Complete Guide to Singapore Work Passes & Visas

Everything you need to know about working and living in Singapore

Singapore Work Pass Options

Singapore offers various work passes and visas tailored to different professional levels, industries, and circumstances. This comprehensive guide explains each option in detail to help you determine which pass suits your situation best.

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Employment Pass (EP)

The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives with job offers in Singapore. Applicants must earn at least S$5,600/month (higher for financial services and older applicants).

Key Features

  • Initial validity: 1-2 years (renewable)
  • Can bring dependents (spouse/children)
  • Pathway to Permanent Residence (PR)
  • Subject to COMPASS framework (since Sep 2023)

Requirements

  • Fixed monthly salary ≥ S$5,600
  • Recognized qualifications (degree or professional certs)
  • Job offer from Singapore-registered company
  • COMPASS score ≥ 40 points

Processing Time

3-8 weeks (standard processing)

Quota/Dependency Ceiling

No quota, but subject to company's foreign worker quota

COMPASS Framework Breakdown

Since September 2023, EP applications are assessed based on a points-based COMPASS system across four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria:

Criteria Points Available How to Score
Salary 20 Compared to local PMET salaries (≥90th percentile = 20 points)
Qualifications 20 Degree from top institutions = 20 points
Diversity 20 Nationality not overrepresented in company = 20 points
Support for Local Employment 20 Company meets or exceeds relative local PMET share = 20 points
Skills Bonus 20 Shortage Occupation List or priority economic areas
Strategic Economic Priorities 10 Company activities align with national priorities

Need help with your EP application? Our experts can assess your COMPASS score and strengthen your application.

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S Pass

The S Pass is for mid-skilled foreign employees with a minimum salary of S$3,150/month (higher for older, more experienced candidates).

Key Features

  • Initial validity: 1-2 years
  • Can bring dependents (with higher salary)
  • Subject to quota and levies
  • Pathway to EP/PR possible

Requirements

  • Fixed monthly salary ≥ S$3,150
  • Diploma or technical certificate
  • Relevant work experience
  • Job offer from Singapore company

Quota Limits

Service sector: 10% of total workforce

Other sectors: 18% of total workforce

Levy Rates

S$330-S$650 per month (depending on sector)

Not sure if you qualify for EP or S Pass? We can help determine the best option for your profile.

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Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)

The PEP offers more flexibility than the EP as it's not tied to a single employer. It's for high-earning foreign professionals.

Key Features

  • Valid for 3 years (non-renewable)
  • Not tied to one employer (after first 6 months)
  • Can remain in Singapore between jobs (up to 6 months)
  • No quota or levy

Requirements

  • Last drawn fixed salary ≥ S$22,500/month
  • OR current EP holder earning ≥ S$12,000/month
  • Outstanding professional achievements

Benefits Over EP

  • Greater job mobility
  • No need for new application when changing jobs
  • Can start own business
  • Easier path to PR

The PEP has strict requirements. Let us assess if you qualify for this premium work pass.

PEP Eligibility Check

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

Introduced in 2023, the ONE Pass is for top global talent across all sectors with exceptional achievements or earning power.

Key Features

  • 5-year validity (renewable)
  • Work for multiple companies simultaneously
  • Spouse can work without separate pass
  • No quota or COMPASS requirements

Requirements (Meet Either Criteria)

  • Earn ≥ S$30,000/month (or equivalent in foreign currency)
  • OR outstanding achievements in arts/culture/sports/science/tech
  • OR demonstrate exceptional contributions to field

Unique Benefits

  • Can start, operate and invest in multiple companies
  • Dependents eligible for work passes
  • Fast-track PR consideration
  • No minimum stay requirement

The ONE Pass is Singapore's most exclusive work pass. Our specialists can evaluate your eligibility.

ONE Pass Consultation

Tech Pass

Designed specifically for tech founders, leaders and technical experts to work in Singapore's tech ecosystem.

