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Apply for a Work Permit

If you want to employ foreign workers, you can apply for their Work Permits online. You can check the status of your application online. You also need to take certain steps before the pass is issued.

Already know the process? Go directly to WP Online to apply.

At a glance

Who can apply Employer or appointed employment agent (EA).
How much it costs When you submit the application: $30 for each pass.
When the pass is issued: $30 for each pass.
How long it takes Within 1 week, unless more information is required.
Related eServices More eServices and forms

Note:

  • A non-Malaysian worker must not be in Singapore at the time of work permit application.
  • If this is the first time you are applying for a Work Permit, you need to declare your business activity. You should also refer to the requirements for Work Permit.
  • The duration of the Work Permit is usually 2 years, but it may be shorter depending on:
    • Validity of the worker’s passport: validity will be 1 month before the passport expires.
    • Duration of the security bond: validity will be 2 months before the security bond expires.

These are the steps for applying:

Step Who does this Result
Submit an application Employer or EA In-principle approval or rejection letter
Prepare for worker’s arrival Employer or EA Security bond, insurance, etc.
Get the permit issued Employer or EA Notification letter
Register fingerprints and photo (if required) Candidate Acknowledgment of card delivery
Receive the card Employer or authorised recipients Work Permit card
Return the old card Employer Use WP Online to confirm MOM received the old card

Submit an applicationShow

Processing time: within 1 week. Some cases will take more time.

To submit an application:

  1. Get a written consent from the foreign worker to apply for Work Permit.
  2. Log in to WP Online to fill out the application.
  3. Pay $30 for each application. You can pay by GIRO, Visa, MasterCard or eNets debit.
  4. Check the status of your application after 1 week.

It takes around 1 week to process the application. It may take longer if additional information is required.

You can view the outcome online. If your application is approved, you can print the in-principle approval letter (IPA).

Prepare for worker's arrivalShow

You need to complete these steps to prepare for your worker’s arrival in Singapore.

Before the worker arrives:

  1. Buy a security bond (for non-Malaysian workers).
  2. Buy medical insurance for the worker.

When the worker arrives:

  1. Send the worker to any Singapore-registered doctor for a medical examination – within 2 weeks of arrival.
  2. Print and complete the Security Bond form.
    • For sole proprietorships and partnerships, the form should be signed by the sole proprietor or partner.
    • For private limited companies, it should be signed by a directors who is registered with ACRA. If the director wishes to appoint an employee to sign the form, he must provide a written authorisation to MOM.

Get the permit issuedShow

Processing time: Immediate

You need to get the Work Permit issued within this timeframe:

If the worker is Get the Work Permit issued If you can’t get the Work Permit issued on time
e.g. examination results or new passport is not ready
A Malaysian
  • After entering Singapore.
  • Before the short-term visit pass (i.e. immigration white card) expires.
  • Before the due date stated on the in-principle approval (IPA) letter.
 Log in to WP Online to extend the IPA letter. You need to do this before the due date stated on the IPA letter.
A non-Malaysian
  • After entering Singapore.
  • Within 14 days after arriving in Singapore.
 Log in to WP Online to request for a Special Pass. The IPA will be automatically extended.
Changing to a new employer
  • Before the current Work Permit expires.
  • Before the due date stated on the IPA letter.
 Log in to WP Online to extend the IPA letter. You need to do this before the due date stated on the IPA letter.

To get the Work Permit issued:

  1. Register the worker’s residential address and mobile number using OFWAS.
  2. You must wait for at least an hour before logging in to WP Online to request for Work Permit to be issued.
  3. Log in to WP Online to request for Work Permit to be issued.
  4. Provide an address (home or office) where the card will be delivered.
  5. Nominate up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card, and provide their NRIC, FIN or passport number, mobile numbers and email address.
  6. Pay $30 for each Work Permit issued. You can pay by GIRO, Visa, MasterCard or eNETS debit.
  7. After the Work Permit is issued, print the notification letter.
During the issuance, you can apply for your worker to get a POSB account to receive salary and a free Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) membership.

The notification letter:

  • Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. Request to extend the validity if you have a change of travel plans.
  • Should be given to the foreign worker. It allows them to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the Work Permit card.
  • States if the worker needs to report to MOM Services Centre – Hall C to register fingerprints and photo.

Register fingerprints and photoShow

When: Within 1 week after pass is issued (if required)

Check the notification letter for whether the worker needs to register at MOM Services Centre – Hall C. If it is required, the worker needs to register within 1 week of issuing the Work Permit.

You must make an appointment for the worker to register.

For the appointment, the worker should bring:

  • Original passport
  • Appointment letter
  • Notification letter
  • Documents listed in the notification letter

Receive the cardShow

When: 4 working days after registration

We will deliver the Work Permit card to the given address 4 working days after the worker registers and gets documents verified.

For workers who do not need to register, we will deliver the card 4 working days after verifying their documents.

The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 day before delivery.

You can also check the card delivery details in WP Online.

Download SGWorkPass to scan QR code on your new card to check status, expiry date and more.

If card delivery fails

After unsuccessful deliveries, you’ll have to collect the card at the service desk of MOM Services Centre – Hall C.

You or an authorised person can collect the card 3 working days after the second attempted delivery. You don’t need an appointment for collection.

Bring along these documents for card collection:

  • Candidate’s original passport.
  • Notification letter.

If you authorise someone to collect it on your behalf, make sure they bring these along:

  • An authorisation letter from the employer.
  • NRIC or passport for verification.  

Return the old cardShow

If the worker was already holding a pass for working or long-term stay in Singapore, you must return the old pass card.

For a work pass or long term pass issued by MOM, post it back to the Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764. You can use the “card return” function in WP Online to:

  • Check if we have received the card.
  • Tell us why you are unable to return the card.

For a Special Pass or long term pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), return it to ICA. These include the Long Term Visit Pass and Student Pass.

You don’t need to return a Disembarkation/Embarkation card (immigration white card) to ICA.

Last Updated: 2 October 2018