Guide to Work: Southeast Asia (ASEAN)

Many people are attracted to working in Southeast Asia, the region is developing into an economic powerhouse, with exciting opportunities, beautiful surroundings, and the chance to experience rich cultures.

Asia is home to many diverse countries. As a bonus, working in Southeast Asia is an ideal way to explore many of the unique countries across the continent. Many only need a valid passport to enter, while others require all visitors to have entry visas. The countries within this region vary in different sizes, cultures, languages, and climates. These countries include:

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia

Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam

However, in order to reach the green mountains, golden beaches and vibrant coral reefs of ASEAN, you may have to overcome several barriers. Often, longer-term working visas will be difficult to obtain, generally needing an invitation from an employer in the relevant country, backed by the approval of a government ministry. Most international business will be conducted in English, but there can be language barriers within smaller companies.

However if you want to live and work abroad in ASEAN, shorter-term you are in luck. There are a number of countries who operate a ‘working holiday visa’ or a ‘work and holiday visa’. Both visas allow you to undertake work while you are living in a particular Asian country.

Working visa requirements

The process of obtaining visas and work permits for Southeast Asia can be bureaucratic, taking many days or even months to complete. However, unlike many other countries around the globe, Asia offers many different options to live and work in the region. Each country has its own regulations and rules for entry.

We have provided further detail on the most common countries in Southeast Asia for graduates to travel to. However, it is advisable to visit the Embassy website of the country you are wishing to travel to, to confirm and apply for the relevant visa. Read the instructions, processes, and requirements fully before accepting a job.

Malaysia:

As a popular destination with a growing number of graduates, securing a role in Malaysia may not be easy, unless you are applying for roles in sectors with skills shortages. UK nationals (and citizens of many other countries) don’t need a visa for short-stay tourist or business visits. However, you’ll need a visa and work permit to live and work in Malaysia on a long-term or permanent basis.

There are restrictions in place concerning the number of foreign employees that Malaysian companies can employ. Companies can only recruit international workers if there are no qualified Malaysians to fill the position. Once you have a job offer, the firm in question must then apply to the Immigration Department of Malaysia for one of their work permits:

  • an employment pass
  • a professional visit pass
  • a temporary employment pass.

Each type of pass has its own criteria for acceptance, with a number of stipulations that must be met in order to qualify. Find out more about working in Malaysia at PROSPECTS.

Singapore:

Singapore remains an open and diverse society that attracts many graduate international workers. It offers many policies and initiatives to make it easier for international talent to live and work in Singapore. This includes a working holiday visa scheme for those aged 18–25, and the Overseas Network & Expertise Pass; which allows top talent in all sectors, e.g. business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research, to live there without securing employment first.

Alternatively, those looking to work in Singapore should apply for an employment pass or work visa. There are several different types of employment passes available depending on your circumstances and level of skill, so it is important to research which would best suit you. Types of pass include:

  • Employment Pass – for foreign professionals, managers and executives.
  • EntrePass – for foreign entrepreneurs wanting to start a business.
  • Personalised Employment Pass – for high earners.
  • Work Permit for Migrant Worker – for semi-skilled international workers.
  • Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers
  • Work Permit for a Performing Artiste
  • S Pass – for mid-level skilled workers.
  • Training Employment Pass – for foreign professionals undergoing practical training.
  • Work Holiday Pass – for students and graduates aged between 18-25 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for six months.
  • Miscellaneous Work Pass – for those taking on a short-term work assignment of up to 60 days.

For more information about passes and eligibility criteria, visit the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Find out more about working in Singapore at PROSPECTS.

Thailand:

Finding work as an expat in Thailand can be challenging, as many jobs are legally prohibited for foreigners. Moreover, many smaller companies don’t want to jump through all the loopholes to secure the required visa and work permit to hire international workers. The government is currently emphasising growth of the digital economy, so demand is growing for roles in manufacturing and trade, sales, digital marketing, information technology, and technicians.

