Work visa categories in Singapore for Cambodians
If you're a Cambodian citizen seeking job opportunities in Singapore, you can apply for different work visas tailored to your skills and experience, such as:
- Temporary work passes for short-term jobs.
- Professional visas for experts in their field.
- Work permits for skilled labor and trades.
- Business visas.
- Intern and student work passes.
How can Cambodians get a work visa for Singapore?
If you're a Cambodian citizen planning to work in Singapore, the first thing you need is a job offer. Your employer or an authorized employment agency will take care of your visa application by submitting it through
EP Online, the official platform of the Ministry of Manpower.
What are the steps to get a Singapore work visa for Cambodian citizens?
For Cambodians seeking employment in Singapore, the visa process includes the following steps:
- Confirm your job offer. A secured job is a must before starting the visa application.
- Application submission. Your employer or EA submits the application via EP Online while you're still in Cambodia, along with the required fee.
- Receive approval or rejection. An approved application results in an IPA letter, while a rejection means no visa will be issued.
- Travel with your IPA letter. This document allows you to enter Singapore legally.
- Work pass application. Upon arrival, your employer applies for your work pass and pays an issuance fee.
- Start working. The notification letter lets you work and travel within Singapore while awaiting your card.
- Mandatory registration. Within two weeks, you must register at the EPSC.
- Work pass collection. Your Pass Card will be issued within four business days post-registration.
Learn more about employment opportunities in Singapore and work visa requirements.
Short-term work opportunities in Singapore for Cambodians
Generally, Cambodian visitors on a short-term Visit Pass are not permitted to engage in any work-related activities in Singapore. However, exceptions exist for specific cases such as journalists or public event speakers. In such instances, individuals can apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass, which allows them to work legally for up to 60 days.
Professional work visa categories in Singapore for Cambodian citizens
Are you a Cambodian citizen planning to work in Singapore? You may be eligible for one of the following work visas:
- Employment Pass (EP) – for professionals, executives, and managers with a monthly income of at least 3,600 SGD.
- Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) – a flexible visa for high-income foreign nationals or professionals already working in Singapore.
- EntrePass – designed for entrepreneurs and investors looking to start a business in Singapore.
Singapore work visa cost and salary requirements for Cambodian citizens
There is no standard application fee for obtaining a Singapore work visa. The key requirement for Cambodian citizens applying for a professional work visa is a job offer with a monthly salary of at least 3,600 SGD.
Want to know more about upcoming changes to the Singapore Employment Pass and Student Pass in 2025? Read more here.
Singapore work visa options for skilled and semi-skilled Cambodians
Skilled and semi-skilled workers from Cambodia can apply for different work permits in Singapore, including:
- S Pass – a work visa for mid-level skilled employees with a minimum salary of 2,300 SGD per month. Subject to worker quotas and fees.
- Migrant worker permit – available to workers from approved countries for roles in construction, manufacturing, and services.
- Foreign domestic worker permit (FDW) – for domestic workers aged 23 to 50 from select countries, including Bangladesh and Indonesia.
- Confinement nanny permit – offered only to Malaysian nannies for short-term postnatal care.
- Performing artiste permit – for entertainers working in authorized public venues, such as hotels and nightclubs.
Is there a fixed fee for a Singapore work visa?
No, Singapore does not charge a fixed fee for work visas. However, those applying for an S Pass, available to skilled mid-level professionals, need to meet the salary requirement of at least 2,300 SGD per month.
Singapore business visa for Cambodian citizens: What you need to know?
Cambodian citizens can apply for a Singapore business visa that provides multiple entries and remains valid for up to two years. Each stay is limited to 30 days.
Make sure to submit your application at least two weeks before your trip to ensure smooth processing. This visa can also be used to visit friends and family alongside business-related activities.
How can Cambodians obtain a Singapore business visa?
The process of applying for a Singapore business visa is now faster and more convenient thanks to an online application system. Most applications are processed and approved within five to seven working days.
Once approved, your visa will be sent to you in PDF format, which you can print and use for your trip.
Required documents for a Singapore business visa for Cambodian citizens
Applying for a Singapore business visa? Here’s what Cambodian citizens need to submit:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages
- A recent 35×45 mm color photograph on a white background
- Completed Form V39(A)
- An invitation letter from the Singaporean host company
- A personal cover letter detailing the purpose of the trip
- A bank statement for the past six months with an official bank stamp
- A confirmed return flight ticket
Depending on the nature of your visit, additional documents such as hotel bookings, proof of employment, or business registration certificates may be required.
