Employer of Record in Singapore

Hire Employees in Singapore

The Republic of Singapore is a parliamentary republic in Southeast Asia that consists of more than 60 satellite islands. In Singapore, there are no first-order administrative divisions, but the country does contain five community development councils (CDCs): The Central Singapore Development Council, North East Development Council, North West Development Council, South East Development Council, and South West Development Council.

Employment in Singapore is largely governed by the Employment Act, Industrial Relations Act, Work Injury Compensation Act, Workplace Safety and Health Act, and Trade Unions Act, as well as by common law.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand Singapore’s labor laws better, including how to ensure the compliant hiring of international employees, how to hire remote employees in Singapore, Singapore employer of record and entity establishment solutions, and how to pay your international workers in full compliance.

Need more assistance? At Safeguard Global, we’re here to help you recruit, hire, and pay your international workforce in full legal compliance through our EOR solution in Singapore. Contact us today or explore our Solutions Hub for more information.

How an employer of record in Singapore works

An employer of record (EOR) enables compliant hiring without the establishment of a local legal entity, which provides an easier way for organizations to hire and pay local talent in Singapore. Because of its existing in-country presence, the EOR can more quickly employ the workers a company needs and act as their legal employer, taking care to comply with Singapore’s labor laws. As a result, companies can hire employees without a legal entity in Singapore.

In addition to hiring, full-service EORs also handle administrative functions such as payroll, employee onboarding, and benefits management. At Safeguard Global, our EOR offering also includes international recruitment. These EOR services significantly reduce the administrative burden of international hiring for an organization.

FAQs about hiring in Singapore

What are the payroll compliance requirements in Singapore?

Employers in Singapore must comply with numerous local payroll regulations, including withholding the proper amount of income tax, making employer social contributions, and following statutory reporting requirements. Payroll frequency, pay slip standards, and tax filings must align with Singaporean labor and tax laws. An employer of record (EOR) in Singapore manages these payroll compliance obligations on your behalf, which not only mitigates your risk, but also helps reduce administrative burden.

Do I need a legal entity to hire employees in Singapore?

In most cases, companies must establish a local legal entity to hire employees directly in Singapore. However, using an employer of record (EOR) allows you to hire employees in Singapore without setting up a subsidiary or registering a business locally. The EOR acts as the legal employer on your behalf, managing compliant hiring, employment contracts, payroll, tax withholding, and statutory benefits in accordance with Singaporean labor laws.

How long does it take to hire through an EOR in Singapore?

Hiring a new worker through an employer of record (EOR) in Singapore can typically be completed in as little as one to two weeks, depending on local employment contract requirements and onboarding procedures. Because the EOR already has an established entity in Singapore, you can hire and onboard employees more quickly than if you were to incorporate an entity locally.

Can I use EOR services to hire non-locals in Singapore?

No. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has introduced a regulation that prevents EOR companies from applying for work passes on behalf of their clients. Companies must set up a legal entity in Singapore to directly hire non-locals and manage the work pass application process. Our Entity Setup services can guide you through the process.

Can I hire remote employees in Singapore?

Yes, no matter where your legal entity is — US, UK, China, or anywhere else — you can hire remote employees in Singapore. Hiring remote employees through an EOR is common because it doesn’t require you to register a local subsidiary just for one or two employees. An EOR also ensures payroll, employment contracts, and statutory benefits comply with Singaporean regulations.

For more information, visit our Employer of Record services page to learn how we can help you meet your international employment needs in Singapore.