How to Get Singapore Work Permit Visa?

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Singapore is one of the best places to work or do business in the world. Singapore has a robust economy that does many companies, including start-uppers, to thrive well.

It also features a lucrative wage and remuneration structure, and it deals with a progressive tax system. Over 40% of the total populations of Singapore are immigrants, and a large chunk of these immigrants enter Singapore to work and do businesses.

However, only immigrants or foreigners that possess a Singaporean work permit visa (commonly called work visa) can work in Singapore.

It is effortless and fast to get a Singaporean work visa. However, you must meet a few requirements and eligibility criteria to secure a work visa in Singapore. This article will guide you through everything you need to know and do to start working in Singapore.

Categories of Singaporean Work Permits

The Singapore Ministry of Manpower issues five different types of work permits. However, the professionals and skilled and semi-skilled workers permits are the necessary work permits in Singapore.

Professionals Work Permit

These three types of work permit under this category: Employment pass, EntrePass, and Personalized Employment Pass.

1. Employment Pass 

Employment Pass is for foreign professionals who have job offers in Singapore, work in managerial and executive roles, possess professional qualifications, and earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $3,900.

This pass lasts for two years but renewed to last for another three years. Individuals cannot apply for the Employment Pass. 

Read More: How to Apply for Singapore Visa?

EntrePass is for eligible foreign entrepreneurs, including serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators, and serial investors that intend to operate a business in Singapore. This pass is open to all nationalities.

However, companies such as coffee shops, hawk centres, food courts, bars, night clubs, karaoke lounges, herbal medicine stores, employment agencies, acupuncture, massage parlours, etc. are not eligible for this work permit. Individuals can apply for EntrePass.

2. Personalized Employment Pass

Personalized Employment Pass is for overseas professionals who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $18,000 and high-earning Employment Pass holders who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $12,000. Personalized Employment Pass can be obtained directly by individuals.

3. Skilled And Semi-Skilled Workers Permits

This category of work permit is for various levels of skilled and semi-skilled workers. 

S Pass

S Pass allows qualified mid-level skill workers who earn a minimum monthly salary of $2400 to work in Singapore. It is a renewable pass that lasts for two years before expiration. Only employers can apply for this pass. 

Work Permit for Foreign Workers, Foreign Domestic Workers, Confinement Nanny, and Performing Artiste

These work permits specifically allow semi-skilled foreign workers in different sectors, including manufacturing, construction, marine shipyard, and other process services, to work in Singapore.

These permits also allow foreign domestic workers, nannies, and entertainment artistes to work in Singapore. The duration validity of these permits differs depending on the type of worker or industry.

For example, work permits for artistes last for six months while that for confinement nannies last of only 12 weeks. Besides, work permits for confinement nannies and performing artistes are not renewable.

The Singapore Ministry of Manpower also issues other work permits that allow students, trainees, and visitors to take employment roles in Singapore. 

Getting Your Singapore Work Permit

Submit an Application

To apply:

• Download the specific pass application form (download at www.mom.sg).
• Fill in the necessary details in the way (as softcopy) to get a billing number.
• Please print out the application form and sign it.
• Proceed to pay a processing fee of $105 using PayNow if you have an internet banking account with a Singapore bank or make Telegraphic bank transfer.
• Submit your application online with a SingPass, including a screenshot of your payment notification and any other supporting document (as requested on the application form).

It takes about eight weeks to process each application. However, you can check your application status online. It is important to note that the applicants must be eligible for a claim.

Get the Work Permit Issued

The Singapore Ministry of Manpower will send you an in-principle approval (IPA) letter through the email that is indicated on the application form when if your application is approved.

You should be in Singapore within six months of receiving the in-principle approval letter to process the issuance of the work permit. You can also contact an employment agency to handle the permit issuance for you. You can also do it online if you have a SingPass. 

It is important to note that you will need to provide the following information for issuing the pass:

• Your passport details.
• Your immigration pass or visa.
• Your residential address in Singapore.
• Your preferred delivery address.
• Contact details of a third-party person that will also receive the delivery notification.
• Complete declaration form attached with your in-principle approval letter.
• Other documents that are specific for the pass you intend to obtain.

You will receive an email containing a notification letter if your pass is successfully issued. 

Register Fingerprints and Photos

Fingerprints and photo registrations are optional. It will be indicated in your notification letter, whether it is required or not. However, if necessary, you will need to do these registrations within 14 days after the pass is issued.

You must visit the Employment Pass Services Center with the following documents to register: 

• Original passport
• Work appointment letter
• Notification letter
• Any other material listed on your notification letter (these differ depending on the type of pass). 

Receive Your Work Permit Card

You will receive your work permit within four working days after a proper check of your documents. Your work permit card is delivered to the local address on your issuance form.

However, you will receive an SMS to come to the Employment Pass Services Center to pick your card after two failed delivery. You can also send an authorized person to collect the ticket on your behalf in three working days.

You will need to provide your original passport and notification letter to obtain your card. However, if you send an authorized person, they must come with an authorization letter (signed by the card owner) and NRIC passport for verification. 

Conclusion

Getting a Singapore work permit or work visa is easy, fast, and cheap. This reason also contributes to the number of immigrants going to Singapore.