It’s advisable to have travel and medical insurance to cover unexpected expenses while in Singapore.
Learn more about the Singapore business visa process and guidelines here.
Work opportunities in Singapore for interns and students from Cambodia
If you're a Cambodian citizen planning to work in Singapore as an intern or student, you can apply for one of the following visas:
- Training Employment Pass – allows foreign nationals to undertake short-term studies or training programs in Singapore for up to three months, with no quotas or application fees required.
- Work Holiday Pass – available to nationals of specific countries, including Australia, France, Germany, and more. Applicants must be aged 18-25 (18-30 for Australians), and the pass is issued only once with no renewal option.
- Training Work Permit – suitable for students or trainees seeking practical hands-on experience in Singapore for a duration of up to six months.
What is the cost of a Training Employment Pass in Singapore?
The cost of obtaining a Singapore Training Employment Pass includes:
- S$105 application fee, due when submitting the initial application.
- Approval process: takes around three weeks to receive the IPA letter if successful.
- S$225 issuance fee, required upon arrival to finalize the pass through EP Online.
How much is the fee for a Singapore Training Work Permit?
The fee for applying for a Training Work Permit in Singapore is S$35, which is the processing cost for the application.
Top job sectors in Singapore for Cambodian citizens
For Cambodians, Singapore offers job opportunities across multiple sectors, including:
1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development
- Software Engineers
- Data Analysts
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Network Administrators
2. Healthcare
- Nurses (mainly 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 (mostly from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka)
- Nannies
- Caregivers
Requirements for a work permit in Singapore for Cambodian citizens
Cambodian citizens must fulfill the following requirements to obtain a work permit in Singapore, issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
- The hiring company must have an approved work permit quota.
- Foreign workers must come from approved countries, such as Malaysia, China, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. Only certain industries are allowed to hire from non-traditional countries.
- The minimum age for foreign workers is 18, with a maximum age of 50. Malaysians are allowed to work up to the age of 58.
- A monthly fee is required for each Cambodian worker.
- Non-Malaysian workers must pay a security deposit.
- Medical insurance with minimum coverage must be provided.
- A pre-employment medical examination is required to confirm that the worker is fit for the job.
- Workers in certain industries must complete specific safety courses.
What documents are needed for Cambodian citizens to obtain a work permit in Singapore?
When applying for a work permit in Singapore, Cambodian citizens need to submit:
- A scanned copy of the passport biodata page
- Educational qualifications (if applicable)
- Written consent for the application submission
- Health insurance
How do Cambodians apply for a work permit in Singapore?
Step 1. Determine the type of work permit
Choose the correct type of work visa that matches your qualifications and the industry in which you plan to work in Singapore.
Step 2. Receive a job offer
To apply for your work permit, ensure you have received a formal job offer or a signed contract from your employer. Additionally, confirm that your employer is authorized to hire foreign workers.
Step 3. Employer’s responsibility for submitting the application
The employer must log into the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) system and do the following to submit the application:
- Fill in the application form.
- Upload all required documents, including the passport, employment contract, and educational certificates.
- Provide further details such as salary, work conditions, and work location.
Step 4. Fee payment for the application
The employer must pay the application fee, which varies by the type of work permit, with fees typically ranging from 30 to 105 SGD.
Step 5. Wait for the decision
You can track your application status via the MOM online system. Applications usually take between 1 and 3 weeks to process.
Step 6. Receive your pre-approval letter (IPA)
After the application is approved, the employer will be able to download the IPA (In-Principle Approval) letter, granting the employee permission to enter Singapore.
Step 7. Complete your work permit application
After reaching Singapore, you must:
- Undergo a medical check-up at an approved clinic and acquire the medical report.
- Provide insurance coverage as per MOM guidelines.
- Access the MOM system to pay remaining fees and schedule a time to pick up your work permit card.
Step 8. Visit the MOM card collection center
At your appointment at the MOM card collection center, make sure to submit the following required documents:
- Passport
- IPA letter
- Medical report
- Proof of insurance coverage
Once your documents are submitted, you will receive your work permit card.
Step 9. Start working
After receiving your work permit, you can officially start your employment in Singapore.