Guide to Work Passes and Permits in Singapore

Are you planning to relocate to Singapore for work? Or maybe you have a foreign-owned business and need to bring in foreign talent? In Singapore, foreign nationals must hold the right work pass or permit to work in the country legally.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the different types of work passes and permits in Singapore, their requirements, and how they can benefit your business.

Understanding Singapore’s Work Pass system

Unlike tourist or entry visas, which only allow short-term stays of up to 30 or 90 days, Singapore’s work passes and permits grant foreign nationals the legal right to work and reside in the country for a longer period.

If you’re a foreign professional planning to work in Singapore, you cannot simply enter on a tourist visa and start working. Instead, your employer (or an authorized representative such as Emerhub) must apply for a valid work pass on your behalf before you enter Singapore.

Once your application is approved, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which serves as a single-entry visa for eligible nationalities. This letter also allows you to enter Singapore and complete your pass issuance process once you arrive.

Key Work Passes for Foreign Professionals Entering Singapore

Employment Pass (EP) for Executives and Specialists

The Employment Pass (EP) is a popular option for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. It’s also essential if you’re looking to hire these skilled professionals and submit their relevant academic or professional credentials when making the application on their behalf.

The employee must meet a list of eligibility criteria: 

• A job offer from a Singapore-based company.
• The minimum monthly salary is SGD 5,000 for non-financial sectors and SGD 5,600 for financial sectors. Higher thresholds apply to experienced or senior-level professionals.
• Recognized qualifications (i.e., a university degree or equivalent experience).

Employers must also justify the hiring of a foreigner by demonstrating the lack of local candidates with similar qualifications or experience. 

S Pass for Mid-Skilled Foreign Workers

The S Pass caters to mid-level skilled workers in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and services. With the S Pass, your company can more easily find workers who have skills that are needed but may not be available locally. Here are the key requirements of S Pass:

• A valid job offer from a Singapore company.
• Minimum salary of SGD 3,150 (rising to SGD 3,300 from 1 September 2025 for non-financial sectors).
• Relevant qualifications or diplomas.
• Subject to quota limits and a monthly levy, based on company headcount and sector.

EntrePass for Foreign Entrepreneurs 

Unlike the Employment Pass or S Pass, which are designed for foreign professionals joining existing companies, the EntrePass is specifically for founders, inventors, and early-stage business owners who want to set up a business in Singapore. To qualify, you’ll need:

• A solid business plan: Your application must include a clear outline of your business model, value proposition, and projected growth.
• Minimum funding or innovation criteria: Although there’s no official paid-up capital requirement, your business should be venture-backed or supported by a recognized incubator or demonstrate innovation and scalability.
• Job creation potential: The business should eventually contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities for Singaporeans or permanent residents.

Other Types of Singapore Work Passes

Dependant Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass for Family Members

For many foreign professionals moving to Singapore, relocating alone isn’t always ideal–  especially if they’re planning a long-term commitment to your company. This is where the Dependent Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) helps with the equation. 

These passes enable eligible family members of Employment Pass and S Pass holders to live in Singapore, creating a more stable and supporting environment for your talent. 

• Dependent Pass: This is issued to legally married spouses and children under the age of 21, including legally adopted children.
• Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For common-law spouses, stepchildren, and handicapped children. It doesn’t offer the same privileges as the Dependent Pass (like automatic work eligibility), but it allows extended family members to stay in Singapore longer term.

Training Employment Pass for Foreign Trainees

If you’re looking to build international expertise or offer cross-border training programs, the Training Employment Pass (TEP) is an excellent way to bring foreign trainees into Singapore for hands-on learning. It’s ideal for companies wanting to strengthen their workforce capabilities without making a full-time hire.

This pass is specifically designed for foreign professionals or students undergoing practical training that’s tied to their current field of study or professional background. Key requirements include: 

• A Valid Job Offer from a Singapore company.
• The program must last between 3 to 12 months, giving trainees ample time to gain practical skills while keeping the scope focused and time-bound.

Personalized Employment Pass for High-Earning Expats (optional)

If you’re a high-earning professional looking for flexibility in your career, the Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) is tailor-made for you. Unlike other work passes, the PEP is not tied to a specific employer, giving you the freedom to explore new job opportunities without the hassle of reapplying every time you switch roles.

