Singapore Work Visa: Requirements, Types, Eligibility, Fees and Application Process

When it comes to Singapore, foreigners, one who is neither a Singapore Citizen nor a Singapore permanent resident, intending to work in Singapore must have a valid pass, commonly known as the Singapore Work Pass ( also known as Work Visa) before they start work. Employers engaging foreigners to work in Singapore must ensure that they hold a valid pass and make application to Ministry of Manpower.

Singapore Work Visa: Requirements, Types, Eligibility, Fees and Application Process

When it comes to Singapore, foreigners, one who is neither a Singapore Citizen nor a Singapore permanent resident, intending to work in Singapore must have a valid pass, commonly known as the Singapore Work Pass ( also known as Work Visa) before they start work. Employers engaging foreigners to work in Singapore must ensure that they hold a valid pass and make application to Ministry of Manpower.

Singapore authorities issue the work permit or Singapore work pass which enable foreigners to take up temporary or permanent work in the country. The work pass can be applied for by any qualified and skilled foreign national who wants to work in Singapore through an appointed employment agent or an employer.

As per the rules of Singapore work pass, employers engaging foreign employees must provide them with a salary for their services as determined by the Ministry of Manpower and maintain a security bond as well as health insurance.

The Singapore work pass allows semi-skilled foreign workers from approved source countries to work in certain sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or service sector where special Singapore regulations apply.

Requirements for Singapore Work Permit or Work Pass

Foreign workers seeking work in Singapore shall need to comply with the following requirements
In addition to the above-mentioned points, foreign workers working in Singapore shall also need to comply with

Everything You Want To Know About Singapore Tech.Pass 2021

Types of Work Visa issued by Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

The Ministry of Manpower issues different types of Singapore work passes and allows all foreigners who wish to work in this country. All foreigners must avail a valid Singapore work pass before they start working in Singapore.

The different types of work visa which are issued by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower officials based on applicants qualification, skill level, experience, nature and scope of work, purpose and status etc. and are categorized as

1. For Professionals

Employment Pass allows foreign professionals, managers and executives to work in Singapore. Candidates must earn SGD 4500 per month and have acceptable qualifications.

EntrePass allows eligible foreigners to start and operate a new business in Singapore.

Personalized Employment Pass is for high earning employment Pass holders and overseas foreign professionals.

2. For Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers

S Pass allows mid-level skilled staff to work in Singapore and candidates need to earn a minimum SGD 2500 per month.

Work Permit for foreign workers allows semi-skilled foreign workers from approved source countries to work in certain sectors.

Work Permit for foreign domestic workers applies when you are hiring a foreign domestic worker to work in Singapore.

Besides, there are other forms of Singapore Work Pass including Work Permit for confinement nanny and performing artists.

3. For Trainees and Students
4. For Family Members
5. Exemptions and Working While on a Visit Pass
Singapore Work Visa Fees
Singapore Work Pass fees for some main types are
Type of Pass Existing Fees Revised Fees
Employment Pass SGD 70 for application & SGD 150 for issuance/renewal SGD 105 for application & SGD 225 for issuance/ renewal
EntrePass SGD 70 for application & SGD 150 for issuance/renewal SGD 105 for application & SGD 225 for issuance/ renewal
Personalized Employment Pass SGD 70 for application & SGD 150 for issuance/ renewal SGD 105 for application & SGD 225 for issuance/renewal
S Pass SGD 60 for application & SGD for issuance/renewal SGD 75 for application & SGD 100 for issuance/ renewal
Work Permit (Foreign Domestic Worker) SGD 30 for application & SGD 30 for issuance/renewal SGD 35 for application & SGD 35 for Issuance/ renewal
Work Permit (Foreign Worker) SGD 30 for application & SGD 30 for issuance/renewal SGD 35 for application & SGD 35 for issuance/ renewal
Changes in Singapore Work Visa Requirements
In the wake of Singapore’s weakening economy and job prospects for local Singaporeans during post-pandemic, the Ministry of Manpower announced on 27th of August 2020 that Singapore would amend the minimum salary requirement for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass categories of Singapore work Pass including the job advertising requirements under the Fair Consideration Framework (“FCF”). A brief outline of the proposed amendments are

Penalties for non-compliance include debarring employers from applying for new passes, renewing existing work passes for up to 12 months and in case if major non-compliance might extend up to 24 months, prosecution of employers and key personnel and if convicted, imprisonment up to 2 years or SGD 20K fine or both.

The update reflects the Singapore Government’s recognition of strong Singaporean workforce as an important part of the country’s labour market.

Want to learn more about Singapore Work VISA?
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Application Procedure for Singapore Work VISA

Following steps need to be followed if you wish to avail Singapore work Visa or work permit
Submission of Application involves the following steps

Singapore’s workforce is made up of more than 40 per cent non-residents and post-pandemic, the nation is tightening their rules and standards for Singapore Work Pass for overseas workers to protect local jobs.

Besides becoming more complex, the Singapore work pass is both harder to get and more time consuming than before as the MOM officials are scrutinizing the Work Visa cases more stringently and critically. The Work Visa processing that used to take 7 to 10 days earlier is currently taking more than 3 weeks.

Needless to say, outsourcing a local consultancy providing Work Visa Services in Singapore and aware of local laws and requirements has become a present-day necessity for Singapore Work Pass aspirants.

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