Working in Singapore requires proper documentation. Navigating the work pass system is essential for both employers and foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities.
Singapore offers various types of work passes and permits designed for different categories of workers. Each comes with specific eligibility criteria and salary requirements that were recently updated for 2025.
Foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must obtain the right type of work pass before starting employment. The Singapore government maintains strict regulations to ensure that they hold a valid work pass that aligns with their job role and qualifications.
Key Takeaways
Singapore's work pass system includes specialized permits for professionals, semi-skilled workers, skilled workers and domestic helpers.
Each work pass type has specific salary thresholds and eligibility requirements that must be met before application
Employers engaging foreigners to work in Singapore must secure proper work passes before starting employment.
Singapore's work pass system started as a way to control the foreign workforce and ensure job opportunities for locals. Foreign workers must have a valid pass before they can start working in Singapore.
The system helps match foreign talent with the right jobs based on their skills and qualifications. You must get the correct type of pass that fits your job role and salary level.
Singapore updates its work pass rules regularly to meet changing economic needs. The government has made the rules stricter over time to protect local workers while still attracting top talent in various industries.
In recent years, Singapore added new passes like the ONE Pass and Tech Pass. These changes aim to bring in more top talent in the technology and innovation sectors.
The rules for getting passes have become more detailed. You now need higher salaries and better qualifications than before. Companies must also try to hire local workers first before looking for foreign employees.
Key requirements for passes include:
Proper qualifications
Minimum salary levels
Valid job offer
Company's eligibility to hire foreign workers
The pass system helps Singapore:
Control foreign worker numbers
Protect local employment
Bring in needed skills
Maintain workforce quality
Singapore offers several work passes for overseas foreign professionals, mid-level, and semi-skilled foreign trainees. Each pass has specific salary requirements, qualifications, and eligibility criteria.
The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. You need to earn at least S$5,600 per month and have acceptable qualifications.
Key Requirements:
University degree from an accredited institution
Professional qualifications
Specialized skills and experience
Your employer must advertise the job on MyCareersFuture.sg for 14 days before applying for your Employment Pass.
This EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs wanting to start and operate a business in Singapore.
Business Requirements:
Company must be venture-backed or have innovative technologies
Personal investment of at least S$50,000
Strong business plan
You need to meet specific innovation criteria and show your business can contribute to Singapore's economy.
Your renewal depends on meeting business goals like job creation and annual spending.
The Personalized Employment Pass gives you more flexibility than a standard Employment Pass. You can stay in Singapore for up to 3 years without being tied to an employer.
Eligibility:
Current EP holders earning S$12,000 or more monthly
Overseas professionals with a last drawn fixed monthly salary of S$18,000 or more
You can take breaks between jobs and explore new opportunities without leaving Singapore.
The Overseas Network & Expertise Pass is designed for top talent in key industries such as technology, finance, and academia. This pass provides greater flexibility and allows high-achieving individuals to contribute significantly to Singapore’s economy.
Earn at least S$30,000 per month or demonstrate exceptional achievements in arts, sports, science, or research.
Strong professional background with recognized industry contributions.
Valid for five years with multiple employment opportunities and business engagements in Singapore.
The ONE Pass offers greater flexibility compared to other passes, allowing existing Employment Pass holders and new applicants to take on multiple roles, including advisory positions and entrepreneurial activities.
The S Pass suits mid-skilled foreign workers. It applies to technicians and other mid-level personnel.
Key Criteria:
Minimum monthly salary of S$3,150
Diploma or technical qualifications
Relevant work experience
Your employer must pay a monthly levy and follow sector-specific quota limits.
This permit is for semi-skilled foreign workers employed in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and services sector. You need a job offer from an approved employer to apply.
The employer must pay a security bond of S$5,000. Your monthly salary must meet sector-specific requirements.
Key requirements:
Age between 18 and 50 years old
From an approved source country
Pass a medical examination
Hold valid qualifications for your job
This permit lets you work as a full-time foreign domestic workers in a Singapore household. You must be female and from an approved country.
Requirements:
Age between 23 and 50 years old
Minimum 8 years of formal education
Pass entry test in Singapore
Complete the Settling-In Programme
Your employer must provide:
Safe working conditions
Proper accommodation
Medical insurance
Regular rest days
This permit allows experienced nannies to care for newborns and mothers. You must be from Malaysia.
