Answer: You can work full time on a dependent's pass. Your employer applies to the Ministry of Manpower for a "Letter of Consent" on your behalf. Just a form to fill in and send in with details of your employment, your cv, previous work references etc. This letter of consent applies only for that job, so if you change employers you need a new LOC.
- Taken from our messageboard

Question: I've now been in Singapore for over 2 months leaving a good job to relocate with my fiance who is a P1 pass holder. During my time here I have had 2 Employment Passes rejected, I am now thinking of appealing and would be grateful for any advice on the process and what type of things immigration look out for. The only alternative is to get married earlier than planned. Is there anyone else out there in a similar situation and have been able to solve this dilema? (There's all this talk about attracting 'new talent' into the country, although dont they don't realise that most people come in pairs, married or not.)

Answer: Since you are planning to marry, you might consider marrying at the registry office. You would be legally married and then would still have your wedding later on as planned. It's not difficult and does not take long. If you are married to an employment pass holder then his company simply assists in your obtaining a dependent pass. This would also be done if you have any children.

Once you are a dependent, there are many things you can do. You can teach English, look after children, apply for all manner of jobs, then the time pressure is off and you don't have to keep running to JB for a new passport stamp.

You have to be very patient. I waited for six months for my employment pass. By the way, once you application is declined, it is almost impossible to re-open it.

I was running to JB every two weeks to renew my visa, and finally got tired of it and decided to go to the Registry of Marriage, since our wedding date was set already anyway. After that, my husband's company applied for dependant pass for me so I could stop going to JB. But to work full-time, you still need your own employment pass.

If you want to do contract work or hold a number of positions, the best route will be to set yourself up as a sole proprietor, really easy (as a dependednts pass) and costs about 155.00.

For those who are not legally married you should get all the papers ready before coming out, or go to your High Comm to say you were living in a "common law marriage" and that he would take financial responsibility for you, and have his company help you get a long term social visit pass. This means you won't have to keep leaving the country. If you find an employer willing to employ you and get you an employment pass then you'd be fine.

If you out here as a spouse to an expat the Career Resource Centre will be able to help you in your job search, they currently have about fifty jobs for expats listed - part time, full time, professional and non professional. Check out their web site: www.aasingapore.com. Or call the Ministry of Manpower who will advise you Tel: 332 8891
- Taken from our messageboard

Question: I am a US citizen considering an expatriate assignment in Singapore. How do I go about getting my wife employment?

Answer: There is a place called the CRCE in the American Club that helps place trailing spouses.  The AWA web site may have some good resource info for you - http://web.singnet.com.sg/~awaexpat/

There is also a site called Primetime for professional women who want to continue their careers (and enjoy a social life as well) situated here:

http://www.primetime.org.sg

Question : How long can I continue employment in Singapore?

Answer: As long as you are gainfully employed. You can apply for Permanent Residence if you wish to stay on permanently in Singapore.

Question : My partner has just found work here and starts soon.  We have been together for some time but are not married.  Does the Singapore government recognise this kind of de-facto relationship and can I therefore obtain a dependent's pass ?

Answer: No, you can't - you can only apply for a dependent's pass when you're married. However, you can apply for a long term social visit pass (valid for 6 months). For this you need to obtain a letter from your Embassy stating that you have been living in a de facto relationship. 

Question : Can you suggest some jobsites where I can start my job search in Singapore ?

Answer: Certainly.  The following list should be a relatively comprehensive one.

http://www.monster.com.sg
http://www.jobstreet.com.sg
http://www.recruitasia.com
http://www.careersingapore.com/home.html
http://www.jobasia.com.sg
http://www.sg.jobsdb.com
http://www.jobmaster.com.sg
http://www.singapore-careers.com
http://www.careerzone.com.sg http://www.jobbank.com.sg
http://www2.jobsite.com.sg/jobsite-singapore.html
http://www.careermosaic.com.sg
http://www.9to5.com.sg

Question : What's the protocol involved in changing an EP? I'm leaving one company and then am supposed to start with another company 3 weeks later -- but perhaps this isn't enough time in between? Is it right that I cannot apply a new EP until after I have left the first company? Do I personally have to cancel the EP or will my existing company do this for me and how soon after I have cancelled the EP can the new company re-apply?

Answer: You must cancel your current EP to be allowed to apply for a new one.To cancel the EP, you must have a letter from your current company with their letterhead, and signed by them saying you want to cancel the current EP. Then you can apply for a temporary EP the same day when you cancel the EP. You may subsequently apply for a new EP to enable you to work in the new company.By the way, you are required to take a medical test, which will include a blood test for HIV once the in-principle EP has been issued. The medical exam must take place within 1 month of your receiving the approval letter for the EP. Once you pass the medical examination, the EP is issued.

Question : I am moving to Singapore to begin employment. I have been told that I should opt for Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, but I would like opinions from other expats regarding this. Do any of you have money taken out for CPF, and is it worth it?

Answer: As an EP holder you can voluntarily make CPF contributions but your employer is under no obligation to make contributions although you could negotiate with them to do so in your contract I guess. If you get PR both you are your employer must contribute. However the company might not choose to pay you as big a basic salary and you may have to re-negotiate your terms if you get PR. If you plan to stay in Singapore for the long term and want to buy your own flat you definitely want to be in the CPF system as money paid into the fund may be used to pay for the purchase and mortgage payments on the flat. A (2) : Early on, until you get your Employment Pass (EP)- there is little reason to contribute to CPF unless you just want the Singapore government to hold on to your money in the fund. After 6 months, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR). Once that happens, you and your employer are then require to contribute as follows: 1st year: You: 5%, Employer 3% (may go to 5%) 2nd year: You: 15%, Employer 9%* 3rd year: You: 20%, Employer 12%* The employer amount can change. It used to also be 20%, but because of the Asian crisis, the government is giving them (the employer) a break. The advantage of the CPF scheme is that you get additional money from your company added to this fund. You can also "tap into the fund" to get mortgage amounts on buying an apartment. The disadvantage is if you need the cash you cannot use it as it is illiquid. You cannot withdraw the money from the fund unless you have reached the retirement age, or if you do not have plans to return to Singapore to work in the future. For more information - you can check out the following site : http://www.cpf.gov.sg/cpf_info/home.asp
The other piece that comes with the PR is that you can also leave one job - and not get kicked out of the country. This has its advantages when you want to consider moving to another job - and is advised for folks in your situation (following love!) which has its risks! Welcome to Singapore.