Types of work visas to Singapore

Work visas to Singapore are divided into:

• Business visa
• Short-term work passes.
• Work visas to Singapore for specialists.
• Work visas to Singapore for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
• Work visas to Singapore for interns and students.
• Short-term work passes.

A business visa to Singapore is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to two years from the date of issue. However, each entry is valid for a maximum of 30 days. You must apply for a business visa to Singapore at least two weeks before your intended travel date. 

You can use this visa to visit Singapore for business purposes and to visit friends and family.

How to apply for a business visa to Singapore

A convenient electronic system is available for issuing a business visa to Singapore.  This system greatly simplified and accelerated the process. You can usually receive a visa within five to seven working days from the time of application. Your visa will arrive as a pdf file during this application process, which you can print.

To obtain a business visa in Singapore, the following must be submitted with the completed application:

• Original passport valid for at least six months and at least two blank pages
• A recent 35×45 color photo with a white background
• Completed form V39(A)
• Invitation letter from the host company
• A personal cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip
• Bank statement for the last six months with bank seal
• Confirmed return plane ticket

There may be additional documents depending on the reason for the trip, length of stay, or citizenship.

In some situations, you may be asked where you will be staying and may need to provide proof of this, such as showing a hotel reservation. 

You may need to submit an employment card to prove your employment or to confirm your company, such as a partnership agreement or registration certificate. You may also need to provide proof of your residence abroad.

It is also recommended that you purchase medical and travel insurance in case of medical emergencies while in Singapore, as medical care here can be very expensive.

Short-term work is accepted in Singapore

Foreign workers who as on a short-term Visit Pass to Singapore usually cannot take up any work related activities. However, in certain cases (such as in the case of journalists or speakers at public events), the holder can apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass. it allows the holder to work for a period not exceeding 60 days.

Foreign students who are studying in Singapore with a Study Visa can also work if they meet specific requirements, such as being enrolled at an approved educational institution.

Work visas to Singapore for professionals 

Employment Pass – available to foreign managers, executives, and professionals. You will need to earn at least 3,600 Singapore dollars per month.

Personalized Employment Pass – available if you are a high-income foreign national or have current employment. The PEP offers more flexibility than other work passes.

EntrePass – available for investors or entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Singapore.

Work visas to Singapore for skilled and semi-skilled workers

If you are a skilled or semi-skilled worker, you can apply for one of the following work visas to Singapore:

S Pass– available to skilled mid-level workers with a monthly salary of at least 2,300 Singapore dollars. Foreign worker quotas and fees apply.

Work Permit for migrant workers– this is only available to foreign workers from certain countries and allows you to work only in certain industries (construction, manufacturing, shipyards, manufacturing, or services). Foreign worker quotas and fees apply.

Work Permit for foreign domestic workers (FDW)– only available to workers between the ages of 23 and 50 from certain countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, etc.

Work Permit for confinement nanny– Available to Malaysian nannies who can work in Singapore for 16 weeks starting from the birth of the baby. The employer must pay the fee to the foreign worker.

Work Permit for performing artiste- Available to performers who will be working in eligible public entertainment venues such as bars, nightclubs, or hotels. Foreign worker quotas and fees apply.

Work visas to Singapore for interns and students

Singapore work visas are available for international students or interns:

Training Employment Pass– available to foreign nationals who wish to undertake education in Singapore that does not exceed three months. There are no fees or quotas for foreign workers.

Work Holiday Pass– available to foreign nationals participating in the Working Holiday program with Singapore (Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or the United States). It is only available to citizens aged 18-25 (18-30 for Australians). It is non-renewable and the owner can only get it once.

Training Work Permit– Available to unskilled or semi-skilled foreign students/trainees to undertake practical training in Singapore for up to six months only.

How to apply for a work visa in Singapore?

Before applying for a work visa, you will need to find a job in Singapore. This is because your employer (or employment agency) is responsible for processing your Singapore work visa application.

Your employer or employment agency can apply for a Singapore work visa using EP Online, the online application service on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.

The procedure for obtaining a work visa to Singapore is as follows:

1. Find a job in Singapore.
2. While you are still in your home country, your employer or Employment Agency (EA) will apply for a work visa through EP Online. They will have to pay a processing fee.
3. If your application is accepted, your employer will receive a letter of In-Principle Approval (IPA) which you can use to enter Singapore.
4. If your application is rejected, your employer will receive an In-Principle Rejection letter instead. You will not get a work visa.
5. Using your IPA letter, you can travel to Singapore.
6. Once you are there, your employer or EA applies through EP Online to obtain your work visa to Singapore. Again, they'll have to pay another fee, this time for the Pass itself.
7. If your work pass is issued, you will receive a notification letter. This letter contains information about whether you need to take a photo and fingerprints. It also allows you to start work, leave and enter Singapore until you get your work card.
8. Within two weeks of your pass being issued, you must register at the Employment Pass Service Center (EPSC).
9. After registration, you will receive a Pass Card - usually within 4 working days.