Singapore offers a variety of work visas for foreigners wishing to work here, each with different eligibility criteria and conditions. Many people are unfamiliar with the similarities and differences between the Employment Pass (EP) and the Work Permit (WP), which can cause inconvenience during the application process. Alternatively, Work Permit holders may want to upgrade their pass but do not know the difference between an Employment Pass (EP) and a Work Permit (WP). If you plan to work in Singapore, understanding the detailed information can help you prepare and increase your chances of a successful Singapore EP application.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Employment Pass (EP) and Work Permit
Let’s clarify it in one sentence: the Employment Pass (EP) is for high-skilled professionals, while the Work Permit (WP) is for lower-skilled workers in labor-intensive industries.
Although we refer to both as “passes,” the Employment Pass and the Work Permit are entirely different types of visas. There is a significant gap between the two in terms of salary standards and the benefits they offer.
- The Employment Pass (EP) offers greater flexibility and convenience, such as the ability for family members to obtain dependant visas, the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, and a simpler process for changing jobs.
- Work Permit (WP) holders face more restrictions, such as specific nationality requirements, the obligation to pay a foreign worker levy, and limitations on bringing family members, obtaining permanent residency, or changing jobs.
Related Articles:
Comparison of Employment Pass (EP) and Work Permit
| Employment Pass (EP) | Work Permit (WP) | |
| Target Audience | The Employment Pass (EP) is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work in Singapore. The EP is primarily granted to highly skilled and well-educated individuals. EP holders can live and work in Singapore and travel in and out of the country without applying for an entry visa. | The WP is a work pass primarily for migrant workers and migrant domestic workers. Migrant workers are typically employed in the construction, manufacturing, shipyard, and process or service sectors, while migrant domestic workers usually work in their employers’ homes. Additionally, there are specific Work Permits for confinement nannies and performing artists. These permits generally have a shorter validity period. |
| Salary Requirements | Employment Pass applicants must meet a minimum salary requirement.
For renewals and new applications from September 1, 2023, the minimum monthly salary requirement is S$5,000 (up to S$10,500) for all sectors except financial services. From September 1, 2023, the minimum salary requirement for new applications and renewals in the financial sector is S$5,500 (up to S$11,500). |
No salary requirement. |
| Nationality
|
People of any nationality can apply for an EP. The Singapore government does not impose special requirements on specific nationalities, but applicants from certain countries may need to provide additional documents.
For example, applicants from some countries may need to provide certified educational qualification documents. . |
Applicants must come from specific countries or regions, which vary depending on the intended industry.
Employers in the service sector can only hire individuals from Malaysia, China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, South Korea, and Taiwan. Source countries for applicants in the construction industry are Malaysia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Philippines, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, South Korea, and Taiwan. Source countries for domestic workers are Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand. |
| Quotas and Foreign Worker Levy | The government has a foreign worker quota, meaning employers can only hire a certain ratio of foreign to local employees. The hiring company must meet diversity requirements and provide sufficient job opportunities for local Singaporeans.
However, this quota does not apply to Employment Pass holders. The only requirement is that the employer must first advertise the position to local Singaporeans before offering it to a foreigner. The government also monitors companies for discriminatory hiring practices and penalizes them for violations. No foreign worker levy is imposed on Employment Passes. |
Employers must pay a foreign worker levy for Work Permit holders (this levy is a mandatory fee for hiring foreign employees).
The levy requirements vary depending on the holder’s industry, country of origin, and skill level. |
| Application Processing Time
|
The employer submits the application online to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) via the myMOM portal. MOM processes or provides an update within 10 working days.
If the application is approved, the employer will receive an in-principle approval letter, which allows the applicant to enter Singapore within six months. After the applicant arrives in Singapore, the employer can obtain the EP by providing the necessary documents through the portal. MOM may require the applicant to register their fingerprints and photo. The applicant will typically receive their card within five days after document verification or registration. |
It takes about one week to issue a WP. The process is similar to the Employment Pass but has additional requirements (including a security bond, medical examination, and insurance). |
| Changing Jobs | Both EP and WP require company sponsorship, but EP holders have greater flexibility in changing jobs.
If an Employment Pass holder wants to change jobs, the new employer can submit a new application for them. If the EP expires, the holder can obtain a Short-Term Visit Pass and stay in Singapore for another month. During this period, the holder can continue to apply for vacant positions. |
WP holders do not enjoy the same freedom as EP holders. They must leave Singapore within one week after their Work Permit expires.
|
| Dependant’s Pass | Employment Pass holders earning at least S$6,000 per month can bring their family to Singapore. They can bring their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children. Common-law spouses, unmarried disabled children aged 21 and above, and unmarried step-children under 21 can come to Singapore on a Long-Term Visit Pass.
EP holders earning at least S$12,000 per month can obtain a Long-Term Visit Pass for their parents. The employer can submit an application for each family member at the same time as the Employment Pass application, or they can submit two separate applications. |
The Singapore government does not allow WP holders to bring their families to Singapore.
|
| Marriage and Children | Employment Pass holders can marry, have children, and raise them in Singapore.
A child’s birth must be registered with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) within 14 days. After birth registration, the newborn can stay in Singapore for 42 days. During this period, the parents apply for a passport for the baby from the relevant embassy, and the employer applies for a Dependant’s Pass for the child through the myMOM portal. |
WP holders are not allowed to marry a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, whether in or outside of Singapore, without approval from MOM. This rule still applies even after the WP has expired, been cancelled, or revoked.
Furthermore, they are not allowed to get pregnant or give birth during the validity of the pass unless they are already married to a Singapore citizen or permanent resident with MOM’s approval. |
| Permanent Residence (PR) | Employment Pass holders can apply for a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) visa. This allows them to live, enter, and exit the country without additional visas or permits.
Unlike the Employment Pass, the PR visa only needs to be renewed every five years. PR also offers greater freedom to change jobs and a wider range of business, education, and healthcare options. |
As the purpose of a WP is for temporary employment, holders do not have the opportunity to apply for a PR visa.
However, if they first upgrade to an S Pass, they can then apply for a PR visa.
|
For further enquiries, please get in touch:
WeChat: sgleokwek
Telegram: sgleokwek
WhatsApp: Message us
