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Hire and manage employees in Singapore

As your Employer of Record (EOR) in Singapore, we’d help you expand by hiring employees and running their payroll without establishing a local branch office or subsidiary.
Last updated:
July 16, 2025
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General Overview

Singapore, a global financial hub in Southeast Asia, boasts a robust and diverse economy driven by finance, technology, manufacturing, and trade. The city-state's strategic location and business-friendly environment have made it a focal point for international commerce. Singapore's labor laws are designed to balance economic growth with employee welfare, ensuring fair treatment and clear guidelines for both employers and employees.

Employment Contracts

Written Contracts: While not mandatory, written employment contracts are highly recommended to clearly define terms and conditions, reducing potential disputes.

Key Inclusions: Contracts typically specify job scope, salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination conditions.

Probation Period

Duration: Commonly ranges from 3 to 6 months, allowing employers to assess an employee's suitability for the role.

Termination During Probation: Either party can terminate the employment with notice, as stipulated in the contract, usually ranging from 1 day to 1 week.

Working Hours

Standard Workweek: Up to 44 hours.

Overtime:

  • Eligibility: Applicable to non-managerial and non-executive employees earning up to SGD 2,600 monthly.
  • Compensation: Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly basic rate.
  • Limit: A maximum of 72 overtime hours per month.

Vacation Days

Annual Leave: Starts at 7 days for the first year of service, increasing by 1 day for each additional year, up to a maximum of 14 days.

Public Holidays:

  • Observance: Employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays annually.
  • Work on Public Holidays: Employees who work on a public holiday are entitled to an extra day's salary or a substitute day off.

Sick Leave

Eligibility: Employees are entitled to paid sick leave after 3 months of service.

Entitlement:

  • Outpatient Sick Leave: Up to 14 days per year.
  • Hospitalization Leave: Up to 60 days per year (inclusive of the 14 days outpatient sick leave).

Certification: A medical certificate from a registered doctor is required.

Wages and Salary Payment

Minimum Wage: Singapore does not have a universal minimum wage. However, certain sectors, such as cleaning and security, have Progressive Wage Models setting minimum pay levels.

Salary Payment: Salaries must be paid at least once a month, within 7 days after the end of the salary period.

Public Holidays

Singapore observes 11 public holidays annually, including:

  • New Year's Day: January 1
  • Chinese New Year: Two days
  • Good Friday: Date varies
  • Hari Raya Puasa: Date varies
  • Hari Raya Haji: Date varies
  • Labour Day: May 1
  • Vesak Day: Date varies
  • National Day: August 9
  • Deepavali: Date varies
  • Christmas Day: December 25

If a public holiday falls on a rest day (typically Sunday), the following Monday will be a paid holiday.

Employer Taxes

Central Provident Fund (CPF) Contributions:

  • Rates: Employers contribute 17% of an employee's monthly wages to CPF for those up to 55 years of age.
  • Contribution Ceiling: The CPF Ordinary Wage ceiling is SGD 6,800 per month as of January 1, 2024, and is set to increase to SGD 7,400 on January 1, 2025.

Employee Taxes

CPF Contributions:

  • Rates: Employees contribute 20% of their monthly wages to CPF up to 55 years of age.

Income Tax:

  • Rates: Singapore employs a progressive tax system, with rates ranging from 0% to 22% for residents, depending on income levels.

Notice Period

During Probation: Typically ranges from 1 day to 1 week, as specified in the employment contract.

Post-Probation:

  • Less than 26 weeks of service: 1 week's notice.
  • 26 weeks to less than 2 years: 2 weeks' notice.
  • 2 years or more: 4 weeks' notice.

These are minimum requirements; contracts may stipulate longer notice periods.

Termination and Severance Pay

Termination:

  • Without Notice: Permissible in cases of misconduct, following due inquiry.
  • With Notice: Either party can terminate the employment by providing the required notice or paying salary in lieu of notice.

Severance Pay: Not mandated by law.

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Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is International EOR and PEO?

International EOR (Employer of Record) and PEO (Professional Employer Organization) are services that enable businesses to compliantly hire, manage, and pay employees in foreign countries without the need for establishing a legal entity. EOR acts as the legal employer while PEO co-employs workers, handling administrative tasks such as payroll, taxes, and benefits.

Does Acvian handle time record submissions?

Acvian does not handle time record submissions directly. It is the client’s responsibility to track and submit employee work hours. However, Acvian can offer guidance and best practices to ensure efficient time tracking and compliance with local labor laws.

How can employees view their payroll details?

Employees can view their payroll details through the monthly payslips they receive and also via our Acvian platform. These payslips contain information on earnings, deductions, taxes, and net pay, giving employees a clear overview of their monthly payroll. Please note that in some countries, employers are restricted from viewing payslips due to data protection regulations, and only employees can share their payslips. For more details on these regulations, please contact our specialists.