Eligibility criteria:
Female, aged 23-70
Hold relevant childcare experience
Work for only one employer
Maximum stay of 16 weeks
The hiring family must arrange your accommodation and medical insurance.
This permit is for entertainers working in approved venues like hotels and clubs.
Key points:
Valid for up to 6 months
Must be 18 or older
Need a contract with an approved venue
Required medical screening
Your employer must:
Pay for medical insurance
Provide return travel arrangements
Ensure proper working conditions
This short-term pass for trainees and foreign students lets you complete industrial attachments or practical training in Singapore.
Duration: Up to 3 months
Requirements:
Training must be related to your current studies or job
Monthly salary of at least S$3,000
Valid for specific training programs only
The Work Holiday Pass lets young people work and holiday in Singapore for up to 6 months. You must be between 18 and 25 years old.
Eligibility criteria:
Must be from an approved country
Currently studying or graduated from university
No criminal record
Limited to one-time application
The pass cannot be renewed. You can work in most sectors except manual labor or regulated professions.
This short-term permit lets you attend practical training in Singapore.
Duration and rules:
Maximum 6 months
Must be related to your occupation
Need a training program from an approved organization
Cannot engage in other work
You must have relevant qualifications or experience in your field. Your training provider must ensure you leave Singapore after completion.
Singapore offers several specialized work passes for unique situations and specific groups of foreign workers. These options provide flexibility for different work arrangements and short-term employment needs.
The Miscellaneous Work Pass is for short-term work activities lasting up to 60 days in Singapore. You can apply for this pass if you are giving religious speeches, judging competitions, or performing as an artist.
Key requirements:
Maximum duration: 60 days
Must be sponsored by a Singapore-registered organization
No minimum salary requirement
Cannot be renewed or extended
A Letter of Consent allows specific groups of people to work in Singapore while being a dependent of someone with an existing pass. You need this if you are a Dependant's Pass holder wanting to work.
The application process is simpler than other work passes. Your employer must request the Letter of Consent before you start working.
There is no minimum salary requirement. The validity matches your Dependant's Pass duration.
Family members of eligible work pass holders can apply for dependent or long-term stay passes to reside in Singapore.
The Dependant’s Pass allows common law spouses and children (under 21 years old) of eligible work pass holders to stay in Singapore.
Sponsored by an Employment Pass, PEP, or S Pass holder earning at least S$6,000 per month.
Valid marriage or birth certificates as proof of relationship.
DP holders can apply for a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore.
The Long-Term Visit Pass is for immediate family members of eligible work pass holders who do not qualify for the Dependant’s Pass, such as common-law spouses, stepchildren, or parents.
Sponsored by an EP or PEP holder earning at least S$12,000 per month (for parents).
Must provide supporting documents proving relationship.
These passes allow family members to stay in Singapore while work pass holders contribute to the economy.
Applying for a work pass in Singapore requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Most applications are processed within 3 weeks, with clear steps and requirements to follow.
Your employer must submit your application through MOM's online portal. The process starts when you receive a job offer from a Singapore-based company.
Before submission, make sure your employer has:
A registered business entity in Singapore
The necessary access to the employment pass online portal
Your correct personal details and qualifications
Your employer needs to pay a non-refundable application fee of SGD 70 for each submission.
You must prepare these key documents:
Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
Recent passport-sized photo
Educational certificates
Previous employment testimonials
Professional certifications (if applicable)
Make sure all documents in foreign languages have official English translations. Keep digital copies of all documents ready for online submission.
The processing time takes 1-3 weeks. You'll receive updates through email about your application status.
If approved, you need to:
Accept the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
Complete a medical examination (if required)
Register your fingerprints and photo
Collect your work pass card
Don't make travel plans until you receive the IPA letter. Your pass becomes invalid if you leave your employer or change jobs.
Getting a work pass in Singapore involves application and issuance fees along with processing times that vary by pass type. You'll need to budget for these costs and plan ahead to ensure timely approval.
The basic application fee is $35 for most work passes in Singapore. You must also pay an issuance fee of $35 once approved.
