As a leading cosmopolitan business hub in the heart of Asia, Singapore has been welcoming foreign professionals and talent with open arms for many decades thus far. If you are planning for a move to Asia, Singapore is a great base to consider.
Already planning on a move to Singapore? That is a wise choice! But like any other relocation exercise, you will need to plan ahead to ensure you have all the right documentation in place to ensure a smooth and legal transition.
Need some help? Read on to learn about the 5 most common Work Visas that foreigners will need to apply for to work and live in Singapore.
Employment Pass (EP) Scheme – For Highly Skilled White-Collar Workers
If you are a highly skilled white-collar worker, working in a managerial or executive role or specialized job, you will be eligible for this scheme.
Key Eligibility Conditions include:
- You must already have a job offer from a company based in Singapore.
- Draw a fixed monthly wage of at least SGD 4,500 or SGD 5,000 for applicants in the financial services sector (the older and more experienced you are, you will require higher wages to be eligible)
- Want to bring in family members? You need to earn at least SGD 6,000 a month for spouse and children or at least SGD 12,000 for family members
- Have qualifications from a good university or other internationally accredited institutions.
One quick way to check your eligibility before applying is via this Singapore Government Online Tool!
If you are eligible, here are the next steps:
- In this scheme, the application has to be done by the employer or authorized third party on behalf of the applicant via the myMOM portal (for both the EP pass and any Dependant’s Pass or Long Term Visit Pass for family members)
- Application costs SGD 105 and the issued pass (if successful) will cost SGD 225
- An online application will take approximately 3 weeks (you can check the status online here)
- What you need to do is to provide the relevant documents to your employer for their submission:
- Passport particulars page
- Educational certificates
Upon approval, the duration of the Employment Pass will last up to 2 years, subject to renewal (6 months before it expires). Renewals are up to 3 years, dependant on prevailing eligibility criteria.
Ferris Wheel, Singapore by Jason Goh on Pixabay
Entrepreneur Pass Scheme (a.k.a Entrepass) – For Business Owners
If you are a serial entrepreneur, innovator, or experienced investor looking to set up shop in Singapore, this is the right pass for you.
Key Eligibility Conditions include:
- Starting or planning to start a private limited company registered in Singapore. (registered companies must be less than half a year old when applying).
- Meet criteria as an entrepreneur, innovator, or investor – the more criteria met, the higher the chances of a successful application:
Entrepreneur
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- The proposed business has raised funding of at least SGD 100,000 from an entity recognized by the Singapore Government
- Is part of an internationally renowned or recognized incubator or accelerator
- Has a good track record of starting and developing businesses, or recognition by media or industry, and more…
Innovator
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- Has intellectual property (IP) registered with an approved institution which gives a competitive advantage to the new business
- Has research collaboration with Singapore’s research institutes or institutes of higher learning related to the proposed business
- Has outstanding expertise in the area of proposed business and recognition or achievements for it.
Investor
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- Will to invest a significant sum of money in a local business
- Has a track record in investing and growing businesses
- Has a minimum of 8 years of experiences as senior management in a large corporation
- Tech entrepreneurs can apply under a separate Tech.Pass offered by the Economic Development Board of Singapore.
- Want to bring in family members? Your total annual business spend needs to be at least SGD 100,000 for spouse and children or at least SGD 200,000 for family members
Given that this pass is specially created to attract the development and creation of new innovative businesses in Singapore – not all types of proposed businesses will be eligible for this. Exclusions include businesses like coffee shops, bars, employment agencies, massage parlours, etc.
Need more clarity on the eligibility for this pass? Reach out to Enterprise Singapore ([email protected]) to clarify!
If you are eligible, here are the next steps:
- In this scheme, you can apply directly yourself via a soft copy application for to be submitted online via SingPass or here if you do not have SingPass
- Application costs SGD 105 – application will be processed only upon receiving payment
- Online application will take approximately 8 weeks (you can check the status online here)
Upon approval, the duration of the Employment Pass will last up to 1 year, subject to renewal. Renewals are up to 2 years, dependant on prevailing eligibility criteria – usually based on the growth of annual business and hiring of more local employees.
