What types of work visas are available for Bhutanese in Singapore?
Singapore offers a range of work visa options for Bhutanese citizens, depending on the job field and employment period. The main categories include:
- Short-term work passes for temporary assignments.
- Professional work visas for qualified specialists.
- Work permits for semi-skilled and skilled workers.
- Business visas.
- Internship and student passes.
What Bhutanese need to do to get a work visa for Singapore?
To obtain a Singapore work visa, the first step is to find a job. After that, your employer or an approved employment agency will apply for the visa on your behalf through EP Online, the official system of the Ministry of Manpower.
Singapore work visa process for Bhutanese
If you're a Bhutanese citizen planning to work in Singapore, follow these steps to obtain your work visa:
- Find a job. You must secure a confirmed job offer from a Singapore employer before applying.
- Apply for a visa. While still in Bhutan, your employer or an Employment Agency (EA) will submit your application via EP Online and pay the required fee.
- Approval or rejection. If approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter for you to enter Singapore. A rejection means no visa will be issued.
- Travel to Singapore. Once you have your IPA letter, you can travel and prepare for the final steps.
- Get your work pass. After arrival, your employer or EA will finalize the work pass application through EP Online, requiring an additional fee.
- Receive your notification letter. This letter allows you to begin working, travel, and provides details on any required biometrics.
- Complete registration. Within two weeks, you must register at the Employment Pass Service Center (EPSC).
- Get your Pass Card. After registration, your official work pass card will be issued within four working days.
Want more details? Learn about job opportunities and work visa types in Singapore.
Working in Singapore on a short-term Visit Pass: What Bhutanese citizens need to know?
As a rule, Bhutanese visiting Singapore on a short-term Visit Pass are not allowed to engage in work. However, exceptions exist for professionals such as journalists or guest lecturers, who can obtain a Miscellaneous Work Pass for short-term employment of up to 60 days.
Work visas for Bhutanese professionals in Singapore
Singapore offers several work visa options for Bhutanese citizens seeking employment:
- Employment Pass (EP) – available to skilled professionals and managers earning a minimum of 3,600 SGD monthly.
- Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) – designed for high-income earners or those with an existing job, offering greater flexibility.
- EntrePass – geared toward entrepreneurs and investors planning to establish a business in Singapore.
How much does a Singapore work visa cost for Bhutanese citizens?
Singapore does not have a fixed fee for work visa applications. However, to be eligible for a professional work visa, Bhutanese citizens must secure a job offer with a minimum salary of 3,600 SGD per month.
Stay informed about the latest updates on the Singapore Employment Pass and Student Pass in 2025 by reading more here.
Work visa options in Singapore for semi-skilled and skilled Bhutanese
If you're a Bhutanese citizen looking to work in Singapore, the following work permits are available for skilled and semi-skilled workers:
- S Pass – requires a minimum salary of 2,300 SGD per month and is subject to foreign worker quotas and fees.
- Migrant worker permit – available to specific nationalities for work in construction, shipyards, and manufacturing.
- Foreign domestic worker permit (FDW) – issued to eligible workers aged 23-50 from approved countries.
- Confinement nanny permit – exclusively for Malaysian nannies working for up to 16 weeks post-birth.
- Performing artiste permit – allows work in licensed entertainment venues, with quotas and fees applicable.
Singapore work visa fees and eligibility
While there is no fixed cost for a work visa in Singapore, applicants for an S Pass, meant for skilled mid-level workers, must have a job offer with a minimum salary of 2,300 SGD per month.
Business visa options for Bhutanese citizens traveling to Singapore
If you're a Bhutanese citizen planning a trip to Singapore for business purposes, you can apply for a business visa that offers multiple entries for up to two years. Each visit allows a stay of up to 30 days.
To avoid any delays, it’s recommended to apply at least two weeks before your planned departure. In addition to business purposes, this visa also permits visits to friends and family in Singapore.
What is the process for Bhutanese to obtain a Singapore business visa?
Applying for a business visa to Singapore has been made easier with an online application system that speeds up processing times. Most applications are approved within five to seven working days.
Your approved visa will be sent to you in PDF format, which you can print and carry with you for your trip.
Step-by-step guide to Singapore business visa requirements for Bhutanese citizens
To apply for a business visa to Singapore, Bhutanese citizens must gather and submit the following documents:
- A passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages
- A 35×45 mm color photo on a white background
- Completed Form V39(A)
- An invitation letter from a Singapore-based company
- A personal cover letter outlining the purpose of travel
- A bank statement for the last six months with a bank seal
- A confirmed return flight ticket
Additional documents, such as proof of accommodation, employment verification, or business registration certificates, may also be required.
