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Apply for a Work Permit

To employ migrant workers, you can apply for their Work Permits using WP Online. You can also use the eService to check the application status. You also need to take certain steps before the Work Permit 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:

  • $35 for each pass

When you get the pass issued:

  • $35 for each pass
How long it takes Within 1 week, unless more information is required.
Related eServices More eServices and forms

Note:

  • Non-Malaysian workers cannot be in Singapore during the Work Permit application.
  • If this is the first time your company is applying for a Work Permit, you need to declare your business activity. You should also refer to the Work Permit requirements.
  • The Work Permit duration is usually 2 years, but it may be shorter depending on:
    • Validity of the worker’s passport: Work Permit validity will be 1 month before the passport expires
    • Duration of the security bond: Work Permit 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 workers' 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

Submit an applicationShow

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

To submit an application:

  1. Get a written consent to apply for Work Permit from the worker.
  2. Log in to WP Online to fill out the application.
  3. Pay $35 for each application. You can pay by GIRO, VISA, MasterCard or eNets debit.
  4. Check the application status after 1 week. It may take longer if additional information is required. 
  5. If the application is approved, log in to WP Online to print the following:
Make sure the worker’s IPA particulars match their passport details. For any errors (e.g. wrong spelling of names), you need to correct the error. Otherwise, the worker will be denied entry into Singapore.

Prepare for workers' arrivalShow

You need to complete these steps to prepare for your workers' arrival in Singapore.

Before your workers arrive

  1. Submit entry applications for them. They must obtain an entry approval to enter Singapore. 
  2. Buy a security bond for non-Malaysian workers.
    • Ensure your insurer sends us the security bond details. It takes up to 3 working days.
    • The security bond must take effect when the workers arrive. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into Singapore and you will have to pay to send them home immediately.
  3. Buy medical insurance and work injury compensation insurance (if applicable) for them.
  4. Ensure they comply with the requirements (e.g. Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and COVID-19 tests) listed on their entry approval letters or emails. 

When your workers arrive

  1. Within 2 weeks of arrival or 7 days of completing SHN, send them for medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor. You may also need to send them for the Settling-In Programme, if applicable.
  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.
All newly-arrived Work Permit and S Pass holders in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors entering Singapore from higher-risk countries or regions will complete their SHN, medical examination and Settling-In Programme at the Migrant Worker Onboarding Centre.

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. medical examination results or new passport is not ready
A newly-arrived Malaysian
  • After the worker enters Singapore.
  • Before the due date stated on the in-principle approval (IPA) letter.
 Log in to WP Online to extend the IPA expiry date. You need to do this before the due date stated on the IPA letter.
A newly-arrived non-Malaysian
  • After the worker enters Singapore.
  • Within 14 days from arrival or 7 days from Stay-Home Notice completion.
 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 expiry date. 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.
Make sure you print the IPA letter and the Work Permit application form before you get the pass issued.
  1. Provide an address (home or office) where the card will be delivered.
  2. Nominate up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card, and provide their NRIC, FIN or passport number, mobile numbers and email address.
  3. Pay $35 for each Work Permit issued. You can pay by GIRO, VISA, MasterCard or eNETS debit.
  4. After the Work Permit is issued, print the notification letter.

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 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

All newly-arrived Work Permit and S Pass holders in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors entering Singapore from higher-risk countries or regions will complete their SHN, medical examination and Settling-In Programme at the Migrant Worker Onboarding Centre.

Workers who have completed biometric work pass registration at Punggol MWOC will not need to visit MOM Services Centre Hall C for registration.

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 working 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:

  • Worker’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