Expat jobs, chosen by hand. Every Monday.
Every Monday, a handful of expat jobs an editor thinks are worth applying to.
What we're doing here.
Most job boards work for the recruiter, not the applicant. For someone moving from Manchester to Singapore, that means thousands of listings — most closed to expats, most written for people already in the country.
We work the other way. Every Monday, an editor publishes the roles worth your time — company vetted, visa checked, description rewritten if the original didn't cut it. If we wouldn't recommend it to a friend, it isn't in the issue.
About expat jobs in Singapore
Singapore is Asia's most concentrated market for foreign professional talent. The Employment Pass framework — while progressively tightened since 2020 to protect local hiring — still supports strong hiring of overseas candidates in finance, technology and healthcare. Salary thresholds and quotas mean the country is generally accessible to mid-senior candidates and not entry-level ones.
№ 01Sectors hiring UK expats in Singapore
- Finance — global banks, asset managers, family offices and private banks based here for regional coverage
- Technology — regional headquarters of most global tech firms plus a growing homegrown startup scene
- Healthcare and pharma — GSK, Novartis and others have significant Singapore operations
- Trading and commodities — the region's centre for oil, shipping and agricultural commodity trade
- Consulting and professional services
№ 02Visa routes for UK professionals
- Employment Pass (EP) — the standard route; minimum salary threshold currently S$5,000/month (S$5,500 in finance), rising with age
- Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass — five-year pass for high earners (S$30,000/month) or established professionals
- S Pass — for mid-skilled workers below the EP threshold
- Tech.Pass — sunset in 2024; ONE Pass has largely replaced it for senior tech hires
№ 03Salary and compensation
Senior finance and technology roles typically pay S$180,000–S$400,000 per year (around £106,000–£236,000 GBP equivalent), with tax rates progressive but capped at 24% — meaningfully lower than the UK. Housing allowance and international schools support are still common but less standard than in the UAE.
№ 04Cost of living
Singapore is expensive across the board. Central three-bedroom condos in Orchard, River Valley or East Coast run S$5,000–S$10,000 per month. International schools cost S$40,000–S$60,000 per child per year. The upside: safety, healthcare, and efficiency are unmatched, and Southeast Asia is a short flight for weekend travel.
The weekly issue reflects the tightening EP market — roles where the employer has committed to sponsoring and where the salary threshold is clearly met.