Employment taxes

• Personal income tax is progressive, from 0% to 22%, depending on your annual income.
• Employees contribute 0.2% to 0.36% of monthly wages to the Skills Development Levy (SDL), usually deducted automatically from payroll.
• Employers also contribute to mandatory funds like CPF - mandatory retirement and social security savings. Contribution rates depend on age and monthly wages, and it ranges from 0% to 20% from the employee.

Leave policy

• Vacation leave: Usually 7 days annually, increasing with years of service up to 14.
• Public holidays: 10 national holidays.
• Sick leave: Employees (with at least 3 months of service) receive 14 days outpatient and 60 days hospitalization leave per year, fully paid with a medical certificate, covered by the employer.
• Maternity leave: Up to 16 weeks, fully paid if the mother has worked at least 3 months before birth, covered by social security.
• Paternity leave: 2 weeks, fully paid if the father has worked at least 3 months before birth, covered by social security.

Employment termination

• Must follow fair and legal grounds: performance issues, misconduct, redundancy, end of contract.
• Notice period is typically 1-4 weeks, depending on the employment contract.
• Severance pay: Not legally mandatory but commonly negotiated, redundancy packages vary by company.

Hiring and contracts

• Common contract types: Indefinite, fixed-term, part-time contracts are all common in Singapore.
• Contracts should be in English and include: salary, hours, leave, benefits, notice period, job scope, location, and probation terms.
• Probation period: Typically 3–6 months.

Payroll and salary payments

• Payroll is usually paid monthly.
• Salaries are paid in Singapore Dollars (SGD).
• Minimum wage: There is no national minimum wage.
• Payslips are mandatory, and must include: salary breakdown, deductions, bonus/allowances, employer contributions, payment date and pay period.

Benefits

Mandatory:

• Paid leave
• Public holidays
• Sick leave
• Skills Development Levy
• Contributions related to Work Injury Compensation Insurance

Optional:

• Private health insurance
• Dental coverage
• Transport allowance
• Meal allowances
• Remote-work benefits
• Education or training budgets
• Yearly bonuses

Monthly living cost (Singapore City Edition)

• Rent (1-bedroom, city center): SGD 3,000-4,500 (EUR 1,890-2,835 / USD 2,220-3,330)
• Utilities: SGD 150-250 (EUR 95-157 / USD 111-185)
• Public transport: SGD 120-150 (EUR 76-95 / USD 89-111)
• Groceries: SGD 350-500 (EUR 221-315 / USD 259-370)
• Eating out: SGD 300-600 (EUR 189-378 / USD 222-444)
• Mobile & internet: SGD 40-60 (EUR 25-38 / USD 30-44)

How to get a local ID number (NRIC/FIN)

• The local identification number is the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) number for citizens and permanent residents.
• Foreign workers receive a FIN (Foreign Identification Number) printed on their work pass.
• You get the FIN automatically once your work pass is approved.

Social security registration

Singapore does not have a traditional social security system. Instead:

• Citizens and permanent residents contribute to the CPF (Central Provident Fund).
• Employers manage all mandatory registrations linked to your work pass.

Banking

Opening a bank account is straightforward with your passport, FIN/NRIC, and work pass.

Popular banks:

• DBS / POSB
• UOB
• OCBC
• HSBC
• Standard Chartered

Online banking is excellent, fast, and very user-friendly.

Housing and rental process

• Rental contracts: Usually 1–2 years.
• Deposits: Typically 1–2 months’ rent.
• Apartments can be furnished, partially furnished, or unfurnished.
• Tenant rights:
  - You’re protected by your rental agreement.
  - Rent increases can only happen when the lease renews.
  - Landlords must maintain basic livability standards.

Healthcare system

• Singapore has one of the best healthcare systems globally.
• Public hospitals are high-quality, but many expats use private hospitals as well.
• Foreign workers typically receive private medical insurance from employers.

Driving and public transport

• You can drive with an international license for a limited time before converting it to a Singapore license.
• Public transport (MRT, buses, light rail) is extremely efficient, clean, and safe.
• Taxis and Grab (ride-hailing) are everywhere and reasonably priced.

Emergency and important contacts

• Police / Fire / Ambulance: 999
• Non-emergency ambulance: 1777

Work permit and visa requirements

• All foreign nationals need a work permit to work and live legally in Singapore.
• Singapore has three different types of work permits:
  - Employment pass (EP) for foreign professionals, managers, and executives.
  - S pass for mid-level skilled foreign employees.
  - Work permit for foreign workers in specific sectors like construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and services.
• Employer sponsors the application for the each of the work permit types.
• Once approved, you receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA). This IPA acts as both the entry visa and approval for the work pass, so you enter Singapore using the IPA.

Business culture and work norms

• Friendly, respectful, and polished communication.
• People value punctuality and efficiency.
• English is widely spoken in business settings.
• Meetings start on time and stay organized.
• Work-life balance varies by industry but is improving.