Immigration
Foreigners in Singapore need to apply for a pass in order to work and live in Singapore.
Here is a quick guide to what is relevant for you.
For Employment
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The PEP is a new scheme to encourage global talent to work in Singapore. Unlike the Employment Pass (EP), the PEP is not tied to any employer and is granted based on the applicant’s individual merits.
You are eligible for the PEP if you are:
- An overseas foreign professional whose last drawn fixed monthly salary was at least SGD 7,000
- A former P1 Pass holder who is residing overseas
- A P1 Pass holder
- A P2 Pass holder with at least two years’ working experience on a P Pass and a fixed salary of at least S$30,000 in the preceding year
- A Q1 Pass holder with at least five years’ working experience on a Q1 Pass and a fixed salary of at least S$30,000 in the preceding year
- A foreign graduate from an Institution of Higher Learning in Singapore with at least two years’ working experience on a P or Q1 Pass and a fixed salary of at least S$30,000 in the preceding year
A PEP holder may remain in Singapore for up to six months to explore new employment opportunities, without having to re-apply for a new pass when changing jobs. However, he/she will need to keep the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) informed of any employment status. The minimum annual fixed salary of a PEP holder is S$30,000.
You may apply for your PEP either online at PEP online or manually (for overseas foreign professionals).
For more information, please visit the MOM website.
Employment Pass (EP)
Non-citizens need a valid EP in order to work in Singapore. To apply for an Employment Pass, a local sponsor is required, this is usually the employer. There are three types of Employment Passes (P1, P2 and Q1). The P Pass is for foreigners seeking professional, managerial or executive and specialist jobs. The criteria are:
- P1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$7,000.
- P2 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$3,500 and up to S$7,000 and he/she possesses recognised qualifications.
- Q1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$2,500 and he/she possesses recognised qualifications.
You may take the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test to check if you are eligible for the EP.
You may apply for your EP either online at EP online or manually.
For more information, please visit the MOM website.
S Pass
Companies may apply for mid-skilled non-citizens earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$1,800 to work in Singapore using an S Pass. Usually, a degree or a diploma level qualification is required. Application may be done online at EP online or manually.
Companies have to pay a Foreign Worker (FW) levy for each S Pass holder they employ. Employers are also required pay the salaries of their S Pass holders electronically via General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO) within three months after the S pass has been issued.
For more information, please visit the MOM website.
Work Holiday Programme (WHP)
The WHP is aimed at attracting full-time students and recent graduates aged between 17 to 30 years to live and work in Singapore. Eligible universities are generally those recognised at the national government level, from Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
The WHP is a pass that gives you the freedom to spend up to six months to experience working in Singapore and explore the region’s exotic cultures. You may also enlist in a structured internship programme with companies .
You do not need to have secured employment before applying for the WHP. There is also no restriction on the type of work, or any minimum salary.
Application procedures are detailed on the MOM website.
Training Employment Pass (TEP)
Non-citizens undergoing practical training attachments for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs in Singapore are required to apply for a TEP. You are eligible for the TEP if you are:
- An undergraduate undergoing training in Singapore as part of your degree programme from a recognised educational institution
- An intra-company trainee from your foreign office/subsidiary attending professional or executive training in Singapore. You should earn a fixed monthly salary of more than SGD 2,500 and hold acceptable tertiary/professional qualifications
You may apply for your TEP either online at EP online or manually.
For more information, please visit the MOM website.
For Searching for Employment Opportunities
Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC)
If you wish to come into Singapore for a short stint, either to attend job interviews or to negotiate contracts, you can apply for an EPEC.
The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis up to one year and is non-renewable. Foreigners who hold selected university qualifications or skilled migrant visas may apply for the pass. The EPEC is not a work pass. Once EPEC holders have found employment in Singapore, they will need to apply for and be issued an EP before they can start work.
For more information, visit the MOM website.
For Short-Term Visitors
Social Visit Pass
If you wish to come into Singapore for a short stint, either to attend job interviews or to negotiate contracts, you will need to apply for a Social Visit Pass.
The Social Visit Pass is valid from between two to four weeks and may be subsequently renewed for up to three months. Holders of the Social Visit Pass are not allowed to work in Singapore.
For more information on the different categories of visitors applying for a Social Visit Pass, visit the ICA website.