Foreigner Work Permits and Visas in Singapore
Those who are citizens of foreign countries and would like to work in Singapore should first have either a work permit or a work visa. Different work visas apply to different people based on their type of employment, such as students, workers, professionals, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Employment Pass (EP) for Professionals, Managers, and Executives
For foreign professionals, managers and executives, this passes those with a fixed monthly salary ranging from $5,000 to $10,500 in their mid-40s, depending on age requirement. Such candidates must also meet the Complementarities Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
EP salary update (Effective January 2025)
The threshold salary has changed from 1 January 2025. The revised minimum qualifying salary for new EP applications is now S$5,600 for those in the financial services sector, S$6,200. This revised salary threshold will also apply to the renewal of EPs expiring from 1 January 2026 onwards.
EntrePass for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Foreign entrepreneurs who will establish a new business within Singapore are required to apply for an EntrePass. This is a pass granted to individuals who are planning to start and manage a business operating in Singapore in either venture-backed or innovative technologies.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) for High-Earning Professionals
High income earners are covered under the Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) and will be awarded to existing Employment Pass holders or foreign professionals. The Pass is more flexible than the standard Employment Pass as the employer with PEP does not have to reapply for a new pass if he changes jobs.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass for Top Talent
The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is for the top talents instead for the artists, culture-makers, and sports people, as well as for academia and research. This pass was meant for bringing extremely talented professionals into Singapore as leaders.
S Pass for Skilled Workers
This is the S Pass under which the skilled workers can be considered; it declares entry to the foreign skilled worker with a monthly salary of at least $3,150. Such foreign workers are employed in many sectors, such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.
Work Permit for Semi-Skilled Workers
To apply for this Work Permit, foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine, shipyard, process, or services industries are required to apply. This is issued to semi-skilled migrant workers working in these specified industries.
Training Employment Pass for Foreign Professionals
This pass is meant for the professionals working in practical training in Singapore. It should be noted that applicants must earn a sum of at least $3,000.
Work Holiday Pass for Students and Graduates
It is a young student’s Work Holiday Pass that can be availed under this Work Holiday Programme for all those who have recently graduated and are aged from 18 to 25. All the applicants who qualify for this program can work and have their holidays in Singapore for six months.
Exemption from Work Pass Requirements for Foreign Students
Studying full-time at an approved school or institution in Singapore is enough for foreign students to be considered exempt from work pass requirements. Students and trainees attending training attachment programs must possess a valid Training Work Permit, Training Employment Pass, or be enrolled in the Work Holiday Program. Foreign students in Singapore may not work without a valid work pass.
