Visa

It is the most common work visa for foreigners who are not Permanent Residents (PRs). 
For professional, managerial and executives positions with:

• qualifications that are assessed to be comparable to (at least) a bachelor’s degree in the UK system;
• a significant professional experience;
• specific skill sets;
• a suitable salary (based on age and sector).

The EP is not subject to quotas but the company must justify the added value brought by the foreign candidate and encourage local employment.

For mid-level skilled foreign staff, S Pass employers are subject to a quota and have to pay a monthly Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) as well as subscribing to a medical and hospitalisation insurance covering the employment period.

For semi-skilled foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. Work Permit employers are limited by a quota and specific rules for their industry and have to pay a monthly levy (FWL - Foreign Worker Levy) for each worker.

A spouse or a partner of an EP or an S Pass holder can work with a specific work permit tied to his/her residence pass (DP/LTVP). This work permit is less strict than the work permit previously described, but the employing company is subject to quota and needs to subscribe to a medical insurance for the employee (unless he/she has one already).

Available since January 1^st, 2023, the ONE Pass is intended for profiles from all sectors (business, arts and culture, sport, research, etc.) who, among other things, earn at least a monthly salary equivalent to SGD 30,000 (salary + fixed monthly allowances; bonus not included). This 5-year (renewable) visa allows the holder to set up and run his/her own business and/or work simultaneously for several employers/companies in Singapore.

For spouse, children and parents of eligible Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holders, it is necessary to apply for each one, for either a Dependant's Pass (DP) or a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) to stay in Singapore.

• Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for:
  • common-law spouse,
  • unmarried step-children under 21,
  • handicapped unmarried children above 21,
  • EP or S Pass holder’s parents (under specific conditions).
• Dependant's Pass (DP) for:
  • legally married spouse,
  • unmarried children under 21.

To work in Singapore DP and LTVP holders need a work pass (EP, S Pass,Work Permit or LOC). The prospective employer must submit a work pass application on their behalf.

The relevant qualifying salaries, quotas and levies (if any) or conditions of the respective work passes will apply.

Eligible DP and LTVP holders who wish to start and operate their own business in Singapore can also apply for a LOC (Letter of Consent) as “business owners”.

Spouses of ONE Pass holders can work in Singapore with a LOC, as employees.

Unclear? Here's a visual map for better understanding.

There are other work passes in Singapore. The relevant visa will be determined based on the foreigner personal situation and / or type of employment: partners of Singaporean or PR, entrepreneurs, etc.

Contact us to know more about the options: bizsupport(@)fccsingapore.com.