Foreign professionals need a valid work visa from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before starting employment. The visa category depends on your professional level, qualifications, and intended role.
Singapore operates a tiered work visa system that attracts talent across different skill levels. Each category has specific requirements for salary, qualifications, and application procedures.
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass serves as the primary visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives.
As of January 2025, minimum salary requirements have increased and now vary by sector and age. These new requirements apply to new applications from January 2025 and renewals of passes expiring from January 2026 onwards.
Salary Requirements
For most sectors, the minimum qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 from age 23, increasing progressively with age up to S$10,700 for candidates aged 45 and above.
Financial services professionals face higher thresholds, starting at S$6,200 from age 23 and reaching S$11,800 for those aged 45 and above.
Educational Requirements
Employment Pass applications require recognized degrees, diplomas, or professional certifications relevant to your intended role. These educational requirements remain mandatory and must be properly documented with transcripts and institutional verification.
Application Process
Your employer or appointed employment agent must submit the application through MOM’s EP Online system. You cannot apply directly as an individual. Overseas companies without a Singapore-registered office must apply through a local sponsor.
Since September 2023, Singapore has used the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
This points-based system evaluates applications based on multiple factors, including salary, qualifications, skills diversity, and the employer’s commitment to developing local workforce capabilities.
This framework provides greater transparency and certainty for both employers and applicants.
Processing Time
Employment Pass applications typically take 1-3 weeks.
Required Documents
Essential documents include a valid passport copy, a recent passport photograph, educational certificates with transcripts, a detailed employment contract, and company registration documents.
Also Read: Singapore’s Work Pass Administrative Fees to Increase from 2019
S Pass
The S Pass targets mid-skilled workers across all nationalities, with updated salary requirements effective September 2025.
These new requirements apply to applications submitted from September 2025 and renewals of passes expiring from September 2026 onwards.
Salary Requirements
For most sectors, the minimum salary requirement increases to S$3,300 from age 23, rising progressively to S$4,800 for candidates aged 45 and above.
Financial services professionals need higher salaries starting at S$3,800 from age 23, reaching S$5,650 for those aged 45 and above.
Educational Requirements
As of September 2025, declaring educational qualifications has become optional for S Pass applications. This change gives employers more flexibility in hiring decisions.
However, if employers choose to declare qualifications in the application, they remain responsible for ensuring these credentials are authentic and from accredited institutions.
Application Process
Your employer or appointed employment agent must submit the application through MOM’s EP Online system.
Before applying, employers must use the Self-Assessment Tool to verify candidate eligibility, as applications that fail this preliminary check will be rejected.
S Pass applications face employer quotas and levy requirements. Companies have limited allocations for foreign hires in this category, which means timing can affect application success.
Processing Time
S Pass applications are processed or updated within 10 business days for online submissions.
Family Members
S Pass holders earning at least S$6,000 monthly can apply for Dependant’s Passes for their spouse and children. Employers can submit family member applications together with the S Pass application or separately at a later date.
Required Documents
Essential documents include a valid passport copy, a recent passport photograph, an employment contract with a detailed job description, and company registration documents. Educational credentials are optional but must be authentic if declared.
Also Read: Update: Dependant Work Pass Holders
EntrePass
The EntrePass is for serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators, and experienced investors who want to operate venture-backed businesses or companies with innovative technologies in Singapore.
This visa is open to all nationalities and citizenships, focusing on business innovation rather than traditional employment relationships.
Eligibility Requirements
You can apply for an EntrePass if you have started or intend to start a private limited (Pte Ltd) company registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
The pass holder must maintain at least 30% ownership of the registered company throughout the visa period.
The assessment is based on your entrepreneurial background, innovation credentials, business viability, and potential contribution to Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.
Priority is given to businesses in technology, biotechnology, clean energy, and other sectors aligned with Singapore’s economic development strategy.
Salary Requirements
No minimum salary requirement applies to EntrePass holders. The evaluation centres on business performance, innovation potential, and entrepreneurial capability rather than traditional employment compensation structures.
Educational Requirements
Formal education credentials carry less weight than proven entrepreneurial experience, innovation track record, and business execution capability. The assessment prioritizes your ability to build and scale innovative businesses rather than academic qualifications.
Application Process
Unlike other work visa categories, candidates can apply directly for the EntrePass without requiring employer sponsorship.
Applications are evaluated jointly by Enterprise Singapore and the Ministry of Manpower, reflecting the strategic importance of attracting entrepreneurial talent.
The evaluation process examines your entrepreneurial background, business plans, innovation credentials, funding arrangements, and market potential.
Enterprise Singapore may contact EntrePass holders periodically for engagement and audit purposes to monitor business progress and compliance.
Processing Time
EntrePass applications can take up to 8 weeks due to comprehensive evaluation requirements that assess both business viability and entrepreneurial credentials.
Visa Duration and Renewal
New EntrePass holders and first-time renewals receive passes valid for up to 1 year. Subsequent renewals can extend up to 2 years, depending on proven business performance and continued innovation.
