Work Permit Singapore: The Complete 2025 Guide for Talent and Employers

At Aniday, we work closely with global professionals and employers expanding into Singapore. One of the first questions we hear is: 'How do I legally work in Singapore?' Navigating permits, visas, and employer obligations can feel overwhelming.

We created this guide to simplify the process. If you are a candidate, you’ll learn whether you qualify for a work pass, what documents are needed, and how to avoid common mistakes. If you’re an employer, we’ll outline compliance rules, hiring timelines, and how to onboard foreign talent smoothly.

What the Singapore Work Permit Is

Singapore regulates foreign employment through specific work passes issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The pass you need depends on your role, salary, and qualifications. Key categories include:

• Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives sponsored by a Singapore employer.

• S Pass: For mid‑level skilled employees; subject to quotas and levies.

• Work Permit (WP): For semi‑skilled workers in eligible sectors; subject to quotas, levies, and sector rules.

• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): For high‑earning professionals; not tied to a single employer and with conditions.

• ONE Pass: For top talent with outstanding achievements; allows work for multiple employers.

• EntrePass: For eligible founders building venture‑backed or innovative businesses in Singapore.

• Training Employment Pass / Training Work Permit: For short‑term training attachments.

• Dependent & Long‑Term Visit options: Some family members may obtain work rights via a Letter of Consent (LOC), where eligible.

Legal framework: Work passes are governed by the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) and MOM regulations. Duration: Initial validity commonly ranges from 1–2 years (up to 3 for some routes), with potential renewals subject to criteria. Issuing authority: Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Applications are filed online and approved electronically; a pass card is issued upon completion.

Who Qualifies for a Work Pass in Singapore?

Eligibility depends on the pass type. Typical categories include:

• Professionals with relevant degrees and experience (EP/PEP/ONE Pass).

• Mid‑level skilled workers with technical credentials and job offers (S Pass).

• Sector‑specific roles under employer sponsorship (Work Permit).

• Entrepreneurs meeting innovation, funding, or traction criteria (EntrePass).

• Intra‑company transferees seconded to a Singapore entity (usually EP route).

• Recent graduates hired into qualifying roles (EP or S Pass depending on profile).

• Dependents eligible for LOC to work with a Singapore employer (case‑specific).

Salary and qualification benchmarks apply and are reviewed periodically by MOM. EP applicants are assessed holistically (including via the COMPASS framework), while S Pass and Work Permit involve quotas/levies and sector rules. Professional licensing may be required for regulated occupations.

Application Process Step by Step

Most work pass filings in Singapore follow these steps:

1. Select the correct pass (EP, S Pass, WP, PEP, ONE Pass, EntrePass) based on role and profile.

2. Employer prepares corporate data (ACRA details, business activity, quota status) and a compliant job offer/contract.

3. Gather personal documents: passport, CV, education/qualification proofs, recent photo; some cases require verification checks.

4. Submit application via MOM’s online systems (e.g., EP Online / myMOM Portal) and pay the application fee.

5. Respond to any MOM requests for additional information or verification.

6. Upon In‑Principle Approval (IPA), arrange issuance: upload details, purchase insurance (if required), and book appointment if needed.

7. Complete fingerprints/photo (where applicable) and receive the pass card. Ensure post‑arrival registrations (tax, CPF applicability review, etc.).

Keep digital copies of all submissions, IPA letters, and receipts for compliance audits.

Processing Times and Validity

Processing times vary by pass type and case complexity. Straightforward EP/S Pass applications may be decided within several weeks; complex cases or peak seasons can take longer. Passes are typically issued for 1–2 years initially (up to 3 for certain passes) and may be renewed if criteria continue to be met.

Employer Responsibilities

Singapore employers have significant compliance duties under EFMA and MOM policy:

• Sponsor eligible candidates and file accurate, complete applications.

• Pay at least the relevant salary benchmarks; issue itemized payslips and maintain compliant payroll records.

