Freelance in Singapore

Freelance in Singapore: how freelancers pay taxes, get paid by foreign clients and find work, and which skills are in demand. Hire or offer services on Kits.

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The freelance market in Singapore

Singapore is Southeast Asia's business hub, with high rates for developers, designers, marketers and consultants. Many regional headquarters hire freelancers for projects.

Taxes and legal status

Freelancers file their trade income with IRAS each year and pay progressive income tax. If your net trade income is above S$6,000, you must pay MediSave contributions. GST registration is needed only when taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million. A business with a trading name registers with ACRA. Foreigners need a valid pass to work in Singapore.

This is general information as of 2026, not tax or legal advice. Rates and thresholds change, so check them with the tax authority or a local accountant before you register.

Getting paid

Local payments use PayNow and bank transfers. Foreign clients pay through Wise, PayPal or SWIFT.

PayNow
bank transfers
Wise
PayPal

Skills in demand

software development
fintech
UX design
marketing for regional brands
financial consulting
Mandarin and English content

Tips for freelancers in Singapore

Set aside money for MediSave contributions.
Regional companies pay well for English and Mandarin work.
Use ACRA registration if you want a brand name.

Hiring a freelancer from Singapore

Local time in Singapore is UTC+8, so agree in advance on the hours when you are both available for calls. Describe the task, the deadline and the budget in your first message, ask for examples of similar work, and fix what counts as done before work starts. If the work is for a local audience, a freelancer who knows the language and the market will save you rewrites.

Kits for freelancers in Singapore

Kits is an international freelance marketplace that is not tied to one country. Freelancers in Singapore can publish services with a portfolio and a clear price, or respond to clients' jobs, and talk to clients in the built-in chat. The first listing on each account is free, and the site works in nine languages, from English and Spanish to Russian, Turkish and Georgian.

Popular categories

All categories

Design Development & IT Writing & Translation Marketing & SMM Video & Animation Business Music & Audio

Frequently asked questions

Help center

How are freelancers taxed in Singapore?

Self-employed people declare trade income to IRAS at progressive rates, pay MediSave contributions above a small income, and register for GST only above S$1 million. Rules change, so check the current rates with the tax authority or an accountant before you register.

How do freelancers in Singapore get paid by foreign clients?

The usual options are PayNow, bank transfers, Wise and PayPal. Which one suits you depends on the client's country, the fees and how fast you need the money.

Which freelance skills are in demand in Singapore?

software development, fintech, UX design, marketing for regional brands, financial consulting and Mandarin and English content.

Can I find a freelancer in Singapore on Kits?

Yes. Kits is open to clients and freelancers from any country. Search the catalogue or post a job, compare portfolios and reviews, and agree on the details in the chat.