In Singapore, in addition to local residents (SCs) and permanent residents (PR), foreigners must have a permit to stay in Singapore. According to the official website of the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore, there are five categories of visas that can be roughly divided into work-related visas:
- Professionals Skilled
- Skilled and semi-skilled workers
- Trainees and students
- Family members
- Exemptions and working while on a visit pass
Of these, 3, 4 and 5 are basically short-term work visas and are non-renewable types, so the first two types of work visas are more widely applicable.
Professionals skilled
- Employment pass
For foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates need to earn at least $4,500 a month and have acceptable qualifications.
EP needs a company with a formal commercial lease contract (the company must employ 2-3 local employees and has a CPF payment certificate) as guarantor. The replacement will void the existing EP and will need to be reapplied.
- EntrePass
For eligible foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies.
No stipulated minimum salary and can renewable upon meeting the renewal criteria.
- Personalised Employment Pass
For high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. The PEP offers greater flexibility than an Employment Pass.
The minimum salary for current EP holder must at least $12,000 a month. For overseas foreign professionals must at least $18,000 a month. The duration is up to 3 years and the PEP is issued only once.
Skilled and semi-skilled workers
- S Pass
For mid-level skilled staff. Candidates need to earn at least $2,500 a month and meet the assessment criteria.
In order to be eligible for an S Pass, a company must employ up to 10% of its total workforce, 20% in manufacturing and 18% in other industries.
Additionally, S Pass offers a unique position in which skilled people can apply, even if only high school graduates meet the salary standards, have a craft can also apply!
- Work Permit
For semi-skilled foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector.
Work permits are issued to foreigners working in Singapore with a salary of not more than S$1,800 a month. Employers are required to provide higher insurance and guarantees to foreigners.
The holder of a work permit may only engage in a designated occupation and work for the employer listed on the work permit card, and may not marry, become pregnant, have children, etc. with either a Singapore citizen or permanent resident of Singapore.
