Special visa for job hunting in Singapore?

[domarus]

Hi,

My girlfriend and I are planning to move to Singapore in August to look for work. We're both European citizens (Danish and English).

I've read about various types of visas covering the job hunting period? Do we need to apply for a special type of visa or can we start looking for work while on a tourist visa and then sort out work permit / employment pass when we get a job?

We're looking for work in design/new media and accountancy and both have very good experience. We can afford 4-5 months without work. Is that a realistic time frame?

Much appreciated.

Best,
Jacob

[Guest]

you can apply for a job while on a tourist visa. whether you have much luck at all is something else. from the experiences of people on this board, the usccess rate for that sort of route is not very high. the job market in singapore at the moment is stagnant at best. lots of highly qualified locals (citizens and PRs) are on the job hunt too so I'd say you need to have some pretty exceptional skills that the residents aren't in possession of in order to get a break.

[Guest]

Hi,

My girlfriend and I are planning to move to Singapore in August to look for work. We're both European citizens (Danish and English).

I've read about various types of visas covering the job hunting period? Do we need to apply for a special type of visa or can we start looking for work while on a tourist visa and then sort out work permit / employment pass when we get a job?

We're looking for work in design/new media and accountancy and both have very good experience. We can afford 4-5 months without work. Is that a realistic time frame?

Much appreciated.

Best,
Jacob

Hi Jacob,

I'm a Brit too, lived in Vibrog 20 odd yrs, What line of work are you guys in? You know, you don't need a visa, you get 30 days, then you can pop over to Bintan or Malaysia, and come back for another 30 days.

Immigration are aware that many do it, so only one trip maybe a good idea.

[Guest]

Hi,

My girlfriend and I are planning to move to Singapore in August to look for work. We're both European citizens (Danish and English).

I've read about various types of visas covering the job hunting period? Do we need to apply for a special type of visa or can we start looking for work while on a tourist visa and then sort out work permit / employment pass when we get a job?

We're looking for work in design/new media and accountancy and both have very good experience. We can afford 4-5 months without work. Is that a realistic time frame?

Much appreciated.

Best,
Jacob

Hi Jacob,

I'm a Brit too, lived in Vibrog 20 odd yrs, What line of work are you guys in? You know, you don't need a visa, you get 30 days, then you can pop over to Bintan or Malaysia, and come back for another 30 days.

Immigration are aware that many do it, so only one trip maybe a good idea.

oops! got your work profile now, strange i overlooked it.

[domarus]

Ah, so we're only allowed to stay in Singapore for 30 days on a tourist visa? Hmmm, I actually thought it was 90 days ... We better start getting in touch with companies then!

You asked about our areas of work ...

I am in new media (online marketing & design). I have a degree in graphic design and have worked at Sony Music in London for four years as manager in the pan-European new media department and been involved in numerous website developments and large online marketing campaigns for artists like Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson, Oasis and many more.

Do you know anyone looking for an account/project manager, art director, senior designer or similar?

[domarus]

And two more questions ...

How would you recommend finding a job and relocating to Singapore?

&

What do you do there? And were you transferred?

Cheers,
Jacob

[Strong Eagle]

Some people, notably Australians and Americans, get 90 day visitors visas, and as noted these can be renewed by leaving the country... _probably_ as a UK person you could re-enter the country to extend your total stay to 6 months to a year... but that is a probably.

Employment passes are applied for and granted to the companies that hire you. They must demonstrate that they cannot find the talent they need locally. So for example, if you are really strong with selling into C levels of MNC's, you'd probably have a rate skill that gets you in. If you have more common skills, there are probably a lot of people here who also have those skills. Besides that fact that the Ministry of Manpower may not approve such an application, a company will hire locally just because it is easier and usually cheaper.

Without an employment pass you cannot rent propery, open a bank account, etc. You will have to be prepared to stay in tourist facilities and use credit cards/ATM's for cash funds and purchases.

Media is an area that the Sing govt has decided to focus on to make the country more creative. There are also a number of private firms turning out people skilled in graphic design, 3D animation, etc. In short, your best bet would probably be with a transfer to a company with offices here.

You might want to look up firms here that you think would use your services. If you're not asking for a job directly, you can talk to people about the lay of the land and get some sense if there are opportunities for you.

[bizcatalyst]

You can try some online recruitment portals. Keep a look out at www.jobstreet.com.sg or similar portals

Good luck.

Bizcatalyst