Working in Singapore is well known to be both exciting and lucrative. In this Singapore visa guide, you’ll quickly find out exactly what type of work visa you’ll need to work and operate in Singapore.
It’s little wonder Singapore is such an attractive destination to work, given its global reputation as a world leader in business freedom and innovation. And that success is largely due to the fact that nearly 40% of its workforce is made up of foreign workers and students.
To entice the best and brightest foreign workers, Singapore’s work visas are generally allocated purely by your salary, making it a lot easier to apply compared to other countries. Despite this relative simplicity, when we had a look at the other Singapore visa guides on the internet, we felt that they weren’t exactly straightforward or clear.
General Notes for All Singapore Work Permit Visas
- - The ministry in charge of all Singapore working visas is the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- - You need to be at least 18 years of age to qualify as a foreign worker, regardless of the visa type. For some roles, you may need to be older still.
- - Malaysian workers must be no older that 58 years of age, while all other foreign workers must be no older than 50 years of age when they apply.
- - You will work closely with your new Singapore employer — they will take care of most of the administration such as paying for the Foreign Worker Levy.
- - You need to sort out your Singapore visa of choice before you take up your new role there. Employers face large penalties and fines if you don’t.
Work Permit for Foreign Worker
The Work Permit for Foreign Worker visa is suited for semi-skilled, or unskilled employees that work in areas like construction, shipyards, or services and process sectors. While Singapore is built on the tech industry, foreign workers make up 80% of the construction industry and up to 50% of the service industry. It’s a 2 year, renewable visa, and you’ll need to be coming from an approved country, but you don’t need to earn any minimum amount of money to qualify.
Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Worker
This visa is for semi-skilled or unskilled foreign domestic workers (FDWS), who work within a family’s household for domestic duties, such as a maid or cleaner. You’ll need to be a female aged 23-50 years old, and come from an approved country. You’ll also need to show at least 8 years of formal education. It is a 2 year, renewable visa, for which you will need no minimum salary to qualify.
Work Permit for Confinement Nanny
This is a special, 16 week, non-renewable visa for Malaysian females between 23-70 years old. The role is to help a family with their newborn baby’s first 16 weeks of life. There is no minimum qualifying income required.
Work Permit for Performing Artiste
This is a non-renewable, six-month visa for entertainers, such as singers and dancers. Your application must be completed by an eligible public entertainment outlet who wishes to employ you. There is no qualifying minimum salary.
Read more about Singapore Working Visa Guide at Rikvin.com.
