Singapore Work Visa Classes: How to Apply, Requirements, Costs, and Timeline (2025)

Singapore Work Visa Overview: Choose the Correct Pass

Employment Pass (EP): For Professionals, Managers & Executives

Ideal for: Skilled, degree-qualified professionals with a job offer in Singapore.

Key eligibility criteria:

Fixed monthly salary: usually SGD 5,000+, though higher benchmarks apply in finance, senior roles, or specialized sectors
Educational credentials: recognized degree (or a strong track record)
Employment: must be a full-time role with a Singapore-registered employer

Benefits:

S Pass: For Mid-Level Skilled Workers

Ideal for: Technicians, mid-skill roles, or positions that don’t quite meet EP requirements.

Key eligibility criteria:

Fixed monthly salary: usually from SGD 3,000+, adjusted upward based on age and experience
Qualifications: diploma, technical certificate, or equivalent experience
Employer restrictions: subject to quota and levy regime

Benefits:

Renewable (typically up to 2 years)
Family privileges possible if salary criteria are met
Under favorable conditions can lead toward PR

Who should target S Pass:
Those with solid technical skills and relevant experience whose roles aren’t EP-eligible.

Personalized Employment Pass (PEP): For High Earners Wanting Flexibility

Ideal for: Senior professionals who value the ability to change employers without needing a full new Pass.

Key eligibility criteria:

High income: overseas applicants often require ~SGD 144,000 annual salary (or existing EP holders must meet higher salary thresholds)
Not tied to one employer; but limited unemployment period (usually not more than 6 months)

Benefits:

Validity up to 3 years (non-renewable)
Greater flexibility in switching jobs
Useful platform if you want to explore multiple opportunities

Who should choose PEP:
High-income earners who place a premium on mobility and optionality.

EntrePass: For Startup Founders and Entrepreneurs

Ideal for: Foreign nationals launching innovative businesses in Singapore.

Key eligibility criteria:

Business concept should be innovative or high growth (tech, biotech, fintech, deep tech, etc.)
Strong business plan with clear milestones
Ownership by the applicant, preferably some funding or a successful entrepreneurial track record

Benefits:

Validity and renewals tied to business milestones (such as hiring locals, business spending)
No fixed minimum salary required initially
Ability to hire employees, scale, and strengthen PR case

Who should go for EntrePass:
Founders in innovation sectors or those building a scalable business in Singapore.

Work Holiday Pass (WHP): For Students & Recent Graduates

Ideal for: Eligible students or graduates wanting short-term work experience in Singapore.

Key details:

Validity: up to 6 months
Age/education restrictions: only certain age bands and universities are eligible per MOM rules
No minimum salary requirement; suitable for internships and entry-level roles

Who should apply:
Young professionals testing the Singapore job market or building early work exposure.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Singapore Work Visa

Step 1: Secure a Compliant Offer (or Finalize Entrepreneur Plan)

EP / S Pass / PEP: Get a job offer from a Singapore-registered employer that meets salary and role benchmarks
EntrePass: Prepare a detailed, innovation-driven business plan with clear milestones, market rationale, and expected outcomes

Step 2: Compile Your Document Package

Arrange these in a clearly named folder:

Passport (biographical page; at least 6 months’ validity)
Educational credentials and transcripts
Professional certifications, licenses (if applicable)
Detailed CV, showing role, responsibilities, career progression
Employment or offer letters (current & prior roles)
For EntrePass: business plan, funding letters, product documentation, IP filings, customer LOIs
Family proofs (if applying for dependants): marriage certificate, birth certificates

Step 3: Submit the Application Online

Use Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) portal
For most passes, application is by employer or authorized agent; EntrePass may be filed by you or via a corporate service provider
Ensure consistency: job titles, salary, and duties must align between application, contract, and CV

Step 4: Processing & In-Principle Approval (IPA)

Typical turnaround: 7–10 working days for straightforward applications (complex ones may take longer)
Once approved, an IPA letter is issued with instructions for next steps (medicals, pass issuance)

Step 5: Final Issuance in Singapore

Conduct medical exam (if required)
Visit the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) to provide biometrics and collect the pass card
Register your residential address and complete post-arrival compliance (insurance, CPF if applicable)

Keep digital and physical copies of all documents. Any mismatch in contract, payslips, or application details may invite queries.

