Singapore is the intersection of some of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. It is a popular destination with a strong economy, well-built infrastructure, and a high standard of living. The city-state provides many finance, technology, and healthcare job opportunities. It includes a thriving business community with numerous industries attracting people from across the globe.
However, you must have a Singapore work visa to work in Singapore as a foreigner. If you are an employer who wants to hire foreign talent or relocate staff members to this global business mecca, then you must understand the work permits and visa requirements to make things easier for your employees.
There are several Singapore visa options for employees, each with its own set of requirements and uses. To facilitate a seamless recruiting process for companies, this article describes the various permit kinds available, the application procedures, and essential requirements.
Visas And Immigration in Singapore
Singapore’s visas are tailored for various categories of individuals, such as expats, international students, and skilled professionals seeking work, study, and residence in Singapore. In employment, key visa schemes are the Employment Pass, which is for highly skilled workers, and the S Pass, which is for mid-skilled workers. If you are an entrepreneur aspiring to establish a venture, you may apply for an EntrePass. Family members of Employment and S Pass holders may obtain dependent or long-term visit passes.
Besides that, Singapore permanently opens avenues for those seeking a long-rooted life there. The immigration system welcomes talent and investment, anchors economic development, and develops social harmony within a multicultural society.
Singapore Visa Types
Singapore provides a variety of work permits and visas suited to various job categories and ability levels. Here is a summary of all these visa types:
EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)
The EntrePass is a work permit for international company owners wishing to launch and run a new venture in Singapore.
资格： Candidates must fulfill specific requirements, such as having money from a reputable angel or venture capitalist, owning cutting-edge technology, or having a solid track record of business success.
Key Features of the EntrePass
- Direct Application: Eligible individuals can apply directly through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- 有效性： Initially valid for up to one year, the pass must be renewed three months before its expiration, provided all renewal criteria are met. The first renewal grants a one-year extension, with subsequent renewals lasting two years.
- Business Registration: Applicants must register their business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) within six months before applying or receiving EntrePass approval.
- No Minimum Salary: No minimum salary requirement exists to qualify for an EntrePass.
- 家庭通行证 EntrePass holders may bring family members to Singapore if they meet minimum annual business spending and local employment criteria.
Eligibility for EntrePass
The EntrePass is available to individuals of all nationalities who are:
- Entrepreneurs: Backed by government-recognized venture capitalist or business angel.
- Innovators: Holders of intellectual property and collaborators in research with Singapore-based institutes.
- Investors: Have a notable track record of successful investments.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is designed for highly skilled professionals, including current Employment Pass holders (foreign workers in Singapore with an Employment Pass) and overseas professionals who meet specific eligibility criteria.
The target audience is high-earning international professionals making at least S$18,000 monthly.
资格： Candidates must have a solid work history and fulfill the wage requirements.
Fees: S$225 is the pass issuing charge, and the application fee is S$105.
Key Features of the PEP
- 申请流程： Eligible individuals can apply directly through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- 有效性： The PEP is valid for up to three years and is non-renewable. It can only be issued once.
- Flexibility in Employment: PEP holders can switch employers without applying for a new visa and can remain in Singapore for up to six months without a job while seeking new employment.
- 最低工资要求： Current Employment Pass holders must earn at least $12,000 monthly. Overseas professionals must have a last-drawn monthly salary of at least $18,000 within six months before application.
- 家庭通行证 A 家属通行证 is available for spouses and children under 21. A 长期访问通行证 may be issued for common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children over 21, unmarried stepchildren under 21, and parents.
- Restrictions: Unemployment for more than six months will result in visa cancellation.
S 通行证
The S Pass is a work visa scheme for mid-skilled foreign technical workers. Employers can use this pass to hire such workers, but the number of S Pass holders is subject to quotas based on the employer’s total workforce. The position is intended for mid-level competent employees who make at least S$3,000 monthly (more for senior candidates).
资格： Candidates must have relevant work experience in the sector, satisfy the wage requirements, and have the necessary credentials.
Fees: The application fee varies depending on the sector and duration of the work permit.
Key Features of the S Pass
- 申请流程： Candidates cannot apply for the S Pass independently. Employers or authorized third parties must submit applications on their behalf.
- 有效性： S Passes are issued for up to 2 years initially. Renewals can be granted for up to 3 years, depending on the candidate’s passport validity.
- Minimum Salary: As of October 2020, the minimum qualifying salary for an S Pass is $2,500. This amount increases with the applicant’s work experience and may be adjusted during renewals.
- Medical Insurance: Employers must provide medical insurance coverage to all S Pass holders.
- Quota Limitations: Quota limitations for S Pass holders are capped at 10% in services, 20% in manufacturing, and 18% in other sectors.
- 家庭通行证 S Pass holders earning at least $6,000 monthly can sponsor their spouse and children for a Dependant’s Pass.
Work Permit for Migrant Laborers
For semi-skilled personnel in the manufacturing, process, construction, and maritime industries.
Employers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyards, processes, and services can hire foreign workers using a 工作许可证. Workers’ eligibility for this permit depends on their source country and the industry’s rules. For details on sector-specific regulations and eligible source countries, click here.
Key Features of a Work Permit
- 申请流程： Workers cannot apply for a Work Permit independently. Employers or authorized employment agents must submit applications on their behalf.
- 有效性： Work Permits are valid for up to 2 years, subject to factors such as the worker’s passport validity, security bond requirements, and employment duration. They can be renewed for another 2 years if all requirements are met.
- Minimum Salary: There is no mandatory minimum salary for Work Permit applications.
- Quota and Levy: The number of permits an employer can apply for is limited by a sector-specific quota. Employers must also pay a monthly levy for each worker, calculated based on established criteria.
- Medical Insurance: Employers are required to provide medical insurance coverage for Work Permit holders.
- 家庭通行证 Workers on a Work Permit are not eligible to sponsor family members for a Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
Who Can Apply for a Work Permit?
Application criteria and approval conditions vary by industry. Employers must adhere to the specific requirements for their sector. Here are some of the sectors it may be applicable in:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Marine Shipyard
- Process
- 服务
Employment Pass for Training (TEP)
The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work visa option for companies seeking to hire foreign professionals. This scheme is designed for highly skilled managerial, executive, or specialized professionals. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has implemented stricter criteria over time to ensure only qualified candidates are eligible.
Key Features of the Employment Pass
- 申请流程： Candidates cannot apply for the EP directly. Applications must be submitted by the employer or an authorized employment agent on behalf of the candidate.
- 有效性： Initial EPs are issued for up to 2 years, with renewals available for up to 3 years, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.
- Minimum Salary: There’s a minimum salary restriction.
- Medical Insurance: Employers are not required to provide medical insurance for EP holders.
- 家庭通行证 EP holders earning a minimum of $6,000 monthly can sponsor family members for a 家属通行证 或 长期访问通行证.
结论
The Singapore visa provides a ticket to one of the world’s most active and dynamic economies; it is much more than simply a visa. With the help of this essential travel document, professionals and companies may join Singapore’s flourishing business community, fostering its expansion while enjoying first-rate living conditions. By understanding the key visa options and their requirements, HR professionals can effectively navigate the complexities of hiring foreign employees in Singapore. Whether hiring high-level professionals, mid-skilled staff, or supporting dependents, proper planning and adherence to MOM regulations are essential for a seamless process. However, remember that this information is for general guidance only and may not be entirely comprehensive. Please refer to the official Singaporean government website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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