It is strongly recommended to purchase travel and medical insurance, as healthcare services in Singapore can be costly.
For more details about the application process and requirements, click here.
Singapore work visa options for interns and students from Bhutan
If you're a Bhutanese citizen seeking work opportunities in Singapore, the following visa options are available:
- Training Employment Pass – for foreign nationals participating in short-term educational or training programs in Singapore, valid for up to three months. This pass has no associated fees or quotas.
- Work Holiday Pass – offered under the Working Holiday Program to citizens of specific countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. Eligible applicants must be aged 18-25 (18-30 for Australians). This pass is non-renewable and can only be issued once.
- Training Work Permit – designed for unskilled or semi-skilled students or trainees looking to gain practical experience in Singapore for up to six months.
Training Employment Pass fees in Singapore
Applying for a Training Employment Pass in Singapore involves the following costs:
- Application fee: S$105, payable during the initial submission.
- Processing time: typically around three weeks, after which an IPA letter is issued upon approval.
- Issuance fee: S$225, which must be paid upon arrival in Singapore when applying for the pass through EP Online.
Singapore work visa fee for Training Work Permit
If you're applying for a Training Work Permit in Singapore, the application processing fee is S$35.
Sectors offering job opportunities in Singapore for Bhutanese citizens
Bhutanese citizens can find a wide range of job opportunities in the following sectors in Singapore:
1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development
- Software Engineers
- Data Analysts
- Cybersecurity Experts
- Network Administrators
2. Healthcare
- Nurses (particularly from Sri Lanka and the Philippines)
- Medical Technicians
- Healthcare Assistants
3. Construction and Engineering
- Civil Engineers
- Construction Workers
- Electrical Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
4. Hospitality and Tourism
- Hotel Managers
- Chefs/Cooks
- Front Desk Officers
- Waitstaff
5. Manufacturing
- Factory Workers
- Machine Operators
- Quality Control Technicians
6. Domestic Work
- Domestic Helpers (primarily from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka)
- Nannies
- Caregivers
Work permit requirements for Bhutanese citizens in Singapore
To work in Singapore, Bhutanese citizens must meet the following requirements for obtaining a work permit, issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
- The hiring company must have an approved work permit quota.
- Workers must come from approved countries such as Malaysia, China, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. Only certain industries can hire workers from non-traditional countries.
- The minimum age for foreign workers is 18, and the maximum age is 50. Malaysians can work up to the age of 58.
- A monthly fee is applicable for Bhutanese workers under the work permit.
- A security deposit is required for non-Malaysian workers.
- Minimum medical insurance coverage must be provided for all workers.
- A pre-employment medical exam is required to ensure the worker is fit for the role.
- Certain industries require workers to complete safety courses.
Documents to submit for Bhutanese citizens applying for a work permit in Singapore
For Bhutanese citizens to apply for a work permit in Singapore, the required documents are:
- Scanned copy of the passport biodata page
- Proof of educational qualifications (if any)
- A written consent form to authorize the submission of the application
- Health insurance
How to apply for a work permit in Singapore for Bhutanese?
Step 1. Choose the appropriate work permit
Select the work visa that fits your skills and the industry you are going to work in Singapore.
Step 2. Ensure you have a job offer
Before you begin the application process for a work permit, make sure you have a signed employment contract or formal job offer. It is also important to verify that the employer has the legal right to hire foreign workers.
Step 3. Submission of the application by the employer
The employer must log into the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) system and complete the application process:
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload all required documents, including the passport, employment contract, and educational certificates.
- Provide additional details, such as salary, working conditions, and the place of work.
Step 4. Pay the application fee
The employer is required to pay an application fee, which varies depending on the type of work permit (typically between 30 and 105 SGD).
Step 5. Wait for the decision
You can check the status of your application through the MOM online system. The processing time for applications is typically between 1 and 3 weeks.
Step 6. Receive your pre-approval letter (IPA)
Once the application is approved, the employer can download the IPA (In-Principle Approval) letter, which grants the employee permission to enter Singapore.
Step 7. Finalize your pass application
Upon arrival in Singapore, you must:
- Undergo a medical examination at an approved clinic and obtain the medical report.
- Provide insurance coverage as required by MOM.
- Log into the MOM system to pay additional fees and schedule a date to receive your work permit card.
Step 8. Visit the MOM card collection center
During your appointment at the MOM card collection center, ensure you submit the following required documents:
- Passport
- IPA letter
- Medical report
- Proof of insurance coverage
Once all documents are submitted, you will receive your work permit card.
Step 9. Start working
Once you have received your work permit, you can officially begin your employment in Singapore.
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