate that local candidates are unable to fill the role.
• S Pass: This visa is for mid-skilled workers who earn at least SGD 3,000 per month. Employers in sectors including manufacturing, construction, and healthcare can hire foreign workers with the S Pass. Unlike the Employment Pass, the S Pass provides greater access to technical and vocational positions.
EntrePass: This visa is designed for entrepreneurs who wish to embark on a business venture in Singapore. Even though the EntrePass is not directly tied to job sponsorship, it requires proof of investment, a business plan, and entrepreneurial experience. The possibility of bringing innovation and capital to Singapore is attractive.
2. Singapore-based businesses that sponsor visas
Sponsorship of visas is often available in industries with specialized skills or a shortage of local talent. The following sectors are likely to offer visa sponsorship by employers.
a. Information Technology (IT) and Tech Startups
IT professionals in Singapore can take advantage of Singapore’s booming tech ecosystem. Since Singapore has emphasized becoming a “Smart Nation,” software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists have seen a sharp rise in demand. Many companies provide visa sponsorships and hire international talent, including Grab, Shopee, and Razer.
In Singapore, tech startups and established companies such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are well represented. Cloud computing, machine learning, and software engineering are areas where these companies actively seek foreign talent. With the right skill set, most of these firms will sponsor Employment Passes for foreign employees.
b. The finance industry and financial technology
A major player in visa sponsorship is Singapore’s finance industry, one of Asia’s leading financial centers. Accounting, financial analysis, wealth management, and banking professionals are in high demand. There are many international banks with large operations in Singapore, such as HSBC, J.P. Morgan, and Standard Chartered, that frequently sponsor work visas for qualified candidates.
The rise of FinTech (Financial Technology) has also created job opportunities, especially in blockchain, digital payments, and financial software. International professionals are known to be sponsored by Wise and Revolut (formerly TransferWise and TransferWise), which are expanding in Singapore.
c. Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences
Providing healthcare services and biomedical research has become a global hub for Singapore. Due to the country’s world-class hospitals and research institutions, there is a growing need for medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and researchers. It is not unusual for Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital to hire foreign healthcare workers, often offering S Pass or Employment Pass sponsorships.
The biomedical sciences sector is booming in Singapore, with companies like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Novartis setting up regional offices, creating opportunities for researchers, lab technicians, and pharmaceutical professionals. In many cases, these companies sponsor foreign workers with work visas.
d. Engineering and Construction
The construction and infrastructure industries in Singapore are growing rapidly, especially in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Developing public housing and expanding Changi Airport require a large number of engineers and project managers. Engineers with specialized skills can get visas sponsored by companies like Hyundai Engineering, Surbana Jurong, and ST Engineering.
3. Sponsorship companies that offer visa sponsorships
Singapore has a high concentration of multinational companies seeking to attract international talent. The following are some of the top employers that sponsor visas:
• Google Singapore: Google has a large office in Singapore that serves as its regional headquarters for Southeast Asia. Software engineers, digital marketers, and product managers can get visa sponsorship from the company.
• Grab: As one of Southeast Asia’s largest tech companies, Grab offers opportunities in technology, marketing, and business development. Frequently, foreign talent is hired by the company, especially for engineering and data science roles. The company also offers visa sponsorship to holders of Employment Passes.
• Standard Chartered Bank: With a significant presence in Singapore’s financial sector, Standard Chartered offers visa sponsorship for roles in banking, risk management, and compliance. It is known for hiring a diverse workforce, including international talent.
• Shopee: A leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, Shopee offers visa sponsorship for tech and business professionals in roles like data analysis, software development, and digital marketing.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS operates a regional office in Singapore, offering cloud computing services to businesses across Asia. As an IT project manager, cloud architect, or cybersecurity professional, the company sponsors visas for professionals.
4. How to Find Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Singapore jobs that offer visa sponsorship are competitive, but there are several ways to increase your chances:
• Use Job Portals: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor allow you to filter job listings by companies offering visa sponsorship. JobStreet and MyCareersFuture both list opportunities from employers willing to sponsor foreign workers.
• Networking: Networking is a crucial tool for job hunting in Singapore. Get in touch with hiring managers and industry experts by attending industry conferences, webinars, or joining professional associations.
• Target MNCs and Global Companies: Multinational corporations (MNCs) and global companies are more likely to offer visa sponsorships, as they have the resources and need for international talent. You should focus your job search on these employers.
• Specialized Recruitment Agencies: Some recruitment agencies in Singapore specialize in helping foreign professionals find jobs with visa sponsorship. Michael Page and Hays often work with international companies.
Conclusions
Singapore can be a rewarding place to work, but obtaining a job with visa sponsorship requires careful research and preparation. Its high standard of living, competitive job market, and thriving industries make it an attractive destination for skilled professionals worldwide. It is possible to increase your chances of landing a job in Singapore with visa sponsorship if you target industries with a high demand for foreign talent and focus on multinational companies.