Singapore, photo on Pexels
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) Scheme – For High-Earning Professionals (One-off)
Planning to work in Singapore only for a short stint? If you also happen to be a high-earning professional, this could be a more convenient and flexible pass to apply for compared to the EP pass.
Key Eligibility Conditions include:
- Current EP holders must earn at least SGD 12,000 / monthly or SGD18,000 for new overseas applicants.
- Cannot be unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 months else the pass will be cancelled.
If you are eligible, here are the next steps:
- In this scheme, you can apply directly yourself via a soft copy application to be submitted online via SingPass or here if you do not have SingPass
- The application costs SGD 105 and the issued pass (if successful) will cost SGD 225
- The online application will take approximately 8 weeks (you can check the status online here)
Upon approval, the duration of the Employment Pass will last up to 3 years only can be issued once!
Singapore by Michael Siebert on Pixabay
S Pass Scheme – For Mid-Level Skilled Staff
Not a white-collar worker? Not to worry, this S pass scheme is catered especially for mid-skilled workers like yourself – with less stringent eligibility conditions.
Key Eligibility Conditions include:
- You must already have a job offer by a company based in Singapore.
- Draw a fixed monthly wage of at least SGD 2,500 (the older and more experienced you are, you will require higher wages to be eligible)
- Want to bring in family members? You need to earn at least SGD 6,000 a month for spouse and children
- Have a degree, diploma, or technical certificate from accredited institutions.
- Have relevant work experience in the field of work.
Make sure to check your eligibility before applying via this Singapore Government Online Tool! Note, if you are not eligible, do not apply, as it will definitely be rejected.
If you are eligible, here are the next steps:
- In this scheme, the application has to be done by the employer or authorized third party on behalf of the applicant via the myMOM portal (for both the EP pass and any Dependant’s Pass or Long Term Visit Pass for family members)
- Application costs SGD 105 and the issued pass (if successful) will cost SGD 100
- Online application will take approximately 3 weeks (you can check the status online here)
- What you need to do is to provide the relevant documents to your employer for their submission:
- Passport particulars page
- Educational certificates
Upon approval, the duration of the Employment Pass will last up to 2 years, subject to renewal (6 months before it expires). Renewals are up to 3 years, dependant on prevailing eligibility criteria and sufficient S pass quota.
Work Permit – For Semi-skilled Workers
If you are a semi-skilled worker in the following industries – foreign worker, foreign domestic worker, confinement nanny or performing artiste – this is the correct work pass you will require!
(1) Foreign worker in construction, manufacturing, shipyard or processing sectors
Eligibility Criteria:
- Sector-specific criteria (Check here)
Qualifying Salary: no minimum
Duration: Up to 2 years
Passes for Family: N/A
(2) foreign domestic Worker
Eligibility Criteria
- 23 to under 50 at point of application
- From an approved country
- Minimum 8 years of education
Qualifying Salary: No minimum
Passes for Family: N/A
(3) Malaysian confinement nannies
Eligibility Criteria
- 23 to 70 at point of application
- Work at employers’ residence
- Be a Malaysian
Qualifying Salary: No minimum
Duration:Up to 16 weeks starting from the birth of the child.
Passes for Family: N/A
(4) Performers in public entertainment outlets
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age of 18
- Not allowed to hold another Work Permit for 1 year after they stop work as a performing artiste.
- Must only perform jobs related to stage performance.
Duration:Up to 6 months.
Passes for Family: N/A
If you are eligible, here are the next steps:
- In this scheme, the application has to be done by the employer or authorized third party on behalf of the applicant via the WP Online Portal.
- The application costs SGD 35 and the issued pass (if successful) will cost SGD 35
- The online application will take approximately 1 -3 weeks depending on your profile
Apply for Your Singapore Work Permit Today!
Now wasn’t that straightforward and easy to follow? Hopefully, this guide to the different types of work permits and visas in Singapore has been helpful for you!
Make sure you provide the right information and documents when applying to ensure a smooth and efficient application!
And all the best with your applications!