A working holiday in Singapore enables you to work and travel in the country for up to 6-months. Singapore’s working holiday program offers a work pass to current or recent students ages 18-25. Obtaining the pass is simple, finding housing is not too difficult, and there are various ways to find a job. This post will walk you through everything you need to know about Singapore’s work pass.
Table of Contents
A Working Holiday in Singapore
What is a Working Holiday
A working holiday is when you visit a country for an extended period of time while working a paid job in order to fund your travels.
Singapore’s Working Holiday Pass
The Working Holiday Pass (WHP), under Singapore’s Working Holiday Program, allows students or recent graduates between the ages of 18-25 to work and live in the country for up to 6-month.
This is not to be confused with Singapore’s Work and Holiday Pass, which is specifically for New Zealand and Australian citizens.
What You Can Do on a Working Holiday
This visa allows you to legally work almost any type of short-term or temporary job in Singapore for up to 6-months.
Requirements for a WHP
To be eligible for a working holiday pass, you must be between the ages of 18-25 and are currently a full-time student at an undergraduate university (for at least 3 months) or have just graduated from a full-time university. Applicants must have attended a university in one of the following countries; United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Japan, or the Netherlands.
Duration of Stay in Singapore
You are able to work and travel in Singapore for 6-months.
Money You Can Make
Singapore does not have a national minimum wage. They work off a Progressive Wage Model (PWM). The PWM provides an average wage based on the type of skills needed for each work category. Therefor, the money you make will depend on your specific job.
Entry and Exit Restrictions
This work pass will allow you to enter and exit the country as many times as you like.
How to Get a Working Holiday Pass for Singapore
Requirements
You must be between the ages of 18-25 and are either a full-time university student or have just graduated from a full-time university. Applicants must have attended a university in one of the following countries; USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Japan, or the Netherlands.
Cost
The WHP will cost $175 SGD (roughly $138 USD).
When to Apply
Singapore only allows 2,000 active work passes at a time. This means you will only be able to apply when there are are passes available. You should apply 3 months before you intend to enter the country.
How to Apply
The steps below will show you how to apply for and obtain a working holiday work pass in Singapore;
Step 1: Submit an Application
It will take about 15 minutes to submit an application online via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) official website. You will fill out your personal information, educational background, and answer questions related to your travel history. There are no fees for this part of the process.
If you are currently enrolled in university you will need to submit the following documents; a copy of your passport, a copy of your student card, a letter from your university (dated within 3 months of applying for the WHP), and your student visa (if you are an international student).
If you have already graduated, you will need to submit a copy of your passport and a copy of your degree or transcripts.
Step 2: Receive your IPA
If your application is accepted, you will receive an in-principal approval letter (IPA) via email. It usually takes up to 4 weeks to receive an IPA. Once you receive this letter, you will have 3 months to get your pass issued. If you need more time, you can request for an extension as long as the request is sent 2-weeks before the 3 month time limit ends.
Step 3: Get Your Pass Issued
You must be in Singapore to get your work pass issued! Thus, you will need to buy a plane ticket and arrive in the country before you get the physical pass card. You can enter the country using your passport and IPA letter.
You can get your pass issued by submitting the necessary documents via the online e-service (if you have an account) or you can make an in-person appointment with the Employment Pass Service Center (EPSC). You will need the following documents; your passport, Singapore contact details, current visitor pass/visa, Singapore address, NRIC or FIN number (sent to you with your IPA), your declaration form (attached to your IPA letter), and your return/exit ticket out of the country.
During your appointment you will pay a fee of $175 SGD (roughly $138 USD).
From here, you will receive a notification letter by email. This email will let you know if you need to take any more steps (such as biometrics). It will also allow you to begin work in Singapore until the pass arrives.
Step 4: Recieve Your Pass Card
Your pass will be sent to the address you provided within 5 business days. When your card arrives, you will need to show your passport and/or digital work pass. You can authorize another person to accept the card on your behalf and they will need your NRIC, FIN number, and passport to do so. If your card does not arrive, you can contact the EPSC for support.
You can download a digital work pass on the day you register for your card by downloading SGWorkPass and creating an account.
How Long the Process Takes
The initial application process takes 15 mins to apply and up to 4 weeks to be approved. You will then have 3 months to arrive in Singapore and get your pass issued. After your appointment, your pass will be issued almost immediately and the physical card will take up to 5 days to arrive.
Next Steps
Once your pass is officially issued, you are able to legally work in Singapore.
