How to Check If a Singapore Employment Agency Is Licensed
- Gabriel Rodrigues
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you're looking for a licensed employment agency in Singapore, the agency you choose can make or break your experience — and your finances. Unlicensed operators have taken deposits, promised jobs that don't exist, and disappeared. The good news: Singapore's Ministry of Manpower makes it straightforward to verify any agency in under two minutes.
Here's how to protect yourself before you sign anything or pay a single dollar.
Why It Matters: What Unlicensed Agencies Actually Do
Unlicensed agencies — sometimes called "middlemen" or informal recruiters — operate outside MOM's regulatory framework. That means no accountability, no fee caps, and no recourse if something goes wrong.
Collecting upfront "processing fees" with no job guarantee
Fabricating job offers or salary figures
Holding documents (passports, ICs) as leverage
Disappearing after payment
Licensed agencies are bound by MOM's Employment Agencies Act. They can be investigated and deregistered for violations — unlicensed operators face no such consequences.
Step 1: Check the MOM EA Directory
Every licensed employment agency in Singapore has a registration number starting with a year and a letter — for example, 22C0846.
To verify any agency:
Search by agency name or licence number
Confirm the licence is active and the agency is listed under the correct business name
If the agency doesn't appear — or the licence has lapsed — do not proceed with that agency.
Step 2: Check the EA Personnel's Registration
It's not enough for the agency to be licensed. The individual recruiter handling your case also needs to be registered with MOM as an EA Personnel (EAP). Ask for their EAP registration number and verify it in the same directory.
An agency can be licensed while individual staff operate outside the rules. Checking both closes that gap.
Step 3: Verify the Job Offer and Employer Directly
Even licensed agencies can list roles inaccurately. Before accepting any offer, confirm directly (or through a trusted contact):
The employer name and UEN
The actual job scope and work location
The salary and any deductions
A legitimate agency will welcome these questions. One that doesn't is worth a second look.
How to Report an Unlicensed Agency
If you suspect an agency is operating without a licence, report it to MOM:
Online: Submit a report at mom.gov.sg
MOM Hotline: 6438 5122
Your report helps protect other workers and can trigger an investigation.
A note for Malaysian workers: Singapore accepts Work Permit applications across a wide range of sectors — construction, manufacturing, F&B, retail, and more. The same verification steps above apply regardless of which sector you're applying for.
A note for Thai and Chinese nationals: Singapore's construction sector is one of the primary sectors open to Work Permit holders from Thailand and China. From January 2027, MOM is shortening the WP approval process from 4 months to 1 month for workers from these two countries — making it an even more attractive time to plan your move. Make sure any agency you engage is licensed and registered for construction placements specifically.
Stagencies Pte Ltd is a MOM-licensed employment agency (EA Licence No. 22C0846). We place workers from Malaysia, Thailand, and China into construction and other sectors in Singapore. Want to check your eligibility before applying — no fees, no obligations?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if an employment agency is licensed in Singapore?
Search the MOM EA Directory at mom.gov.sg using the agency's name or licence number. Confirm the licence is active and matches the correct business name.
Can an employment agency charge fees before I get a job in Singapore?
Any demand for upfront payment before you have a confirmed job offer and Work Permit is a red flag. Ask any agency for their fee schedule in writing before agreeing to anything.
How do I report an unlicensed employment agency in Singapore?
Call the MOM hotline at 6438 5122 or submit a report via mom.gov.sg.
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