Are you an HR professional or employer in Singapore feeling overwhelmed by the constantly changing work permit landscape? You're not alone! With significant updates rolling out in 2025, staying compliant with Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements has never been more critical.
Let's dive into everything you need to know about Singapore's work permit system, from the basics to the latest 2025 changes that could impact your hiring strategy.
Why is Work Permit Needed?
Think of Singapore's work permit system as the country's way of managing its workforce carefully. Just like how you wouldn't let someone into your office without proper identification, Singapore requires all foreign workers to have valid work permits before they can start working.
The work permit Singapore system serves several crucial purposes:
- Legal compliance: It ensures employers follow Singapore's employment laws
- Workforce management: It helps the government balance local and foreign talent
- Worker protection: It provides legal status and protection for foreign employees
- Economic control: It regulates the flow of foreign workers based on economic needs
Without a proper work permit, both employers and employees face serious legal consequences. As an employer, you could face hefty fines and even criminal charges for employing someone without valid work authorization.
Types of Singapore Work Visas
Singapore offers different types of work passes depending on the worker's skill level, salary, and intended role. Let's break down the main categories:
Singapore Work Visas for Professionals
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is designed for professionals, managers, and executives. To qualify, candidates must:
- Earn a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000, and S$5,500 for financial services.
- Hold acceptable qualifications and relevant work experience.
- Earn at least 40 points to pass Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). But if candidate meets any of these conditions as below, he / she will be exempted from COMPASS:
- Have a fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500 (similar to the prevailing Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising exemption from 1 September 2023)
- Are applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee
- Are filling the role for 1 month or less
EntrePass
EntrePass is a Singapore's entrepreneur visa for serial entrepreneurs, innovators, and experienced investors looking to establish venture-backed or innovative technology businesses in Singapore.
Key Requirements:
- Start or intend to start a private limited company in Singapore (Business that is over 12 months old will be assessed according to the renewal criteria)
- Must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Raised at least S$100,000 from a single funding round from eligible investors
- Business supported by government-recognised or internationally renowned incubators/accelerators
- Founded and sold a venture-backed business with innovative technologies
- Business holds registered Intellectual Property providing significant competitive advantage
- Has ongoing research collaboration with Singapore's Institute of Higher Learning or Research Institution
Business Types that are NOT Eligible:
- Coffee shops, hawker centres, food courts
- Bars, night clubs, karaoke lounges
- Foot reflexology, massage parlours
- Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal dispensing businesses
- Employment agencies
- Geomancy business
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The PEP offers job flexibility for high-earning professionals (S$22,500+ monthly in 2025) who want to change employers without applying for new work passes. Valid up to 3 years.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Singapore's newest premium pass for top global talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research who earn S$30,000+ monthly. Offers 5-year validity and multi-employer flexibility for executives and specialists.
Singapore Work Visas for Skilled and Semi-skilled Workers
S Pass
The S Pass targets mid-skilled workers and technicians. Key requirements include:
- Minimum monthly salary of S$3,150 (increasing to S$3,300 from September 2025)
- Subject to quota and levy requirements
Work Permit for Migrant Worker
The work permit is for semi-skilled foreign workers in specific sectors including:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Marine shipyard
- Process industries
- Services sector
Workers must be 18 to 61 year-old, come from approved source countries, and employers must meet sector-specific rules and pay monthly levies.
Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Worker
For domestic workers from approved countries to provide household services. Valid for 2 years with specific levy rates and accommodation requirements.
Work Permit for Confinement Nanny
Short-term permit for Malaysian confinement nannies providing specialized newborn and post-birth care. Usually issued for up to 16 weeks from birth.
Work Permit for Performing Artiste
Allows foreign performing artists to work in Singapore's entertainment industry. Valid for 6 months (non-renewable) and requires sponsorship from local entertainment companies.
Singapore Work Visas for Trainees and Students
Training Employment Pass (TEP)
This pass allows foreign students or foreign trainees to undergo training in Singapore for up to 3 months. The candidate must earn at least S$3,000 per month.
Training Work Permit
For unskilled or semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months. Subject to quota limitations and levy requirements.
Exemptions and Working While on a Visa Pass
Some individuals can work in Singapore without a separate work permit:
- Citizens of certain countries on short business trips
- Dependents of Employment Pass holders (with Letter of Consent)
- Students with valid Student Pass (part-time work with approval)
However, these exemptions come with strict conditions. When in doubt, always check with MOM to avoid compliance issues.