With the PEP, you get more than just a work pass, it offers an increased level of flexibility and greater control over your career path in Singapore. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Flexibility to Switch Employers: No need to apply for a new pass if you decide to change employers– the PEP moves with you.
• High Earning Potential: You’ll need to meet a minimum salary requirement of SGD 22,500/month, for both EP holders and overseas candidates.
• Family-Friendly: Your spouse and children under 21 can join you in Singapore under the same pass, making it easier to settle down with your family.

To be eligible for the PEP, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Current EP Holders: Must earn a fixed monthly salary of SGD 22,500/month or more, at the time of application.
  Overseas Candidates: Must earn at least a fixed salary of SGD 22,500/month, drawn within the last 6 months before you apply.
• Annual Salary Requirement: To maintain the PEP, you must earn a fixed annual salary of at least SGD 270,000.
• Validity: The PEP is valid for 3 years and is non-renewable.

The PEP is ideal for professionals who want to build a long-term career in Singapore while keeping their options open.  

Work Permit in Singapore for Semi and Unskilled Workers

In Singapore, the Work Permit in Singapore is issued to foreign workers hired for semi-skilled or unskilled roles, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, marine, process, and services. These roles are essential to the country’s labor market, but they don’t require advanced qualifications or professional certifications.

To qualify for a Work Permit, workers must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Come from a list of approved source countries, such as Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, China, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
• Have a valid job offer from a Singapore-registered employer
• Pass a medical examination, especially if the job is physically demanding.

Work Permits are tied to a specific employer and role, which means workers cannot freely switch jobs without approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Employers, on their part, must meet several requirements. This includes:

• Staying within sector-specific quota limits
• Offering medical insurance 
• Paying a monthly foreign worker levy (a fee that varies depending on the industry). 

Once the work permit is approved, the MOM will issue the IPA letter, allowing the worker to enter Singapore and complete the remaining steps. While the process is straightforward on paper, it often involves navigating quotas, verifying documents, and managing tight timelines. Emerhub manages the entire application on your behalf– from quota checks to submission and follow-ups – ensuring everything stays compliant and on track.

How to Apply for a Work Pass or Permit in Singapore

Step-by-Step Application Process for Singapore’s Work Pass

Applying for a work pass or permit in Singapore can be extensive with multiple requirements for you to meet– but with assistance from the right experts such as Emerhub, the process can be made much more simplified. Here’s how we can support you: 

• Check your Eligibility: We’ll assess which work pass is best for your situation, ensuring you meet all the criteria.
• Gather Documents: We’ll provide you with a list of necessary documents, such as your job offer letter, passport, and any other required proof.
• Application Submission: We’ll submit the complete application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on your behalf, ensuring everything is accurate and complete.
• Wait for In-Principal Approval: Once approved, we’ll notify you of your In-Person Approval (IPA) letter and let you know when it’s ready for you to enter Singapore.
• Travel to Singapore: After receiving your IPA, you can travel to Singapore within the specified timeline in the letter. We’ll ensure you have all the info you need for a smooth entry.

Required Documents and Processing Timeline

When applying for a work pass in Singapore, you’ll need to prepare several mandatory documents. Below is a list of key requirements:

• A valid passport for at least 6 months.
• A formal offer from a Singapore-based employer. 
• For certain passes like the Employment Pass or S Pass, proof of qualifications may be required.
• For physically demanding jobs, a health check will be required. 
• For passes requiring a minimum salary, documentation to support the salary figure is mandatory. 

Work pass applications typically take 3 to 8 business days to process, depending on the pass type. In some cases, it may take longer. Since expedited services are not available, it’s important to apply in advance.

To avoid delays and ensure a smooth process, Emerhub offers expert assistance in handling your work pass application. Our team will manage the paperwork, keep you updated, and help you get approved faster. 

Post-Arrival Visa Requirements and Final Registration

After you arrive in Singapore, one final step remains before you can begin working– biometric registration at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC). This is typically required within 7 working days and must be done in person. Emerhub will help you schedule your appointment, prepare your supporting documents, and ensure you complete this final step without any hiccups.

Need help to streamline your visa application process in Singapore? Contact us via the form below to get in touch with our experts!