Costs, Validity & Renewal (Indicative Guide)

Government & Application Fees

Application and issuance fees (paid at submission and on approval)
S Pass levy: monthly cost borne by the employer, varies by sector and quota

Validity & Renewal Periods

EP: commonly 1–3 years per term
S Pass: up to 2 years per renewal (subject to quota)
PEP: up to 3 years total (non-renewable)
EntrePass: initial grant + renewals (often up to 2 years), tied to business metrics
WHP: valid up to 6 months

Tip: Mark renewal deadlines six months ahead. Ensure the role, salary, and company continue to meet MOM’s criteria.

Employer Duties & Pass Quotas

For EP

Show that fair local hiring practices were considered
Provide accurate job descriptions and a market-rate salary

For S Pass

Subject to quota (dependency ratio ceiling) and monthly levy
Maintain proper ratios of foreign-to-local workforce

For EntrePass

Must meet renewal criteria: hiring locals, business spending, revenue or growth metrics

Actionable advice: Ask HR whether there is available S Pass quota before proceeding. Ensure your role fits within MOM’s benchmarks.

Documents & Evidence That Boost Approval Chances

Accredited degrees or widely recognized certifications
A rationale memo explaining why your skills are needed in Singapore
Market benchmark salary evidence (industry pay ranges for your role)
Company profile or business traction (for startups)
For PEP: proof of qualifying income and recent tax or payslip records

Tips to Maximize Approval Odds (Practical Advice)

Title & scope alignment: Use conventional job titles and clearly describe duties that match your skillset
Consistency: All documents (CV, contracts, application) must align in names, dates, duties, and salary
Avoid gaps: Especially for PEP, don’t exceed permitted unemployment durations
Check employer’s quota: For S Pass, make sure the employer has headroom before applying
Show innovation (for EntrePass): Highlight IP, R&D, client traction, investor backing

Dependent Passes & Family Options

EP / PEP holders (if above income threshold) can sponsor:
- Dependant’s Pass (DP) — spouse, children under 21
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) — common-law spouse, parents, step-children (on case basis)
S Pass holders may sponsor dependants, provided they meet higher income criteria
Family pass applications are usually submitted after or concurrent with the main pass

Pathway to PR: Long-Term Strategy

Holding EP, PEP or S Pass and contributing to Singapore helps strengthen PR applications
Boost your PR case via:
- Stable employment & tax records
- Local hiring (for entrepreneurs)
- Active community involvement
- Demonstration of long-term intent

Clear Next Steps (Checklist)

Decide which pass suits you: EP, S Pass, PEP, EntrePass, or WHP
Secure an employment offer or finalise your business plan
Assemble all required documentation
Submit your application and monitor status actively
Once IPA is granted, complete medicals, biometrics, and card issuance
Prepare early for renewal / PR — maintain eligibility and track quotas

FAQ: Singapore Work Visas

Can I apply for EP without an offer?
No — an EP requires employer sponsorship. If you meet earning thresholds, consider PEP or EntrePass.
Can I change employers on EP?
Yes, but your new employer must apply for a new EP. PEP holders have more flexibility.
What if my employer’s S Pass quota is full?
You either wait for quota availability, seek EP eligibility, or consider a different employer.
How long does approval typically take?
About 7–10 working days for straightforward cases; more complex ones take longer.
Can my spouse work on a Dependant’s Pass?
The rules frequently change. Some DP holders need separate work authorization — always verify the latest MOM guidelines.
Is there a salary minimum to sponsor a Dependant’s Pass?
Yes; main pass holders must meet income thresholds defined by MOM.
Does PEP automatically lead to PR?
No. But PEP + EP holdings help build a strong PR profile when combined with contributions & tax history.
What makes a strong EntrePass case?
Demonstrable innovation, credible founding team, customer traction, hiring plans, and spending in Singapore.
Can I hold multiple jobs on EP/S Pass?
No — these passes are tied to a single employer. Only PEP allows switching jobs, subject to conditions.
What happens after IPA is approved?
Complete medicals (if needed), book your EPSC appointment, provide biometrics, pick up your pass, and begin your employment.