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Work in Singapore, which Work Pass is best in Singapore?
All foreigners who plan to work in Singapore must have obtained a valid pass (more commonly known as a work visa) before they start work. Any company or business who plans to hire foreigners to work in Singapore must ensure that they have obtained a valid pass for that employee.
Work Passes in Singapore are split into the following groups: Professionals, Skilled and Semi-skilled workers, Trainees and Students and Family members.
Key Points
- All foreign workers and students require a valid pass (subject to certain exemptions).
- Passes are available for the following groups: Professions, skilled and semi skilled workers, trainees/students and family members.
- Exemptions are available for certain activities.
Professionals
The following employment passes are available for professionals in Singapore. Professionals are defined as foreign workers who:
- Have a job offer in Singapore.
- Work in a managerial, executive or specialised job.
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $4,500 (more experienced candidates need higher salaries).
- Have appropriate qualifications, usually a university degree, professional qualifications or specialist skills.
| Type of Pass | Who is this pass for? |
| Employment Pass |
For foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates need to have a monthly salary of at least $4,500 and also satisfy the qualification requirements. |
| EntrePass | This pass is available for eligible foreign entrepreneurs who plan to open and operate a business in Singapore. This business must be venture-backed or possess innovative technologies. |
| Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | The PEP is available to high-earning employees who are existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. The PEP offers greater flexibility than an Employment Pass. |
Please note, there are no foreign worker quotas applied to any of the passes mentioned above.
Skilled and semi-skilled workers
The following passes have been specifically designed for working mid-level skilled and semi-skilled workers and are an attractive option for those who do not qualify for the Professional options listed above.
| Type of Pass | Who is this pass for? |
| S Pass | The S Pass is available to mid-level skilled staff. In order to qualify, candidates need to earn at least $2,500 a month and satisfy the relevant assessment criteria. |
| Work Permit for migrant workers | Available to semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. |
| Work Permit for migrant domestic worker | Available to migrant domestic workers (MDWs) who plan 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. |
Please note that the S Pass enforces a quota on the maximum number of S Pass holders a company can hire.
This ratio has been set at:
– For service industry businesses, 15% of the staff can be S Pass holders;
– For other industries, the maximum number of S-Pass holders is 20%.
Employers are not allowed to hire more than this set percentage of employees.
Trainees and students
| Type of Pass | Who is this pass for? |
| Training Employment Pass | For foreign professionals undergoing practical training. Eligible 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 undertake a working holiday in Singapore (for up to 6 months). |
| Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programme) | For Australian students and graduates aged 18 to 30 who want to undertake a working holiday in Singapore (for up to 1 year). |
| Training Work Permit | For semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months. |
Family members
The following passes are available for dependents of workers or students who hold a valid pass in Singapore. Dependents include groups such as spouses, children and close family such as parents.
| Type of Pass | Who is this pass for? |
| Dependant’s Pass | For spouses and children of qualifying Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
| Long Term Visit Pass | For parents, common-law spouses, step-children or handicapped children of qualifying 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
While most forms of employment and study in Singapore require the applicant to acquire the relevant Pass, there are some exemptions for certain activities.
| Type of Pass | Who is this pass for? |
| Miscellaneous Work Pass | For foreign speakers, religious workers and journalists taking on a short-term work assignment in Singapore (for up to 60 days). |
| Work Pass Exempt Activities | For performing eligible short-term activities without a work pass. Candidates are required to notify the Ministry of Manpower (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. |
How can our team of experts can help?
Obtaining an Employment Pass has long been a troublesome procedure for applicants. If you need more information about the different types of Passes available in Singapore, you can book a consultation with one of our experts.
This consultation will allow you to receive dependable advice and quickly figure out the best option for your particular needs.
Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Our consultations last for a period of 1 hour and are conducted by our expert lawyers who are fluent in English, French and Thai.
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