Finding a job in Singapore as a foreigner can feel like navigating a maze. While the city-state offers excellent career opportunities, securing the right position often requires help from a trusted recruitment agency Singapore for foreigners.
Singapore’s status as Asia’s premier business hub attracts thousands of international professionals yearly. However, strict employment regulations and fierce competition make it crucial to partner with the right employment agency Singapore for foreign workers. Not all agencies are created equal, and choosing the wrong one could cost you time and money.
That’s why we’ve compiled this carefully vetted list of 12 licensed recruitment agencies for 2025. Each agency has been evaluated based on their track record, industry specializations, and success rates in placing foreign talent.
Hunter Employment Pte Ltd
Image Source: www.hunter-employment.com
Licensed under MOM (License: 16C7938), Hunter Employment Pte Ltd stands as a prominent recruitment agency Singapore for foreigners [1]. The agency serves more than 200 multinational corporations and SMEs across Singapore [1].
Hunter Employment Services Overview
Hunter Employment specializes in comprehensive foreign worker recruitment solutions, including work pass applications, employment contract consultancy, and dispute management [1]. Additionally, their dedicated operational team handles everything from airport pickups to medical checkups, ensuring a smooth onboarding process [2].
Hunter Employment Industry Specializations
The agency follows a structured 5-step recruitment process:
Identifying required skill sets and qualifications
Analyzing employer’s quota and workforce status
Providing optimized employment solutions
Filtering and arranging candidate interviews
Managing worker arrival and logistics [2]
Furthermore, Hunter Employment’s team specializes in placing executives across various functions, including sales, marketing, finance, supply chain, HR, R&D, and operations [1].
Hunter Employment Fees and Charges
In accordance with MOM regulations, Hunter Employment’s fee structure caps at one month’s fixed salary per year of service, with a maximum of two months’ salary [3]. Notably, all fees are transparently disclosed in the in-principle approval (IPA) letter issued before worker arrival [3]. The agency maintains strict compliance with these guidelines to protect foreign workers’ interests.
Talent Ace Pte Ltd
Image Source: TalentTribe
Established in 2021, Talent Ace Pte Ltd has rapidly grown into a significant player in Singapore’s recruitment landscape with 51-200 employees [2]. The agency specializes in permanent, temporary, and contract recruitment solutions for foreign professionals.
Talent Ace Services and Expertise
The agency’s approach centers on understanding specific business requirements, recognizing that each company has unique hiring needs [1]. Their comprehensive services include creative advertising, candidate screening, and background checks. Specifically, they handle work permit preparations for foreign workers and provide detailed recommendation reports for each candidate [1].
Talent Ace Industry Focus
The agency primarily serves seven key sectors:
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Supply Chain & Logistics
Manufacturing/Engineering
Banking/Finance
Consumer Goods
Hospitality/Events
Retail [1]
Talent Ace Pricing Structure
Essentially, their pricing model varies based on placement type and industry. Moreover, they offer cost-effective payroll outsourcing services, eliminating the need for companies to invest in payroll software [1]. The agency maintains transparent fee structures for both temporary and permanent placements, consequently helping businesses manage recruitment costs effectively.
Their service package includes comprehensive HR support, ranging from employment contract preparation to staff onboarding [1]. The agency’s thorough understanding of personalities, challenges, and future ambitions ensures successful matches between employers and candidates [1].
ER Employment Agency
Image Source: ER Employment Agency Pte Ltd
Since 1994, ER Employment Agency has operated from their Woodlands Close headquarters, providing recruitment solutions for both local and international talent [3].
ER Employment Services Overview
Operating under license number 03C4268, ER Employment delivers ethical and efficient recruitment services from their Primz Bizhub location [4]. The agency maintains a one-stop service center approach, streamlining the hiring process for employers and job seekers alike [3].
