Payroll Service Providers in Singapore: What to Look For (and How AgileHRO Helps)
Happy to share that Agile HRO was listed as one of the best Payroll providers in Singapore by Mirchelley's platform.
Quick answer: A good payroll service provider in Singapore should calculate CPF contributions correctly (including the Ordinary Wage ceiling), pay the Skills Development Levy and self-help group contributions, issue itemised payslips on time, file IR8A forms through IRAS’s Auto-Inclusion Scheme and handle work pass holders’ payroll. Look for local expertise, transparent monthly pricing, employee self-service and, if you have no Singapore entity, the option of an employer of record in Singapore.
What payroll service providers in Singapore should handle
- CPF contributions: for Singapore Citizens and PRs, employer and employee shares (17% and 20% for employees aged 55 and under), capped by the Ordinary Wage ceiling, which rises to S$8,000 a month from 2026.
- Skills Development Levy (SDL): 0.25% of monthly remuneration for all employees, subject to a minimum and maximum.
- Self-help group funds: CDAC, ECF, MBMF or SINDA deductions where applicable.
- Payslips and pay timing: salary paid within seven days of the end of the salary period and itemised payslips issued, as required by the Employment Act.
- Year-end tax filing: IR8A and related forms submitted to IRAS, usually through the Auto-Inclusion Scheme.
- Foreign employees: payroll for Employment Pass and S Pass holders, including tax clearance when they leave.
How to choose a payroll provider in Singapore
Check that the provider has in-country payroll specialists, keeps up with CPF and IRAS changes without extra charges, offers employee self-service for payslips and leave, and can also cover other countries as you grow. Read what growing companies get wrong about Singapore payroll and our guide to choosing an outsourced payroll provider.
Find out more: https://www.mirchelleymuses.com/top-payroll-singapore/
What Does Global Payroll by Agile HRO Include?
We handle payroll processing of your global employees in accordance with all local and international tax and law requirements.
How Does Payroll Work with Agile HRO?
- Engage Agile HRO
Engage with Agile HRO to payroll your staff. We work with you to design and automate the most efficient payroll process.
2. Employee Onboarding
Your employees self-onboard to our payroll software allowing them to: track leave download payslips expense module submit timesheets track their accrued and used leave
3. Remittance & Invoicing
We calculate employees salary, taxation and social security and either; remit the salary from your bank account on behalf or; send you the bank file to upload your self We then invoice Agile service fee on a monthly basis.
Payroll service providers in Singapore: FAQs
How much does payroll outsourcing cost in Singapore?
Most providers charge a monthly fee per employee, with extras for year-end filings or off-cycle runs. AgileHRO’s global payroll starts from $35 per employee per month.
Do foreign employees in Singapore pay CPF?
No. CPF applies to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Employment Pass and S Pass holders are not covered, although employers may still owe the Skills Development Levy and, for S Pass holders, the foreign worker levy.
Can I run payroll in Singapore without a local entity?
Payroll must be run by a Singapore employer. Without an entity, an employer of record can employ your staff and run Singapore payroll for you.