Singapore offers various work passes and permits for foreigners who wish to work there. The eligibility criteria differ for every pass. You must know which suits you best to comply with employment standards.
The Immigration People offers expert guidance throughout the application process of three work passes: S Pass, Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass and Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.
These are short-term passes that allow foreigners to be employed in Singapore. Foreigners with these work passes who intend to sink their roots in Singapore can look forward to the next step: apply for Singapore PR.
All applications for these work passes must go through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Go directly to the work pass you are interested in:
S Pass Application
The S Pass is for mid-level skilled foreign employees who are associate professionals or technicians with mid-level skills – holding a degree, diploma, or technical certificate. Examples of sectors would be manufacturing, construction and services.
Eligibility for S Pass Application:
- To have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer
- Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 (as of 2022)
- The minimum fixed monthly salary for foreigners in financial services is S$3,500 (as of 2022)
- Proper educational qualification
- Relevant work experience
The Singapore-based employer or approved employment agency is responsible for applying for the foreigner’s S Pass Application. They would be the ones handling the paperwork and application submission.
The number of S Pass holders that the companies can hire is limited by a quota. Employers must also pay a monthly levy for these workers. Under the existing quota by MOM, the number of S Pass holders the company can hire is capped at:
- 10% of the company’s total workforce is in the services sector.
- 15% in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process sectors.
*For employers, you may calculate your foreign employee quota or check for your company’s available quota via the Work Permit Online portal.
The Step-by-Step S Pass Application Process:
01
You’ll provide a letter of consent for your employer. The letter states that you agreed to work for them and that they have your permission to apply for the S pass in your stead.
02
Your employer fills out the online S Pass application form from MOM’s website and attaches all documents required for the S Pass.
03
Your employer pays the processing fee of S$105.
04
It usually takes three to four weeks for MOM to process the S Pass application. Once your application has been approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
An IPA letter in Singapore:
- Acts as a single-entry visa which allows you entry into Singapore.
- Informs you whether you need to have a medical check-up in Singapore.
- Contains a list of documents you will need when your employer applies for the issuance of the S Pass.
The IPA letter gives you 60 days to be in Singapore, complete your medical check-up (if needed), and collect your S Pass.
Documents needed for S Pass Application:
Your employer needs to make sure they have secured the following documents when submitting your S Pass application:
- Filled out S Pass Application Form
- Letter of consent
- Photocopies of the following:
- Your passport’s details page
- Marriage certificate (if you are married)
- Diplomas and other educational certifications
- Photocopy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Letter of Support or registration from a registration agency, accreditation agency, or professional body (this varies depending on your profession)
S Pass Application Issuance Process
- Step 1: Once you are in Singapore, your employer will visit Employment Pass Online (EP Online) and request an S Pass to be issued to you.
- Step 2: Your employer will need to provide the following documents:
- Details of medical insurance and work injury compensation insurance (for employees doing manual labour).
- Details about your Short-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Pass.
- Address where MOM can mail your S Pass card.
- Embarkation/Disembarkation card.
- Medical examination form (if applicable).
- Step 3: Pay the S Pass fee of S$100.
- Step 4: Once they have been issued the pass, your employer will receive a notification letter that:
- Allows you entry to and exit from Singapore while waiting to receive your S Pass.
- States you must register your fingerprints and photo (if it’s your first time applying for an S Pass or if five years have passed since you last registered).
With tighter controls and higher reviewing standards, preparing to apply for work passes in Singapore can be a daunting experience. The Immigration People offers expert guidance throughout the S Pass application.
Let us help you ease the process and settle yourself or your employees’ employment here in Singapore.
Employment Pass (EP) Application
Employment Pass (EP) is intended for professionals with high-level qualifications, a good university degree or specialised skills. EP holders are those who work in managerial, executive or specialised roles.
Eligibility for Employment Pass Application:
- To have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
- Hold a managerial, executive or specialised role.
- Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,000 (as of 2022).
- The minimum fixed monthly salary for foreigners in financial services is S$5,500 (as of 2022).
- Relevant educational qualification of degree, professional qualifications or specialised skills.
- Relevant work experience.
The Step-by-Step EP Application Process:
01
Your employer fills out the online EP application form from MyMOMPortal and attaches all documents required for the EP.
02
Your employer pays the processing fee of S$105.
03
It usually takes three to eight weeks for MOM to process the EP application. Once your application has been approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
An IPA letter in Singapore:
- Acts as a single-entry visa which allows you entry into Singapore.
