There are many excellent job portals that Indian citizens can utilize to find employment opportunities in Singapore. Here are some of the top recommended sites:
- JobsCentral – This is one of the largest job sites in Singapore and has a dedicated section for foreigners seeking jobs in the country. They post openings from various industries including IT, banking, healthcare, sales & marketing etc.
- JobStreet – Similar to JobsCentral, this is also a leading job site in Singapore with thousands of listings across different functions. Candidates can refine searches by location, job type, company and more.
- LinkedIn – Having an updated LinkedIn profile is crucial for Singapore job search as a lot of recruitment happens through the platform. Target relevant openings, connect with companies and recruiters.
- Monster.com – The global job portal has a Singapore section with curated jobs for foreigners and locals. Upload your resume and apply directly on Monster.
- Singapore Expats – This portal is tailored for expats with a jobs section focused on openings that sponsor foreigners and process employment passes.
- E-2i – This is Singapore’s official government site for jobs and skills development. Worth checking for relevant openings especially in growth sectors.
- Jobrapido – A multinational job search engine that aggregates listings from top sites and employers in Singapore. Easy to filter by location, title and nationality.
- STJobs – Published by Singapore Press Holdings, this site hosts job ads from Straits Times newspaper. Covers multiple industries.
- Robert Walters & Michael Page – These recruitment firms have Singapore divisions with job listings across sectors for various experience levels.
- LinkedIn ProFinder – Pay to get instant access to professional freelancers in Singapore across various services.
What is the job visa process for Indians to work in Singapore?
The work visa process for Indians planning to work in Singapore consists of several steps:
Find Employment
- First step is finding a suitable job in Singapore. This can be done by directly applying to companies or through recruiters.
- Networking on platforms like LinkedIn also helps connect with relevant employers.
- Typically should have a confirmed job offer letter to begin visa process.
Apply for Employment Pass
- Majority of foreign professionals in Singapore hold an Employment Pass (EP) which allows working for specific employer.
- To get EP, the company sponsors work visa and applicant must meet eligibility criteria set by Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- Eligibility depends on qualifications, salary, experience, job type etc. Most degree holders earning > S$4,500 per month qualify.
- APPLICATION: Done online via MOM’s EP Online portal. Takes around 4 weeks processing.
Secure In-Principle Approval
- If EP application successful, applicant receives In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter from MOM with validity of 6 months.
- This allows entry into Singapore to collect actual EP. But cannot start working yet.
Land in Singapore
- With IPA letter, applicant can enter Singapore as a tourist or on social visit pass.
- Need to undergo medical examination and collect actual hard copy EP within 6 months.
Activate Employment Pass
- With medical clearance and hard copy EP, applicant can start working for the sponsoring employer in Singapore.
- EP holders can apply for Dependant’s Pass for spouse and children to stay in Singapore.
So in summary, Indian nationals need confirmed job offer, apply for EP online, enter country with IPA, complete medicals and collect actual EP before starting work.
What qualifications and skills are most in demand for Indians looking for jobs in Singapore?
For Indians seeking employment in Singapore, there are some key qualifications and skills that are highly sought after by employers:
IT and Software Skills
- Skills in software development, programming languages like Java, Python, web development, mobile app development etc are highly prized given Singapore’s thriving tech sector.
- Full stack developers, software engineers, UI/UX designers are perennially in demand.
Finance and Banking
- Degrees like CA, CFA, CS coupled with experience in corporate finance, investment banking, private equity, equity research are valued.
- Knowledge of regulations, trading, financial modeling required. Wealth managers, fund managers, other finance roles available.
Healthcare
- Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals with relevant degrees, certifications and ability to register with Singapore medical council.
Engineering
- Electrical, civil, mechanical, chemical engineers for building, construction, manufacturing industries.
- Marine engineers also sought after given port infrastructure.
Digital Marketing
- With digital economy booming, skills in SEO, SEM, social media marketing, analytics are prized.
Sales and Business Development
- Strong sales, client advisory skills, ability to meet targets matter. Sales managers, account executives roles open.
Technical Skills
- Beyond degrees, specific technical skills, domain knowledge and relevant experience is key.
- Certifications in disciplines add value to resume.
How can Indians network effectively to find jobs in Singapore from India?
Indians aiming to find jobs and migrate to Singapore can tap into various networking channels even while being in India. Here are some tips:
- LinkedIn – Build an informative LinkedIn profile and actively connect with professionals from target companies, recruitment specialists in Singapore and alumni networks of Singapore universities.
