3 COMMON TYPES OF WORK PASS

All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid work pass (work visa) before they start work. The 3 most common types of work passes are the Work Permit (WP), S Pass (SP) and Employment Pass (EP).

3 Common Types of Work Pass in Singapore

WORK PERMIT (WP)

Who is it for?Workers from Malaysia, China or NAS countries working in all sectors. Some sectors allow workers from NTS countries to take WP too.
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the permit.
Qualifying SalaryNo minimum required.
Duration of passUp to 2 years, depending on the validity of the worker’s passport, security bond and employment period.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyNot available.
Quota & LevyEmployers are limited by a quota for their sector and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker.
Different sectors have different quota and different companies have different levy amount.
Medical InsuranceEmployers must provide medical insurance for their employees.
Primary Care PlanEmployers must buy the Primary Care Plan (PCP) for their WP employees if they:
– Stay in dormitories
OR
– Working in the construction, marine shipyard or process (CMP) sectors.

S Pass (SP)

Who is it for?Mid-level skilled workers
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the pass.
Qualifying salaryMinimum of $3,000 (and increases progressively with age, up to $4,500 for those in mid-40s).
Duration of passUp to 2 years.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyLTVP and DP is available.
Quota & LevyEmployers are limited by a quota for their sector and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker.
Different sectors have different quota and different companies have different levy amount.
Medical InsuranceEmployers must provide medical insurance for their employees.
Primary Care PlanEmployers must buy the Primary Care Plan (PCP) for their WP employees if they:
– Stay in dormitories
OR
– Working in the construction, marine shipyard or process (CMP) sectors.

EMPLOYMENT PASS (EP)

Who is it for?Foreign professionals, managers and executives with a job offer in Singapore.
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the pass.
Qualifying salaryMinimum of $5,000 (and increases progressively with age, up to $10,500 for those in the mid-40s.) 
Duration of passThe duration of the pass is as follows:
First-time candidates: up to 2 years
Renewals: up to 3 years

Experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may be eligible for a longer 5-year duration pass.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyLTVP and DP is available.
Quota & LevyNo foreign worker levy or quota required.
Medical InsuranceEmployers can choose whether to provide medical insurance for EP holders.

Looking for work pass application services in Singapore? Click here.

All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid work pass (work visa) before they start work. The 3 most common types of work passes are the Work Permit (WP), S Pass (SP) and Employment Pass (EP).

3 Common Types of Work Pass in Singapore

WORK PERMIT (WP)

Who is it for?Workers from Malaysia, China or NAS countries working in all sectors. Some sectors allow workers from NTS countries to take WP too.
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the permit.
Qualifying SalaryNo minimum required.
Duration of passUp to 2 years, depending on the validity of the worker’s passport, security bond and employment period.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyNot available.
Quota & LevyEmployers are limited by a quota for their sector and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker.
Different sectors have different quota and different companies have different levy amount.
Medical InsuranceEmployers must provide medical insurance for their employees.
Primary Care PlanEmployers must buy the Primary Care Plan (PCP) for their WP employees if they:
– Stay in dormitories
OR
– Working in the construction, marine shipyard or process (CMP) sectors.

S Pass (SP)

Who is it for?Mid-level skilled workers
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the pass.
Qualifying salaryMinimum of $3,000 (and increases progressively with age, up to $4,500 for those in mid-40s).
Duration of passUp to 2 years.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyLTVP and DP is available.
Quota & LevyEmployers are limited by a quota for their sector and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker.
Different sectors have different quota and different companies have different levy amount.
Medical InsuranceEmployers must provide medical insurance for their employees.
Primary Care PlanEmployers must buy the Primary Care Plan (PCP) for their WP employees if they:
– Stay in dormitories
OR
– Working in the construction, marine shipyard or process (CMP) sectors.

EMPLOYMENT PASS (EP)

Who is it for?Foreign professionals, managers and executives with a job offer in Singapore.
Who can apply?An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the pass.
Qualifying salaryMinimum of $5,000 (and increases progressively with age, up to $10,500 for those in the mid-40s.) 
Duration of passThe duration of the pass is as follows:
First-time candidates: up to 2 years
Renewals: up to 3 years

Experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may be eligible for a longer 5-year duration pass.
Is it renewable?Yes.
Passes for familyLTVP and DP is available.
Quota & LevyNo foreign worker levy or quota required.
Medical InsuranceEmployers can choose whether to provide medical insurance for EP holders.

Looking for work pass application services in Singapore? Click here.