ER Employment Specializations
The agency follows a structured recruitment process that includes:
CV screening and initial interviews
Cognitive ability assessments
Multiple rounds of company interviews
Reference checks
Post-placement follow-up [2]
Their expertise primarily spans across construction, manufacturing, F&B, and retail sectors [3]. Subsequently, their experienced consultants leverage an extensive network to match candidates with suitable positions across these industries.
ER Employment Fees
Accordingly with MOM regulations, ER Employment adheres to strict fee guidelines. The agency charges no more than one month’s fixed-monthly salary for each year of service, with a maximum cap of two months’ salary [2]. The fee structure includes mandatory itemized receipts for all services rendered [2]. Therefore, if employment terminates within six months, the agency refunds at least 50% of the collected fees [2].
The agency operates under stringent compliance measures, with penalties of up to SGD 6,710.40 and potential license revocation for any violations [2]. Their commitment to transparency ensures all fees are clearly stated in the in-principle approval letter before worker arrival [2].
People360
Image Source: People360
Established in 2014, People360 stands as Singapore’s leading healthcare recruitment agency, currently supporting 85% of the medical industry’s hiring needs [5]. The agency primarily focuses on empowering healthcare professionals through specialized recruitment services.
People360 Healthcare Recruitment Services
The agency’s expertise spans across multiple healthcare disciplines:
Nurses and physicians
Allied health professionals
Medical doctors
Ancillary and support staff [3]
Throughout their operations, People360’s consultants maintain deep industry knowledge, particularly in matching candidates with healthcare institutions’ specific requirements [1]. The agency serves both government and private hospitals, nursing homes, aged care facilities, and various private healthcare institutions [3].
People360 Success Rates
People360’s track record demonstrates significant achievements in foreign talent recruitment. The agency is projected to bring in approximately 1,000 foreign nurses in 2023 [1]. Their success stems from a comprehensive understanding of healthcare industry demands and maintaining strong relationships with both employers and candidates [5].
People360 Service Charges
The agency provides extensive support in managing accommodation challenges for foreign healthcare workers. Previously, shared room rentals averaged SGD 1,073.66, though rates have increased to SGD 1,610.50 to SGD 1,878.91 [1]. People360 assists foreign healthcare professionals in securing housing, which typically takes between two weeks to three months, compared to the pre-pandemic timeline of one week to one month [1]. Their dedicated team handles various aspects of the onboarding process, ensuring smooth transitions for international healthcare professionals entering Singapore’s workforce.
Selby Jennings
Image Source: Selby Jennings
Founded in 2004, Selby Jennings has emerged as a specialist recruiter in financial sciences and services [4]. The agency primarily focuses on solving talent acquisition challenges for financial institutions, ranging from established banks to innovative fintech startups [4].
Selby Jennings Financial Recruitment Overview
Throughout their operations, Selby Jennings delivers permanent, contract, and multi-hire recruitment solutions across multiple sectors. Their expertise spans corporate banking, private wealth management, risk management, quantitative analytics, financial technology, investment management, sales, trading, legal compliance, insurance, actuarial services, and commodities [5].
Selby Jennings Placement Process
The agency’s recruitment process encompasses:
Comprehensive candidate assessment
Market-leading financial services insights
Local expertise with international reach
Customized hiring solutions
Post-placement support [4]
Selby Jennings Fee Structure
The agency operates on a commission-based model, where employers pay the recruitment fees [4]. This structure aligns with industry standards, as recruiters receive a percentage of the placed candidate’s salary. Beyond standard recruitment, they provide bespoke solutions for permanent, contract, and multi-hire staffing needs [4]. Their fee arrangement incentivizes securing optimal salary packages for candidates, creating a win-win situation for both employers and job seekers.
DP Search Recruitment
Image Source: dpsearch.com.sg
With over three decades of experience, DP Search has carved a niche in Singapore’s technology recruitment landscape since its establishment in 1990 [2].
DP Search Tech Recruitment Services
The agency excels in executive search services, primarily focusing on IT, networking, security, and senior management positions [2]. Their recruitment process encompasses sourcing, screening, and providing detailed insights on candidates [3]. Throughout their operations, DP Search offers both contingency recruitment for mid-level positions and retained search services for senior roles [4].
