Hiring with CPF and fair consideration
Employee Hiring & Work Authorisation in Singapore
Singapore hiring is efficient but structured. CPF applies to citizens and permanent residents, not to pass holders.
GCC business setup specialists
The CPF distinction catches people out
Employers must contribute to the Central Provident Fund for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, but not for foreign employees on passes. That single distinction changes your cost model depending on who you hire.
- CPF obligations applied correctly by employee type
- Fair consideration requirements handled before advertising
- Pass sponsorship assessed where staff are overseas
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
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Employer obligations
What hiring in Singapore involves
These attach to the company from the first employee.
| Obligation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Key employment terms | Written terms must be issued to covered employees. |
| CPF contributions | For citizens and permanent residents; not for pass holders. |
| Fair consideration | Job advertising requirements before certain pass applications. |
| Work pass sponsorship | Where the employee is not otherwise permitted to work. |
| Statutory entitlements | Leave, rest days, sickness and termination provisions. |
| Workplace injury insurance | Required for eligible employees. |
Employment obligations, CPF rates and fair consideration requirements are set by the Singapore authorities and change. What applies is confirmed before you hire.
How it works
From plan to first employee
The employee’s status determines your obligations.
01
Plan the hire
Role, salary and whether the candidate is a citizen, permanent resident or will need a pass. That determines CPF, advertising and pass requirements.
02
Advertise and apply
Fair consideration advertising completed where required, and the pass application prepared where relevant.
03
Onboard and run
Key employment terms issued, CPF registered where applicable, insurance arranged and payroll run.
- Business profile and UEN
- Candidate identity and status
- Agreed salary and benefits
- Job description and seniority
- Fair consideration advertising evidence where required
- Signed employment contract
- Key employment terms document
- CPF registration where the employee is a citizen or PR
- Work pass application where required
- Workplace injury insurance
- Qualification verification where needed
- Start date and probation terms
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Employment contracts and key employment terms
- Advice on CPF applicability by employee status
- Fair consideration advertising guidance
- CPF registration and setup
- Work pass application co-ordination
- Workplace injury insurance guidance
- Payroll setup
- Records maintained for inspection
Not included, quoted separately
- CPF contributions themselves
- Insurance premiums
- Ministry fees and levies, paid at cost
- Advertising costs
- Recruitment and candidate sourcing
- Employment law advice on disputes
- Qualification verification fees
- Payroll processing, quoted separately
Verify independently
Official Singapore authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)Ministry of ManpowerCentral Provident Fund BoardSingapore CustomsSingapore Food Agency
Questions
Hiring in Singapore — FAQs
Do I pay CPF for everyone?
No. CPF applies to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. It does not apply to foreign employees on work passes, which materially changes the cost of each hire.
What is fair consideration?
A framework requiring certain roles to be advertised to local candidates before a pass application. Requirements change, so we confirm what applies before you advertise.
Do I need written employment terms?
Covered employees must be issued key employment terms in writing. It is also what resolves disputes.
Can I hire someone already on a pass elsewhere?
A pass is employer-specific, so a new application or transfer is generally required rather than the pass simply moving with them.
Is there a quota on foreign staff?
Quotas and levies apply to some pass types and sectors. We confirm your position before you plan headcount.
Go deeper
More Singapore services
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At Black Swan Business Setup Services, our mission is simple: to empower entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes to establish and expand their presence in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and beyond.
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