How to Apply for a Singapore Work Visa?
The work permit online application process is straightforward through MOM's digital platform. Here's your streamlined guide:
Step 1: Submit Application
- Get written consent from the worker
- Log in and complete the application form
- Pay S$35 application fee via GIRO, Visa, or Mastercard
- Check work permit status after 1 week
Step 2: Pre-Arrival Preparation (If Approved)
- Print the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
- Purchase security bond for non-Malaysian workers
- Arrange medical insurance work injury compensation insurance, and Primary Care Plan (if staying in dormitories or working in CMP sectors)
- Register worker for Settling-in Programme (if required)
Step 3: Upon Worker's Arrival
- Send worker for medical examination within 2 weeks
- Register worker's residential address and mobile number using OFWAS
- Request Work Permit issuance through WP Online
- Pay S$35 for Work Permit issuance
Step 4: Final Steps
- Worker registers fingerprints and photo at MOM Services Centre (if required)
- Work Permit card delivered within 5 working days
Planning ahead is crucial! Start your application process at least 2-3 weeks before your intended start date to avoid delays.
Key Changes to Work Permit Regulations in 2025
2025 brings significant changes that will reshape Singapore's foreign worker landscape. Here's what HR professionals need to know:
- Removal of Maximum Employment Period for Work Permit Holders: Starting July 1, 2025, work permit holders will no longer be restricted by the current 14- to 26-year employment limit.
- Increase in Maximum Employment Age: The maximum employment age for work permit holders is being raised to 63 years old, allowing employers to hire older, more experienced workers.
- Expansion of Source Countries and Eligible Occupations: Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos are now in the list of approved source countries and eligible occupations, giving employers more flexibility in their hiring strategies.
Upcoming Changes to S Pass Eligibility
The S Pass system is also getting a major overhaul in 2025:
Revised Minimum Qualifying Salaries
From September 1, 2025, the S Pass minimum qualifying salary will increase from S$3,150 to S$3,300, with progressive increases based on age up to S$4,800 for candidates in their mid-40s.
New Salary Structure:
- Basic monthly rate (progressive increases with age)
- Non-financial sector: S$3,300
- Financial sector: S$3,800
- Maximum monthly rate (45-year old)
- Non-financial sector: S$4,800
- Financial sector: S$5,650
Increased S Pass Levy Rates
Effective September 1, 2025, S Pass levy rates will be standardized at S$650 per month for both Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Work Permit Renewal: What You Need to Know
Work permit renewal is a crucial process that requires careful planning:
Renewal Timeline:
- Submit renewal applications 2-3 months before expiry
- Existing permit remains valid during processing
- Late renewals may result in penalties
Required Documents:
- Updated medical examination and security bond (non-Malaysian workers)
- Scanned copy of the personal particulars page of the worker’s passport
- Full medical examination form
- Work Permit renewal notice and application form
Managing Work Permit Compliance: Best Practices
Successfully managing work permits requires a systematic approach:
Documentation Management:
- Maintain digital copies of all permits and applications
- Set up renewal reminders 3 months in advance
- Keep track of levy payment schedules
Regular Compliance Checks:
- Monitor work permit status regularly through MOM's online portal
- Ensure workers comply with permit conditions
- Update employee records when regulations change
Financial Planning:
- Budget for increased levy rates
- Plan for salary adjustments
- Consider the impact of new regulations on hiring costs
Conclusion: Streamlining Your Work Permit Management
Singapore's work permit landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying compliant while managing costs can be challenging. The 2025 changes offer opportunities for greater workforce stability but require careful planning and execution.
Success in managing work permits comes down to three key factors: staying informed about regulatory changes, maintaining meticulous documentation, and planning ahead for renewals and applications.
This is where modern HR technology can make all the difference. Swingvy's comprehensive HR software helps Singapore employers streamline their work permit management with automated reminders, digital document storage, and compliance tracking features. Our platform keeps you updated on regulatory changes and ensures you never miss critical deadlines.
Ready to simplify your work permit management? Discover how Swingvy can help you stay compliant while focusing on what matters most – building your team and growing your business.
.png)
Sources:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with MOM or legal professionals for specific situations.
.png)
