How to Work in Singapore

With this visa Programme you can work in Singapore for up to 6 months

If you are looking for another way to work and travel around South East Asia, then look no further than Singapore. In December of 2007 Singapore opened up a Work Holiday Programme on a trial basis and are currently offering a 6 month Work and Holiday Visa to citizens of eight different countries.

Currently, you can live and work in this bustling South East Asian city. There is a lot of opportunity in many fields and the quality of living in Singapore is very good.

Are you Eligible to work in Singapore?

To be eligible for the Singapore work holiday programme you must be age 17-30 and a citizen of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, or the United States. As well as that, you have to be either a full time student, accepted to become a full time student or a graduate from a nationally recognized university. Most universities apply but you will need to provide the necessary paperwork to prove you qualify.

Other requirements for Singapore?
Besides the basic education and nationality requirement, you must also provide proof of funds to support yourself while in Singapore. The government website does not offer any specific amount so do your research and consider learning about Singapore culture as well as cost of living to see what you can expect. While it is less expensive to live in Singapore than many western cities, living in the city is still expensive.

You do not need to undergo a medical examination before entering Singapore on the working holiday programme, however you will have to declare your medical health upon entering. And finally, you do not need to have any employment lined up ahead of time.

How to Apply for Singapore's Work Holiday Programme?

The application process for Singapore's Work Holiday Programme is quite simple, it just takes time so make sure you have all your Peking Ducks in a row. The application will be sent via email, with the proper attachments.

First off, if you are a student or were accepted to be a student at an eligible university you must provide a letter stating so. This should probably be done on official university letterhead. If you are a graduate, then you must provide a copy of your transcript and/or degree papers. These should be submitted via email in the form of a jpeg. If you don't know what a jpeg is, then consider going back to school.

Next, you must attach a copy of your passport which clearly show your name, date of birth, photograph and gender. They request that the files you submit are no larger than 150 and 100Kb. Making sure you have everything correctly submitted is a very important step.

And finally, be sure to attach a copy of the application form, all filled out.

The application should be emailed to the Ministry of Manpower, mom_whp_wpd@mom.gov.sg, wiht the subject line reading "Application for WHP". Expect the application to be processed in 21 days, so sit back and relax for a few weeks. This might also be a good time to read up on the country, the culture and how to not get caned.

Successful candidates will then be charged $40 this may not include additional charges for any other visa you may need. If you do need a single or multiple journey visa you could also pay up to $30.

After being approved?

After you are approved to work and travel throughout Singapore you can expect to receive an In-Principle Approval(IPA). This is the paperwork you must provide after you get into Singapore and visit the Ministry of Manpower, Work Pass Division. The IPA is what grants you the Work Holiday Visa and that IPA is only valid for 3 months.

When you arrive in Singapore and go to pick up your Work Holiday Visa, you must have the following documents on your person.

Travel Document (with at least two blank visa pages)

Valid IPA letter and declaration form

Work Holiday Programme Employment Survey Form

Proof of return in the form of a /an air/rail/ferry/coach ticket. The date on the tickets should not be later than the expiry of your pass

What to do when you get to Singapore?

After arriving in Singapore and receiving you WHP visa, you can now work anywhere you like in Singapore for a wide array of national and international companies. A group called Contact Singapore offers new arrivals an opportunity to learn about the area as well as network with potential employers.

You can also find great information about potential jobs in Singapore on various websites. Don't worry too much about finding work. Considering Singapore is a vibrant city in South East Asia, jobs are bound to be available. As well, many international companies are always looking for native English speakers to work in their offices, so keep you ear to the ground and find the right job opportunity for your time in Singapore.