If You are Rejected
If your WHP application gets rejected, you have 3 months to appeal that rejection, but should only do so if you can address the reason for the appeal. If you do not appeal within 3 months then you will need to reapply for the WHP. An appeal is usually processed in 4 weeks.
Choosing a Job on Working Holiday in Singapore
Job Restrictions
There are no restrictions when it comes to the type of job you can work as long as it is temporary and not permanent. You can find a job before you arrive on a WHP, or you can wait until you are in the country to start your job search.
Internships
Internships are very popular for working holiday candidates in Singapore because they are made to be short-term and tend to require less training. While they generally pay less, they are great networking opportunities and resume builders.
You can find internships on your own or pay to join a program. Internship program fees are usually high, but they include visa assistance, in country support, guaranteed placement, accommodation, and more.
Popular Working Holiday Jobs
There are many different entry level and skilled jobs you can do on a working holiday. Some of the most common in Singapore are;
- Hospitality: hostel/hotel worker, event staffing, housekeeping, administration, and retail.
- Food Service: barista, bartender, server, and dishwasher.
- Childcare: au pair or babysitter.
- Education: teacher assistant or English tutor.
- Other: sales, tech, and finance.
- Work with a start up company.
How to Choose a Job
You should choose your job based on what you want your working holiday to look like. If you are hoping to gain skills in a specific area, then focus on the type of job and what you can learn from it. If you just want to have a fun experience in Singapore with as much free time as possible, then look for part-time jobs with little commitment.
For a lot of people, it comes down to what jobs are open and a will accept short-term employees.
How Long it Takes to Find a Job
Many job seekers state that short-term jobs in Singapore can be difficult to find because many employers are looking to hire employees who can work longer than 6 months. Realistically, the time it will take to find a job depends on what type of job you are looking for and willing to take.
How to Find a Job on a Working Holiday in Singapore
You can find and apply to jobs in Singapore by using job search websites, recruitment agencies, or participating in an internship program. You do not need to find a job before you apply for a WHP or before you arrive in Singapore.
Job Search Websites
The following job boards post short-term, temporary, and contract jobs in Singapore;
Recruitment Agencies
You can find and apply for jobs with help from the recruitment agencies below;
Internships
You can search internship opportunities in Singapore by using the following websites;
Internship Programs
If you do not want to participate in a working holiday on your own, you can join an internship program. These programs offer various levels of support (visa assistants, accommodations, job placement, etc…) in exchange for a fee.
Apply in Person
In Singapore, it is still acceptable to find hospitality jobs by knocking on doors to see who is hiring. Take a few copies of your resume with you and stop by restaurants, coffee shops, bars, hotels, etc… to inquire about job openings.
Before You Arrive in Singapore
How Much Money to Bring
You need to have proof of funds to enter Singapore. The Singapore government does not state the exact amount you need, they just say “enough to cover the duration of your stay.”
To figure out how much to bring, consider the following start up costs; accommodation/rent, transportation, food, cookware, phone plan, laundry, utilities (if not included), and entertainment. Be realistic with the type of lifestyle and experience you are looking to have in the country.
Considering you may not find a job right away, you might want to have between $1,500-$2,000 USD per month in savings. Of course, people have gotten by on much less, but it really depends on your lifestyle and when you will start getting a paycheck.
Booking Your Flight
To get into the country, you will need to show proof of an exit plan out of the country by the date your pass ends. If you are not sure exactly where or when you will be departing, you can purchase a flex ticket and make the final call later.
Submitting an Arrival Card
Before entering the country, you will need to submit a Singapore Arrival Card as an IPA pass holder. It only takes a few minutes to complete. You can do this up to 3-days before you arrive in country but no sooner.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Card
Anyone who has traveled to a country with a yellow fever transmission risk within the past 6 days of visiting Singapore, or who has spent more than 12 hours in transit in a high risk country, must present a yellow fever vaccination card in order to enter into Singapore.
If this applies to you, then you should set up an appointment to get the vaccine while you are still in your home country. These appointments can take time if you live in the USA. If this does not apply to you, then you will not need to worry about it.
Health & Travel Insurance
Insurance is not mandatory while on a working holiday in Singapore, but it is strongly advised. There are lots of different health/travel insurance companies and it’s best to shop around to decide what is the best one for you.
Foreign Identification Number
Your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) number will allow you to access government assistance and file for taxes at the end of your stay. This 9-digit number will be given to you in your IPA letter. You do not need to apply separately. Just make sure you know where to find it because it will come in handy once you arrive in the country.
Short-Term Accommodation
Booking some sort of accommodation before you arrive will ensure you have a place to go when you land and can serve as a home base while you are looking for long term housing. You choose to stay in a hostel, hotel, or rent an airbnb if you are want to wait till you arrive to find more long-term accommodation.
