Step-by-Step Guide: Creating and Sending Job Offer Letters for Remote EOR Employees in Singapore

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Remote hiring in Singapore is rapidly becoming a top choice for global companies thanks to its pro-business environment, highly skilled workforce, and robust legal infrastructure. An Employer of Record (EOR) in Singapore plays a critical role in simplifying this process. One of the most important early steps is creating and sending a compliant job offer letters.

This guide walks you through all the steps, legal nuances, and best practices for issuing a job offer letter through an EOR when hiring remote employees in Singapore.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Learn the importance of offer letters in Singapore EOR hiring
  • Understand MOM, CPF, and Employment Act compliance
  • Follow a step-by-step job offer and onboarding checklist

Job Offer Letter & Onboarding Flow for a Remote EOR Employee

Hiring via an EOR in Singapore follows a shared responsibility model between your company and the EOR partner:

  1. Candidate Selection – The employer selects the ideal candidate.
  2. Offer Drafting – Employer prepares the offer with basic terms.
  3. EOR Review – EOR localizes the offer in compliance with Singapore’s Employment Act.
  4. Candidate Acceptance – The candidate accepts the offer.
  5. Employment Contract – The EOR issues the formal employment agreement.
  6. Government Registration – EOR manages CPF, tax ID (IRAS), and Ministry of Manpower filings.

Offer Letter vs Employment Contract in Singapore

  • Job Offer Letter: A non-binding document that confirms employment terms and intent.
  • Employment Contract: Legally binding under the Employment Act. Must include salary, benefits, probation, termination terms, and CPF obligations.

While the job offer confirms mutual interest, only the signed contract legally defines employment in Singapore.

EOR Service Provider

When Should a Job Offer Letter Be Sent?

Here’s the expanded version of the best practices for sending a job offer in Singapore:

  • Issue the offer letter within 24–48 hours of the final interview
    Timely communication demonstrates professionalism and maintains candidate engagement.
  • Include a clear response deadline
    Typically 3 to 5 business days allows the candidate time to review, while keeping your hiring timeline on track.
  • Provide a contact point for queries
    Mention the HR representative or Hiring Manager’s name, email, and phone number to support transparent communication.
  • State a tentative start date
    Align expectations early by sharing the proposed joining date, subject to final agreement and documentation.
  • Summarize key benefits
    Briefly highlight major benefits such as CPF contributions, health insurance, leave policies, and any additional perks.
  • Follow up promptly if needed
    Proactive communication improves candidate conversion rates and reflects positively on your employer brand.

Suggested Read: EOR Singapore: A Detailed Guide 2025

What Salary Details Must Be in the Offer Letter?

Here’s the expanded version of the salary section, presented in pointers for clarity and compliance with Singapore hiring norms:

  • Present salary as gross monthly
    This is standard practice in Singapore and ensures clarity for both parties.
  • Breakdown of fixed vs. variable pay
    Specify base salary and detail any performance-based components like bonuses, commissions, or incentives.
  • CPF contributions
    Clearly outline both the employee (20%) and employer (17%) CPF portions, indicating their impact on take-home pay and retirement savings.
  • Leave entitlements and working hours
    Include statutory annual leave, medical leave, and expected weekly working hours to comply with the Employment Act.
  • Optional: Net pay estimate
    For transparency, you may provide an estimate of net salary after CPF deduction—though not mandatory, it improves candidate understanding.
  • Ensure clarity for payroll processing
    Precise and complete salary details help streamline payroll onboarding and minimize disputes or delays.

Job Offer Letter Checklist for Singapore

Here’s the expanded list of components to include in a compliant job offer letter for remote employees in Singapore, especially when hiring through an Employer of Record (EOR):

  • Job title and role description
    Clearly state the position and a brief overview of duties and responsibilities.
  • Start date and working hours
    Mention the official start date, standard weekly hours, and any shift requirements.
  • Monthly gross salary and bonus structure
    Include fixed salary, variable components like bonuses or commissions, and clarify payment frequency.
  • CPF contributions and statutory benefits
    Highlight mandatory CPF contributions (20% employee, 17% employer) and include information on paid leave, medical benefits, and insurance.
  • Work location (including remote arrangements)
    Specify if the role is remote or hybrid and include the official location for legal compliance.
  • Probation period and contract duration
    Outline the length of probation and total contract term (e.g., fixed-term or permanent).
  • Offer validity and response deadline
    Provide a specific date by which the candidate must respond to accept the offer.
  • Employer and employee contact details
    Include names, designations, and email addresses for both parties for formal communication.
Job Offer Letters Singapore

Conclusion

Creating and sending a compliant job offer letter is essential when hiring remote employees in Singapore through an Employer of Record (EOR). With Singapore’s strict Ministry of Manpower (MOM) guidelines and mandatory CPF contributions, it’s crucial that the offer letter aligns with legal requirements. A clear, well-structured offer sets accurate expectations, builds trust, and supports smooth onboarding. EOR providers like Asanify help global companies manage the entire process—drafting localized offers, ensuring MOM compliance, handling CPF setup, and guiding employment contracts. Whether you’re hiring your first remote team member or expanding across Southeast Asia, a reliable EOR simplifies the process and ensures full legal alignment from day one.

Suggested Read: Pay Contractors in Singapore: A Complete Guide to the Hiring Process

FAQs

Is a job offer letter legally binding in Singapore?

No, only the signed employment contract is legally enforceable.

What law governs employment contracts in Singapore?

The Employment Act, and the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Act.

Is CPF mandatory for EOR hires?

Yes, for Singaporeans and PRs. Not required for foreigners on EP or S Pass.

Can I offer bonuses in an EOR-based job offer?

Yes, both performance-based and fixed annual bonuses are allowed.

Do I need to issue the contract in a specific language?

English is standard and legally valid in Singapore.

What’s a common notice period in Singapore?

Usually 1 month, though it may range from 1 week to 3 months based on contract terms.

Can I revoke a job offer in Singapore?

Yes, if no employment contract has been signed yet.

What’s a good probation duration?

1 to 3 months is standard; must be mentioned in both offer and contract.

Can I hire freelancers using an EOR?

No. EORs only support legal full-time employment—not independent contractors.

What benefits should be mentioned in the offer?

CPF, paid leave, bonuses, medical insurance, remote equipment if applicable.

Can an EOR manage tax and CPF filings?

Yes. They handle IRAS registration, CPF deductions, and salary disbursement.

What’s the difference between EOR and PEO in Singapore?

EOR is the legal employer; PEO may not have local authority to hire legally.

How do I ensure salary meets MOM thresholds?

Work with an EOR like Asanify that keeps salary structures MOM-compliant.

Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant  or Labour Law  expert for specific guidance.