DP Search Regional Network
Initially established in Singapore, the firm has expanded its reach across the APAC region [2]. Their network extends throughout Asia Pacific, including Japan [3]. The agency maintains a dedicated team of consultants with an average recruitment experience exceeding 20 years [2].
DP Search Service Fees
The agency operates two distinct fee models:
Contingency Model: Suitable for mid-level positions with no confidentiality concerns
Retained Search: Includes a commencement fee and dedicated account manager for senior roles [4]
Alongside traditional recruitment, DP Search provides Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) services, acting as an extension of clients’ HR teams [2]. Their expertise spans across various positions, from Regional Vice Presidents to Systems Engineers and CISO roles [4]. Currently, the agency maintains a focused operational scale while preserving its core DNA of delivering world-class search capabilities [2].
Legal Labs
Image Source: www.legallabs.com
Currently operating from Singapore, Legal Labs has focused exclusively on legal and compliance professional placements throughout Asia Pacific since 1999 [1].
Legal Labs Recruitment Expertise
The agency maintains a specialized approach, investing time to understand each organization’s business model, corporate culture, and specific recruitment requirements [5]. Their consultants possess in-depth knowledge of local markets, alongside extensive experience in matching candidates with precise role requirements [6]. Throughout their operations, Legal Labs offers permanent placements, short-term contracts, and flexible work arrangements [5].
Legal Labs Industry Coverage
The agency serves a diverse client portfolio including:
Law firms and MNCs
Investment firms and family offices
Public institutions
Singapore government-linked companies [1]
Altogether, Legal Labs has built a solid network spanning Malaysia, India, PRC, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand [1]. Their proprietary database and personal networks enable quick, reliable results in core markets [1].
Legal Labs Pricing
The agency operates on a contingency fee basis, calculated as a fixed percentage of the placed candidate’s first-year compensation package [5]. For contract roles, fees are computed based on the candidate’s monthly salary. As an example, for candidates with 3-5 years of post-qualification experience earning from SGD 10,000 monthly, the fees start from SGD 3,000 per month [5]. Similarly, for those with 6-15 years of experience earning from SGD 12,000 monthly, fees begin at SGD 3,600 per month [5]. The agency also offers payroll services through partner organizations when required [5].
Faststream Recruitment
Image Source: – Cyprus Shipping News
As a specialist in maritime and shipping recruitment, Faststream Recruitment has operated since 1999, employing over 100 professionals dedicated to connecting talent with leading employers [4].
Faststream Maritime Services
The agency primarily focuses on maritime, shipping, and energy sectors, offering specialized recruitment solutions. Their expertise spans across ship owners, shipyards, consultancies, registries, class societies, and P&I clubs [7]. Throughout their operations, Faststream maintains dedicated teams for various maritime segments, including shore-based positions, executive search, and cruise industry placements [4].
Faststream Global Network
Operating across three strategic maritime locations – Europe, Middle-East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific – Faststream serves clients worldwide [4]. Their Singapore office specializes in maritime recruitment across the Asia-Pacific region, offering permanent recruitment, contract recruitment, and executive search services [7]. Indeed, their global presence enables them to source talent for diverse roles, from Cost Control Managers to Electro-Technical Officers [8].
Faststream Fee Structure
The agency provides flexible contractor payment schedules and global payroll solutions tailored to specific requirements [4]. Their services include:
Consolidated weekly invoicing
Paperless timesheet system
Automatic tracking of financial data
Dedicated contractor care management [4]
Alongside recruitment services, Faststream offers comprehensive insurance coverage, including employers liability, workers’ compensation, and professional indemnity [4]. Their international payroll solutions help reduce costs while ensuring compliance with local legislation [4].
GrabJobs
Image Source: GrabJobs
GrabJobs brings digital innovation to Singapore’s recruitment landscape through its AI-powered platform [9].
