Want to work in Singapore? This guide shows the different types of work visas and permits available to you. Get complete information on the Employment Pass, Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), Personal Employment Pass, S Pass and other related work visas in Singapore. Want to keep learning? Check out our resources section at https://sleek.sg/resources/ and get more tips and guides on doing business in Singapore, visas, filing requirements, and more.

1. THE SLEEK GUIDE TO
Work visas
in Singapore

2. This guide is designed for employers, future
employees, and entrepreneurs wanting to apply
for any type of the employment visas available
in Singapore.
∙ There are several different types of work passes
which each come with its own set of benefits and
constraints
∙ You will usually require the assistance of an
immigration service provider, but this guide will
give you high-level advice on which pass will be
suitable for you or your employee.

3. How to use this guide
∙ This guide covers the different types of work
and dependant passes available for foreigners
and their family to be able to work and live in
Singapore
∙ Your company may have further
industry-specific regulations to comply with.
∙ All amounts in this guide are in Singapore Dollars
(SGD).

4. Applying for a
working visa
This guide covers the following types
of working visas:
∙ Employment Pass (EP)
∙ Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
∙ S Pass
∙ EntrePass
∙ Dependant’s Pass
∙ Long Term Visit Pass
∙ Work Holiday Pass

5. Employment
Pass
(EP)
The EP is meant for foreign professionals,
managers and executives to work in
Singapore.
Applying for an EP can be a relatively swift process, and unlike some
other passes is renewable and not subject to any official quota
limitations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
∙ You need to have a minimum fixed monthly salary of at least
$3,600 (although the salary offered must commensurate
with the candidate’s credentials therefore the MOM
expects older and more experienced candidates to
command a higher salary).
∙ A company must apply for an employment pass on behalf of
an individual - this means that you cannot apply for a work
pass without having a job offer from a Singapore-based
company.
∙ Certain external factors such your employer’s credibility,
job position or your nationality may affect the outcome.
Interested? Read our EP guide here.

6. The PEP is a targeted at top-tier
professionals earning at least
S$12,000/month (if on an EP) or
S$18,000/month (if relocating from
overseas).
∙ The pass allows you to have greater mobility within
Singapore’s employment market. You can apply for it on
your own without the need of an employer or job before
coming to Singapore.
∙ It requires higher qualifications based on salary, educational
and professional background.
∙ You still need to be employed by a company in order to
retain the pass, and PEP holders are expressly prohibited
from starting a business or conducting any form of
entrepreneurial activity.
Interested? Read our PEP guide here.
Personalised
Employment
Pass
(PEP)

7. S Pass
The S Pass is a meant for foreign
mid-skilled workers and technical staff
with a minimum monthly salary of
S$2,200.
∙ You should hold relevant professional work experience or
appropriate academic qualification.
∙ Your employer or authorised third party (such as an
employment agency) has to apply on your behalf
∙ A quota is set by Ministry of Manpower Singapore for the
quantity of S Passes that can be issued to a company, to
ensure that there is a balance of foreign and Singapore
workers.
Interested? Read more here.

8. Entrepreneur
Pass
(EntrePass)
If you are a foreign entrepreneur,
innovator or investor, you may qualify for
the Entrepreneur Pass.
Singapore created this unique visa to attract the brightest minds to
its startup scene. In order to qualify, you need to:
∙ Have incorporated a company less than 6 months ago, or
have plans to incorporate a company in Singapore.
∙ Be backed by a Singaporean company or Banker’s
Guarantee of $3,000 issued by a Singapore-based bank
∙ A thorough business plan needs to be provided as part of
the visa application.
∙ Although aimed at entrepreneurs, the requirements and
application process for an EntrePass are often viewed as
more onerous than an EP, especially given the length of
time of the visa (one year, non-renewable) compared to the
EP.
Interested? Read our EntrePass guide here.

9. Dependant’s
Pass
(DP)
The DP allows spouses and children aged
below 21 years old to accompany the work
pass holder in Singapore.
∙ Applicable to legally married spouses and children under 21
years of age.
∙ The DP holder is permitted free entry/exit as long as the
visa holder remains.
∙ A spouse on a DP can also work in Singapore, if he/she
obtains approval for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from their
future employer.
Interested? Read our Dependent's Pass FAQ here.

10. Long Term
Visit Pass
(LTVP)
The LTVP is intended to cover other family
members of EP or S Pass holders who are
not covered by a DP.
∙ The Long Term Visit Pass applies to common law spouses,
step-children, and handicapped children of EP or S Pass
holders.
∙ Parents are also eligible if the work pass holder earns a
monthly salary of at least $12,000
∙ Employers or appointed employment agent must apply on
behalf of the candidate.
∙ This pass is valid up to 2 years, tied to the work pass validity
and renewable.
∙ You are allowed to find a job in Singapore, however you will
need to apply for either EP, S Pass or work permit.
Interested? Read more here.

11. Work
Holiday
Pass
The Work Holiday Pass allows students or
fresh graduates to work in Singapore for
up to 6 months.
∙ This visa allows undergraduate or graduates from Australia,
France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand,
Switzerland, United Kingdom or the United States.
∙ For students, you must be between 18 -25, and have been a
resident / full-time student of a registered university for at
least 3 months before applying for the pass.
∙ Candidates are able to manage all the steps in the
application process themselves.
∙ Family members are not eligible to come with the pass
holder, and the pass is not renewable.
∙ A quota is placed at maximum 2,000 individuals at a time.
Interested? Read more here.

12. Need a hand with your visa application?
Sleek was made by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.
We help companies every day with their application and
compliance requirements.
If you are looking for expert advice on how to best
prepare your application or would like us guide you
through your application process – get in touch.

13. Hassle-free
corporate services for startups and SMEs.
© Sleek 2018. All rights reserved. Work Visas in Singapore v1.0 07.2018