Types of MOM Work Pass in Singapore

Singapore has a variety of work passes with different sets of requirements by MOM which are divided into:

• Passes for Professionals:  
  • Employment Pass (for foreign professionals, managers and executives)
  • EntrePass (for foreign entrepreneurs to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies)
  • Personalised Employment Pass (for high-earning Employment Pass holders and overseas foreign professionals)
• Passes for Skilled and Semi-skilled workers
  • S Pass (for foreign mid-level skilled staff)
  • Work Permit for migrant workers (for semi-skilled migrant workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector)
  • Work Permit for migrant domestic workers (for migrant domestic workers to work in Singapore)
  • Work Permit for confinement nanny (for Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore)
  • Work Permit for performing artiste (for foreign performances working in public entertainment outlets)
• Trainees and Student
  • Training Employment Pass (for foreign professionals undergoing practical training)
  • Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme) (for foreign eligible students and young graduates from approved countries to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months)
  • Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programme) (only for Australian students and graduates to work and holiday in Singapore for 12 months)  
  • Training Work Permit (for semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months)

How To Apply for Work Visa in Singapore?

All work pass applications must be filed by an authorized corporate service provider with an Employment Agency license or a sponsoring company. Applications can be either online or manually by the hiring company or an employment agency to MOM Singapore. Online work pass applications are submitted through a Portal and will take 3 weeks or longer to process. Manual applications are submitted over the counter and will take 8 weeks or longer to process.

MOM will review and conduct stringent assessments on the applications in line with the current requirements and regulations. For example, candidates applying for a Singapore Employment Pass are higher earners with work experience and acceptable qualifications.

Requirements to work in Singapore

Before starting an application for a work pass, there are 4 steps that you can take to successfully obtain a Singapore Work Pass:

1. Find the most suitable work pass
   • Since there are various types of work pass and different assessment criteria from MOM, it is important to research and figure out which visa is the most suitable for you. Knowing the right work pass will help prepare the right documents required and increase the chance for a successful application.
2. Prepare relevant documents and educational qualifications
   • A valid passport and educational qualifications / certificates play an important role in the process of a work pass application. Submitted documents must be in English or translated and verified to English by an official channel.
3. Explain unique work experience (if required by MOM Singapore)
   • Explain and describe candidate’s work experience so that it rationalized with why the candidate is chosen for the position. A detailed explanation should show case candidate’s suitability and extensive work experience compared to hiring a local for the role
4. Hire an external expert advisor
   • For a smooth and hassle-free work pass application, consider getting expert advise and consultation. You may contact us at contact@rdpass.com.sg or visit our website for advice on the most suitable work pass and assistance for an easy application.

• Passes for Professionals:  
  • Employment Pass (for foreign professionals, managers and executives)
  • EntrePass (for foreign entrepreneurs to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies)
  • Personalised Employment Pass (for high-earning Employment Pass holders and overseas foreign professionals)
• Passes for Skilled and Semi-skilled workers
  • S Pass (for foreign mid-level skilled staff)
  • Work Permit for migrant workers (for semi-skilled migrant workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector)
  • Work Permit for migrant domestic workers (for migrant domestic workers to work in Singapore)
  • Work Permit for confinement nanny (for Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore)
  • Work Permit for performing artiste (for foreign performances working in public entertainment outlets)
• Trainees and Student
  • Training Employment Pass (for foreign professionals undergoing practical training)
  • Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme) (for foreign eligible students and young graduates from approved countries to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months)
  • Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programme) (only for Australian students and graduates to work and holiday in Singapore for 12 months)  
  • Training Work Permit (for semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months)

Which Work Pass To Choose?

Most candidates fall into the first and second category. However, to obtain a Singapore Work Pass depends on the expertise and type of pass the candidate requires. Requirements to work in Singapore varies as there are various work passes that an individual can apply for depending on the nature of the job, skills, education qualifications and income.

Ministry of Manpower Singapore (MOM) will review and conduct stringent assessments on the applications in line with the current requirements and regulations. For example, candidates applying for a Singapore Employment Pass are higher earners with work experience and good qualifications.

