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Singapore remains at the crossroads of some of the most culturally diverse places on Earth. It also boasts a thriving business community and diverse industries that appeal to workers from many different nations.

To work in Singapore as a foreigner, however, you need a Singapore work permit. There are many different Singapore visa types, each with their own set of qualifying factors and unique applications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Singapore work visa requirements, so you’ll be set up for hiring success.

Singapore Visa Types

Singapore offers a range of work permits and visas tailored to different skill levels and employment categories. Here's a breakdown:

Professionals

Employment Pass (EP)

Purpose: For foreign professionals, managers, and executives working in managerial, executive, or specialized roles.
Eligibility: Typically requires a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,000 (higher for older applicants), a recognized degree or professional qualification, and relevant work experience.
Fees: The application fee is S$105.

EntrePass

Purpose: For foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a new business in Singapore.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as having funding from a recognized venture capitalist or angel investor, possessing innovative technology, or having a strong business track record.
Fees: The application fee is S$105.

Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)

Purpose: For high-earning foreign professionals who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$18,000.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet the salary criteria and have a strong employment track record.
Fees: The application fee is S$105, and the pass issuance fee is S$225.

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass

Purpose: For top-tier foreign talent in fields like science and technology, arts and culture, research and academia, and business and industry.
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate exceptional achievements and expertise in their field and meet the qualifying salary criteria (S$22,500 fixed monthly salary).
Fees: The application fee is S$105, and the pass issuance fee is S$225

Skilled and semi-skilled workers

S Pass

Purpose: For mid-level skilled staff who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 (higher for older applicants).
Eligibility: Applicants must meet the salary criteria, possess relevant qualifications, and have work experience in the relevant field.
Fees: The application fee is S$105.

Work permit for migrant workers

Purpose: For semi-skilled workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine, and process sectors.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Singaporean employer and meet the specific requirements for their sector.
Fees: The application fee varies depending on the sector and duration of the work permit.

Work permit for migrant domestic workers

Purpose: For foreign domestic workers employed in Singaporean households.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific age and educational requirements and pass a mandatory settling-in program.
Fees: The application fee is S$30.

Work permit for confinement nanny

Purpose: For foreign nationals who provide specialized care for mothers and newborns during the postpartum period.
Eligibility: Applicants must have relevant experience and qualifications and meet specific health and character requirements.
Fees: The application fee is S$30.

Work permit for performing artist

Purpose: For foreign nationals engaged in artistic performances, such as singers, dancers, and musicians.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Singaporean entertainment company and meet specific criteria related to their artistic skills and experience.
Fees: The application fee is S$105.

Trainees and students

Training Employment Pass (TEP)

Purpose: For foreign professionals undergoing practical training in Singapore.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Singaporean company and meet specific salary and qualification requirements.
Fees: The application fee is S$105.

Work Holiday Pass

Purpose: For young adults (aged 18-25) from eligible countries who want to experience working and holidaying in Singapore.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific nationality, age, and educational requirements.
Fees: The application fee is S$105.

Training work permit

Purpose: For foreign trainees and students undergoing practical training attachments in Singapore.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a valid training agreement with a Singaporean company and meet specific age and educational requirements.
Fees: The application fee varies depending on the duration of the training.

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To be eligible, the foreign worker must fulfill these Singapore work visa requirements:

Be employed in a work permit job.
Have a valid passport.
Be medically fit to work in Singapore.
Have a basic understanding of English.

The COMPASS Framework

As of September 1, 2023, Singapore introduced the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to evaluate EP applications. This points-based system aims to create a more transparent and objective process for assessing foreign professionals while also prioritizing skills that are in high demand and supporting the growth of a strong local workforce.

How does COMPASS work?

COMPASS evaluates EP applications based on a two-stage process:

Stage 1: Qualifying Salary

Applicants must meet the prevailing qualifying salary for EPs, which is regularly updated and benchmarked to the top 1/3 of local Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) salaries by age.

Stage 2: COMPASS Points

If the applicant meets the qualifying salary, their application is then assessed based on the COMPASS framework.
COMPASS awards points based on six criteria:some text
- Salary: How the applicant's salary compares to local PMETs in the same occupation and age group.
- Qualifications: Whether the applicant holds qualifications from top-tier institutions or in areas of skills shortages.
- Nationality: Diversity of nationalities within the firm.
- Shortage Occupation List: Whether the application is for a job on the Shortage Occupation List.
- Firm's Employment Growth: Whether the firm is creating jobs for locals.
- Support for Local Employment: Whether the firm has a strong record of sponsoring Employment Passes for its local employees.

What is the COMPASS scoring system?

Each of the six criteria can award 0, 10, or 20 points, depending on how well the applicant meets or exceeds expectations. To be eligible for an EP, applicants must score at least 40 points in total.

What is exempted from COMPASS?

While COMPASS applies to most new EP applications, certain categories are exempt, such as:

Applicants who are eligible for the Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
Applicants who are eligible for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass

Employer Responsibilities

Hiring foreign workers in Singapore comes with certain responsibilities that your organization must fulfill in order to remain compliant with Singapore work permit regulations put in place to maintain a fair and ethical workplace.

As an employer, you’re responsible for:

Applying for the Singapore work permit: You must submit a valid work permit application on behalf of your foreign employee through the Ministry of Manpower (MoM)'s online portal. The application must include accurate information about the employee, the job offer, and your company. You'll need to meet specific requirements and pay the associated fees.

