DiscovergleContract for services
Agree scope, deadline, revisions and payment terms in writing. Consider a deposit for larger projects.
Freelance jobs
Freelance jobs in Singapore: how to start and what to know
Freelancing trades a steady payslip for control over your time and clients. The admin, from contracts and invoices to tax, becomes yours.
Common roles
What people actually do in this kind of work.
| Role | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Design and branding | Logos, social graphics, layouts and illustrations. |
| Writing and translation | Articles, copy, editing and translation. |
| Video and photo editing | Editing footage, photos and short-form content. |
| Bookkeeping and admin | Recording transactions and organising records for small businesses. |
| Web and app development | Building and maintaining websites and small apps. |
A sample week
What it can look like alongside your day.
An illustrative example only. Real schedules depend on the employer.
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9am to 12pm | Client project A |
| Tuesday to Wednesday | 10am to 3pm | Client project B and admin |
| Thursday | Afternoon | Invoicing and finding new clients |
| Friday | Free | Time off or main job |
How to get started
6 steps.
- 1
Choose your niche
Focus on one or two services you can do well and explain in a sentence.
- 2
Build a portfolio
Two or three strong samples are enough to start.
- 3
Decide how to price
Hourly or per-project. Include your time for revisions, admin and tax.
- 4
Find clients
Referrals, your network, online platforms and professional profiles.
- 5
Put it in writing
Use a written agreement covering scope, deadlines, revisions and payment terms.
- 6
Track income for tax
Record every payment. You must declare freelance income.
Before you accept
Practical things to check.
Tax
Income from freelance work is taxable and must be declared to IRAS. Keep records of income and expenses.
MediSave
Self-employed persons may need to contribute to MediSave depending on their income. Check CPF Board.
Business registration
Depending on how you trade, you may need to register a business with ACRA. Check ACRA and IRAS.
Questions to ask
- What exactly is included in the project?
- How many revisions are included?
- What is the payment schedule and due date?
- Who owns the final work?
- Is a deposit required?
- What is the process if the scope changes?
Mistakes to avoid
- Working without a written agreement
- Underpricing and forgetting admin time
- Not tracking income for tax
- Taking on too many clients at once
FAQ
Common questions.
Do freelancers pay CPF?
Freelancers do not receive employer CPF contributions. Self-employed persons may need to contribute to MediSave depending on income. Check CPF Board.
Do I need to register a business to freelance?
It depends on how you operate. Check ACRA and IRAS for your situation.
How do I find freelance clients in Singapore?
Common routes are referrals, professional networks and online platforms.
Keep reading
Related guides.
Remote jobsIf you prefer being employedWhat each term meansFreelance vs employeeMake money at homeCompare the routes
General information only. Earnings, hours and conditions vary by employer and are not guaranteed. Confirm details with MOM, CPF Board or IRAS.
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