Need Help To Choose The Most Suitable Visa For Application In Singapore?

For a smooth and hassle-free work pass application, consider getting expert advice and consultation. You may contact us at contact@rdpass.com.sg or visit our website for advice on the most suitable work pass and assistance for an easy application.

Apply for Work Pass in Singapore

All work pass application must be filed by an authorized corporate service provider with an Employment Agency license or the sponsoring company. Applications can either be made online or manually by an employment agency or the sponsoring company to Ministry of Manpower (MOM Singapore). Online work pass applications are submitted through an Online Portal and will take 3 weeks or longer to process. Manual applications are submitted over the counter and will take 8 weeks or longer to process.

For a smooth and hassle-free work pass application, consider getting expert advice and consultation. You may contact us at contact@rdpass.com.sg or visit our website for advice on the most suitable work pass and assistance for an easy application.

An Employment Pass or EP is a Singapore work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to foreign professional executives, managers, and specialist. This work visa allows you to live and work in Singapore, as well as travel in and out of the country without having to apply for entry visas.

An Employment Pass is usually valid for 2-3 years and can be renewed after. Possessing an EP also makes it easier for you to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Singapore.

How Do I Know If I am Qualified For An Employment Pass?

The minimum requirements to qualify for a Singapore Employment Pass:

• All nationalities can apply for a Singapore Employment Pass
• You must have a job offer in Singapore
• The position is a managerial, executive or specialist role
• You must earn a fixed monthly salary that is set by MOM Singapore (More experience candidates are required to have commensurately higher salaries)
• Possess a good university degree, professional qualifications or specialized skills

Do note that these are general guidelines – the authorities review all Employment Pass applications before approval is granted.

What Is Required To Apply For An Employment Pass?

• An EP Application Form 8, duly endorsed by the employing Singapore company
• A copy of your latest resume
• A copy of your educational certificates, e.g., Degree Certificate, Diploma Certificate, etc.
• References/testimonials from previous employers
• A passport-size photograph of yourself, taken within the past three months
• A copy of the personal particulars page of your valid passport
• A copy of the business profile of the employing Singapore company
• A detailed description of your job duties

Beside the eight documents described above, you may have to supply additional supporting documents as needed and required by MOM. You will also need to have any non-English documents officially verified and translated into English.

How & Where Do I Submit My Application?

• Applications must be filed by an authorized corporate service provider with an Employment Agency license or by the sponsoring company. Online applications are usually processed within 3 weeks from the date of submission. 
• You may also submit a manual application, which allows for the attachment of all supporting documents (which cannot be done online). Manual applications are usually processed within 8 weeks from the date of submission.

The overall processing time of your application may vary by several days or weeks.

How Do I Renew My Employment Pass?

You can apply to renew an Employment Pass up to 6 months before the pass expires. The renewal application should be completed and submitted to MOM at least eight weeks before your EP expires. 

Remember to apply for renewal early. Renewing early does not mean that you will lose the remaining days in your current pass. The duration of the renewed pass will start when the current pass expires.

You can apply for a renewal request by submitting an Online Assessment on our RedDot Passes website.

Can I Bring My Family To Live With Me In Singapore If I am an EP Holder?

You can, if you draw a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000.

Spouses and children of Employment Pass holders can apply for a family visa known as a Dependant’s Pass (DP) after the approval of the EP.

Legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21, including those legally adopted will be eligible for a DP under EP holders.

Common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children (above 21 years old), and unmarried step-children (under 21 years old) of EP holders can apply for a long-stay visitor visa known as a MOM-Issued Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).

Parents of EP holders can also apply for MOM-Issued LTVP but only for EP holders earning at least S$12,000 a month.

Apply For Work Visa in Singapore

For a smooth and hassle-free work pass application, consider getting expert advice and consultation. You may contact us at contact@rdpass.com.sg or visit our website for advice on the most suitable work pass and assistance for an easy application.