Hiring new employees can be one of the most exciting – and financially challenging – parts of running a business. Fortunately, the Singapore government offers generous hiring grants to help employers reduce manpower costs and support workforce growth. However, to truly benefit from these programmes, it’s crucial to understand the application process and avoid common mistakes.
This detailed guide will walk you through how to successfully apply for a Hiring Grant in Singapore, ensuring you get the funding support your business needs to grow.
What Is a Hiring Grant?
A Hiring Grant Singapore scheme provides financial assistance to companies hiring local workers, including fresh graduates, mid-career professionals, or individuals looking to re-enter the workforce. These grants typically subsidize:
- A percentage of the employee’s monthly salary
- Training costs or course fees
- Workplace attachment allowances
Hiring grants are administered by various government agencies, including Workforce Singapore (WSG), SG Enable, and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). Each has different criteria and benefits, which we’ll cover later in this guide.
Why Apply for a Hiring Grant?
Before diving into the application process, it’s worth highlighting why hiring grants are worth your attention:
✅ Cost Savings – Reduce hiring and training costs significantly
✅ Talent Access – Expand your reach to diverse talent pools (e.g., mid-career switchers)
✅ Lower Risk – Grants allow you to trial candidates through attachments or traineeships
✅ Growth Support – Scale faster with government-backed financial assistance
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Hiring Grant in Singapore
Here’s a structured process that you can follow to successfully secure a hiring grant:
Step 1: Identify the Right Hiring Grant
The first and most crucial step is choosing the grant that best suits your business and hiring needs. Some of the most common grants include:
| Grant Name | Target Group | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Career Conversion Programme (CCP) | Mid-career switchers | Salary & training support up to 90% |
| Job Growth Incentive (JGI) | Mature/long-term unemployed | Wage support up to 50% |
| SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways | Attachment hires | 90% training allowance |
| P-Max | PMET hires | One-time $5,000 support |
| Open Door Programme (SG Enable) | Persons with disabilities | Wage subsidies, job redesign funding |
Consider the following when evaluating grants:
- Profile of the candidate you plan to hire
- Industry-specific eligibility
- Your company’s capacity to provide structured training
- Duration of employment or attachment
Tip: If unsure, a hiring grant consultant can perform grant-matching for you based on your hiring plan.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Most hiring grants in Singapore require you to submit documentation before hiring the employee. You’ll typically need:
- ACRA BizFile company profile (latest version)
- CPF contribution history
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- Staff training plan (for CCP or P-Max)
- Resume/profile of the candidate
- Company bank account details for disbursement
- Other documents depending on the specific grant (e.g., job descriptions, salary details)
Make sure all documents are:
✅ Accurate
✅ Up-to-date
✅ Clearly labelled
Missing or inconsistent documentation is one of the most common reasons grant applications are rejected.
Step 3: Submit the Grant Application
Depending on the grant, the submission process may vary slightly.
For CCP:
- Apply through Workforce Singapore’s portal
- Submit required documents
- Indicate training provider (if applicable)
- Wait for approval before the employee starts
For P-Max:
- Register via an appointed programme manager (e.g., trade associations)
- Attend briefings or onboarding sessions
- Submit claim forms after training completion
For SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways:
- Submit interest to WSG or through partner institutions
- Provide programme structure and supervision plan
- Receive grant support after approval
For SG Enable Grants:
- Apply through the SG Enable portal or via an assigned job coach
- Workplace assessment may be conducted
Important: Some schemes like the Job Growth Incentive (JGI) do not require a manual application – payouts are auto-calculated based on CPF submissions. However, understanding eligibility criteria ensures you structure your hiring to qualify.
Step 4: Receive Approval and Start Onboarding
Once approved, you can proceed to:
- Sign the official employment or attachment agreement
- Begin the training programme or work attachment
- Track attendance, progress, and salary payouts
For some grants, especially CCP and P-Max, you must submit training milestones or progress reports. Always follow the guidelines provided during approval.
Step 5: Monitor Compliance and Claim Disbursements
Post-hiring, you must:
- Keep proper payroll records and CPF submissions
- Ensure employee retention for the minimum duration (e.g., 6 months or 12 months)
- Submit claim forms or disbursement requests
- Maintain audit readiness in case authorities request documentation
Disbursements usually occur quarterly or after the completion of the attachment or training programme.
Tips for a Successful Hiring Grant Application
Applying for hiring grants may appear straightforward, but missing details or improper planning can lead to delays or rejections. Here are proven tips to ensure your application is successful:
✅ Apply Early
Always submit your grant application before the employee’s start date. Backdated submissions are typically not allowed and will be rejected.
✅ Customise Your Job Descriptions
Your job offer or description should match the grant objectives. For example, in a Career Conversion Programme, outline the key skills the candidate will acquire and how training will be delivered.
✅ Prepare a Clear Training Plan
Most grants require some form of training or onboarding. Prepare a simple but structured plan showing:
- Learning objectives
- Timeline
- On-the-job or classroom training activities
✅ Work With a Grant Consultant
If you’re applying for multiple employees or considering several schemes, engaging a consultant can:
- Save time
- Improve approval chances
- Help you combine funding opportunities for maximum impact
✅ Stay Compliant Post-Approval
After receiving the grant, ensure you meet the retention period and submit all required follow-up documents. Failure to comply can result in penalties or clawbacks.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
❌ Late Applications – Submitting after hiring starts is a guaranteed rejection
❌ Incomplete Documents – Missing contracts, outdated ACRA profile, or no CPF history
❌ Non-Compliant Job Roles – Applying for roles that don’t match the grant criteria
❌ Poor Training Documentation – No structured onboarding or training support
❌ No Follow-Up – Failing to submit claims or supporting documents post-hiring
Can You Combine Multiple Grants?
Yes, in some cases you can stack hiring support with training or productivity-related grants. For example:
- Use CCP to cover training & salary support
- Tap on ETSS (Enhanced Training Support for SMEs) for additional course fee subsidies
- Receive JGI payouts automatically when you increase your local headcount
However, not all grants are stackable. Always check with a professional to ensure you’re not violating terms and conditions.
How a Hiring Grant Consultant Adds Value
At [Your Company Name], we help Singapore companies maximise their grant benefits while remaining compliant. Our services include:
- Grant strategy planning
- Eligibility assessment
- Document preparation
- Application submission
- Compliance tracking
- Claims management
We take the stress out of paperwork so you can focus on building a strong team.
Conclusion
Hiring grants in Singapore present a tremendous opportunity for SMEs to attract, train, and retain talent without bearing the full financial burden. Whether you’re bringing in a mid-career switcher, a fresh graduate, or someone returning to work, there’s likely a Hiring Grant Singapore that can support your hiring plan.
But to enjoy these benefits, you need to act early, prepare the right documents, follow guidelines closely, and stay compliant.