Renewal success depends entirely on meeting specific performance criteria, including business growth metrics, innovation milestones, and contribution to Singapore’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Enterprise Singapore and MOM evaluate renewal applications based on measurable business outcomes and ongoing innovation activities.
Required Documents
Essential documents include business plans, proof of company registration with ACRA, evidence of at least 30% company ownership, innovation credentials or funding commitments, a valid passport copy, and a recent passport photograph.
Additional documentation may include intellectual property records, partnership agreements, or venture capital commitments, depending on your business model.
Also Read: Changes to the Employment Act- Offering Workers greater protection
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The Personalised Employment Pass targets high-earning Employment Pass holders and overseas foreign professionals seeking greater employment flexibility than standard Employment Passes provide.
This visa operates independently of employer sponsorship, allowing holders to change jobs without reapplying for new work authorization.
Salary Requirements
PEP applicants must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. This threshold is benchmarked to the top 10% of Employment Pass holders, reflecting the premium nature of this visa category.
For overseas foreign professionals, your last drawn salary must have been within the past 6 months of your application to ensure current market relevance.
To maintain your PEP status, you must earn a fixed salary of at least S$270,000 per calendar year, regardless of the number of months you remain in employment during that period. This annual requirement ensures a consistent, high-value contribution to Singapore’s economy.
Employment Continuity Requirements
PEP holders must maintain continuous employment in Singapore throughout their visa validity period. If you become unemployed for more than six months at any point, you must cancel your pass immediately.
This requirement emphasizes the visa’s purpose of retaining actively contributing high-skilled professionals.
Educational Requirements
PEP applications require strong educational credentials, typically advanced degrees or extensive professional certifications, combined with significant relevant work experience in senior roles.
The assessment considers your overall professional profile and proven expertise rather than specific employer requirements.
Eligibility Restrictions
Several categories of professionals are not eligible for PEP applications.
Employment Pass holders under sponsorship schemes cannot apply for PEP conversion. Freelancers or professionals intending to work on a freelance basis are excluded.
Sole proprietors, partners, or directors who also hold shareholder positions in ACRA-registered companies cannot obtain PEP status.
Work Restrictions
PEP holders face specific occupational restrictions and cannot work in certain sectors, including media and religion-related occupations.
You are not permitted to start businesses or conduct entrepreneurial activities while holding a PEP. Professionals seeking to pursue business ventures should apply for an EntrePass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass instead.
Application Process
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply directly for the PEP without requiring employer sponsorship.
Applications are submitted through MOM’s standard channels, with evaluation focusing on your professional track record, salary history, and potential contribution to Singapore’s workforce.
Unlike employer-sponsored visas, the assessment considers your individual qualifications and market value rather than specific company needs.
Changing Employers
PEP holders have unrestricted ability to change employers without reapplying for new visas.
However, you must notify MOM within the specified timeframes about employment changes to maintain compliance and ensure continuous employment tracking.
Processing Time
PEP applications are typically processed within 1-3 weeks, similar to the Employment Pass processing timeline.
Required Documents
Essential documents include previous salary documentation covering the past 6 months, educational certificates with transcripts, detailed employment history demonstrating senior-level experience, a valid passport copy, and a recent passport photograph.
Additional documentation may include performance evaluations or professional references that support your high-calibre professional status.
Also Read: What are the Ways for Professionals to Get Work Visa in Singapore?
Work Visa Compliance and Support
Once you receive your Singapore work visa, stay compliant by updating MOM about any changes to your personal details or employment.
Keep your documentation current and work only for your approved employer in your designated role. Unauthorized employment can lead to visa cancellation.
Singapore has recently updated its Employment Pass and S Pass requirements as part of ongoing efforts to attract skilled professionals while balancing local workforce needs. Understanding these evolving requirements and preparing strong applications has become increasingly important.
Given these regulatory changes, HC Consultancy helps professionals navigate Singapore’s work visa requirements, ensuring applications meet current standards and compliance obligations throughout the process.
FAQs: Work Visa in Singapore
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
1. Can I Apply For A Work Visa Without A Job Offer?
Most Singapore work visas require confirmed employment offers from registered local employers before application submission. The EntrePass represents the primary exception, as it focuses on business creation rather than traditional employment.
2. How Long Does The Application Process Typically Take?
Processing times vary by visa category. Employment Pass applications typically complete within 1-3 weeks, S Pass applications are processed within 10 business days, while EntrePass applications can extend up to 8 weeks due to business plan evaluation requirements.
3. Can My Family Join Me In Singapore?
Family eligibility depends on your visa type and salary level. Employment Pass holders who meet salary thresholds can apply for Dependant’s Passes for spouses and children or Long-Term Visit Passes for other family members.
S Pass holders earning at least S$6,000 monthly can apply for Dependant’s Passes for their spouse and children.
4. Do Companies Face Quotas When Hiring Foreigners?
The S Pass category has industry-specific quotas that limit the proportion of foreign workers companies can employ. These quotas vary by sector and company size.
5. Do I Need Professional Help With My Application?
While you can submit work visa applications independently, professional assistance often increases your chances of approval. Business consultants help ensure your documentation meets current requirements, guide you toward the most suitable visa category, and verify compliance with evolving regulations.
