Understanding the Different Types of Singapore Work Visa

Traveloka Team
11 Sep 2024 - 5 min read

If you’re set on working in Singapore, make sure your Singapore work visa is all squared away.

Getting the right work visa is a must—it keeps everything above board and lets you enjoy all the perks of working here. With its buzzing economy, mix of cultures, and great work-life balance, Singapore is a top spot for anyone looking to boost their career and have a good time.

Not sure which to get? You’re in luck! This guide will fill you in on all the essentials.

Singapore Work Visa Types and Requirements

Here’s a rundown of all the Singapore work visa types. We’ve added the requirement to work in Singapore for each, so you can twig which one you’ll need.

Flight From Singapore to Bangkok

Sun, 25 May 2025

Scoot

Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)

Start from SGD 85.85

Sat, 17 May 2025

Jetstar Asia Airways

Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)

Start from SGD 103.22

Sat, 10 May 2025

Malaysia Airlines

Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)

Start from SGD 156.27

1. Employment Pass (EP)

Singapore work visa requirements for Employment Pass:

Applicant: Highly skilled professionals with a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
Income Eligibility: Minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,500 for new applicants (S$10,500 for financial services).
Processing Time: Approximately three weeks for most applications.
Validity Period: Initially up to 2 years; renewable for up to 3 years.

2. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

To apply for the Personalised Employment Pass, here are the requirements:

Applicant: High-earning professionals who hold an EP and want greater job flexibility.
Income Eligibility: Minimum last drawn fixed monthly salary of S$22,500.
Processing Time: 8 weeks after submission of the necessary documents.
Validity Period: Up to 3 years; non-renewable.

3. EntrePass

To apply for the EntrePass, here are the requirements:

Applicant: Entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a business in Singapore.
Income Eligibility: There is no specific income eligibility; instead, it focuses on the viability and innovativeness of the business plan.
Processing Time: Approximately eight weeks after submission of all required documents and business plans.
Validity Period: Initially valid for one year; renewable for two years with demonstrated business progress.

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4. S Pass

To apply for the S Pass, here are the requirements:

Applicant: Mid-level skilled workers with relevant qualifications or work experience.
Income Eligibility: Minimum monthly salary of S$3,150; higher for older, more experienced workers.
Processing Time: Usually around three weeks.
Validity Period: Up to 2 years; renewable as long as eligibility criteria are met.

5. Work Permit for Migrant Worker

To apply for a Work Permit for migrant workers, here are the requirements:

Applicant: Semi-skilled workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and marine.
Income Eligibility: There is no specific income requirement, but the employer must pay a foreign worker levy.
Processing Time: Typically one week.
Validity Period: Up to 2 years; renewable, but subject to sector-specific caps.

6. Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Worker

To apply for a Work Permit for domestic workers, here are the requirements:

Applicant: Domestic helpers working in private households.
Income Eligibility: There is no specific income requirement; the employer must pay a foreign worker levy.
Processing Time: Generally one week if all required documents are complete.
Validity Period: Generally two years; renewable, depending on the worker’s passport validity and employer’s requirements.

7. Work Permit for Confinement Nanny

To apply for a Work Permit for a confinement nanny, here are the requirements:

Applicant: Nannies hired by Singaporean families to care for newborns.
Income Eligibility: There is no specific income requirement; the employer must pay a foreign worker levy.
Processing Time: Typically, one week if everything’s in order.
Validity Period: Up to 16 weeks from the child's birth; non-renewable.

8. Work Permit for Performing Artiste

To apply for a Work Permit for a performing artiste, here are the requirements:

Applicant: Nannies hired by Singaporean families to care for newborns.
Income Eligibility: There is no specific income requirement; the employer must pay a foreign worker levy.
Processing Time: Typically, one week if everything’s in order.
Validity Period: Up to 16 weeks from the child's birth; non-renewable.
Applicant: Foreign performers working in public entertainment outlets like bars, hotels, and nightclubs.
Income Eligibility: There is no specific income requirement; the employer must pay a foreign worker levy.
Processing Time: Around one week, provided all documents are correct.
Validity Period: Up to 6 months; renewable, but total employment should not exceed six months a year.