Key Features

  • 2-year validity (renewable)
  • Work for multiple companies
  • Start and operate tech businesses
  • No employer sponsorship needed

Requirements (Meet Any 2 Criteria)

  • Last drawn salary ≥ S$20,000/month
  • ≥5 years experience in leading tech company
  • Founded tech company with valuation ≥ US$500M
  • Significant contributions to tech field

Ideal Candidates

  • Tech entrepreneurs
  • CTOs/CIOs of tech firms
  • Leading researchers/scientists
  • Engineering leaders

Tech professionals: This specialized pass could be your gateway to Singapore's thriving tech scene.

Tech Pass Assessment

EntrePass

For foreign entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a business in Singapore that is innovative or delivers unique value.

Key Features

  • Initial validity: 1 year (renewable)
  • Path to Permanent Residence
  • Can bring family members
  • No minimum salary requirement

Eligibility Criteria

  • Registered or intend to register private limited company
  • At least S$50,000 paid-up capital
  • Meet innovation/venture criteria
  • Business must be venture-backed or own IP

Innovation Requirements

  • Holds intellectual property
  • Has research collaboration with A*STAR/IHLs
  • Involved in incubation at approved program
  • Business model is innovative

Our business immigration experts can help craft a winning EntrePass application.

EntrePass Consultation

Student Pass

For international students accepted into approved educational institutions in Singapore.

Key Features

  • Valid for duration of study program
  • Can work part-time (with restrictions)
  • Pathway to work passes after graduation
  • Dependents may accompany

Requirements

  • Accepted by approved educational institution
  • Proof of financial support
  • Medical insurance coverage
  • Meet health/character requirements

Work Privileges

  • Full-time students: 16 hrs/week during term
  • Unlimited hours during vacations
  • No work pass needed for part-time work
  • Post-study work options available

Planning to study in Singapore? We can guide you through the Student Pass application.

Student Pass Assistance

Dependant's Pass (DP)

Allows spouses and children of EP, S Pass, or PEP holders to live in Singapore.

Key Features

  • Tied to main pass holder's validity
  • Children up to 21 years eligible
  • Spouse can work with Letter of Consent
  • Pathway to PR available

Requirements

  • Main pass holder earns ≥ S$6,000/month
  • Legal marriage (for spouse)
  • Birth certificate (for children)
  • Main pass valid for ≥6 months

Work Privileges

  • Spouse needs Letter of Consent to work
  • No quota/levy for employers
  • Can apply for EP/S Pass separately
  • ONE Pass dependents can work freely

Bringing your family to Singapore? We'll ensure a smooth Dependant's Pass application.

DP Application Help

Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

For common-law partners, elderly parents, or other relatives of work pass holders to stay long-term in Singapore.

Key Features

  • Typically valid for 1-3 years
  • Can be renewed
  • No automatic work rights
  • Pathway to PR possible

Eligible Relationships

  • Common-law spouse
  • Parents/parents-in-law
  • Stepchildren/disabled children
  • Other dependents in special cases

Requirements

  • Main pass holder earns ≥ S$12,000/month
  • Proof of relationship
  • Medical insurance coverage
  • Meet health/character requirements

Need to bring extended family to Singapore? We can advise on LTVP options.

LTVP Consultation

Singapore Work Passes At A Glance

Pass Type Min Salary Validity Dependents PR Pathway Quota
Employment Pass (EP) S$5,600 1-2 years Yes (≥S$6K) Yes No
S Pass S$3,150 1-2 years Yes (≥S$6K) Possible Yes
Personalized EP (PEP) S$22,500 3 years Yes Yes No
ONE Pass S$30,000 5 years Yes (spouse can work) Yes No
Tech Pass S$20,000 2 years Yes Yes No
EntrePass None 1 year Yes (after 1 year) Yes No

Ready to Apply for Your Singapore Work Pass?

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1. Eligibility Assessment

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2. Document Preparation

We'll help gather and prepare all required documents

3. Application Submission

We'll complete and submit your application properly

4. Follow-up & Approval

We'll track your application until approval

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