GrabJobs Digital Platform Features
The platform streamlines hiring through automated recruitment stages and live chat communication with candidates [10]. Throughout the process, employers benefit from digital signatures for employment offers and instant candidate search capabilities. The platform’s standout feature remains its interview chatbots, which enhance the screening process [11].
GrabJobs Industry Coverage
The platform primarily serves as a comprehensive job portal, connecting candidates to thousands of positions across Singapore [12]. Alongside traditional job postings, the system offers:
AI-powered job matching
Instant application processing
Location-based job exploration
Real-time chat communications [9]
GrabJobs Pricing Plans
The platform offers customizable recruitment packages designed to optimize hiring processes [13]. Currently, employers can choose from various job posting plans tailored specifically for the Singapore market [14]. The pricing structure accommodates both small businesses and large corporations, ensuring access to qualified candidates across different budget ranges [3].
The platform’s emphasis on automation and digital efficiency makes it a practical choice for companies seeking streamlined recruitment solutions. Their applicant tracking system, coupled with interview scheduling tools, creates a seamless hiring experience for both employers and job seekers [11].
Adecco Singapore
Image Source: www.adecco.com.sg
A Swiss-founded recruitment powerhouse, Adecco has maintained a strong presence in Singapore since 1985 [2].
Adecco Services Overview
The agency delivers comprehensive workforce solutions, ranging from junior to mid-level talent acquisition to temporary staffing and outsourcing services [2]. Their permanent recruitment solution encompasses the entire process, from sourcing candidates to conducting assessments and advising hiring managers [6]. Furthermore, through Aspire Academy, Adecco provides free upskilling and reskilling options to job seekers [15].
Adecco Industry Specializations
The agency primarily serves diverse sectors with specialized recruitment expertise:
Aerospace engineering and automotive
Banking and financial services
Healthcare and life sciences
Manufacturing and logistics
Technology and engineering
Retail and hospitality
Energy sector [16]
Adecco Fee Structure
Currently, Adecco offers varied salary ranges based on positions and experience levels. For instance, marketing positions command SGD 4,697.28 to 6,039.36 monthly with additional AWS and variable bonuses [17]. Alongside permanent roles, they provide flexible placement options with comprehensive payroll management services [1]. Thus, their fee structure adapts to different recruitment needs, from temporary staffing to permanent placements.
The agency successfully helps over 1,400 people secure new careers annually [5]. With more than 5,100 branches and 33,000 full-time employees globally, Adecco maintains approximately 2,500 associates working at any given time [5].
ConnectOne Recruitment
Image Source: www.connectone.com.sg
First and foremost, ConnectOne stands as a talent solutions consultancy dedicated to fueling the Asian startup evolution. Founded in 2013, the agency has partnered with more than 200 startups and thousands of individuals in building exceptional teams [18].
ConnectOne Services Overview
The agency implements a distinctive buy, build, and borrow framework to deliver comprehensive HR solutions [8]. Their service portfolio encompasses:
Executive Search
Leadership Development
Leadership Coaching
Career Coaching [18]
In fact, ConnectOne maintains a curated community of professionals ready for future-focused industries, ensuring swift and quality hiring outcomes [19].
ConnectOne Industry Focus
As a result of their specialized approach, ConnectOne primarily serves the startup and innovation ecosystem [8]. The agency recognizes that people-related challenges rank among the top reasons startups struggle [18]. Nevertheless, their experienced team understands that each growth stage demands different talent requirements and tools [18].
ConnectOne Pricing
The agency structures its fees based on placement type and service complexity. Their pricing model reflects their commitment to transparency and trust-based partnerships [19]. For startup recruitment, ConnectOne adopts a more cautious approach, dedicating additional effort to planning and structuring roles to ensure each hire adds value [20]. The agency maintains detailed documentation of financial arrangements and provides comprehensive support throughout the hiring process [19].