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9. Training Employment Pass (TEP)

To apply for a TEP, here are the requirements:

Applicant: Foreign professionals undergoing formal training or internships with a local employer.
Income Eligibility: Minimum monthly salary of $3,000.
Processing Time: Typically around three weeks.
Validity Period: Up to 1 year; renewable based on the duration of the training programme and sponsorship.

10. Work Holiday Pass (Work Holiday Programme)

To apply for a Work Holiday Pass (Work Holiday Programme), here are the requirements:

Applicant: University students or recent graduates from eligible countries looking for holiday work.
Income Eligibility: No specific income requirement.
Processing Time: Generally 2 to 3 weeks if all documents are in order.
Validity Period: Up to 6 months; non-renewable.

11. Work Holiday Pass (Work and Holiday Visa Programmes)

To apply for a Work Holiday Pass (Work and Holiday Visa Programmes), here are the requirements:

Applicant: University students or recent graduates from Australia and New Zealand looking for work and travel.
Income Eligibility: No specific income requirement.
Processing Time: Usually 2 to 3 weeks.
Validity Period: Up to 12 months; non-renewable.

12. Training Work Permit

To apply for a Training Work Permit, here are the requirements:

Applicant: Foreign trainees in specific industries or sectors, including those undergoing structured training programmes.
Income Eligibility: No specific income requirement.
Processing Time: Usually around three weeks; may vary depending on the complexity of the training programme.
Validity Period: Typically up to 6 months; renewable depending on the duration and progress of the training.

Singapore Work Visa Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

When getting your work visa sorted for Singapore, best steer clear of these blunders.

1. Incomplete Documentation

The first slip-up is not getting all your paperwork in or bungling the information you provide. So, it is best to give the visa checklist a good look and double-check that everything’s in order before you submit it.

2. Ignoring Application Deadlines

The truth is the Singapore work visa processing time can drag on forever. Pop all the essential dates on your calendar and set some reminders so you’re not caught up.

3. Overlooking Financial Requirements

Your finances make up a big part of your eligibility to work in Singapore. Ensure you check the visa’s financial rules and have all the proper documents to back it up.

Armed with all the information, apply for a Singapore work visa now. Once you’ve sorted your Singapore work visa and you’re all set to jet off, it's time to book your flights, snag a comfy accommodation to stay, and line up some fun things to do with Traveloka.

Only Traveloka offers the best deals, so you know you’re getting top value every time. Get everything ready in one go, and you’ll be set to dive into your new life in no time!

Planning to work in Singapore? Let Traveloka make the process easier for you! Book your flights, find accommodation, and explore all the essentials you need to start your journey. With Traveloka, you can access the best deals and promotions, ensuring a seamless transition to your new job in Singapore. Trust Traveloka to be your travel partner as you embark on this exciting career adventure!

In This Article

• Singapore Work Visa Types and Requirements
• 1. Employment Pass (EP)
• 2. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
• 3. EntrePass
• 4. S Pass
• 5. Work Permit for Migrant Worker
• 6. Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Worker
• 7. Work Permit for Confinement Nanny
• 8. Work Permit for Performing Artiste
• 9. Training Employment Pass (TEP)
• 10. Work Holiday Pass (Work Holiday Programme)
• 11. Work Holiday Pass (Work and Holiday Visa Programmes)
• 12. Training Work Permit
• Singapore Work Visa Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
• 1. Incomplete Documentation
• 2. Ignoring Application Deadlines
• 3. Overlooking Financial Requirements

Flights Featured in This Article

Sun, 25 May 2025
Scoot
Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)
Start from SGD 85.85
Book Now
Sat, 17 May 2025
Jetstar Asia Airways
Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)
Start from SGD 103.22
Book Now
Sat, 10 May 2025
Malaysia Airlines
Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)
Start from SGD 156.27
Book Now
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