- Informs you whether you need to have a medical check-up in Singapore.
- Contains a list of documents you will need when your employer applies for the issuance of the EP.
The IPA letter gives you six months to be in Singapore, complete your medical check-up (if needed), and collect your EP card.
Documents needed for EP Application:
Your employer needs to make sure they have secured the following documents when submitting your Employment Pass application:
- Completely filled-out EP Application Form
- Photocopies of the following:
- Your passport’s details page
- Diplomas and other educational certifications
- Letter of Support or registration from a registration agency, accreditation agency, or professional body (this varies depending on your profession)
EP Application Issuance Process
- Step 1: Once you are in Singapore, your employer will visit MOM’s website and request the Employment Pass to be issued.
- Step 2: Your employer will need to provide the following documents:
- Details about your Short-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Pass.
- Address where MOM can mail your Employment Pass card.
- Embarkation/Disembarkation card.
- Medical examination form (if applicable).
- Step 3: Pay the EP issuance fee of S$225 / S$255.
- Step 4: Once MOM has issued the pass, your employer will receive a notification letter that:
- Allows you entry to and exit from Singapore while waiting to receive your Employment Pass.
- States if you need to register your fingerprints and photo.
Note that older and more experienced applicants will need higher salaries to be eligible for both the S Pass and EP applications.
MOM offers a self-assessment tool to help you determine your S Pass or EP eligibility for a new application or a pass renewal. You will need to fill up a host of details such as:
- Employment Sector
- Fixed Monthly Salary
- Nationality/Citizenship
- Total Work Experience
- Relevant Work Experience
- Educational Qualifications
Once you’re done answering the online form, you’ll receive an assessment result which tells you if you’re qualified based on the information you’ve indicated.
*For employers, you are also required to consider all candidates fairly under the Fair Consideration Framework before you apply for a S Pass or an EP. Employers must first advertise the job on MyCareersFuture and consider all job applicants fairly. You may refer to the job advertisement requirements by MOM.
With tighter controls and higher reviewing standards, preparing to apply for work passes in Singapore can be a daunting experience. The Immigration People offers expert guidance throughout the EP application.
Let us help you ease the process and settle yourself or your employees’ employment here in Singapore.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Application
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application is a non-renewable pass reserved for a niche group of overseas foreign professionals or high-earning EP holders.
Having the PEP is exclusively paired with a significantly higher income and, as such, subjected to one of the highest reviewing standards for Passes. If you need a work pass that does not tie you down to a single employer, applying for a Personalised Employment Pass application is your solution.
Additionally, this pass enables you to switch jobs in Singapore without having to re-apply for an entry visa — so long as you haven’t been unemployed for more than six months.
Eligibility for Personalised Employment Pass Application:
- An overseas foreign professional, your last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas was at least S$18,000 (The last drawn salary should have been within six months before you applied).
- Existing EP holders earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000.
Other eligibility criteria include the following:
- Not being a freelancer who plans to work without a Singapore employer.
- Not having your EP issued by a Sponsored scheme (if you are an EP holder).
- Not sole shareholding partner, proprietor, or director in any Singapore-registered company.
- Your profession should not be a journalist, editor, sub-editor or producer.
To retain this pass, you must:
- Not be unemployed in Singapore for more than six months at any time. Otherwise, you will need to cancel the pass.
- Earn a fixed salary of at least S$144,000 per calendar year (regardless of the number of months you are employed).
The Step-by-Step Personalised Employment Pass Application Process:
01
Submit the PEP application online through MOM’s e-services portal or a designated agency.
02
Pay the processing fee of S$105 by PayNow or telegraphic transfer (if you don’t have PayNow).
03
It usually takes around eight weeks for MOM to process the PEP application. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an IPA letter. The IPA letter gives you six months to come to Singapore and get the pass issued.
Documents needed for PEP Application:
- Completely filled-out PEP Application Form
- Passport details
- Your salary (drawn for the past six months)
- Your employment offer letter (if applicable)
- A copy of your academic transcripts and certificates
- Latest income tax statement
The Immigration People offers expert guidance throughout the personalised employment pass application.
Let us help you ease the process and settle yourself here in Singapore.
Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass Application
ONE pass is meant for top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research.
This pass is more attractive than the PEP because it allows the pass holder to start and operate multiple companies in Singapore. The ONE pass is valid for five years, and it is renewable.
Eligibility for ONE Pass Application:
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or its equivalent in foreign currency for the last year; or
- Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their prospective employer based in Singapore.
- Working for an established company for at least one year or will be working for an established company in Singapore.
