Singapore, often referred to as the "Lion City," has made its mark as one of the world's cleanest, most disciplined, and economically vibrant nations. Beyond its remarkable infrastructure and beautiful skyline, Singapore is also known for its attractive job market, drawing not only people from Southeast Asia but also individuals from all corners of the globe who seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. To live and work in Singapore, it's essential to understand the various passes available to foreign nationals. In this article, we will explore these passes and the qualifications associated with them.
Professionals
Professionals, there are four primary passes:
Employment Pass (EP): The Employment Pass is the primary work pass for professionals, managers, and executives. To be eligible for an EP, you need to meet certain criteria:
- Minimum Monthly Salary: You must earn a minimum monthly income of $5,000.
- Skills Assessment: Your employer must demonstrate that your skills and qualifications match the job you've been offered.
- Qualifications: For most cases, having a recognized degree is necessary.
- Approval: Your employer applies for the EP on your behalf.
If you hold an EP with a monthly salary of $6,000 or more, you can also apply for Dependent Passes for your spouse and Long-Term Visit Passes for your children. The EP is a highly sought-after pass, as it reflects Singapore's commitment to attracting top talent.
2. EntrePass: The EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who intend to start and operate a business in Singapore. To qualify for this pass:
- Business Plan: You need to present a detailed business plan, including information about your business concept, market analysis, and financial projections.
- Investment: You must demonstrate a certain level of investment in your business.
- Business Activities: Your business activities should align with Singapore's economic objectives.
The EntrePass empowers individuals to contribute to Singapore's dynamic business landscape and encourages entrepreneurship.
3. Personalized Employment Pass (PEP): The Personalized Employment Pass is a flexible option for foreign professionals. It offers more independence compared to the standard EP. To qualify for the PEP:
- Minimum Monthly Salary: You need to earn a minimum monthly income, which varies based on your qualifications and experience.
- Professionals: The PEP is designed for high-earning foreign professionals who seek job flexibility.
The PEP allows professionals to switch jobs without the need for a new pass and offers a grace period to secure new employment.
4. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass: This pass is reserved for top talent in specific fields, including economics, sports, arts, culture, education, and research. Qualifications and eligibility criteria may vary based on the specific category.
Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers
For skilled and semi-skilled workers, there are two primary passes
S Pass (Spass): The S Pass is for skilled workers. To be eligible
- Minimum Monthly Salary: You must earn a minimum monthly salary of S$3,100.
- Qualifications: Typically, you should have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional qualifications in your industry.
- Approval: Your employer applies for the S Pass on your behalf.
Similar to the EP, if your S Pass salary exceeds $6,000, you can apply for Dependent Passes for your spouse and children.
Work Permit (Wp): The Work Permit is issued to lower-skilled workers, including domestic helpers, and does not require a degree. Minimum monthly salaries range from $400 to $1,500 Singapore dollars. Employers often arrange accommodations for Work Permit holders.
It's important to note that quotas apply to Work Permits and S Passes but not Employment Passes. Quotas regulate the number of foreign workers a workplace can employ relative to its citizen workforce. This safeguard ensures that citizens have ample employment opportunities and are protected by labor laws.
Singapore maintains strict regulations regarding the rights and responsibilities of both its citizens and foreign workers. For the most up-to-date information on work passes and immigration policies, it's advisable to consult the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website, which serves as a comprehensive resource for those exploring opportunities in this vibrant and diverse nation.
How to use the SGWorkPass App
Ref: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits