Anyone who has ever scrolled through job boards in Singapore knows the first question isn’t “what can I do” but “am I even allowed to work here?” For foreigners and international students, the rules around part-time employment can feel like a maze of pass types, hour caps, and employer obligations. This guide pulls together the latest official guidelines and real market rates so you can figure out what’s actually possible — and what pays.

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Part-time jobs on Jobstreet: 1,769 ·
Typical hourly wage: S$12–S$15 ·
High-end hourly wage: Up to S$50 ·
Common shift duration: 4 hours ·
Student pass term limit: 16 hours/week

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • MOM’s work-pass exemption for foreign students has been in place since before 2020, with no major amendments announced as of mid-2025 (Singapore Ministry of Manpower policy page)
  • No recent changes to the 16-hour weekly limit for Student Pass holders (Singapore Ministry of Manpower policy page)
4What’s next
  • Foreigners should monitor MOM updates on work pass eligibility for part-time roles (FastJobs platform)
  • Growing gig economy may increase demand for short-term part-time workers (FastJobs platform)

Six key numbers that define the landscape for part-time work in Singapore:

Metric Value
Number of part-time jobs on Jobstreet 1,769 (as of June 2025)
Typical hourly rate (entry-level) S$12 – S$15
Maximum hourly rate for brand ambassadors Up to S$50
Minimum shift duration (common) 4 hours
Hours allowed for Student Pass holders (term) 16 per week
Statutory minimum wage None in Singapore

How Much Do Part-Time Jobs Pay in Singapore?

Average hourly wages by industry

  • Entry-level roles in retail and F&B typically pay S$12–S$15 per hour, according to job listings aggregated by Jobstreet Singapore job board.
  • Administrative and tutoring roles start around S$15–S$20, while specialised gigs like event coordination often exceed S$25.
  • A Swingvy HR platform guide reports an average range of S$7–S$15, though more recent listings from Indeed Singapore job aggregator show many student roles at S$7.50–S$12.

The pattern: pay clusters around S$12–S$15 for entry-level work, with wide variation by industry and employer.

How to earn $100 per day with part-time work

Earning S$100 gross in a day is straightforward: work 8 hours at S$12.50 per hour. Many 4-hour shifts at S$12.50–S$15 will yield S$50–S$60 per shift. Two such shifts in one day (common in retail and F&B) bring you past S$100. The catch: most part-time roles cap shifts at 8 hours to avoid overtime obligations.

High-paying part-time roles: up to $50 per hour

  • Brand ambassador and event-promotion roles advertised on Snatchjobs gig platform offer rates up to S$50 per hour.
  • Tutoring, especially in sciences and Mandarin, can pay S$20–S$60 per hour, according to Troopers foreigner guide.
  • Niche roles such as photography assistants, focus-group participants, and mystery shoppers occasionally advertise rates above S$30.
The upshot

For foreigners without market-specific qualifications, the S$12–S$15 band is realistic. The S$50 gigs exist but are sporadic and often require native-level English or Mandarin, a polished portfolio, or availability for last-minute shifts.

Can Foreigners Work Part-Time in Singapore? Understanding the Rules

Work passes and part-time eligibility

  • The Singapore Ministry of Manpower official guidelines state that foreign students on a Student’s Pass may work during term time for up to 16 hours a week if they meet stated conditions.
  • Dependent Pass holders need a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM before starting any part-time work, as clarified by HSBC Singapore bank and expat resource.
  • The Employment Pass is intended for professionals and tied to a minimum monthly salary threshold — part-time work off an EP may violate pass conditions.

The 60-90 day rule explained

Foreigners on short-term visit passes (e.g., the 30-day visa-free entry or a Social Visit Pass) are not allowed to work under the 60-90 day rule. This rule is part of MOM’s enforcement to prevent tourists from taking casual employment. Only specific work passes or the Work Holiday Pass (for certain nationalities aged 18-25) permit temporary work.

Restrictions for LTVP, DP, and Student Pass holders

  • Student Pass: 16 hours/week during term, unlimited during official holidays (Singapore Ministry of Manpower).
  • Dependent Pass: Must apply for an LOC; not all LTVP holders qualify.
  • Work Holiday Pass: Allows up to 6 months of casual work; no fixed hourly limit.

What this means: the type of pass you hold dictates every aspect of your eligibility — never assume permission without checking MOM’s latest list.

The catch

Even if you hold a valid pass, working in prohibited occupations (e.g., construction, marine) for a restricted pass type can lead to revocation. Always check the latest MOM list before accepting a job.

What Part-Time Jobs Can Foreigners Do in Singapore?

Common part-time roles for foreigners

  • Retail assistant, F&B crew, event usher, delivery rider, tutor, and administrative assistant are the most accessible.
  • Indeed Singapore job platform shows part-time openings explicitly labelled for foreigners, typically in cleaning, kitchen help, and retail.

