Singapore work permit – application, requirements, and more!

Singapore is a prominent Asian business center, attracting business investment and inspiring companies to establish themselves here. It means that the city has a plethora of job opportunities, particularly for those seeking an international career. All our school life, we think about getting into college, and after college, we assume getting a job is the real deal. Everyone wants to lead a lifestyle with good amenities and a secure career.

Why work in Singapore?

Recently, Singapore has seen a rise in people in search of work. It is because Singapore has many employment opportunities for experienced professionals in information technology, healthcare, finance, and other fields. The country seems to have suitable options for talented professionals.

If you want to pursue an overseas career in Singapore, you must first find work in the country and then apply for a work visa.

What is a Singapore work visa?

A Singapore work visa, also known as a work pass or work permit for Singapore, allows foreigners to work in Singapore on a temporary or permanent basis.

Employers who hire foreign workers in Singapore must pay them a monthly salary, keep a security bond, and provide healthcare insurance, according to Singapore’s work permit rules. You can apply for a work permit in Singapore online as well.

Eligibility criteria for Singapore work visa

• Applicants must have a valid passport.
• Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
• The applicant may take up work only within the parameters specified by the authorities in the work permits issued.

What are the different types of Singapore work visas?

• Singapore Employment Pass
• Singapore EntrePass
• Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
• Singapore S Pass
• Singapore Work Permit for migrant workers
• Singapore Work Permit for migrant domestic worker
• Singapore Long-Term visit Pass
• Work Passes (holders of Long-Term visit passes issued by ICA)
• Singapore Dependant’s Pass
• Singapore Miscellaneous Work Pass

Below mentioned are some of the most common types of Singapore work permits.

Singapore Employment Pass

Employment Pass is issued to foreign professionals who-

• Are offered a job in Singapore.
• Work as a manager, executive, or in a specialized field.
• Earns minimum monthly salary of $4,500.
• Are candidates in the financial industry, with a fixed monthly salary of at least $5,000.
• Have acceptable credentials, such as a good university degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills.

Singapore EntrePass

The following are the requirements for obtaining a Singapore EntrePass-

• Have started, or plan to start, an ACRA-registered private limited company that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies.
• As an entrepreneur, innovator, or investor, you must meet any of the innovative criteria, such as an entrepreneurial track record and intellectual property. 
• You also need funding from the Singapore government. 
• You do not have to meet all the requirements for each profile, but having higher qualifications would benefit your application.

Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

The Personalised Employment Pass is intended for high-earning Employment Pass holders and overseas foreign professionals. You are eligible to apply for the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass if-

• You are an overseas foreign professional with a last-drawn fixed monthly salary of at least $18,000. 
• Before applying, you must have been employed for the last six months with a fixed salary
• You are an Employment Pass holder earning at least $12,000 per month.

Singapore S Pass

The S Pass for Singapore is necessary for mid-skilled foreign employees who meet the following eligibility criteria-

• Earn a minimum monthly salary of $2,500. Salary should be commensurate with experience.
• Possess a degree or diploma.
• You should have relevant work experience.

Singapore Dependent’s Pass

The Dependent’s Pass allows spouses and children of Employment Pass or S Pass owners to join them in Singapore. You can apply for a Dependent’s Pass on behalf of your family if you meet the following criteria-

• You should have an Employment Pass or an S Pass.
• Earn a minimum of $6,000 per month.
• You have support from a well-known, Singapore-registered company (usually your employer).

You can obtain a pass for the following members of your family-

• A spouse who is legally married.
• Children under the age of 21 who are not married, including legally adopted children

Documents required for Singapore work visa-

Although each type of Singapore work visa requires its own set of documents, all work visas require the following travel documents-

• Letter of appointment.
• A current passport.
• A completed application form for a Singapore work visa.
• A copy of your employment certificate.
• Proof of education/degree
• Two-color passport photographs.
• Describe the type of work you will be doing in Singapore.
• Again, depending on the work visa you are applying for, you will need additional documentation.

How to apply for a Singapore work visa?

Your employer or an Employment Agency can apply for a Singapore work visa through EP Online, the Ministry of Manpower’s online application service (MOM).

• Find work in Singapore.
• While you are in your home country, your employer or an Employment Agency (EA) will submit a work visa application through EP Online. The agency will be charged a visa processing fee.
• If your application is approved, your employer will receive an in-principle Approval (IPA) letter, which will allow you to enter Singapore.
• If your application is denied, your employer will be sent an in-principle Rejection letter. 
• You can travel to Singapore using your IPA letter.
• Once you arrive, your employer or an EA will apply for your Singapore work visa through EP Online. They will be charged another fee for the work pass itself.
• If your work pass is approved, you will be notified through a letter. This letter will tell you whether you need to have your photo and fingerprints submitted. It also allows you to begin work, leave and enter Singapore until your employment card arrives.
• You must register at the Employment Pass services center within two weeks of receiving your pass (EPSC).
• After registering, you will receive your pass card within 4 working days.

Key takeaways

• To get a work visa in Singapore, you must first need a job and an application from your employer.
• Depending on the type of work visa you are applying for, you might need additional documentation.
• A Dependant’s pass is applicable for your legally wedded spouse, and children under the age of 21, who are yet to be married, including legally adopted children.
• Your employer or an EA can apply for a Singapore work visa through the online application service, Ministry of Manpower.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your views in the comments below. Click here to reach out to us for more information on a Singapore work permit. We would be happy to assist you with your queries!

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FAQs

Q1. Can you apply for PR in Singapore?

Answer- You can apply for Singapore PR (permanent residence) if you are willing to invest in the country and back up your funds with proven entrepreneurial skills. This scheme, officially known as the Global Investor Programme (GIP Scheme), is also known as the Investor Scheme.

Q2. How much is the Singapore work permit visa fee?

Answer- The Singapore work visa fee is 30 USD for the application and 30 USD for renewal.

Q3. What are the highest-paying jobs in Singapore?

Answer- The executive positions are among the highest paying jobs in Singapore, with an average salary between 300,000 USD to 525,000 USD a year.