Singapore Work VISA 2024 With List of Skill Shortage Jobs

Many international job seekers overlook the lucrative Singapore job market, often focusing on countries like the US, UK, Europe, and Canada. This oversight leads to reduced competition in Singapore, where the average salary is an impressive SGD $7,650/month, surpassing many other nations. I strongly advise those seeking employment to consider Singapore’s skill shortage areas.

With the right qualifications, the chances of securing permanent employment and a Singaporean work visa/permit are high. In this article, we delve into these opportunities in detail, guiding you through the promising job landscape of Singapore.

Singapore’s work visa system offers a range of options tailored for professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers, addressing specific skill shortages in its dynamic economy. My article provides a comprehensive guide on the different types of work visas available, their requirements, and the application process, helping potential applicants navigate the vibrant job market of Singapore effectively.

Singapore offers a variety of work visas to suit different professional levels and career aspirations. Understanding these visa types and their application processes is crucial for those seeking employment opportunities in Singapore but first lets review general eligibility requirements to apply for any of the Singaporean work visa in 2024:

General Requirements for Singapore Work Visas

• Medical Eligibility: Possible medical examination.
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years old.
• Valid Passport: At least 6 months’ validity at the time of application.
• Good Character: Clean criminal record and no past immigration violations.
• Salary: Meeting the minimum threshold for the specific visa.
• Security Bond: Required for some visas.
• Qualifications and Experience: Varies by visa/employment type.
• Sponsorship: Most visas require employer sponsorship.

Types of Work Visas in Singapore in 2024

Four specific types of employment-related visas are offered by Singapore in 2024 which are listed below:

1. Singapore Employment Pass: For executive-level jobs or business owners.
2. Unskilled or Skilled Staff Worker Pass: Includes S Pass and various work permits for specific roles.
3. Training Pass of Singapore: For participating in training programs and internships.
4. Short-Term S Pass: For seasonal staff requirements.

Let’s further classify these above-mentioned types of Singaporean employment visas as per their purpose of issuance in 2024:

1# Singaporean VISA for For Professionals

Employment Pass (EP): Ideal for highly qualified professionals and executives, requiring a minimum monthly salary of S$4,500 (as of December 2023). Usually, the employer in Singapore sponsors this type of visa.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): A flexible visa for experienced professionals allowing work without an employer sponsor. Applicants must have excellent qualifications and relevant experience.

2# VISA For Entrepreneurs

EntrePass: Designed for individuals who want to set up and operate their own businesses in Singapore. Requires innovative business ideas and secured investments or funding.

3# VISA For Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers

S Pass: For skilled workers with a monthly salary between S$2,500 and S$4,500. Typically requires employer sponsorship.

Work Permit for Foreign Workers: For manual laborers and semi-skilled workers in sectors like construction and manufacturing.

4# Additional Categories for VISA

1. Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers: For individuals employed as domestic helpers.
2. Training Permits: For internships and professional development programs.

Do You Need to Secure a Job in Singapore Before Visa Application?

Most Singaporean work visas, including EP, S Pass, and Work Permit for Foreign Workers, require securing a job before application due to employer sponsorship and eligibility criteria.

Exceptions: (Employment not needed)

• • Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
  • EntrePass

Are there any Job Seeker Visa Alternatives for Singapore?

Singapore doesn’t offer a traditional job seeker visa but provides PEP and EntrePass for experienced professionals and entrepreneurs, respectively.

List of Skill Shortage Occupations in Singapore (Currently)

To decide if Singapore is the right job market for you, it’s crucial to identify high-demand occupations and their respective salaries. After researching, I found that several jobs are in high demand in Singapore as per MOM report, falling under the skill shortage list. The Singaporean government even fast-tracks the work visa process for these professions.

Skill shortage occupations in Manufacturing Industries of Singapore:

1. HDD-related R&D engineer
2. Automation or process engineer
3. Firmware R&D engineers
4. Reservoir engineers
5. Chemist or process development chemist
6. Media process engineer
7. Environment (Water) engineers
8. Wafer fabrication process engineer
9. Nano engineers
10. Project engineer
11. Electrical technician
12. Design engineer
13. Petroleum engineers
14. QA/QC expert
15. Network storage engineers
16. Well engineer

Skill shortage occupations in Information Technology Sector of Singapore:

1. Software engineers
2. Security consultant
3. Producer (film/TV, animation & games)
4. Systems analysts
5. Game programmers
6. Screenwriter and scriptwriters
7. Database/network and computer systems administrators
8. Technical artist
9. Director (TV/Film, animation & games)
10. Rotoscope artists
11. Matchmove artist
12. Concept Artist
13. Line producers
14. Analyst programmer
15. AI project manager
16. Gaffers
17. Games designer or level designer
18. Storyboard artists
19. Chief information officer
20. Production assistant (animation & games)
21. Character designers
22. Computer graphics (CG) artist
23. Animator
24. Rigger
25. Lighting and rendering artists
26. Game producers
27. Visual Effects (VFX) artist
28. 2D and 3D artist
29. Environment artists
30. Character artists
31. Solution or software architect
32. Visual effects (VFX) supervisor
33. Modelers and texture artist

Skill shortage occupations in Healthcare Sector of Singapore:

1. Medical social
2. Dentists
3. Clinical audiologist
4. Doctors
5. Pharmacy technician
6. Physiotherapists
7. Medical diagnostic radiographer
8. Anesthesiologist
9. Nursing staff
10. Podiatrist
11. Pharmacist
12. Dieticians
13. Medical laboratory technologist
14. Respiratory Therapist

Skill shortage occupations in Construction Sector of Singapore:

1. Jet grouting staff
2. Crane operators
3. Quantity Surveyor
4. Civil engineers
5. Aircon engineers
6. Architectural engineers
7. Resident technical officer
8. Hoist operators
9. Soil testing & commissioning engineers
10. Building and construction project managers
11. Geotechnical and design engineers
12. Structural engineer