Jobs that do not require experience

  • Packer, merchandiser, warehouse assistant, and food-service roles rarely ask for prior experience.
  • Many 4-hour shift jobs posted on FastJobs non-executive job portal explicitly state “no experience needed.”

Restricted occupations for work pass holders

  • Foreign workers on Work Permits cannot work in certain occupations (e.g., hairdressing, massage, foot reflexology) unless they meet special conditions.
  • Students on a Student Pass are exempt from work-pass requirements, but they still cannot work in prohibited roles like those listed in MOM’s First Schedule.

The implication: even when you have the right pass, the job itself must still be permitted under your specific pass conditions.

Part-Time Jobs for Students in Singapore

Working hours limits for international students

  • International students on a Student Pass can work up to 16 hours per week during term time, as per Singapore Ministry of Manpower’s work-pass exemption rules.
  • During official school holidays (e.g., June and December breaks), there is no hourly limit, subject to pass conditions.
  • Internships arranged through the educational institution may also be covered under the exemption.

Best student-friendly part-time jobs

  • Tutor (S$20–S$60/hr, depending on subject), campus admin assistant (S$10–S$15/hr), retail associate (S$10–S$12/hr), and food delivery rider (S$12–S$18/hr after tips).
  • A Study-abroad.org guide estimates typical student pay at S$10–S$18 per hour.

How to balance work and studies

Most students limit themselves to 2–3 shifts per week. Schools like NUS and NTU advise against working more than 15 hours weekly to maintain academic performance. Some employers offer flexible scheduling around class timetables.

The pattern: the 16-hour limit isn’t arbitrary — it aligns with what universities consider sustainable alongside full-time study.

“Foreign students on a Student’s Pass may work during term time for up to 16 hours a week if they meet the stated conditions.”

Singapore Ministry of Manpower — official work-pass exemption page

“The Employment Pass is intended for professionals, managers and executives, and is tied to a minimum monthly salary threshold.”

Singapore Global Network — government-affiliated expat resource

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Singapore

Top job portals

Tips for applying as a foreigner or student

  • Mention your work pass type and eligibility clearly in your application.
  • Prepare a one-page CV with availability and relevant experience (even non-Singapore experience counts).
  • For Student Pass holders, carry your pass and a letter from your institution confirming enrolment.

Networking and gig economy platforms

  • Facebook groups (e.g., “Part Time Jobs Singapore”, “Foreigners in SG”) often list immediate openings.
  • GrabFood, Deliveroo, and foodpanda sign-up processes are straightforward but require a valid work pass.
What to watch

Job portal listings can be stale. If a job has been up for more than three weeks, it may already be filled. Apply within the first week of posting for the best response rate.

Bottom line: Part-time work in Singapore is accessible but layered with pass-based restrictions. International students should stick to 16 hours during term and use holidays for extra income. Other foreigners must secure a valid work pass or LOC before accepting any offer, and avoid the 60-90 day trap.

Related reading: Part Time Jobs Singapore Students: Salary, Legal Rules & Budget · Personal Driver Jobs Singapore: Salary, Requirements & Guide

Additional sources

sbcincorp.com.sg, reddit.com, jobcube.sg

For those interested in flexible work, part-time delivery jobs in Singapore offers a detailed breakdown of actual earnings versus advertised rates.

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Frequently asked questions

Do part-time jobs in Singapore provide CPF contributions?

Only if you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident. Foreigners are not required to contribute to CPF. Employers may still provide Central Provident Fund contributions for local part-timers earning more than S$50 per month.

Can I work part-time on a Work Holiday Pass?

Yes, the Work Holiday Pass allows casual part-time work for up to 6 months. There is no fixed hourly limit, but you cannot take up full-time permanent employment.

How many hours is considered part-time in Singapore?

There is no statutory definition, but most employers classify part-time as fewer than 35 hours per week. Common shift durations are 4, 6, or 8 hours.

Are part-time workers entitled to annual leave?

Yes, if you work at least 3 months under a contract with continuous service. Part-time annual leave is pro-rated based on hours worked, under the Employment Act.

What taxes do part-time workers pay in Singapore?

Foreigners working part-time in Singapore are generally not subject to income tax if annual income is below S$20,000. Above that, progressive rates apply. CPF contributions apply only to local employees.

Can I work multiple part-time jobs in Singapore?

Yes, as long as each employer is aware and the total hours do not violate your pass conditions. For Student Pass holders, the cumulative total across all jobs must not exceed 16 hours per week during term.

Do I need a medical check-up for part-time work as a foreigner?

Some employers (especially in F&B and healthcare) require a medical exam to ensure fitness for work. It is not a legal requirement for most part-time roles.

For Singapore’s foreign job seekers, the choice is clear: play by the pass rules and target the S$12–S$15/hr sweet spot, or invest time in building skills for the S$50/hr niche roles. For students, the 16-hour limit isn’t a constraint — it’s a guardrail that keeps your academics on track.