Hiring foreign workers in Singapore, made clear

A short, practical guide for employers, plus answers to the questions we hear most often.

Please note: this page is general information, not legal advice. Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reviews its rules regularly. This guide was last checked in November 2026. Always confirm the current requirements on mom.gov.sg before you apply.

Step one

Why work with a licensed employment agency?

MOM advises employers and jobseekers to work only with licensed employment agencies (EAs) and registered EA personnel, because they meet MOM's eligibility criteria and must follow employment agency rules and regulations.

Check the licence

Every licensed EA is listed on MOM's EA Directory. Ours is EA Licence No. 15C7716.

Open the EA Directory

Check the person

The EA Directory also lists the names and photos of registered EA personnel. You can check a registration card against the directory to make sure it is valid.

Know your rules

Licensed agencies are regulated by MOM and bound by rules that protect the interests of both employers and workers.

The basics

Work Permit essentials

The Work Permit allows semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries or regions to work in certain sectors in Singapore. The employer, not the worker, applies.

Here are the main things MOM asks employers to look at before hiring:

Your sector. Requirements differ for construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process and services.
Source country or region. You can only hire workers from the approved list for your sector.
Quota and levy. The number of Work Permit holders you can hire is capped by a quota, and a monthly levy applies to each worker.
Security bond and medical insurance are part of the Work Permit requirements.

For hotels & hospitality (services sector)

Hotels and other hospitality businesses usually fall under MOM's services sector. At the time of writing, MOM's services sector page lists Malaysia, the People's Republic of China (PRC) and North Asian sources (Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea and Taiwan) as source countries or regions. Workers from non-traditional sources can be hired only for jobs on MOM's Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) Occupation List.

Services sector requirements on MOM

We can help you understand which roles and sources fit your business. Final eligibility is always decided by MOM.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which industries does Empire Global Recruitment focus on?

We source and place foreign workers for businesses across various sectors in Singapore, with a dedicated focus on the Hospitality and Hotels Industry. Read more in our Company Profile.

What kinds of placements can you help with?

We offer tailored recruitment solutions, whether you need permanent staff, temporary placements, or executive search services. See Sources & Services.

How do you find candidates?

We use four main sources:

our extensive network in Singapore and beyond
leading job portals and social media platforms
referrals from satisfied clients and candidates
industry associations and events

How do you screen candidates?

Our screening includes skills testing, background checks and behavioural interviews, so only the most qualified candidates make it through to your interview stage.

Will I be kept updated during recruitment?

Yes. We believe in transparent communication every step of the way, with regular updates on the progress of your recruitment project.

What happens after a worker is placed?

We offer post-placement support to ensure a smooth transition for both the candidate and your organisation, and we follow up regularly to address any issues.

Is Empire Global Recruitment licensed?

Yes. Our EA Licence No. is 15C7716. You can verify any employment agency on MOM's EA Directory.

Do you work with small businesses?

Yes. Whether you're a startup, SME, or multinational corporation, we have the expertise and resources to meet your recruitment needs.

Which countries can my workers come from?

It depends on your sector and the job. MOM sets approved source countries or regions for each sector. See the Work Permit essentials above, and check MOM's sector-specific rules for the current list.

How do I get started?

Send us a message through our contact form or call +65 9460 0573. Tell us the roles, numbers and timing you need.

Useful links

Official resources

Straight from the Ministry of Manpower.

MOM EA DirectoryCheck that an employment agency is licensed and its personnel are registered. Work Permit for migrant workersEligibility, levy, quota and how to apply. Sector-specific rulesRequirements for each sector, including services. NTS Occupation ListJobs open to workers from non-traditional sources.

Have a question we didn't answer?

Talk to our team. We'll help you plan your next hire.