Everything You Need to Know About Work Passes in Singapore

If you’re a foreign professional looking to work in Singapore, you must hold a valid work pass (otherwise known as a visa) before starting work. Learn which passes suit you best, if you’re eligible, and how to apply.

Overview of Work Passes

Here’s a list of passes for skilled professionals that Singapore offers:

• Employment Pass (EP)
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
• EntrePass
• Tech.Pass
• Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (New!)

If you’re a trainee or student, you may wish to view additional passes available here.

Long-Term Work Passes

Employment Pass (EP)

Who it’s for: Professionals, managers and executives
Who applies: Employer
Min. salary: S$5,000
Validity: Up to 2 years for new passes; up to 3 years for renewals; 5 years for experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage and minimum salary of S$10,500

The Employment Pass (EP) is designed for professionals with a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000 (S$5,500 for the financial sector). This minimum increases progressively with age, up to S$10,500 for candidates aged 45 and above.

If you’re running on a tight timeline, you’ll be glad to know that since late 2022, the processing time for the Employment Pass has been reduced to 10 business days.

Lastly, from September 2023, new applicants will be evaluated based on the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), with the exception of candidates drawing a salary of S$22,500 and above.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

Who it’s for: EP holders or professionals earning a high salary
Who applies: Pass candidate
Min. salary: S$18,000
Validity: Up to 3 years

The Personalised EP is a non-renewable visa that offers high earners greater flexibility. It is not tied to a sector or an employer, and holders may be unemployed for up to 6 months.

First-time applicants must have a salary of at least S$18,000. From September 2023, this minimum will be raised to S$22,500.

Specialised Passes

EntrePass

Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs looking to run an innovative/venture-backed business in Singapore
Who applies: Pass candidate
Min. salary: NA, but candidates must meet other criteria
Validity: 1 year for new passes and first renewal; 2 years for subsequent renewals

Targeted at high-calibre entrepreneurs, the EntrePass encourages the starting of venture-backed or innovative tech businesses in Singapore.

While there is no minimum salary tied to this pass, candidates must meet at least one of a list of criteria, such as holding an intellectual property (IP) or engaging in research collaborations with Singapore institutions.

Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass (New!)

Who it’s for: Top talent with deep skills and expertise across all sectors, including business, technology, science, engineering, arts, sports and academia
Who applies: Pass candidate or employer
Min. salary: S$30,000 or demonstrate outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, or academia and research
Validity: 5 years

Introduced in 2023, the ONE Pass is a personalised work visa which allows top talent in business, arts and culture, academia and research, and sports to start, run or work for multiple companies in Singapore. To qualify, applicants must earn at least S$30,000 a month or have outstanding achievements in their field.

Aside from the long validity period, another key highlight of this pass is that spouses will be able to work on a Letter of Consent. Candidates will also not be subject to the COMPASS framework. For more details on the ONE pass, refer to our article here.

Tech.Pass

Who it’s for: Established tech entrepreneurs and leaders
Who applies: Pass candidate
Min. salary: S$20,000
Validity: 2 years

The Tech.Pass, launched in 2020, is a visa for accomplished tech leaders, experts and entrepreneurs. It allows them to start, work for or invest in multiple Singapore companies.

Applicants must fulfil two out of three conditions:

• Have a last drawn fixed monthly salary (in the last 1 year) of at least S$20,000
• Have at least five cumulative years of experience in a leading role in a tech company with a valuation/market cap of at least US$500mil or at least US$30mil funding raised
• Have at least five cumulative years of experience in a leading role in the development of a tech product that has at least 100,000 monthly active users or at least US$100mil annual revenue

Family Passes

Bringing family with you? There are two types of passes you can obtain for your loved ones:

• Dependant’s Pass for a legally married spouse or unmarried children under 21
• Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for parents or a common-law spouse.

Specific requirements depend on the pass you have. EP holders must earn at least S$6,000 (S$12,000 for parental LTVP), EntrePass holders must fulfil certain business spending and employment criteria, while ONE Pass holders have no additional criteria.

For more details, do refer to the full lists of Dependant Pass criteria and LTVP criteria.

Lastly, take note that a Letter of Consent is required if the Dependant or LTVP holder wishes to work or run a business in Singapore.

We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of work pass options in Singapore. For more info, please head to the Ministry of Manpower’s website.

 

This article was first published by the Singapore Global Network(SGN), a 100,000+ strong network connecting professionals and building communities across the globe. For networking events, industry insights and stories like this, join SGN here.