Working in Singapore as a tourist?

Hi,

I am Viktor from Sweden. Six months ago I started a bicycle trip from Sweden to Singapore. I went through Europe to Turkey, Iran, UAE, Oman, India, Bangladesh and now I am in Thailand. In mid-January I plan to be in Singapore.

I have to be back in Sweden in April and therefore it would be nice to finish of my trip staying Singapore for 2-3 months and work. I have a Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering and when I come back to Sweden in April I will continue with my masters. However, I am not demanding about job in Singapore, but preferebly I would work with sales or telemarketing.

So, I wonder if that plan is even possible. How would the process be? Enter with a tourist visa and then search around for job? How long does it take to get the EP-card and a visa that is valid for more than 14 days (I assume I will only get 14 days since I will arrive by land)? Is it possible to work on a tourist visa?

Thanks in advance for any information,
Viktor

http://www.ica.gov.sg/services_centre_overview.aspx?pageid=376&secid=171

You should find all the information you need here.

Working as a tourist? On what kind of an entry permit?
I'm guessing you'll not be entering Singapore on an actual visa but a simple entry stamp.
No working with that.

EPEC can get you a year to stay in SG to find work. Finding work is another story. PRs and citizens get prioritized. Outside of that there is a large pool of foreigners looking for work. Unless you have a special skill, landing a job will take a very long time.

check Ministry of Manpower for entry options.

Thanks for the answers. I have tried to update myself more.

EPEC wouldnt allow me to work in Singapore. It only allows me 1 year searching for job. I assume I could get a job even before entering Singapore.

The Work Holiday Visa would be perfect but is not avaliable for Swedish citizens. The other work permits are mostly for those who are highly qualified and who earns a certain amount.

I just want a simple visa that allows me to work for 2 or 3 months in the country. I suppose it would be hard for me to find such an option? If I find a job before I enter Singapore, which visa would I have to apply for?

Thanks in advance,
Viktor

While the presense of uniformed police on the streets of Singapore are not that overt, you see them only once in a while, the ICA that chase illegals working in Singapore, would be plain clothed.

Its best not to do it.

Just go and visit, but don't try to look for a job, or don't accept/take any work while on the 30 day social visit pass.

Its a risk, that if you get nabbed, the result is just not good.

Yes, you want a "simple visa" that will allow you to work in Singapore. But that "simple visa" just does not exist.

Some people just can't take no for an answer.

A work pass or work permit, are the only two things that can be obtained, but that job, you want to find, is very elusive.

Work passes and work permits, are either handed out to those with a skill set the Singaporean cannot or does not have, or its the menial job that the Singaporean do not want to do, ie, building sites, or cleaning jobs, or maid work, ...

Its a place that foreigners will stand out in a crowd.

I suppose that you could find appropriate types of businesses in Singapore and ask them about "future" job opportunities and whether someone of your background would qualify...or what you would need in terms of education.

And if the discussion moves to "Well we have an opening for someone of your skills-set right now" you could then ask what the procedure would be for legally applying. You might have to apply from Malaysia or Indonesia and wait for a visa from there, and after the firm gets the proper clearances, you could return legally.

The deal to keep this on the up-and-up is to make it clear that you aren't seeking to work on a tourist visa, and are not seeking work "right now".

you need to be a PR or a citizen to get in those 2-3 month jobs. they don't hire foreigners for those type of jobs. work for foreigners are usually at least a year so the cost of applying for work permits are justified.

tryout http://www.singaporeparttimejobs.com/ if ur lucky. but u still gotta get ur workpermit or visa.

SG Portal - portal that provides useful information, links, tools, exchanges and resources in securing your dream job in Singapore. Get employed using a visit visa, learn everything here

http://tourinsg.blogspot.com/

Guide and Tips will help you a lot.

How to find a Job in Singapore 2011 Update

Edited: 2011 Update