- Attend Events – Try and attend relevant career fairs, conferences, seminars and networking meetups in Singapore. Also consider virtual conferences and webinars.
- Alumni Networks – Connect with alumni of Singapore universities who are working in the country. NTU and NUS have extensive alumni networks.
- Resume Sites – Upload your resume on leading job sites in Singapore to gain visibility. Recruiters search these databases.
- Social Media – Join relevant Facebook groups, follow key companies of interest, participate in discussions. Twitter is also great for connecting.
- Inform Contacts – Let friends, relatives and professional contacts based in Singapore know that you are looking for opportunities.
- HR Firms – Connect with HR firms and recruitment consultants that specialize in your function and industry.
- Company Websites – Explore careers section of company websites. Some directly accept profiles from interested candidates.
- Freelancing – Taking up freelance remote work for Singapore clients can help build connections and experience.
- Informational Interviews – Have exploratory chats with people in target companies to learn about work cultures.
- Online Communities – Forums like Reddit have active Singapore sections to join discussions.
With persistence and regular engagement, networking helps open doors for career moves in Singapore’s dynamic job market.
What are the average salary ranges for different jobs in Singapore for Indian expats?
Singapore offers good salaries and favorable tax rates for expat professionals from India. Here are some of the average salary ranges for different occupations:
- Software Engineers – S$4,500 to S$10,000 per month
- Product Managers – S$8,000 to S$15,000 per month
- Mobile App Developers – S$3,500 to S$7,000 per month
- UI/UX Designers – S$3,500 to S$6,500 per month
- Finance Managers – S$7,000 to S$20,000 per month
- Investment Bankers – S$10,000 to S$30,000 per month
- Wealth Managers – S$6,000 to S$12,000 per month
- Accounting Professionals – S$3,500 to S$7,000 per month
- Doctors – S$6,000 to S$15,000 per month
- Nurses – S$2
What are the best cities in Singapore for Indians looking for IT jobs?
Singapore is a leading Asian technology and financial hub with plentiful IT jobs. Here are some of the top cities for Indians seeking IT roles:
Singapore City
As the capital, it offers the most IT job opportunities, especially in fields like software development, web technologies, data analytics, cybersecurity and fintech. Major tech employers based here. Excellent infrastructure and amenities.
Jurong East
Emerging as a site for technology and IT parks. Has hubs like the Nanyang Technological University and International Business Park. Home to technology, biomedical and R&D companies which employ tech talent.
Tampines
Has developed into a regional business center with industrial parks and office buildings housing technology companies. Proximity to Changi Business Park is an advantage for tech professionals.
Marina Bay
The Central Business District with global financial institutions and technology product companies. Workplace of many IT consultants, program managers and sales & marketing tech roles.
One-North
Dedicated business park for information technology, media, biomedical sciences and research entities. An ecosystem of startups, multinationals and talent.
Woodlands
A regional center with industrial estates housing technology enterprises, data centers, communications companies which require sizeable IT workforce. Home to firms like IBM, Dell, Broadcom, AMD etc.
Proximity to employment hubs, amenities, housing, public transport and overall infrastructure make these cities hubs for Indians aspiring for roles in Singapore’s booming IT sector.
What are the costs of living and immigration procedures for Indians moving to Singapore for work?
Here is an overview of the typical costs of living and immigration procedures for Indians relocating to Singapore for employment:
Costs of Living
- Rent for 1-2 bedroom apartment in central areas: S$2,500 – S$3,500 per month
- Food, grocery and basic utilities for an individual – S$500 per month
- Public transport monthly pass – S$100 to S$150
- Eating out at modest restaurants – S$15-S$30 per meal
- Overseas travel in the region is affordable from Singapore
- No capital gains or income tax for foreigners
- Overall, living costs are comparable to a mid-sized metro in India
Immigration
- Professionals need to secure Employment Pass from Ministry of Manpower before starting work
- Takes around 4 weeks to process EP application including medical check
- Dependant’s Pass can be issued for spouse, children below 21 years
- Rental of property allowed only with valid EP or Dependant’s Pass
- Can apply for Permanent Resident status after working couple of years on EP
- PR provides access to healthcare subsidies, ability to buy property
- Indians get S$5,000 settling allowance within 6 months of EP approval
So with an EP, Indians can smoothly relocate to Singapore with family. It offers high quality of living coupled with cosmopolitan lifestyle.
