Singapore work visa options for Americans
If you're a US citizen planning to work in Singapore, there are several types of work visas available based on your job type and duration. These include:
- Short-term work passes for temporary employment.
- Professional visas for highly skilled professionals.
- Work permits for skilled and semi-skilled positions.
- Business visas.
- Internship and student work passes.
How do US citizens apply for a Singapore work visa?
Getting a work visa in Singapore starts with securing a job. Once you have an employer willing to hire you, they will apply for your visa through EP Online, the Ministry of Manpower's official service for visa processing.
Work visa requirements for US citizens in Singapore
If you're a US citizen looking to work in Singapore, here's what you need to do:
- Get a job offer. You must first secure employment with a Singapore-based company.
- Visa application submission. While you’re still in USA, your employer or an authorized Employment Agency (EA) will apply for your work visa through EP Online and pay the processing fee.
- Approval or rejection. If approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, allowing you to enter Singapore. If rejected, you won’t be able to proceed.
- Arrive in Singapore. Once in Singapore, your employer completes the visa issuance process via EP Online, with an additional fee.
- Receive notification letter. This letter permits you to start work and travel while waiting for your official pass.
- Final registration. Within two weeks of your pass being issued, register at the Employment Pass Service Center (EPSC) to receive your work pass card.
Want more details? Learn about job opportunities and visa types in Singapore.
Short-term employment options in Singapore for Americans
Generally, US citizens on a short-term Visit Pass are restricted from working in Singapore. However, if you're a journalist or a speaker at an event, you can apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass, which provides authorization to work for a maximum of 60 days.
Work visas in Singapore for professionals from USA
US citizens seeking employment in Singapore can apply for the following work visa categories:
- Employment Pass (EP) – for skilled professionals, executives, and managers earning at least 3,600 SGD per month.
- Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) – a flexible work visa available to high-earning foreign nationals or individuals with an existing job in Singapore.
- EntrePass – tailored for entrepreneurs and investors planning to establish a business in Singapore.
Singapore work visa pricing for US citizens
If you're considering working in Singapore, note that there is no fixed application fee for a work visa. The main eligibility criteria for professionals is earning at least 3,600 SGD per month.
Stay updated with the latest developments regarding Singapore’s Employment Pass and Student Pass for 2025 by reading more here.
Skilled and semi-skilled work visas in Singapore for Americans
If you're a skilled or semi-skilled US citizen seeking work in Singapore, consider the following visa options:
- S Pass – a work visa for mid-level skilled workers earning 2,300 SGD or more per month, subject to government quotas.
- Work Permit for migrant workers – for foreign nationals from approved countries working in designated sectors such as construction and services.
- FDW permit – issued to domestic workers aged 23-50 from specific countries.
- Confinement nanny permit – available exclusively for Malaysian nannies for short-term postnatal care.
- Performing artiste permit – for entertainment professionals in licensed venues like nightclubs and hotels.
How much do you need to earn to qualify for a Singapore work visa?
If you're applying for an S Pass, which is available for skilled mid-level workers, there is no fixed application fee. However, you must have a minimum monthly salary of at least 2,300 SGD to be eligible.
Business visa to Singapore for US citizens
A business visa to Singapore allows US citizens multiple entries within a validity period of up to two years from the date of issue. However, each stay is limited to a maximum of 30 days. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before your planned travel date.
This visa permits travel for business purposes as well as visiting friends and family in Singapore.
Singapore business visa application process for Americans
The process of obtaining a Singapore business visa for Americans has been made simple with the online application system. With this system, processing time is usually around five to seven working days.
Once approved, your visa will be emailed as a PDF file, which you can easily print and present when traveling.
Business visa requirements for US citizens traveling to Singapore
To apply for a Singapore business visa, US citizens must submit the following documents along with their application:
- A valid passport (minimum six months validity and at least two blank pages)
- A recent color photo (35×45 mm) with a white background
- Completed Form V39(A)
- An invitation letter from the host company in Singapore
- A personal cover letter stating the purpose of the visit
- A bank statement for the past six months with a bank seal
- A confirmed return flight ticket
Depending on the purpose and duration of your trip, additional documents may be required. For example, you may need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking, or show an employment card to verify your professional status. In some cases, documents like a partnership agreement or company registration certificate may be needed to confirm your business ties.