The team’s expertise extends beyond traditional recruitment, offering mentorship to startup founders and teaching at accelerators/incubators [19]. Their consultants bring diverse global experience across industries ranging from e-commerce to IT, logistics, and procurement [19].
Robert Half Singapore
Image Source: Robert Half
Recognized globally, Robert Half recruitment agency Singapore for foreigners delivers specialized staffing solutions across multiple sectors [4].
Robert Half Expertise Areas
The agency primarily focuses on five core sectors:
Finance and accounting roles including Management Accountants and Treasury Analysts
Financial services positions spanning Compliance Analysis to Risk Management
IT and technology placements from Business Analysts to Security Architects
Human resources recruitment from HR Executives to Directors
Business transformation consulting [4]
Robert Half Placement Process
The recruitment journey begins with a one-on-one conversation to understand career goals and workplace preferences [7]. Alongside traditional interviews, consultants evaluate candidates’ soft skills and preferred work environments [7]. Currently, the agency maintains flexibility in placement options, offering both remote and on-site positions [21].
Robert Half Service Fees
Presently, Robert Half provides cost-free services to job seekers [22]. The agency offers comprehensive benefits to contract professionals, including competitive pay and access to over 70,000 training options across various formats [21]. Meanwhile, candidates gain access to unlisted jobs and early hiring opportunities through Robert Half’s extensive network [7]. The agency’s training program encompasses IT, desktop, and business skills courses, delivered through videos, audiobooks, and online platforms [12].
The agency operates from more than 325 global locations [12], utilizing local market expertise to connect employers with skilled candidates [13]. Their recruitment solutions span entry-level to C-suite positions, ensuring comprehensive coverage across organizational hierarchies [4].
Conclusion
Selecting the right recruitment agency stands crucial for foreign professionals seeking opportunities in Singapore. These 12 licensed agencies offer specialized expertise across diverse sectors – from Hunter Employment’s comprehensive foreign worker solutions to People360’s healthcare focus, and from Selby Jennings’ financial services specialization to GrabJobs’ AI-powered platform.
Each agency brings unique strengths through their established networks, industry knowledge, and proven track records. Their strict adherence to MOM regulations, transparent fee structures, and comprehensive support services help foreign professionals navigate Singapore’s employment landscape effectively.
Success rates, specialized industry focus, and service quality should guide your choice among these agencies. Consider factors like their placement history, industry connections, and support services when making your decision. Remember that the right agency partnership significantly increases your chances of securing meaningful employment opportunities in Singapore’s competitive job market.
References
[1] – https://www.adecco.com/
[2] – https://www.adecco.com.sg/our-approach/
[3] – https://grabjobs.co/recruitment-platform/pricing/job-posting/
[4] – https://www.roberthalf.com/sg/en/hire-talent
[5] – https://www.adecco.com.sg/about-us/
[6] – https://www.adecco.com.sg/permanent-recruitment-solution/
[7] – https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/landing-job/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-recruitment-process
[8] – https://sg.linkedin.com/company/connect-one-sg
[9] – https://grabjobs.co/
[10] – https://grabjobs.co/recruitment-platform/
[11] – https://grabjobs.co/recruitment-platform/features/
[12] – https://www.roberthalf.com/be/en/contact/candidate/working-with-us
[13] – https://www.roberthalf.com/sg/en/locations/singapore/9-raffles-place
[14] – https://grabjobs.co/recruitment-platform/pricing/job-posting/singapore/
[15] – https://www.adecco.com/en-ca/job-seekers/faq
[16] – https://www.adecco.com/employers/industries
[17] – https://www.adecco.com.sg/jobs/
[18] – https://www.connectone.com.sg/
[19] – https://www.connectone.com.sg/about-us
[20] – https://www.connectone.com.sg/insights/navigating-your-job-search-in-these-troubled-waters-jobseekers-should-think-like-an-investor
[21] – https://www.roberthalf.com/ca/en/contact/candidate/working-with-robert-half
[22] – https://www.roberthalf.com/au/en/contact/candidate/working-with-robert-half