Singapore
What are different types of work visas for Singapore?. Navigating the intricate process of working in Singapore as a foreigner demands adherence to strict regulations concerning work passes. Commonly referred to as work visas, these passes are obligatory for all individuals intending to seek employment in Singapore. Whether you’re an employer hiring foreign talent or an individual aspiring to work in the city-state, understanding the intricacies of these passes, determining eligibility criteria, and navigating the application process are crucial steps to ensure compliance and a seamless transition into the Singaporean workforce.
Professionals
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass | For foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates need to earn at least $5,000 a month and pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). |
| EntrePass | For foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies. |
| Personalised Employment Pass | For high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. The PEP offers greater flexibility than an Employment Pass. |
| Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass | For top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, as well as academia and research. |
Skilled and semi-skilled workers
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
| S Pass | For skilled workers. Candidates need to earn at least $3,150 a month. |
| Work Permit for migrant worker | For skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. |
| Work Permit for migrant domestic worker | For migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to work in Singapore. |
| Work Permit for confinement nanny | For Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore for up to 16 weeks starting from the birth of the employer’s child. |
| Work Permit for performing artiste | For foreign performers working in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs. |
Trainees and students
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
| Training Employment Pass | For foreign professionals undergoing practical training. Candidates must earn at least $3,000 a month. |
| Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme) | For students and graduates aged 18 to 25 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months. |
| Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programmes) | For Australian and New Zealander students and graduates aged 18 to 30 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 12 months. |
| Training Work Permit | For semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months. |
Family members
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
| Dependant’s Pass | For spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
| Long-Term Visit Pass | For parents, common-law spouses, step-children or handicapped children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
| Pre-approved Letter of Consent | For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+ issued by ICA. The holder is pre-approved to work in Singapore. They can only apply for a PLOC when applying for, or renewing the LTVP/LTVP+. |
| Letter of Consent for ICA-issued LTVP/LTVP+ holders | For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+ issued by ICA. The LOC allows the holder to work in Singapore. The employer must apply for the LOC. |
| Letter of Consent for Dependant’s Pass holders who are business owners | For eligible Dependant’s Pass holders who wish to operate a business. |
Exemptions and working while on a visit pass
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
| Miscellaneous Work Pass | For foreign speakers, religious workers and journalists taking on a short-term work assignment of up to 60 days in Singapore. |
| Work Pass Exempt Activities | For performing eligible short-term activities without a work pass. Candidates must still notify MOM of their activities. |
| Work pass exemption for foreign students | For foreign students studying full-time at an approved school or institution in Singapore. |
| Work passes for holders of Long-Term Visit Passes issued by ICA | For foreigners married to a Singaporean or permanent resident, or parents accompanying a child who is studying in Singapore. |