Additional fees may apply based on your pass type:
Employment Pass: $105 for application and issuance
S Pass: $85 for application and issuance
Work Permit: $70 for application and issuance
Monthly foreign worker levy rates apply to employers. These rates differ by sector and worker category.
Standard processing takes about 15 working days for most work pass applications.
Processing times can vary:
Employment Pass: 3-8 weeks
S Pass: 3 weeks
Work Permit: 1-7 working days
Your application may take longer if additional verification is needed or if documents are incomplete.
To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are accurate and complete before submission.
Working in Singapore requires strict compliance with specific rules and legal obligations that affect both employers and employees. Your work pass comes with key responsibilities you must follow to maintain valid status.
Employers must post a security bond of $5,000 for each non-Malaysian work permit holder they hire. This bond ensures compliance with work pass conditions and protects worker interests.
The bond must remain active throughout the employment period and will be returned when the work pass is canceled and the worker leaves Singapore properly.
Some worker categories may have different bond amounts. Tech Pass holders and Employment Pass holders don't require security bonds.
You must only work for the employer and in the occupation listed on your work pass. Any change in employer or job role requires a new pass application.
You cannot start a business or engage in any other employment while on a work pass.
Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months at all times.
Medical insurance coverage is mandatory for all work pass holders. Your employer must provide coverage of at least $15,000 per year for inpatient care and surgery.
Work passes can be renewed up to 3 months before expiry. The renewal process must be completed before your current pass expires to avoid illegal stay.
Your employer must cancel your work pass within 7 days after employment ends. You have 30 days to leave Singapore or obtain a new pass.
If you want to change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new work pass before your current one is canceled.
Singapore maintains strict regulations for work passes to protect both employers and foreign workers. Companies need regular monitoring and face serious consequences for breaking the rules.
The Ministry of Manpower MOM conducts regular workplace inspections to check if companies follow work pass rules. You must keep detailed records of your foreign workers' employment terms and conditions.
Key documents for audits:
Valid work passes
Salary records
Timesheets
Employment contracts
Housing arrangements
Your company needs to keep these records for at least 2 years. Be ready to show them during surprise inspections.
Breaking work pass rules can lead to severe penalties. Your company may face these consequences:
Financial Penalties:
Fines up to S$20,000 per offense
Additional penalties for repeat violations
Other Consequences:
Work pass privileges suspension
Criminal prosecution
Company blacklisting
Jail time for serious offenses
You must report any changes in foreign workers' employment within 7 days. This includes job termination, salary changes, or workplace location updates.
Singapore is strengthening its focus on attracting top global talent through updated work permit policies in 2025. The new changes aim to balance local workforce development with international expertise.
The COMPASS framework will see key updates affecting how businesses hire foreign professionals. You'll need to adapt to stricter qualification assessments and modified point systems.
Companies should prepare for these upcoming changes:
Higher salary thresholds for Employment Pass and S Pass holders
Enhanced focus on skills transfer to local employees
More emphasis on diversity in hiring practices
Stricter requirements for dependent's pass holders
Your business can stay ahead by:
Investing in training programs for local employees
Building stronger HR systems to track compliance
Creating clear career development paths
Reviewing compensation packages regularly
New salary requirements will impact foreign worker hiring. Start planning your budget adjustments now to maintain competitiveness in the job market.
Digital systems for work pass applications will become more streamlined. Expect faster processing times but more thorough background checks for candidates.
Getting the right work pass is vital for hiring foreign talent in Singapore. You must match your employees' qualifications and salary levels to the proper pass type.
The three main work passes in Singapore are Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit. Each serves different salary brackets and skill levels.
Your business growth depends on choosing the correct passes. Wrong applications can lead to delays and rejections, affecting your hiring timeline and costs.
Keep these key details in mind:
EP holders must earn at least $5,600 monthly
S Pass requires a minimum $3,150 monthly salary
Work Permit suits semi-skilled workers in specific sectors
Always check the latest pass requirements and quotas before applying. Rules change periodically to meet Singapore's workforce needs.
Start your application process early. Processing times vary from 3 days to 8 weeks depending on the pass type.
Remember to renew passes before they expire. Set up a tracking system to manage multiple employee passes effectively and ensure that all your foreign workers have a valid Singapore work visa.