It is also strongly recommended to purchase medical and travel insurance, as healthcare in Singapore can be costly in case of emergencies.
For more details about the Singapore business visa process and future prospects, read here.
Internship and student work visas for US citizens in Singapore
As a US citizen, you have several options for obtaining a work visa in Singapore, including:
- Training Employment Pass – a short-term visa allowing foreign nationals to pursue education or training in Singapore for up to three months, without quotas or application fees.
- Work Holiday Pass – offered to citizens of eligible countries participating in the Working Holiday Program. Applicants must be aged 18-25 (18-30 for Australians), and the pass is non-renewable.
- Training Work Permit – designed for students and trainees seeking practical training for a period of up to six months.
How much does it cost to apply for a Training Employment Pass in Singapore?
The total cost of obtaining a Training Employment Pass includes:
- S$105 application fee, required when submitting your initial application.
- Processing period: about three weeks to receive an IPA letter if approved.
- S$225 issuance fee, payable upon your arrival in Singapore for final pass processing via EP Online.
Training Work Permit costs in Singapore
Applying for a Singapore Training Work Permit requires a processing fee of S$35, which is due upon submission.
Job opportunities in Singapore for US citizens by sector
For US citizens are multiple sectors in Singapore offering career opportunities, such as:
1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development
- Software Engineers
- Data Analysts
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Network Administrators
2. Healthcare
- Nurses (especially 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 (mainly from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka)
- Nannies
- Caregivers
Requirements for US citizens to obtain a work permit in Singapore
US citizens must meet specific requirements to obtain a work permit to work in Singapore, issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
- The hiring company must have an appropriate work permit quota in place.
- Workers must come from approved countries like Malaysia, China, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. Only specific industries are allowed to 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 applied to US workers under the work permit.
- A security deposit is required for non-Malaysian workers.
- Minimum medical insurance coverage is required for all workers.
- A pre-employment medical examination is required to ensure workers are fit for work.
- Some industries require workers to take safety courses as part of the employment process.
How do Americans apply for a work permit in Singapore?
Step 1. Determine the type of work permit
Select the right type of work visa based on your qualifications and the industry you will be working in.
Step 2. Get a job offer
Before submitting your work permit application, ensure that you have a formal job offer or a signed employment contract from the employer. Also, verify that the employer is authorized to hire foreign workers.
Step 3. Employer submits the application
The employer is responsible for submitting the application through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) system:
- Complete the application form.
- Upload necessary documents, including the passport, employment contract, and educational certificates.
- Provide required additional information, including details about salary, work conditions, and job location.
Step 4. Application fee payment
The employer must pay an application fee, which is based on the type of work permit. The fee usually ranges from 30 to 105 SGD.
Step 5. Monitor the application status
Check the progress of your application using the MOM online system. Most applications are processed within 1 to 3 weeks.
Step 6. Obtain the IPA (In-Principle Approval) letter
After the application is approved, the employer can download the IPA letter, allowing the employee to enter Singapore.
Step 7. Complete your pass application
Once you arrive in Singapore, you will need to:
- Complete a medical examination at an approved clinic and obtain a medical report.
- Ensure you have insurance coverage that meets MOM’s requirements.
- Log into the MOM system to pay additional fees and schedule your work permit card collection.
Step 8. Go to the MOM card collection center
At your scheduled appointment, bring the required documents to the MOM card collection center, including:
- Passport
- IPA letter
- Medical report
- Proof of insurance coverage
After submitting these, you will receive your work permit card.
Step 9. Begin working
After obtaining your work permit, you are authorized to start your job in Singapore.
Documents required for US citizens to obtain a work permit in Singapore
To apply for a work permit in Singapore, US citizens need to provide the following documents:
- Scanned copy of the passport biodata page
- Proof of education (if applicable)
- Written consent from the applicant to submit the application
- Health insurance
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