Residents of certain countries can enter Thailand without applying for a visa beforehand and stay for 14–90 days visa-free. However, to work in Thailand, you will need a Work visa and a work permit before taking up employment. To secure a work permit in Thailand, a foreigner needs an initial visa, which is a non-immigrant visa. The non-immigrant visa must be obtained before entering Thailand. There are four main types of work visas for Thailand, but the two most relevant to international graduates are:

  • Non-immigrant visas – this subcategory includes the standard employment visa for work and business.
  • Smart visa – a new permit for executives and entrepreneurs.

You will generally need a job offer or letter of approval/invitation from a licensed Thai business or organisation to apply for one of these visas. Additionally, you’ll need evidence of the necessary skills and experience for the position. Typically, your employer submits an initial permit application to the Ministry of Labour to get approval for the work visa. One of you will then need to apply to the MoL to pick up the work permit once you arrive in Thailand, within 90 days of arriving.

Find out more about working in Thailand at Expatica.

Vietnam:

As the country’s economy grows, many Vietnamese industries are looking to hire skilled foreign workers. However it can be tricky to find a job, as the company hiring them must prove you are more qualified a than Vietnamese candidate. You must also be able to prove that you have the necessary professional experience for your life in Vietnam.

To begin working in Vietnam you need to secure a work visa. To get a working visa, you must first be able to prove that you’re:

  • over 18 years old
  • have a job offer in Vietnam
  • are in good health
  • have no criminal record

You  must submit your documents to the ministry at least two weeks prior to the beginning of employment. This work permit will be valid for two years. Vietnamese immigration laws are quite strict and there a number of hurdles you will need to clear before you can apply for residency. To be living in Vietnam legally, there are three levels of application you will need to make:

  • A working visa
  • Temporary residency permit
  • Permanent residency permit

Find out more about working in Vietnam at MOVETOASIA.

Embassy websites:

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia

Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam

Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Provides advice on risks of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for countries in Southeast Asia, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the relevant Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates.

Job searching links

The easiest way to secure a job is to find a position within an international company in your home country and then get transferred to its Asian offices. You can apply for job across Southeast Asia online, however make sure to read the application instructions carefully. Countries will have different processes and application styles.

You should also consider networking with people in your field who currently live and work in your desired country. This can be a great way to learn more about the job market and to get your foot in the door with potential employers. Registering with recruitment agencies is another good way to find job openings in the country. Initial interviews may be held over phone or video and some companies may require you to attend an assessment centre in person.

Recruitment Agencies:
  • Hays – an international recruitment firm with a presence in Thailand
  • JAC Recruitment – an international agency that focuses on finding jobs for mid to senior-level professionals
  • Michael Page – an international recruitment agency with a presence in Bangkok (กรุงเทพฯ)
  • Pure Search Recruitment – an agency based in Bangkok
  • Recruitdee – based in Bangkok, specializes in IT recruitment
  • Reeracoen – is an Asia-wide recruitment agency with an office in Thailand
  • Robert Walters – an agency with a focus on jobs in Southeast Asia
Job boards and networking sites:
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: 
  • Microsoft – Advertises jobs in Thailand on their careers site.
  • Bluebell Group – Omni-brand curator, operator and distributor. Partner of choice across Asia for luxury, premium and lifestyle brands.
  • Central Group – Owns Central Department Store, Robinson Department Store and Zen, as well as managing Marks & Spencer and MUJI.
  • The Mall Group – Operates The Mall department stores, Siam Paragon, The Emporium, and The EmQuartier.
  • Valiram – Retail specialist with presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam. Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
  • GMG – A wellbeing company operating brands across sports, health and beauty sectors. It has a portfolio of more than 500 GMG Sports stores, for example JD Sports.
  • Eclat Media Group – Sports and entertainment industry.
  • Sungjoo Group – Import and Export Global fashion business with offices in Singapore.
  • Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd – Forever21, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Reebok, Galeries Lafyette, India Pantaloon, Hackett London, American Eagle and Christian Louboutin.
  • Tata Group – Inditex Group Zara, Fashion Westside, Trent, Titan Jewellery, Tanishq Jewellery
  • Vogue Singapore
  • The Far East Film Festival
  • L’OREAL APAC
  • PUMA – Offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
  • IBM Asia Pacific – Offices in Singapore.

Useful Links