What work visas can Japanese apply for in Singapore?

If you're a Japanese citizen looking to work in Singapore, there are different visa options to suit various job roles and employment durations. These include:

• Short-term work passes for temporary positions.
• Professional work visas for experienced specialists.
• Work permits for both skilled and semi-skilled jobs.
• Business visas.
• Internship and student passes.

What Japanese citizens need to know about getting a Singapore work visa?

To obtain a work visa for Singapore, Japanese need to have a job offer in place. The employer or a licensed employment agency will be responsible for applying via EP Online, the Ministry of Manpower’s online platform.

How can Japanese obtain a Singapore work visa?

Follow these steps to secure your work visa:

1. Get a job offer. Before applying, you need a confirmed job in Singapore.
2. Submit your application. While you're still in Japan, your employer or Employment Agency (EA) will apply for your work visa via EP Online and pay the necessary fee.
3. Approval or rejection. If approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which allows you to travel to Singapore. If rejected, the process stops here.
4. Enter Singapore. The IPA letter grants you legal entry into Singapore.
5. Apply for a work pass. Upon arrival, your employer will finalize your work pass application and pay an issuance fee.
6. Start working. You will receive a notification letter, which allows you to work and travel while waiting for your work pass.
7. Complete registration. Within two weeks, you must register at the Employment Pass Service Center (EPSC).
8. Receive your work pass. Your official Pass Card will be issued within four working days.

Want to know more? Discover employment opportunities and visa requirements in Singapore.

Short-term work options in Singapore for Japanese

In most cases, Japanese travelers with a short-term Visit Pass are not allowed to work in Singapore. However, there are exceptions for roles such as journalists or speakers at public events. If eligible, individuals can apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass, which grants legal permission to work for up to 60 days.

Singapore work visa options for professionals from Japan

If you're a Japanese citizen looking to work in Singapore, here are some visa options to consider:

• Employment Pass (EP) – this visa is for executives, professionals, and managers with a minimum monthly salary of 3,600 SGD.
• Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) – a flexible visa for high-income individuals or those already employed in Singapore.
• EntrePass – ideal for entrepreneurs and investors planning to start a business in Singapore.

Singapore work visa fees and requirements for Japanese citizens

Although there is no standard application fee for a Singapore work visa, Japanese citizens must meet the minimum salary threshold of 3,600 SGD per month to apply for a professional work visa.

For the latest updates on Singapore’s work visa regulations in 2025, click here to learn more.

Singapore work permit options for skilled and semi-skilled Japanese

If you're a Japanese citizen and looking for work in Singapore, here are the key work visa options:

• S Pass – for skilled mid-level workers earning at least 2,300 SGD monthly, with quotas and levies applicable.
• Work Permit for migrant workers – allows employment in specific sectors like construction and manufacturing, subject to worker quotas.
• FDW Permit – available for domestic workers aged 23 to 50 from selected countries.
• Confinement nanny permit – for Malaysian nannies offering postnatal care services for up to 16 weeks.
• Performing artiste permit – issued to entertainers working in licensed venues.

What does a Singapore work visa cost?

While there is no standard fee for a Singapore work visa, applicants seeking an S Pass, which is granted to skilled mid-level workers, must have a salary of at least 2,300 SGD per month to qualify.

Singapore business visa options for Japanese citizens

Japanese citizens can obtain a Singapore business visa, which offers multiple entries over a two-year period. Each entry allows a stay of up to 30 days.

For a smooth application process, apply at least two weeks before your travel date. This visa is valid for business activities and visiting family and friends.

Applying for a Singapore business visa for Japanese

The Singapore business visa application process is now faster and easier thanks to an online system that speeds up approvals. Most visas are granted within five to seven working days.

Once issued, the visa will arrive in PDF format, allowing you to print and carry it with you during your trip.

Documents required for a Singapore business visa for Japanese citizens

Japanese citizens planning to visit Singapore for business purposes should prepare the following documents for their visa application:

• A passport with a minimum validity of six months and at least two blank pages
• A recent 35×45 mm passport photo with a white background
• Completed Form V39(A)
• An official invitation letter from a Singapore-based company
• A personal cover letter detailing the purpose of travel
• A stamped bank statement covering the last six months
• A confirmed return airline ticket

Additional documents may be required based on the nature of your visit, such as proof of accommodation, employment verification, or business registration documents.

Purchasing travel and medical insurance is strongly advised to cover potential healthcare costs during your stay.

For further details on the Singapore business visa process, click here.

Singapore internship and student work visas for Japanese citizens

As a Japanese citizen, you can apply for various Singapore work visas to gain experience through internships or educational training programs. These include:

• Training Employment Pass – a short-term visa valid for up to three months, allowing foreign nationals to undertake training or education in Singapore without quotas or fees.
• Work Holiday Pass – available for eligible citizens aged 18-25 (18-30 for Australians) under the Working Holiday Program. This pass is non-renewable and can only be obtained once.
• Training Work Permit – provides students and trainees with an opportunity to gain practical work experience in Singapore for up to six months.

How much does a Singapore Training Employment Pass cost?

The cost of obtaining a Training Employment Pass in Singapore consists of:

1. S$105 application fee, which must be paid at the time of submission.
2. Processing period: around three weeks for the approval process and IPA letter issuance.
3. S$225 issuance fee, payable upon arrival to complete the final pass process via 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.

Job opportunities for Japanese in Singapore

If you are a Japanese citizen, these are the job sectors offering opportunities in Singapore:

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