Why Singapore Work Visa?

• Work for up to 40 hours/week
• 14 paid leaves every year
• Standard average salaries
• Easy Singapore PR pathway
• Travel without Entry visas

Visa Types at a Glance: Salary Thresholds, Eligibility & Processing Times

Singapore offers multiple work passes, each designed for different categories of foreign professionals and workers. Below is a quick snapshot of the four most commonly used passes, including salary requirements, eligibility rules, and processing timelines, based on the latest updates from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Singapore’s work passes are tailored for different skill levels and business needs. The table below outlines the minimum salaries, eligibility criteria, and processing times for the four most common visa types.

Singapore Work Permits

Singapore, an economic hub, is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with plenty of work opportunities. Foreigners who wish to work in Singapore must have a work permit, which acts like a valid pass into the country.

Singapore work permit categories

The different types of Singapore work permits are given below:

• Singapore work visas for skilled & semi-skilled workers
• ONE Pass Visa
• Singapore work visas for trainees and students
• Singapore work visas for professionals
• Singapore short-term work passes

Singapore Work Visas for Professionals

Professional workers who wish to work in Singapore can opt for the following Singapore work permits or passes that are given below:

• Employment pass: This is mainly for managers, executives, and professionals, provided they earn a minimum of SGD 3,600 monthly.
• Personalized employment pass: The personalized employment pass is for the current Employment pass holders and foreigners who are paid high salaries.
• EntrePass: The EntrePass is for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to set up a business in Singapore.
• Overseas Network & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass): The ONE pass is for highly talented individuals in business, arts, sports, culture, or academics.

Eligibility criteria for Singapore work visa

The current work visa holders and foreign individuals who wish to apply for work visa must fulfill the required eligibility criteria:

• Earn a fixed monthly salary of a minimum of SGD 30,000 or its foreign equivalent currency.
• Earn a fixed monthly salary of a minimum of SGD 30,000 from the potential employer.
• Proof of employment with a foreign company for at least 12 months or proof of employment contract.

Singapore work visas for Skilled and Semi-skilled workers

Skilled or semi-skilled workers can apply for the Singapore work visas that are mentioned below:

• S Pass Singapore: The S pass is issued to mid-level skilled workers who earn a monthly salary of SGD 2,300. The quotas for levies and foreign workers are included in the S Pass.
• Singapore work permit for Foreign Workers: The Singapore work permit is for overseas workers from specific countries and specific sectors: Construction, Manufacturing, Marine shipyard, Process or service sector)
• Work Permit for Confinement Nanny: The work permit for Confinement Nanny specifically allows nannies to seek employment in Singapore for up to 16 weeks. The 16 weeks will count from the birth of the employer’s child.
• Work Permit for Performing Artists: The work permit for performing artists is for individuals in the entertainment industry.

Singapore work visas for Trainees and students

The Singapore work visas for International trainees and students are as follows:

• Training Employment pass: The Training Employment pass is for foreign trainees who wish to undergo training programs for up to three months.
• Work Holiday Pass: The Singapore Work Holiday Pass allows recent graduates and students to seek employment and work for six months in Singapore. Candidates can apply for the Singapore Holiday work pass via the Work Holiday Programme.
• Training work permit: The Training work permit is for international semi-skilled and unskilled trainees training for up to 6 months.
• Short-term work passes for Singapore: Candidates with a short-term work pass cannot participate in work-related activities. Under certain circumstances, however, (journalists or speakers at public events) can apply for a miscellaneous work pass. With a miscellaneous pass, the visa holders can work for not more than 60 days.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Singapore Work Passes

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has established a structured application process for all work passes, including the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Work Permit (WP), and EntrePass. Applicants and employers are advised to follow the steps below to ensure compliance and smooth processing.

Step 1: Identify the appropriate pass – Determine whether the Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, or EntrePass is applicable to the role in question.

Step 2: Verify eligibility criteria – Ensure that the applicant meets the minimum salary requirements, COMPASS assessment (for EP), and quota or levy conditions (for S Pass and Work Permit).

Step 3: Fulfil Fair Consideration requirements – Where required, employers must advertise the position on MyCareersFuture for 14 consecutive days, unless an exemption (e.g., salaries of S$22,500 or more) applies.

Step 4: Prepare supporting documentation – Collate all required documents, including company registration details, job advertisement reference number, candidate’s passport, and verified educational qualifications.

Step 5: Submit the application online – Lodge the application via the relevant portal: EP/S Pass through the EP eService, Work Permit through WP Online, or EntrePass through the MOM application portal.

Step 6: Await processing – Applications are generally processed within 10 business days for EP and S Pass, approximately one week for Work Permits, and up to eight weeks for EntrePass.

Step 7: Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) – Upon approval, complete medical examinations (if required) and arrange for mandatory insurance, particularly for S Pass and Work Permit holders.

Step 8: Complete issuance and biometrics – Finalise the issuance of the pass and attend any required biometric appointments. The physical pass card is typically delivered within five working days.

Steps to Apply for Singapore permit

You can follow the steps given below to apply for Singapore work permit:

Step 1: Choose the type of work permit you want to opt for.

Step 2: Check if you are eligible for the work permit.

Step 3: Look for a job in Singapore.

Step 4: Arrange the checklist of requirements for the permit.

Step 5: Receive an In-Principle Approval (ITA) letter and migrate to Singapore.

EP vs S Pass vs Work Permit vs EntrePass — Key Differences

Singapore offers several types of work passes, each designed for different skills, roles, and business needs. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Work Permit, and EntrePass, highlighting salary requirements, frameworks, processing timelines, and renewal conditions.

Renewals & Appeals for Singapore Work Passes

Work passes in Singapore must be renewed on time to remain valid. If an application is rejected, employers or candidates may appeal, provided they address the stated reasons. Below is a quick guide to renewal timelines and appeal processes.

Renewal Process

The process to renew a Singapore Work Pass is given below:

Step 1: Check your eligibility and timeline — EP/S Pass can be renewed up to 6 months before expiry, while EntrePass must be renewed 3 months prior.

Step 2: Confirm compliance with current rules — salary thresholds, COMPASS (EP), quotas/levies (S Pass/WP), or business spending benchmarks (EntrePass).

Step 3: Gather documents such as company details, salary records, quota/levy proofs, or updated business performance reports.

Step 4: Submit the renewal application online through the respective MOM portal (EP/S Pass eService, WP Online, or EntrePass portal).

Step 5: Track application status — EP/S Pass usually take ~10 business days, Work Permit renewals are often immediate, and EntrePass decisions can take up to 8 weeks.

Appeal Process

The appeal process for Singapore Work Pass is given below:

Step 1: Review the rejection letter carefully and identify the exact reasons provided by the Ministry of Manpower.

Step 2: Collect additional evidence or documents that directly address the rejection grounds (e.g., salary adjustment, quota compliance, or business proof).

Step 3: File the appeal within the official timeline — 3 months for EP/S Pass, time-bound via myMOM Portal for Work Permits, and online forms for EntrePass/PEP/ONE Pass.

Step 4: Submit the appeal through the designated MOM portal, ensuring the case is complete and corrected.

Step 5: Wait for the outcome — most EP/S Pass appeals are processed in about 6 weeks, while other passes vary by case type.

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