Paying the levy: Depending on the type of work permit and the employee's qualifications, you may be required to pay a monthly levy to the government. The levy is a fee that contributes to regulating the number of foreign workers in Singapore. The amount varies depending on the sector and skill level of the employee.

Providing accommodation: For certain work permit categories, such as work permits for migrant workers, you are responsible for providing acceptable accommodation for your foreign employees. The accommodation must meet specific standards set by the MoM to ensure the well-being of your employees.

Ensuring fair treatment: You must treat your foreign employees fairly and with respect, in accordance with Singapore's employment laws and regulations. This includes providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and adequate rest days. You must also not discriminate against your foreign employees based on their nationality, race, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

Steps for Applying for Singapore Work Permits

The process for applying for a Singapore work permit involves several steps, all of which must be completed accurately and in a timely fashion to ensure a smooth and successful application. Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Employers apply for Singapore work permits online.

The first step is to submit a work permit application online through the Ministry of Manpower (MoM)'s website.
You'll need to create an account and provide detailed information about your company and the foreign employee you wish to hire.
You'll also need to upload supporting documents, such as the employee's educational qualifications and employment contract.

2. Employer receives in-principal approval (IPA) letter.

If the application is successful, you'll receive an In-Principal Approval (IPA) letter from the MoM.
The IPA letter is a provisional approval that indicates the MoM is willing to issue a work permit, subject to certain conditions being met.

3. Employee travels to Singapore with IPA letter.

The foreign employee can then travel to Singapore with the IPA letter.
They will need to present the IPA letter at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival.

4. Employer applies online for work visa issuance.

Once the employee has arrived in Singapore, you'll need to apply online for the issuance of their work visa.
This application must be submitted within the timeframe specified in the IPA letter.

5. Employer receives issuance notification letter.

If the work visa application is successful, you'll receive an issuance notification letter from the MoM.
This letter confirms that the work visa has been issued and provides instructions on how to proceed.

6. Employee registers at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).

The final step is for the employee to register in person at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
They will need to bring their original passport, IPA letter, and issuance notification letter to the appointment.
At the EPSC, they will have their fingerprints and photograph taken and receive their work permit card.

Things to Consider When Applying for Singapore Work Permits

Applying for a Singapore work permit involves more than just filling out forms and submitting documents, as outlined by MoM here. Here are some key factors to consider to ensure a smooth and successful application process:

Job offer

Contract terms: The employment contract should be comprehensive and clearly outline the terms and conditions of employment, including salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination procedures. Make sure the contract complies with Singapore's employment laws and regulations.

Salary and benefits: The offered salary must meet the minimum qualifying salary for the specific work permit category. The benefits package should be competitive and comply with relevant regulations, including medical insurance and, for certain categories, housing allowances.

Job responsibilities: The job responsibilities should be clearly defined and aligned with the employee's skills and experience. Also, the job scope should accurately reflect the nature of the work and the required qualifications.

Medical fitness

Pre-employment medical check: Depending on the work permit category, the foreign employee may be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination. This ensures they are medically fit to work in Singapore and do not pose any health risks.

Health insurance: You must provide medical insurance for your foreign employee that meets the minimum coverage requirements set by MoM. The insurance should cover hospitalization, surgery, and other essential medical expenses.

Accommodation

Employer provided/self-arranged: For certain work permit categories, you may be required to provide accommodation for your foreign employee. If you choose to provide accommodation, it must meet the standards set by MoM. Alternatively, the employee can arrange their own accommodation, but you'll need to provide proof of their address to MoM.

Legal and regulatory compliance

Work permit conditions: Familiarize yourself with the specific conditions of the Singapore work permit, such as restrictions on changing employers or engaging in other employment. Make sure your foreign employee understands and adheres to these conditions.

Immigration laws: Stay up to date on Singapore's immigration laws and regulations, as they can change periodically. Ensure your foreign employee has the necessary travel documents and meets all entry requirements.

Cultural and social adjustments

Cultural awareness: Promote cultural sensitivity and understanding within your workplace to help your foreign employee integrate smoothly. Provide resources and support to help them adjust to the local culture and customs.

Social integration: Encourage social interaction and team-building activities to help your foreign employee feel welcome and included. Provide information about local communities and resources that can support their social integration.

Streamline Your Work Permit Application Process with Omni

The Singapore work permit is far more than just a visa—it’s a ticket to one of the most dynamic and economically vibrant destinations in the world. This vital travel document enables both professionals and businesses to become part of Singapore’s thriving business community, contributing to its growth while reaping the benefits of a world-class living environment.

In the backdrop of these Singapore visa types, the COMPASS framework, and other regulatory changes, technology can help manage the various documents and Singapore work visa requirements needed to support your foreign talent.

Omni allows your organization to securely and centrally manage employee information, such as proof of qualifications and written consent necessary to obtain a Singapore work permit.

Our employee portal makes it easy for employees to upload and update their information, centralizing critical information, including Singapore work permits, expiry dates, and renewal reminders. This ensures your work permit Singapore management meets the regulations set by the government.

Omni’s localized payroll offers tailored solutions for Singapore’s work visa requirements. With features like support for SGD, automated tax calculations, and managed CPF contributions, Omni can help HR teams simplify their payroll processing and ensure compliance.

With our automated payroll software, digitized and secure pay slip distribution, and dedicated support teams to guide your team and ensure compliance, Omni’s payroll processing reduces the administrative burden of your HR team and frees up valuable time to dedicate to more impactful business processes.

Book a demo today and learn how Omni can help you streamline your Singapore work permit applications while ensuring compliance for your organization.

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