- Hostel
- Hostel’s offer shared or single rooms at cheap rates.
- Great option if you are looking to connect with other travelers but lacks privacy.
- Find hostel option by using the website Hostel World.
- Hotels
- Hotels offer all amenities you may need but come at a higher cost per night.
- You can find hotels easily by google searching in the areas you want to stay in the city.
- Airbnb
- There are fully furnished airbnbs and they usually come with necessities such as laundry and cookware.
- Airbnbs can come with hidden fees.
- Find options on the Airbnb Website.
You can also find long term accommodation before you arrive: see the “finding housing” section below.
Arriving in Singapore on a Work Holiday Pass
Arriving in Singapore
When you arrive in Singapore, you will need to show your passport, a return/exit ticket out of the country, proof of funds to support yourself while in Singapore (can be in the form of a bank statement), your IPA letter, and your SGA arrival card (submitted online). If applicable, you will also show your yellow fever vaccination.
Phone Number & SIM
To get a Singapore phone number you will need to buy a SIM card. All phones need to be unlocked in order to install a SIM card. It’s easiest to unlock your phone while still in your home country. You can buy a virtual SIM (aka: e-SIM) or a physical SIM card. There are tons to choose from so be sure to do your research on what one is best.
Most newer phones do not have a way to install a physical SIM card so you may only be able to install a virtual SIM. This is an easy process and can be done before you leave the country. To get a physical SIM card you will need to go to a cell phone/SIM card provider once you land and might need to provide your passport.
Banking
To get paid, you will need to set up a bank account. For most banks, you can walk in and set up an account or make an appointment online. You will need to provide you passport, work pass, tax residency declaration (which you can obtain by filing a certificate of residence), and proof of address. Depending on the bank, they may require more or less documentation.
When choosing a bank, consider what amenities they offer in comparison to what you need. Some popular banks in Singapore are; DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, UOB, or POSB Bank.
Finding Accommodation
You will need to find accommodation that offers a residential address in order to qualify for employment verification. Below are some housing options for foreigners in Singapore;
- HDB Flat
- Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats are government subsidized public housing apartments that are found across Singapore.
- You will need to rent for a minimum of 6 months.
- You can rent a room within a flat or the entire flat.
- Find out more on the HDB Website.
- Private Condo
- A condo is considered a residential building.
- You will need to sign a lease for a minimum of 3 months.
- You can find condo options on rental websites like; 99.co or Property Guru.
- Serviced Apartment
- Serviced apartments are fully furnished and function more like a hotel.
- Rental agreements are usually more flexible.
- You can search for apartments on websties like; weave living, hmlet, or booking.com.
- Airbnb
- There are fully furnished airbnbs and they usually come with necessities such as laundry and cookware.
- You can rent them on the Airbnb Website.
- Shared Rooms & Accommodation
- You can connect with others to search for housing and roommates.
- Find these opportunities through sites such as; Cove, Property Guru, Roomies, or CoLiving.
- Included Housing
- You can find a job with housing included so that you do not need to pay rent.
- Most of these jobs will be Au Pair/nanny, domestic cleaner/housekeeper, and resort staff work.
Residential Address
To work in Singapore on a work pass your accommodation will need to have a valid, residential address that is accepted by the government. If you are considering living at a hostel or hotel, you should contact the Ministry of Manpower (who you applied for your work pass with) to make sure this will be an acceptable address to use while on your work pass.
Getting Around
Singapore has a great public transport system that is easy to use and therefor you won’t need a car. They have trains, buses, ride shares, and taxies that makes getting around easy. If you do prefer to rent a car and drive, you can drive in Singapore on your foreign license (as long as it is in English) for up to 12 months.
When Your Working Holiday Ends
Getting a Second Working Holiday Pass
You can not extend or renew your working holiday pass. However, you can apply for another one 12 months after your first pass has expired.
Other VISA & Working Holiday Options
If you want to continue working in Singapore, you can apply for a different work pass such as the Employment Pass or S pass. Or, if you’ve had your fill of Singapore but want to continue your working holiday, you can also consider one of these 6 working holiday’s for US Citizens.
Going Back to Singapore
When your working holiday ends you can return to visit Singapore on a tourist visa.
Conclusion
A working holiday is a good way to make some money while living and traveling in Singapore for up to 6 months. Hopefully this post provided everything you need to know about a working holiday in Singapore. Have you been on a working holiday? What was your experience like? Please let me know in the comments below!
