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.

A Work Permit is a Singapore work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to semi-skilled migrant workers to work in certain sectors. 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.

Different Types & Key Facts of Work Permit

• Work Permit for migrant workers (for “Approved Source Countries” semi-skilled migrant workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector)
  • Age: 18 years old and above at time of application
  • Approved Source Countries including Malaysia, People’s Republic of China (PRC), North Asian Sources (Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea and Taiwan)
  • No minimum requirement for qualifying salary
  • Work Permit is valid for up to 2 years and is renewable (depending on the validity of the worker’s passport, security bond and employment period)
• Work Permit for migrant domestic workers (MDW) to work in Singapore
  • Female candidates
  • Age: From 23 to 50 years old during the Work Permit Application and for MDW aged 50 and above can only renew their Work Permits until 60 years old
  • Approved Sourced Country or region including  Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand.
  • No minimum requirement for qualifying salary
  • Work Permit is valid for up to 2 years and is renewable (depending on validity of security bond)
  • Minimum 8 years of formal education with a recognized certificate
• Work Permit for confinement nanny (for Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore)
  • Only for Malaysian candidates
  • Age: 23 to 70 years old at time of application
  • No minimum requirement for qualifying salary
  • Non-renewable
  • Work Permit is valid for up to 16 weeks starting from the birth of the child (if you apply after your child is born, the validity will be shorter)
• Work Permit for performing artiste (for foreign performances working in public entertainment outlets)
  • Age: 18 years old and above at time of application
  • All nationalities can apply
  • No minimum requirement for qualifying salary
  • Work Permit is valid for 6 months
  • Non-renewable and pass holders cannot get any type of Work Permit until 1 year after the last one expires of gets cancelled

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 / employer. 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 Work Permit?

Kindly refer to “Different Types and Key Facts of Work Permit” above.

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

You are not eligible to bring in your family to live in Singapore with you if you are employed under Work Permit.

Need Help To Choose The Most Suitable Work Permit 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.