Freelancing Scenario in Singapore
The world has witnessed a boom in the online freelancing industry. That is why, freelancing in Singapore has also become a rewarding experience, like other countries. Freelancers are getting more and more chances to pursue freelancing projects in Singapore for earning a decent living.
It doesn’t matter if you are skilled in web design, writing, SEO, animation or photography. Anyone who has the flair to impress potential clients with their portfolio or expertise can get freelance writer jobs in Singapore.
As we all know freelancing implies that you are a self-employed professional. You sell your skills to local or global customers by supplying the necessary material required for the project. Freelancers in Singapore must be aware that like all other global freelancers, they are less likely to enjoy the benefits employed workers are used to. These can include annual leave, medical insurance or retirement funds.
However, there can be exceptions to a number of companies that do provide pro-rated benefits for freelancers in Singapore who are serving for a long term under an agreement.
Legal Obligations
An individual has to be legally able to work in Singapore. That is, anyone on a tourist visa who will represent himself as a freelancer without notifying the Ministry of Manpower can get into some serious trouble.
For this reason, it’s very important to remember that it is an offence to work if you do not possess a valid permit in Singapore, the absence of which can result in a fine and even lead to jail time. What’s more? Some serious consequences also include getting banned from re-entering the country.
To be honest, even in today’s online industry which is continuously being revolutionized, freelance part time jobs in Singapore are still looked down upon. Having a solid career that promises employees good social security and benefits is what is deemed more important in Singapore. However, things have started to change since the last couple of years or so with more and more people initiating their freelance careers to turn their hobbies into careers.
Setting up a Freelance Company
Owing to the increase in freelancing jobs in Singapore, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) may consider initiating a Labor Movement to streamline the freelance industry in the future. But until such happens, it is strongly suggested that you set up a registered sole business or if you are a team of freelancers, get a limited liability partnership via ACRA that charges a small fee.
Freelance Rates in Singapore
Although freelancing in Singapore is rarely billed by the hour, a daily rate is widely used to execute freelance projects in Singapore. Freelancers in Singapore set their rates depending on their skill-set or their prior experiences.
Payment Methods
In several cases a lot of freelancers in Singapore follow a monthly payment pattern. They draft the invoice including all freelance assignments completed in a month to be paid either by cheque or bank transfer. Paypal is widely used by Freelancers in Singapore and is the main source of payments from foreign clients for freelancers in Singapore.
Final Thoughts
Freelancers in Singapore, like other freelancers of the world have a hard time maintaining the privacy of their work. Bloggers can be luckier in a way that they are able to own their intellectual property. However, it cannot be said the same about designers, web developers or photographers.
Thanks to NTUC, prospects looks bright for freelancers in Singapore. According to Mr Lim Swee Say who is the Secretary-General of NTUC, the Labour Movement is meticulously exploring methods by means of which freelance professionals will be taken care of.
NTUC has already began to equip freelancers in Singapore with an e-pocket booklet, a Workplace Advisory app as well as business workshops to educate part-time freelancers in Singapore so that they can turn their passions into full time careers.
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Amber Alvi is a passionate Web enthusiast. With over a decade’s involvement in the online industry, she is fascinated by the upcoming online developments and the evolving Marketing trends.