What it takes to recruit legally in Singapore
An EA licence isn’t a badge an agency can choose to wear. It’s a legal requirement, and it comes with real obligations.
- An Employment Agency licence from MOM. Required for anyone placing candidates with employers in Singapore. It sets the conditions an agency must work to.
- A Key Appointment Holder. Every licensed agency names a director who is personally accountable to MOM for its compliance. At FORM, that’s Lucy Richardson.
- Qualified, registered recruiters. Recruiters must hold the Certificate of Employment Intermediaries (CEI), MOM’s qualification covering employment law, work passes and fair hiring. Each one is individually registered, carries a registration card, and can only be registered to one agency at a time.
- A security bond. Agencies lodge a bond of S$20,000 to S$60,000 with MOM. The amount rises if an agency picks up demerit points for breaches.
- Ongoing oversight. Licensed agencies can be inspected, given demerit points, or have their licence suspended or revoked if they fall short.
Why it matters if you’re hiring
- Someone is accountable. A named, registered person answers to MOM for how your search is run.
- Less risk. Running an employment agency without a licence is an offence in Singapore, carrying a fine of up to S$80,000, up to two years in jail, or both. Working with a licensed agency keeps your hiring on solid ground.
- International hires, handled properly. Licensed recruiters are trained on Singapore’s work pass framework, which matters when you’re bringing design talent in from overseas.
- Clear terms. You know who you’re dealing with, what you’re agreeing to, and how to check it.
Why it matters if you’re looking
- Your career is in qualified hands. Your details and your next move are handled by registered professionals working under MOM’s rules.
- Protection from bad actors. MOM warns that unlicensed operators can charge job seekers high fees and then fail to deliver the promised job. A licence is your first line of defence.
- Straight answers. A licensed recruiter should be upfront about the role, the employer and the process. If they’re vague, ask why.
How to check any recruiter in three steps
- 1Ask for the numbers. The agency’s EA licence number and your recruiter’s personal registration number. A licensed recruiter will give you both without hesitation.
- 2Look them up. Search MOM’s EA Directory. It lists every licensed agency, plus the names and photos of all registered recruiters.
- 3Match the card. Registered recruiters carry a card showing their name, registration number and agency. Make sure it matches the directory.
Experience wins. Every time.
We were architects and designers before we were recruiters, and we bring the same rigour to compliance that we bring to a brief. Licensing isn’t a box we tick. It’s part of doing the job properly.
This page is a general guide, not legal advice. Requirements can change, so check mom.gov.sg for the current rules. Last reviewed October 2026.