Singapore work visa for Ethiopians
Work visas to Singapore are divided into:
- Short-term work passes.
- Work visas to Singapore for professionals.
- Work visas to Singapore for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
- Business visa.
- Work visas to Singapore for interns and students.
How to get a Singapore work visa from Ethiopia?
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.
Singapore work visa requirements for Ethiopian citizens
The procedure for obtaining a work visa to Singapore is as follows:
- Find a job in Singapore.
- While you are still in Ethiopia, your employer or Employment Agency (EA) will apply for a work visa through EP Online. They will have to pay a processing fee.
- If your application is accepted, your employer will receive a letter of In-Principle Approval (IPA) which you can use to enter Singapore.
- If your application is rejected, your employer will receive an In-Principle Rejection letter instead. You will not get a work visa.
- Using your IPA letter, you can travel to Singapore.
- 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.
- 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.
- Within two weeks of your pass being issued, you must register at the Employment Pass Service Center (EPSC).
- After registration, you will receive a Pass Card - usually within 4 working days.
Read more about Work in Singapore for expats: employment features, types of work visas and where to look for work.
Short-term work in Singapore for Ethiopians
Ethiopian workers who are 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.
Work visas to Singapore for professionals from Ethiopia
- 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.
Singapore work visa fee for Ethiopian citizens
There is no fixed work visa fee to Singapore. The only requirement is a minimum monthly salary of 3,600 Singapore dollars per month if you want to apply for a work visa to Singapore for professionals.
To stay informed about all the updates about Singapore employment pass and Singapore student pass in 2025, read more here.
Singapore work visas for Ethiopians 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.
Singapore work visa fee
There is no fixed work visa fee to Singapore. The only requirement is a minimum monthly salary of at least 2,300 Singapore dollars if you want to apply for S Pass – available to skilled mid-level workers.
Business visa to Singapore for Ethiopian citizens
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 can Ethiopians 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.
Requirements for a business visa to Singapore for Ethiopian citizens
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.
You can find out even more information about Singapore business visa, how it works and its prospects here.
Work visas to Singapore for interns and students from Ethiopia
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.
Singapore work visa fee for Training Employment Pass
There is a $105 fee for each application.
If the pass is approved (the processing time for a Training Employment Pass is approximately three weeks), your employer will receive a policy approval (IPA) letter.
Once you arrive in Singapore, your employer submits another application via EP Online, this time to obtain a pass.
You must pay another visa fee, which is S$225 per ticket.
Singapore work visa fee for Training Work Permit
An application processing fee is S$35.
Singapore jobs: In what job sectors can Ethiopian citizens work in Singapore?
Here are some of the top job sectors in Singapore for Ethiopians:
1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development
- Software Engineers
- Data Analysts
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Network Administrators
2. Healthcare
- Nurses (especially from the Philippines and Sri Lanka)
- 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 (mainly from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka)
- Nannies
- Caregivers
Singapore work permit (WP) for Ethiopian citizens: Requirements
To work in Singapore, Ethiopian citizens must secure a work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Here are the key requirements for obtaining a work permit:
- The hiring company must have an appropriate work permit quota.
- Foreign nationals must come from certain approved countries, including Malaysia, China, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. Some industries can hire workers from non-traditional countries.
- The minimum age for foreign workers is 18, and the maximum age is 50 years. Malaysians are allowed to work up to the age of 58.
- A monthly fee applies to Ethiopian workers under this work permit.
- A security deposit is required for non-Malaysian workers.
- Medical insurance with minimum coverage must be provided.
- A pre-employment medical exam is required to confirm that the worker is fit for the job.
- Certain industries may require safety training courses to be completed before starting work.
Work permit application documents for Ethiopian citizens in Singapore
For Ethiopian citizens applying for a work permit in Singapore, the required documents include:
- A scanned copy of the passport biodata page
- Educational documents (if any)
- A written consent from the applicant to submit the application
- Health insurance
Steps for Ethiopians to apply for a work permit in Singapore
Step 1. Choose the appropriate work permit
Identify the suitable work permit based on your qualifications, skills, and the type of work you plan to do in Singapore.
Step 2. Secure a job offer
To apply for a work permit, you must first receive a formal job offer or a signed employment contract from your employer. Ensure that the employer is authorized to hire foreign nationals.
Step 3. Employer’s role in submitting the application
The employer must access the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) system and fill out the application form:
- Complete the necessary application fields.
- Upload the required documents, including the passport, employment contract, and educational certificates.
- Include further details, such as salary, working conditions, and the workplace location.
Step 4. Pay the work permit fee
The employer will need to pay the application fee, which can range from 30 to 105 SGD, depending on the specific type of permit.
Step 5. Await the decision
You can track your application status via the MOM online system. Processing usually takes between 1 and 3 weeks.
Step 6. Get your pre-approval letter (IPA)
Upon approval of the application, the employer will be able to download the IPA (In-Principle Approval) letter, which permits the employee to enter Singapore.
Step 7. Finish your pass application
Upon your arrival in Singapore, you are required to:
- Go for a medical examination at an approved clinic and obtain the medical report.
- Provide the necessary insurance coverage as per MOM guidelines.
- Access the MOM system to pay any outstanding fees and arrange a date for your work permit card pickup.
Step 8. Visit the MOM center for card collection
During your appointment at the MOM card collection center, be sure to submit the following documents:
- Passport
- IPA letter
- Medical report
- Proof of insurance coverage
Once all documents are submitted, you will be handed your work permit card.
Step 9. Officially start working
With your work permit in hand, you can now start working legally in Singapore.
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