• Observe quotas and pay foreign worker levies where applicable (S Pass/Work Permit).

• Buy required medical insurance and meet housing/sector obligations for Work Permit holders.

• Notify MOM of material changes (job title, salary, work location, termination) within required timelines.

• Renew passes on time and keep pass cards/records updated and accessible for inspections.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Choosing an incorrect pass type—map job scope and seniority to EP/S Pass/WP criteria before filing.

• Missing salary benchmarks—confirm current thresholds and fixed monthly salary components.

• Unverified education credentials—use accredited verification where requested by MOM.

• Inaccurate job descriptions—align title, duties, and industry codes with the actual role.

• Late renewals—start 3–4 months before expiry to avoid work disruptions.

• Ignoring quota/levy obligations—plan S Pass/Work Permit hiring against available quota.

• Not reporting post‑approval changes—update MOM promptly to avoid penalties.

Real‑World Scenarios

How different profiles navigate the Singapore process:

• EP software engineer: Degree‑qualified developer with regional experience joins a Singapore tech firm. Employer files EP via EP Online; salary meets current benchmark and COMPASS factors. IPA arrives in weeks; spouse may be eligible for a Dependant’s Pass and LOC to work.

• S Pass technician: Manufacturing employer assesses quota and budget for levies, then files S Pass with vocational credentials. After approval, company purchases medical insurance and arranges onboarding and safety training.

• EntrePass founder: Fintech entrepreneur with funding and traction submits a business plan, supporting letters, and proof of innovation. After IPA, the founder incorporates locally, opens corporate banking, and hires the first team member on an EP.

FAQs

• How much does a work pass cost in Singapore? - Expect an application fee and a separate issuance fee payable to MOM. S Pass and Work Permit also involve monthly levies. Budget for medical insurance and verification where required.
• What’s the difference between EP, S Pass, and Work Permit? - EP is for professionals and executives; S Pass is for mid‑level skilled roles with quotas/levies; Work Permit is for semi‑skilled roles in specific sectors with stringent quotas/levies and housing rules.
• How long does processing take? - Simple cases may complete within several weeks; complex or peak‑season cases can take longer.
• Can dependents work in Singapore? - Some dependents can work via a Letter of Consent, subject to eligibility and employer sponsorship.
• Do I need to be in Singapore to apply? - Applications are typically filed online by the employer; you can usually be abroad until issuance steps are required.
• Can I change employers on an EP? - Yes, but a new EP application by the new employer is required; do not start work until approval and issuance.
• When should I start renewal? - Begin preparations 3–4 months before expiry to avoid gaps.
• Is professional licensing required? - Certain regulated professions (e.g., healthcare, law, engineering) require local registration/licensing in addition to a work pass.
• What is COMPASS for EP? - A points‑based framework assessing salary, qualifications, diversity, and firm‑related attributes. Ensure you meet the criteria before filing.
• Are remote or multi‑employer arrangements allowed? - Standard EPs tie you to one employer. ONE Pass and certain structures allow more flexibility—confirm conditions before proceeding.

How Aniday Helps

Aniday supports both employers and talent throughout the Singapore hiring journey:

• Headhunting: Build pipelines of vetted candidates ready for relocation or local hiring. (See: https://aniday.com/en/employer)

• Employer of Record (EOR): Hire in Singapore without opening a legal entity while we manage payroll, benefits, and compliance. (See: https://aniday.com/en/employer-of-record)

• Professional Employer Organization (PEO): Co‑employment model for payroll and HR administration. (See: https://aniday.com/en/peo)

• Payroll & HR Ops: Local payroll, mandatory benefits, and onboarding workflows. (See: https://aniday.com/en/outsource-payroll)

• Advisory: Route selection, document checklists, and audit‑ready processes for renewals and compliance monitoring.

Conclusion

Securing a work pass in Singapore is the key step to building a compliant and sustainable career or workforce. At Aniday, we make the process clearer and safer for both talent and employers—so you can focus on growth instead of red tape.

Aniday's HR Services