Knowing Singapore’s work permit conditions is essential to get hired there. Singapore provides work visas tailored to various classes of international employees, from experts to students.
Below is an extensive manual of Singapore’s work permits and passes, comprising major updates starting in 2025.
Table of Contents
Types Of Employment Permits In Singapore
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary employment visa for international experts, supervisors, and administrators. Applicants must satisfy certain income conditions and indicate their specialty via COMPASS to be eligible.
Major Prerequisites
- The least fixed monthly income is $5,000, raising with age to $10,500 for people in their middle 40s.
- Applicants must pass the complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which assesses candidates depending on certifications, employment skills, and the employing firm’s contributions to Singapore’s economy.
Key Changes
- From 1 January 2025, the Employment Pass eligibility income will rise to:
- $5,600 for most industries.
- $6,200 for the monetary services industry.
- These new thresholds intend to ensure competitiveness and entice highly experienced experts.
- For renewals, the revised income thresholds will begin on 1 January 2026, allowing existing pass holders to satisfy the updated conditions.
- The modifications align with Singapore’s broader efforts to boost its workforce by ensuring that international skills complement the local labor market.
EntrePass
Desiring businesspeople can investigate EntrePass, which was formed for international entrepreneurs looking for ways to develop creative businesses in Singapore.
Qualification Measures
- Your business is required to be venture-backed or engage creative technologies.
- Candidates must offer a strong business plan and indicate how their business will contribute to Singapore’s economy.
- Priority is provided to enterprises in development sectors, including tech startups—sustainable energy and biotechnology.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) provides more adjustability than the standard Employment Pass, which can benefit high-income Pass holders and experts abroad.
Who Can Apply
- Existing Employment Pass holders get paid a fixed monthly income of a minimum of $12,000.
- Foreign experts get paid a fixed monthly income of at least $18,000.
- The Personalised Employment Pass enables employment seekers to change employers without making another application for a new pass, given they inform the Ministry of Manpower within a specific duration.
Overseas Network And Expertise Pass
The Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass provides top skills in different areas, including arts, culture, business, academia, sports, and research.
Major Advantages
- Authentic for five years, enabling pass holders to operate in several positions or begin their businesses.
- It is meant to entice people who can majorly contribute to Singapore’s global standing in their different areas.
Work Permits For Skilled And Semi-skilled Employees
S Pass
The S Pass is for skilled employees who are paid a minimum of $3,150 monthly in most sectors, and the amount increases with age.
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Additional Information
- Employers are required to satisfy specific quotas and levy conditions to employ S Pass holders.
- Applicants must possess the necessary certifications, including a degree, specialized skills credentials, and a diploma.
Work Permit for Migrant Employees
This permit applies to skilled and semi-skilled employees in the building, production, marine shipyards, and services sectors.
Major Features
- Work permits are bound to certain employers; employees cannot change employment without prior authorization.
- Employers are required to offer adequate accommodation and medical insurance for work permit holders.
Permits For Trainees And Students
Training Employment Pass
- For international experts undergoing practical internship.
- The lowest income condition is $3,000 monthly.
- Beneficial for structured internship schemes provided by Singapore-based employers.
- The pass is authentic for up to three months, with expansions subject to authorization.
Work Holiday Pass
- For students and graduates between the ages of 18 to 25.
- Enables job and travel in Singapore for up to 6 months under the Work Holiday scheme.
- It is available to citizens of certain nations, including Australia, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Japan.
- Candidates must indicate evidence of registration in an identified institution or current graduation.
Work Pass Exclusion For Students
International students registered full-time at endorsed universities in Singapore may be eligible for work pass exclusions.
Qualification Information
- Students can operate part-time during school term (16 hours weekly) and full-time during holidays without additional permits.
- This exclusion applies only to university students endorsed by Singapore’s Ministry of Education.
Training Work Permit
- Formed for international students or interns in training attachment schemes.
- Authentic for up to six months
- Candidates must be sponsored by a Singapore-based firm and satisfy specific measures outlined by the Ministry of Manpower.
Keynote: Even for students, operating in Singapore without an authentic work pass is a crime. Offenders may face fines, deportation, or prohibition on future jobs in Singapore.
Why Work In Singapore
Singapore is a global center for business and creativity, providing several prospects for international employees. The visa system also guarantees explanations for experts, businesspeople, and students, making it more straightforward to contribute to and benefit from the nation’s active economy.
In conclusion, whether you are an expert, businessperson, skilled employee, or student, Singapore provides a tailored visa to satisfy your needs. To guarantee an easy application procedure, keep track of the current visa updates, which include income thresholds and renewal guidelines. For more details, visit Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower web page.
