Can You Get a Work Visa in Singapore Without a Sponsor? Understanding ONE Pass & PEP

Singapore is certainly the best place for international talented and high-income earners. Its robust economy and favorable business environment make it a talent magnet from all walks of the industry. But do they all question whether they can work in Singapore without an employer’s sponsorship?

Most employment visas, such as Employment Pass and S Pass, are employer-sponsored. That is, you must have a job first before you apply. Singapore, however, has two special offers: the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). These visas allow flexibility to skilled professionals. Booth passes permit you to work in Singapore without being tied to a single employer.

The ONE Pass is perfect for top business, science, tech, and sports talent. It lets you work for multiple companies or start your own business. The PEP, on the other hand, is great for high-earning professionals who want job flexibility. But they also come with strict requirements.

Curious if you qualify? This guide breaks down the key details of ONE Pass and PEP. Learn how they work, their benefits, and which suits you best. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Work Visa Requirements in Singapore

Singapore possesses an organized Work visa program in order to lure talented employees while ensuring that companies comply with local hiring requirements. The majority of overseas professionals require a work visa to work in Singapore legally. Yet, the visa varies based on qualifications, wages, and occupational titles.

Common Work Visas That Require Employer Sponsorship

1. Employment Pass (EP): Foreign workers earning at least SGD 5,000 per month are eligible for this pass. They must have a job offer from a local company.
2. S Pass: This applies to those earning at least SGD 3,150 monthly. Quota and levy requirements apply.
3. Work Permit: This permit is for lower-skilled workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and domestic work. Employers must apply on behalf of the worker.

These visas tie employees to a specific employer, meaning you must secure a job before applying. If you leave the company, the visa is canceled, and you need a new employer to sponsor a fresh application.

But what if you want more flexibility? That is where the ONE Pass and PEP come in. These special work visas let you live and work in Singapore without a direct employer sponsor. Let’s explore them in detail!

What is the ONE Pass?

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) is a high-end work visa for top international talent. It lets you live and work in Singapore as an expat without having to be attached to a single company. That means you are free to work for several companies, establish a business, or engage in freelance work.

Who Is Eligible for ONE Pass?

To qualify for the ONE Pass, you must have one of the following:

• Salary Requirement: You must have a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 30,000 from a reputable firm. This wage requirement ensures that only top professionals and high-level administrators qualify.
• Other Exceptional Achievements: Regardless of whether you fall within the above-stated salary range, you can also be exempted if you possess outstanding achievements in major areas like business, science, technology, research, sports, or the arts.

Key Benefits of the ONE Pass

No Employer Sponsorship Needed

As previously discussed, ONE Pass does not tie you to a specific company. This means you can enjoy complete job flexibility. You can switch jobs, work with multiple companies, or even consult on different projects without reapplying for a new pass.

Valid for 5 Years

The ONE Pass is valid for five years and can be renewed. It provides long-term stability for professionals who want to establish themselves in Singapore.

Work for Multiple Employers

Unlike the Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass, the ONE Pass allows you to work for several employers simultaneously. This is perfect for consultants, industry experts, and professionals working on multiple projects.

Start Your Own Business

If you are an entrepreneur or investor, ONE Pass permits you to set up and run your business in Singapore. You do not need further approvals or licenses to register a business or take leadership roles in multiple companies.

Spouse Can Work in Singapore

If your family is moving along with you, your spouse may be eligible to apply for a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore. This benefit provides greater flexibility for relocating families into the nation.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Keeping the ONE Pass and making significant contributions to the Singapore economy may improve your chances of applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in the future.

What is the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?

Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) is an employment visa for high earners and top-ranked professionals who want job mobility in Singapore and have stable legal work status. In contrast to the regular EP, the PEP is not tied to a particular employer, and you can switch jobs freely without applying for a new pass. However, in contrast to the ONE Pass, it does not permit you to begin a business.

Who Is Eligible for the PEP?

In order to be eligible for the PEP, you need to fulfill one of the following salary requirements:

• Existing Employment Pass Holders: You must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500.
• Overseas Professionals: You need to have a minimum salary of SGD 22,500 a month (or its foreign currency equivalent) prior to applying.

Who Is NOT Eligible for the PEP?

You shall not be qualified to apply for the PEP if you are lying in any of the following:

• If you are working in the media industry or journalism, for instance, as an editor, journalist, or producer, you may not apply for the PEP.
• If any Singaporean company sponsors your Employment Pass (EP), you shall not be qualified to apply for PEP.
• The PEP is for salaried workers employed by registered companies. You will not be eligible for this pass if you independently work as a freelancer, consultant, or self-employed expert.
• Assuming that you are a sole proprietor, partner, or director of a registered company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and own shares in such a company, you will not be eligible for the PEP.

Key Benefits of the PEP

Validity

Personalized Employment Pass comes with a fixed 3-year term. This provides stability and flexibility to work.

Up to 6 Months to Find a Job

If you quit your job, you can have six months to look for another one without losing your PEP status. That is a huge benefit over a regular Employment Pass, which gets canceled the moment you quit your employer.

No Sponsorship Needed

You can change jobs freely without applying for a new work pass. This is great for professionals who want to explore different career options in Singapore.

Work for Any Employer

You can work for any company in Singapore without needing to review your pass. However, you cannot start on freelance work or your own business.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Holding a PEP and contributing to Singapore’s workforce can improve your chances of obtaining Singapore PR in the future.

Comparison: ONE Pass vs. PEP

Both the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) offer job flexibility in Singapore without requiring employer sponsorship. However, both the passes are designed for different types of professionals. We have compared them in detail to help you determine which pass suits you best.

Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the ONE Pass and the PEP depends on your career goals, job flexibility needs, and long-term plans in Singapore. While both passes allow you to work without employer sponsorship, they serve different types of professionals.

• Choose the ONE Pass if you want maximum flexibility, including the ability to start a business, freelance, and work with multiple employers. It best suits CEOs, entrepreneurs, researchers, tech innovators, and globally recognized experts.
• Choose the PEP if you only want to switch jobs freely without employer sponsorship. It is ideal for high-earning professionals in corporate roles but not for freelancers or business owners.

Conclusion

Singapore welcomes top talent with paths that go beyond traditional employment. Whether it is the freedom to build, innovate, or explore multiple roles with the ONE Pass or the flexibility to navigate corporate careers with the PEP, the right choice depends on your ambitions. Both open doors—where you step next is up to you.