*The fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 should only come from one employer.
Alternatively, foreign talents with exceptional accomplishments in the arts and culture, sports, academics, and research may be eligible for the ONE Pass without meeting the above criteria.
The ONE Pass application is valid for foreign talents who have shown a high level of achievement in scientific or other academic research with a track record of significant outcomes from research conducted (which may include international recognition of scientific or academic leadership).
To be considered for the outstanding achievement track for academia and research, the foreign talent must submit a thorough Curriculum Vitae (CV). The CV includes their academic credentials, professional experiences, accomplishments, and letters of recommendation from a regional host research institution (such as Autonomous Universities or A*STAR).
Existing work pass holders in Singapore can also apply for ONE Pass if they have been working in Singapore for at least one year or prove that they will be working for an established company.
The established company must have a market capitalisation or valuation of at least US$500 million or annual revenue of at least US$200 million in Singapore.
The Step-by-Step ONE Pass Application Process:
01
Submit the ONE Pass application online through MOM’s portal.
02
Pay the processing fee of S$105 by Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX), NETS or CashCard. (Note that there is an additional fee of S$225 for card issuance).
03
It usually takes around four weeks for MOM to process the ONE Pass application. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an IPA letter. The IPA letter gives you six months to come to Singapore and get the pass issued.
Documents needed for ONE Pass application:
Compulsory for all categories of eligible applicants: The passport details page and the following documents apply to applicants of the various categories.
Please note that an explanation letter and supporting documents (e.g., deed poll or affidavit) will be required if the applicant’s name in the passport differs from that on the other document(s).
A. Applicants who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 in Singapore in the past year
- Your monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 12 months
- Most recent tax statements from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
- Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly salary (if applicable)
B. Applicants who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 working overseas in the past year
- Monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 12 months
- Employment verification proof from a background screening company
- Documents supporting income sources other than fixed monthly salary (if applicable).
- Documents indicating the latest company valuation, market capitalisation or annual company revenue of the candidate’s current or most recent employer from using any one of these sources within the last three months:
- Pitchbook
- Yahoo Finance
- Crunchbase
- Bloomberg
- Google Finance
- Venturecap
- Preqin
- QCC.com
- chinaventure.com.cn
- itjuzi.com
You may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements if the documentation is unavailable.
C. Applicants who will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under a prospective employer in Singapore
- Employment contract with a Singapore organisation or letter of offer from a prospective employer in Singapore
- Documents indicating the prospective company valuation, market capitalisation or annual company revenue using any one of these sources within the last three months:
- Pitchbook
- Yahoo Finance
- Crunchbase
- Bloomberg
- Google Finance
- Venturecap
- Preqin
- QCC.com
- chinaventure.com.cn
- itjuzi.com
You may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements if the documentation is unavailable.
D. Having outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, or academia and research
- Payslips from the latest month.
- Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly fixed salary (if applicable).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting key achievements.
- For candidates applying under the academia and research track:
- The CV should list significant publications, patents or technology disclosures in the past five years.
- Provide a recommendation, recommendation letter, or document by a local host institution for a potential position.
Preparing to apply for work passes in Singapore can be a daunting experience. The Immigration People offers expert guidance throughout the ONE Pass application.
Let us help you ease the process and settle yourself or your employees’ employment here in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions about Work Passes Singapore
What is the Difference between S Pass and Employment Pass
EPs are for highly skilled professionals with high job qualifications/job offers in Singapore. Meanwhile, the S Pass is open for mid-level skilled workers, technicians, and other specialists.
Can S Pass convert to Employment Pass?
Yes. S Pass holders can change to Employment Pass if they are eligible to. Your employer will need to submit a new Employment Pass application for you. There is no need to cancel the S Pass. Use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool to check if you are eligible for the Employment Pass.
Is it difficult to get Employment Pass in Singapore?
The Ministry of Manpower’s criteria evaluation for Employment Pass application is highly competitive. You will stand a good chance if you have the following:
- the right skillsets that the Singapore workforce is lacking,
- credible achievements to back your profile.
It is important to note that the results vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the employer.
What is the difference between EP and PEP?
The PEP offers greater career flexibility than an EP. If an EP holder wants to change jobs, his new employer must apply for a new Employment Pass application. A PEP holder can change his job without doing so if his PEP status is still valid.
Can I apply for PEP twice?
No. The PEP can only be issued once. To continue residing and working in Singapore, the PEP holder must apply for Singapore PR or an Employment Pass.