Singapore is a culturally diverse country, and the government has always been committed to attracting more global talent through various policies. On the other hand, Singapore is a meritocracy that has recently begun to tighten regulations on hiring foreign professionals to ensure the high quality of work pass holders and to provide a level playing field for locals.
Overseas professionals typically relocate to the workplaces of multinational corporations or start and run their own businesses in Singapore. Additionally, skilled workers, short-term visiting scholars, manual laborers, and young people on study tours experiencing Singapore’s culture each have their own needs. If you plan to work in Singapore, researching the various types of work passes can help you prepare the necessary documents and ensure a smooth approval process from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). In this article, we will list 14 different types of work passes in Singapore and share some useful tips to increase your chances of a successful application.
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Types of Work Passes in Singapore for High-Paying Managerial and Executive Positions
Here are the 4 types of work passes available in Singapore for corporate executives, professional managers, and talented individuals:
1. Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is for individuals in corporate management, senior management, or specialized roles. The application criteria include excellent qualifications, professional skills, and a minimum salary of S$5,000. Additionally, applicants must score at least 40 points under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
Please note: The salary requirement increases progressively with the applicant’s age. For example, a worker in their 40s may need to meet a minimum salary of S$10,500.
The EP is valid for two years, after which you can renew it for up to three years. Individuals with extensive experience in industries with a shortage of professional talent may be eligible for a five-year renewal.
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2. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
If your last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas was at least S$22,500, you are eligible for a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).
Journalists, editors, producers, freelancers, and individuals looking to start a business are not eligible for a PEP. The PEP is valid for a maximum of three years and is non-renewable.
3. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
If you work in business, arts, sports, or academia and research, the ONE Pass might be suitable for you. This pass allows you to start and operate multiple companies and work for multiple employers simultaneously. To qualify, you must have a last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or you will earn the same amount upon relocating to Singapore. Applicants must also prove that they have worked for an established company with a market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or an annual revenue of at least US$200 million.
Upon initial application, the ONE Pass is valid for five years. If you meet the salary requirements, you can renew it every five years.
4. EntrePass
The EntrePass is designed for entrepreneurs who intend to start a business in Singapore. Foreign entrepreneurs who are starting and operating businesses in Singapore that are venture-backed or possess innovative technologies are suitable candidates for the EntrePass. Upon approval, applicants must establish and operate their company in Singapore.
Types of Work Passes in Singapore for Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers
Here are the 5 types of work passes available for skilled and semi-skilled workers:
5. S Pass
The S Pass is for individuals with specialized skills, typically technicians in specific industries. The minimum monthly salary requirement is S$3,150 and increases progressively with age. For a skilled worker aged 45, the minimum salary requirement is S$5,500. The S Pass is valid for up to two years, after which you can apply for renewal if you meet the criteria.
The S Pass must be applied for by the employer or a designated employment agency. If an S Pass holder changes jobs, the new employer must reapply for the S Pass.
Additionally, employers must provide medical insurance for the pass holder.
6. Work Permit for migrant worker
This category of Work Permit is primarily issued to semi-skilled workers from the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, and service sectors.
There is no minimum salary requirement, and the employer will provide medical insurance for the permit holder.
The permit must be applied for by the employer or a designated employment agency and is valid for up to two years.
This Work Permit can be renewed if the employer or agency extends the permit holder’s insurance and medical coverage.
7. Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Worker
As its name suggests, this type of Work Permit is issued to foreign individuals coming to Singapore to work as domestic helpers.
There is no minimum salary requirement, and the worker’s employer, sponsor, or employment agency can apply for this permit. It can also be renewed after two years if the employer or agency extends the applicant’s medical and insurance coverage.
8. Work Permit for confinement nanny
This type of Work Permit is issued to Malaysian confinement nannies working in Singapore and is valid for up to 16 weeks from the birth of the employer’s child.
There is no minimum salary requirement for this work permit. Please note that this work visa is non-renewable. Employers are required to pay a monthly levy.
9. Work Permit for performing artiste
This category of Work Permit is for foreign performers who are new to Singapore and working in public entertainment venues such as bars, nightclubs, and hotels.
There is no minimum salary requirement. It is applied for by the employer or an employment agency. The validity period is a maximum of six months. The employer must wait at least one year after the work permit expires or is cancelled before reapplying. The employer must also provide medical insurance for the pass holder.
Types of Work Passes in Singapore for Interns, Students, and Short-Term Visitors
Here are the 4 types of work passes for interns, students, and short-term visitors:
10. Training Employment Pass
The Training Employment Pass is for individuals undergoing practical training for professional, managerial, executive, or specialist jobs. There is no salary requirement, and the employer applies for the pass. It is valid for a maximum of three months and cannot be renewed upon expiry.
11. Training Work Permit
This work permit is for unskilled or semi-skilled foreign interns or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to six months. There is no salary requirement for this permit, and the employer completes the application process. The permit cannot be renewed upon expiry. Please note that foreign students can only be granted this permit once, while foreign employees can only obtain another Training Work Permit six months after their previous one has expired or been cancelled.
12. Miscellaneous Work Pass
This pass is for foreign seminar speakers, religious workers, and journalists undertaking short-term assignments in Singapore, for a maximum of 60 days.
There is no minimum salary requirement for this work permit, and no levy is required. The employer or a local sponsor applies for it, and the permit cannot be renewed upon expiry.
13. Work Holiday Pass – under Work Holiday Programme
You can apply for a Work Holiday Pass under the Work Holiday Programme if you meet the following criteria:
Applicants are between 18 and 25 years old.
Undergraduates or graduates of universities in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
The applicant’s university is recognized by the government of one of the ten countries or regions mentioned above.
Must have been a full-time student at the university for at least 3 months before applying for the pass.
14. Work pass exemption for foreign students
This permit is for foreign students who wish to work during the school term or holidays. Applicants must already hold a student pass and be studying full-time at an approved school or institution in Singapore.
During the school term, pass holders can work up to 16 hours per week, and this work must be part of an industrial attachment program organized by their university and required for graduation.
Tips for Singapore Work Pass Application
We’ve also provided some tips to help you obtain your desired Singapore work pass:
- Get a job in Singapore. Generally, it is easier to obtain a work pass if you have already received a job offer from a Singaporean employer. You can use various platforms to search and apply for vacant positions, including job search websites, peer referrals, and online social networking sites.
- Consider a niche industry. Some industries are globally seeking experienced talent with professional expertise and skills. Singapore has listed 27 occupations on the “Shortage Occupation List.” Applicants for the Employment Pass in these industries can receive up to 20 bonus points under the “Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).”
- Understand dependant’s passes. Many of the work passes mentioned above allow applicants to apply for dependant visas for their family members. The two main types of passes are the Dependant’s Pass, for spouses, unmarried partners, or adopted children under 21, and the Long-Term Visit Pass, for common-law spouses, parents, unmarried or disabled children, and stepchildren.
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