How can Indians find jobs in Singapore before moving through recruiters and HR firms?
Indians aiming to work in Singapore can tap specialist recruiters and HR firms to find opportunities even before relocating:
- Singapore Job Consultants – Well established recruitment agency for foreigners finding jobs in Singapore. Caters to many industries.
- PeopleSearch – Top HR firm with extensive candidate network and experience in sourcing professionals for Singapore employment.
- Robert Half – Global recruitment leader with office in Singapore. Useful for accounting, finance and technology roles.
- Kelly Services – Veteranstaffing firm operating in Singapore. Able to arrange interviews and provide visa assistance.
- Adecco – Multinational HR solutions company active in Singapore market. Has resources to hire for large enterprises.
- Hays Specialist Recruitment– Leading specialist firm filling permanent and temporary positions in Singapore.
- Randstad – HR consultancy with Singapore presence. Skilled in recruiting mid to senior level professionals.
- Michael Page – Premier professional recruitment consultancy in Singapore. Strong finance and technology hiring capabilities.
- ManpowerGroup – Global workforce solutions giant with solid Singapore footprint. Able to source candidates for many job functions.
- CareersIron – Boutique specialist focusing on middle to senior level executive search and selection.
Registering with these established recruiters expands job search reach. Many directly liaise with employers to schedule interviews and provide relocation support.
What are the key industries and companies that hire Indians for jobs in Singapore?
There are certain key industries and companies in Singapore that extensively hire qualified Indian professionals:
- IT sector – Tata Consultancy Services, HCL, Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, etc
- Banks – DBS Bank, UOB, OCBC Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank
- Investment banks – Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley
- Accounting firms – Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC
- Technology companies – Google, Amazon Web Services, Salesforce, Oracle, LinkedIn
- Engineering, Energy – ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, Keppel, Sembcorp
- Pharmaceuticals – Pfizer, GSK, Merck, Roche, Novartis
- Shipping & Logistics – PIL, PSA International, Toll Group, FedEx
- Airlines & Aerospace – Singapore Airlines, ST Aerospace, Rolls Royce, Airbus
- Healthcare – Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, Parkway Hospitals, Thomson Medical
- Academia – National University Singapore, NTU, SMU, INSEAD
Given India’s talent pool, these sectors actively hire Indians for roles across functions – tech, engineering, research, management, sales, HR, banking, healthcare, academia.
How should an Indian fresher or experienced candidate tweak their resume for Singapore jobs?
Here are some tips for Indian job seekers to tweak their resumes for Singapore:
Highlight Relevant Skills
- Tailor resume to clearly showcase skills required for the Singapore job market such as technical abilities, software knowledge, international exposure.
Emphasize Language Proficiency
- Include English proficiency grades/scores to assure local employers about strong communication skills.
Use Standard Format
- Use standard resume format – reverse chronological order with clear, concise details in each section.
Singapore References
- If possible, include references who are based in Singapore and can vouch for you.
Specify Visa Status
- Singapore employers want to know candidates’ visa standing. Mention if you already have EP or are eligible for skilled migrant visas.
Local Address Details
- If already based in Singapore, include local address. If applying from overseas, mention if willing to relocate.
Singaporean Style
- Adjust resume tone and content to align with Singapore business cultural preferences. Adopt their conservative approach.
Metric Measurements
- Cite measurements used in Singapore – kilograms, meters, litres etc rather than pounds or inches.
Employment Gaps
- Explain any gaps of 6 months or more between jobs briefly to assure continuity.
With the right focus and presentation, Indian applicants can make their resumes very attractive for Singapore employers and recruitment agencies.
Key Takeaways
- Utilize leading job sites and LinkedIn to find relevant openings in Singapore
- Employment Pass is the main skilled work visa route for foreigners in Singapore
- IT, banking, healthcare, engineering and other professional skills highly valued
- Network proactively online and offline to find opportunities in Singapore
- Jobs in Singapore city, Jurong, Tampines good bets for tech professionals
- Adapt resume to highlight Singapore relevant skills, experience and English ability
- Top banks, tech firms and healthcare sector actively recruit Indians in Singapore
Conclusion:
In summary, Singapore offers excellent career prospects for Indians in diverse sectors such as technology, banking, healthcare and research. With relevant qualifications, skills and proactive networking, Indian professionals can secure good employment and immigration opportunities in Singapore’s world-class economy. Preparing a strong resume tailored for Singapore and utilizing the services of specialist recruiters improves the chances of success.