Singapore is a big city for money and shipping. Many foreigners want to work here. There are many safe and good Office Assistant Jobs in Singapore for foreigners. Big companies in the city centre (CBD) and new tech companies always need admin helpers. Jobs like front desk receptionist and admin assistant with S Pass are always open. But to work here, you need a work visa. The government is very strict. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) controls all work passes.
For most office jobs, the best visa is called S Pass. This simple guide explains everything in easy English (updated for 2025).
The Key to Entry: Understanding the S Pass
S Pass is for people with medium skills. You need a diploma or degree or a good certificate. You also need to earn enough money each month.
Critical Eligibility Requirements for Admin Roles
You and the company must follow these rules (new rules from 1 September 2025):
- Minimum salary: S$3,300 per month (for young people). Older people need more, up to S$4,800.
- Education: Diploma, degree, or certificate from at least 1 year of full-time study. Work experience can also help.
- Company quota: In most companies, only 10% of workers can be on S Pass.
- Levy: Company pays S$650 every month to the government for each S Pass worker.
If the company already has too many foreign workers, they cannot hire you — even if you are very good.
The Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)
Before the company can hire a foreigner, they must follow this rule:
They must put the job on MyCareersFuture website for at least 14 days. They must look at Singapore citizens first. Only if no good local person wants the job, they can choose a foreigner. This rule protects Singaporeans.
Salary and Cost of Living in Singapore
Normal office assistant salary in Singapore is S$2,300 to S$2,800 per month. But for S Pass, you must get at least S$3,300 (young person). So the company has to pay you more than normal.
Plus, the company pays S$650 levy every month. Hiring a foreigner costs the company a lot of extra money. Only good and growing companies will do it.
Key Money Things You Must Know
- Tax: Very low for small salary. First S$20,000 per year has no tax.
- Room rent: S$800 to S$1,500 per month for one room in a shared flat.
- Food: Cheap if you eat at hawker centres — S$5–8 per meal.
- Transport: Bus and MRT monthly pass is about S$120.
- Medical insurance: Company must buy insurance for you — it is the law.
Even after paying rent and food, you can still save money if your salary is S$3,300 or more.
Step-by-Step: How to Get the S Pass
Only the company can apply for you. You cannot do it alone.
- Company gives you a job offer letter and contract.
- Company puts the job on MyCareersFuture for 14 days (FCF rule).
- Company sends your documents to MOM online: passport, certificates, resume.
- MOM checks and sends In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter — usually in 3–4 weeks.
- You fly to Singapore with the IPA letter.
- You do a simple medical check (if needed).
- You go to MOM office, take photo and fingerprint, and collect your S Pass card.
From job offer to getting the card, it usually takes 6 to 10 weeks.
Call to Action
Want to work in Singapore as an admin assistant? Start looking now!
Best places to find jobs:
- Big companies in finance, tech, and logistics
- Areas: CBD, Marina Bay, Raffles Place, Jurong, Changi
Make your resume very clear. Show your diploma and work experience. This helps the company give you S$3,300 or more.
Look for jobs on:
- MyCareersFuture.sg
- JobStreet
- JobsDB
Good companies need honest and hard-working admin staff like you!
Important Note
All information here is to help you learn. Rules can change any time. The salary and levy numbers are correct for November 2025, but always check the official MOM website yourself before you apply. Never trust only one article. Good luck and welcome to Singapore!