Are non-compete clauses enforceable in Singapore?

Categories
Agreements

Non-compete clauses show up in a lot of Singapore employment contracts, particularly for senior or client-facing roles. Here’s the catch: there’s currently no statute behind them. Unlike the tax rules we usually write about here, restraint of trade law in Singapore is almost entirely judge-made, built on case law over decades. That makes it slower […]

Expat remote working: things to note

Categories
Agreements, Employment, Others

Remote working has transformed the modern workplace, allowing businesses and employees greater flexibility than ever before. For expats, remote work arrangements can be especially attractive, enabling them to live in one country while working for an employer or clients based elsewhere. However, cross border remote working is not without legal, tax, immigration, and employment complications. […]

Will your unexercised or unvested stock options be taxed in Singapore if you leave your employment?

Categories
Agreements, Employment, Others

Employee stock options and share awards are commonly used by companies to reward and retain employees. These schemes can offer significant financial benefits, particularly in startups and multinational corporations where equity compensation forms part of an employee’s remuneration package. However, employees leaving Singapore often face uncertainty regarding the tax treatment of their unexercised or unvested […]

Can you run a company in Singapore with a dependent pass?

Categories
Agreements, Permits, Start a Business

A Singapore’s Dependent Pass (DP) is a visa that allows the eligible family members of Employment Pass, S Pass and other approved work pass holders to legally live in Singapore. Singapore is widely regarded as one of the most business friendly countries in the world, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from across the globe. Many […]

What terms should you include in International Assignment Agreements?

Categories
Agreements, Employment, Others

As businesses continue expanding across borders, international assignments have become increasingly common for companies seeking to deploy talent globally. Whether sending employees overseas for short-term projects, regional leadership roles, or long-term expatriate assignments, employers must ensure that proper contractual protections are in place. An International Assignment Agreement is an important document that outlines the rights, […]

Are companies in Singapore obliged to repatriate expatriates after their employment ends in Singapore?

Categories
Agreements, Employment

As an expat in Singapore, it is important to know about your legal rights to repatriation. The Employment of Foreign Manpower Regulations (EFMR) is the primary legislation governing the employment of foreign workers. It mandates that all foreign employees hold valid work passes and establishes employer obligations regarding levies, medical insurance, housing, and repatriation. Foreign […]

When Crisis Hits: Force Majeure, Frustration, and Your Employment Contract

Categories
Agreements, Disputes, Employment, Others

As an expatriate in Singapore, unforeseen crises, from severe personal illness to global travel restrictions, can suddenly make it impossible to fulfill your work duties. When this happens, your concern is not just contractual liability, but the security of your Employment Pass (EP). While business contracts often rely on “Force Majeure” clauses to handle such […]

Tenancy Agreements for Expats: What to Ask Before Signing (focus on deposits, pets, subletting, diplomatic clause)

Categories
Agreements, Lawyers

Renting a home in a new country can be exciting, but it can also feel intimidating — especially if you are unfamiliar with local laws and practices. In Singapore, tenancy agreements can be quite detailed, and small clauses may have big implications for your stay. Many expatriates rely on real estate agents to guide them […]

Shareholder Agreements

Categories
Agreements, Lawyers

Singapore is often seen as a key player in entrepreneurship, being a financial hub that provides a great environment for startups to bloom and grow. As such, many expatriates choose to set up their business here, in hopes of it succeeding and making a fortune. Yet oftentimes, in many small businesses, shareholders tend to get […]