Trailing Spouse in Homeoffice

injuly · 2020-08-31T10:17:29+02:00

Explore insights on living as a trailing spouse in Singapore while working remotely for a German company. Get tips on internships and salaries in IT.

injuly New member

Member since 31 August 2020

injulyNew member31 August 2020 08:17:29

Hello,

my husband and I both work and live in Germany. He is not a German citizen, but is employed by a German company working full-time from home. I have been thinking of applying for jobs in Singapore, since we both fell in love with the country last year. So far it never made sense, because his working conditions are too good and he earns a lot more than me. But with the new world order due to corona, a lot of companies now are open to remote work including his, although he has been doing it for a few years already. Now it seems they will be willing to let him go live somewhere else. Before I even start applying and it all fails on legalities later, I have the following question. Is a trailing spouse allowed to live in Singapore while being employed in Germany and working from home (in Singapore)? Our Project Singapore depends on him being able to retain his current position.

My Second question would be: I am also thinking of just going for a short internship, without relocating completely, to test and see the working climate there. I am at the beginning of my new career and don't have much work experience. I have a masters degree in East Asian Studies (Learned Mandarin and Korean) but am currently working in IT Sector. Are the interns in Singapore paid? What would an intern in IT-Project Management get as a salary?

I am happy to hear all the opinions, even if you say I am crazy^^

injuly New member

Member since 31 August 2020

injulyNew member31 August 2020 12:13:13

I hope it is in the right cathegorie, since the question is related to dependant pass/visa legalities.

Ertiza Abbas Member

Member since 08 December 2013

Ertiza AbbasMember31 August 2020 13:24:53

hi,

regarding your first question, your husband can work from home for a company based out of Singapore, this is not an issue, but "should" pay the taxes related to generated income for regulations reasons.

regarding your second question, some internship job paid by company or organization and some not so there is no clear cut option, furthermore there are certain salary based projections to get a work pass also it is highly depending on spouse dependent visa. means, if your salary is not complying the regulations for issuance of work visa you will not get the work pass, so your husband will not too.

bottom-line is, you salary decide your work pass issuance from ICA as well as dependent pass for your husband.聽

Also, these days government of Singapore committed to hire local work force so getting a work pass (visa) here is not easy at all.

hope my answer help you out to have clear picture regarding your move.

Thank you

injuly New member

Member since 31 August 2020

injulyNew member31 August 2020 13:34:07

Thank you. That is very helpful. At least it gives our option a chance.
My heart is not set on Singapore and I will explore other countries too. We have a much higher chance to settle in Korea for various reasons. But I want to try it. Maybe finding a company in Germany which is based in Singapore and then apply for a transfer might be a better option. I guess it also makes sense to wait until the covid19 madness is over. If we could at least travel there again, it would be so nice

Ertiza Abbas Member

Member since 08 December 2013

Ertiza AbbasMember31 August 2020 13:38:05

hi,
i Lived and worked in Korea for more then 18 years and finally relocated in Singapore.

Good luck to you.

Immigration and visa assistance

Comprehensive support with Singapore visa applications and immigration procedures.

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert31 August 2020 14:31:51

15496

I am not sure what Ertiza wrote above is correct.
According to what I know, your husband would need a visa allowing work if he wants to do any kind of work (even for a foreign employer) in Singapore.
I heard (from a source that I am not sure is right) that such an arrangement without work visa is o.k. (or at least tolerated), if the empoyer has no presence of any kind in Singapore AND also no customers or clients - in that case your husband clearly does not take a job fom a Singaporean. But in all other cases, the authorites want to decide if he can do the work or not.
Also, interns are, if at all, paid a nominal amount that just covers the expenses. With that, you will not be able to get a dependent's pass for your husband (the minimum salary for that is S$6000/month).