Employment Visas in Singapore
Singapore Employment Visas For Professionals
Employment Pass
The Employment Pass allows professionals such as managers, executives and specialists to work in Singapore. To qualify, an applicant must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $4,500 (effective 1st September 2020) and have sound qualifications. An applicant in the financial sector must earn a minimum salary of $5,000 with effect from 1st December 2020. The application can be made only by the employer. The validity of the EP is tied to the employer. Consequently, a change in employers will require a new pass application.
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
The EntrePass is made to attract entrepreneurs to come to Singapore, enliven its startup scene and generate employment for locals.
To qualify for an EntrePass, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:
- - Has funding from a government accredited VC or business angel
- - Holds an intellectual property
- - Holds significant business experience/network and promising entrepreneurial track record
- - Has exceptional technical/domain expertise in an area related to proposed business
- - Holds good track record of investing in businesses and want to grow new or existing businesses in Singapore
- - Has research collaboration with A*STAR or a university
- - Is an incubate at a government-supported incubator
Singapore Employment Visas For Mid-Level Skilled Workers
S Pass
The S Pass allows mid-level skilled workers (e.g. technicians) to work in Singapore. To qualify, an applicant must command a fixed monthly salary of S$2,200, demonstrate relevant work experience and possess a degree, diploma or technical certificates. Older applicants must command higher salaries that are commensurate with their work experience.
Like the Employment Pass, the application can only be made by the employer on behalf of the applicant.
However, unlike the EP, there is a quota for the number of S Pass holders a company may employ. This number is capped at a sub-Dependency Ceiling (sub-DC). For firms in the service sector this sub-DC is 15% (which means that the percentage of S Pass can only be a maximum of 15% of the total work force). For other sectors, it is 20%.
Singapore Employment Visas For Skilled Workers
Work Permit (WP)
A Work Permit is meant for workers in the manufacturing, services, construction, process and marine sectors. There are also specific WPs for domestic helpers, confinement nannies and performing artistes.
Once issued, the Work Permit is valid for two years, unless the validity of the worker’s passport, the Banker’s/Insurance Guarantee, and the worker’s employment period, is shorter. The WP holder is only allowed to work for the employer and in the mutually-agreed occupation.
There is a levy imposed on every WP holder employed and it is determined according to the qualification and skills of the workers. There is also a Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) for every sector to put a quota on how many WP holders it may employ.
Still looking for more information? You can learn more about Singapore Relocation and Employment Visas at Singapore Company Incorporation.
