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Work passes and permits

All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid pass (commonly known as a work visa) before they start work. If you are engaging foreigners to work in Singapore, you must ensure that they hold a valid pass. Find out which pass is suitable, if they are eligible and how to apply.

Professionals

List of passes for pass category
Pass type Who is it for

Employment Pass

For foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates need to earn at least $3,600 a month and have acceptable qualifications.

EntrePass

For eligible foreign entrepreneurs wanting to start and operate a new business in Singapore.

Personalised Employment Pass

For high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. The PEP offers greater flexibility than an Employment Pass.

Skilled and semi-skilled workers

List of passes for pass category
Pass type Who is it for

Work Permit for foreign worker

For semi-skilled foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector.

Work Permit for foreign domestic worker

For foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to work in Singapore.

Work Permit for confinement nanny

For Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore for up to 16 weeks starting from the birth of the employer's child.

Work Permit for performing artiste

For foreign performers working in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs.

S Pass

For mid-level skilled staff. Candidates need to earn at least $2,300 a month and meet the assessment criteria.

Trainees and students

List of passes for pass category
Pass type Who is it for

Training Employment Pass

For foreign professionals undergoing practical training. Candidates must earn at least $3,000 a month.

Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme)

For students and graduates aged 18 to 25 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months.

Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programme)

For Australian students and graduates aged 18 to 30 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 1 year.

Training Work Permit

For semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months.

Family members

List of passes for pass category
Pass type Who is it for

Dependant's Pass

For spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders.

Long Term Visit Pass

For parents, common-law spouses, step-children or handicapped children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders.

Pre-approved Letter of Consent

For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+ issued by ICA. The holder is pre-approved to work in Singapore. They can only apply for a PLOC when applying for, or renewing the LTVP/LTVP+.

Letter of Consent

For eligible spouses or children of EP holders who hold a Dependant’s Pass, or an LTVP/LTVP+ issued by ICA. The LOC allows the holder to work in Singapore. The employer must apply for the LOC.

Exemptions and working while on a visit pass

List of passes for pass category
Pass type Who is it for

Miscellaneous Work Pass

For foreigners taking on a short-term work assignment of up to 60 days in Singapore.

Work Pass Exempt Activities

For performing eligible short-term activities without a work pass. Candidates must still notify MOM of their activities.

Work pass exemption for foreign students

For foreign students studying full-time at an approved school or institution in Singapore.

Work passes for holders of Long Term Visit Passes issued by ICA

For foreigners married to a Singaporean or permanent resident, or parents accompanying a child who is studying in Singapore.
Last Updated: 12 March 2019