How Acvian handles payroll disputes?

Acvian addresses payroll disputes promptly, working closely with both the client and the employee to investigate and resolve any issues.

Does Acvian require advanced monthly payments of salaries and service?

Yes, Acvian requires advanced monthly payments for salaries and service to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.

Can Acvian provide consultations regarding a labor and tax legislation?

Yes, Acvian can provide consultations regarding labor and tax legislation. Our team of experts is well-versed in local regulations and can offer guidance to help your business maintain compliance, reduce risk, and navigate the complexities of international employment and taxation laws.

Which benefits does Acvian provide?

Acvian provides a diverse range of benefits, including but not limited to:

  • Health insurance
  • Car leasing
  • Gym allowance
  • Per diem compensation
  • Maternity leave

We can customize and offer many kinds of benefits requested by the client, ensuring that your employees receive the support and perks that align with your company culture and local regulations.

Can Acvian provide private health insurance?

Acvian can provide private health insurance options as part of its comprehensive employee benefits package.

What would the monthly/yearly costs for the employee be?

The monthly/yearly costs for an ‘average’ package vary depending on the specific plan and location. See our estimated price packages here. Acvian’s team can provide detailed cost breakdowns based on your requirements.

Can Acvian help with entity set up?

While Acvian doesn’t directly provide entity set-up services, we can introduce you to local lawyers who specialize in this area to assist you with your needs. See also, when it's better to set the entity or use the EOR.

Offboarding: how it is handled?

Offboarding is managed by Acvian in a structured and compliant manner. We coordinate with your business to ensure all necessary documentation, exit interviews, and final payments are completed. Acvian also ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations, including providing any required notice periods and managing the termination process.

When does business need it?

Businesses typically need EOR and PEO services when they:

  • Expand into new international markets.
  • Hire remote employees in foreign countries.
  • Seek to streamline global workforce management.
  • Aim to ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations.
  • Want to reduce the time and cost of establishing legal entities abroad.

Is Acvian compliant with GDPR?

Yes, Acvian is fully compliant with GDPR regulations. We collect and process personal data in accordance with the law, ensuring that data is used only for general, allowed purposes such as marketing and other legitimate business activities.

Do you provide employment agreements?

Yes, Acvian provides both permanent and fixed-term employment contracts, with the possibility of extension. After the second extension, the contract becomes indefinite.

How do employees view their payroll?

Employees can view their payroll details through the monthly payslips they receive and also via the Acvian platform.

Where can Acvian supply EOR services?

Acvian can supply EOR services in over 180 countries, encompassing almost all European nations, the United States, and Canada, providing extensive coverage to support your business’s global expansion and workforce management needs. See our coverage here.

How does payroll work under EOR?

Under EOR, Acvian manages the payroll process by:

  • Acting as the legal employer of your foreign workforce.
  • Handling salary calculations, deductions, and disbursements.
  • Ensuring compliance with local tax and labor laws.
  • Managing payroll taxes, social contributions, and benefits.
  • Providing timely and accurate payroll processing for your employees.

Explore the details here.

Can you provide support for expatriate EOR workers?

Yes, Acvian provides comprehensive support for expatriate EOR workers, including:

  • Visa and work permit assistance.
  • Relocation and housing support.
  • Local registration and compliance.
  • Payroll and tax management.
  • Coordination of benefits and insurance coverage.

Explore in details here.

What are the details of expats support?

Expats support from Acvian encompasses a range of services designed to facilitate a smooth transition for employees working abroad. Key aspects include:

  • Assistance with visa and work permit applications, renewals, and compliance.
  • Support for relocation, including housing, schooling, and local registration.
  • Guidance on local tax regulations and filings.
  • Coordination of locally compliant benefits and insurance coverage.
  • Ongoing support for any changes or issues that may arise during the expatriate assignment.

What happens after onboarding?

After onboarding, Acvian maintains an ongoing relationship with your business and employees, ensuring smooth payroll processing, managing tax and regulatory compliance, handling benefits administration, and providing support for any changes or issues that may arise in the employment lifecycle. This allows you to focus on your core business operations while Acvian manages your international workforce.

How many days will it take for our personnel to be onboarded?

The onboarding process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the country and complexity of the employee’s situation. However, Acvian strives to expedite this process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition for your personnel. See our story of the urgent employment project.

Does Acvian provide in-country support for employee inquiries or assistance requests?

Yes, Acvian provides in-country or regional support for employee inquiries and assistance requests. We have dedicated managers in the countries where we support your employees, ensuring prompt and knowledgeable assistance tailored to local regulations and practices.

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