No, you are not allowed to work in Singapore on a tourist visa. A Singapore visitor visa permits foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism purposes or short-term visits but does not allow work in Singapore. You must have a valid pass or work permit, such as an Employment pass, S pass, or Work permit, to engage in any form of employment. As of June 2024, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore issued around 1,138,200 work permits in total for different sectors.
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What are the different types of work visas in Singapore?
The following are the different types of Singapore work visas:
- Singapore work visas for professionals: International professionals are allowed to work in Singapore with these visas. The following are the types of Singapore work passes:
- Employment pass
- Personalized Employment pass
- Entre pass
- Overseas Networks and Expertise pass (ONE Pass)
- Singapore work visas for skilled and semi-skilled workers: Skilled and semi-skilled workers can enter and work in the country with these visas. The following are the types of work visas:
- S Pass Singapore
- Singapore Work Permit for Foreign Workers
- Singapore Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers
- Singapore Work Permit for Confinement Nanny
- Singapore Work Permit for Artists
- Singapore work visas for trainees and students: These work visas permit trainees and students to enter and work in Singapore for a short period of time. The following are the different types:
- Training Employment Pass
- Work Holiday Pass
- Training Work Permit
- Short-term work pass

What are the steps to apply for a work visa in Singapore?
The following are the steps to apply for a work visa in Singapore:
Step 1: Get a valid job offer
Step 2: The employer applies for a work visa on your behalf
Step 3: Employer completes the fee payment
Step 4: Employer will receive an In-Principal Approval (IPA) on your behalf
Step 5: The IPA letter will allow you to travel to Singapore
Step 6: Upon reaching Singapore, apply for a work visa
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