Pass Types in Singapore - Which Best Suits You or Your Employees?

For employers looking to hire foreign talent, or for individuals looking to forge their careers in Singapore - are you aware of the different types of work passes available?

There are 3 broad categories of work passes in Singapore - Professionals, Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers, Trainees and Students. 

Each category has their specific criteria for the targeted group of talents:

Categories	Pass Type	Targeted Group of Talents
Professionals	Employment Pass (EP)	Foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates need to earn at least $5,000 a month and pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
EntrePass	Foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)	High-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. The PEPoffers greater flexibility than an Employment Pass.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)	Top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, as well as academia and research.
Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers	S Pass	Skilled workers. Candidates need to earn at least $3,150 a month.
Work Permit (WP) for migrant worker	Skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector.
WP for migrant domestic work	Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) to work in Singapore.
WP for confinement nanny	Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore for up to 16 weeks starting from the birth of the employer's child.
WP for performing artiste	Foreign performers working in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs.
Trainees and Students	Training Employment Pass	Foreign professionals undergoing practical training. Candidates must earn at least $3,000 a month.
Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme)	Students and graduates aged 18 to 25 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months.
Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programmes)	Australian and New Zealander students and graduates aged 18 to 30 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 12 months.
Training Work Permit	Semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months.

Important! : All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid pass (commonly known as a work visa) before they start work.

In addition, there are also different types of passes for the main pass holder’s family members which include Dependant’s Pass, Long Term Visit Pass, Pre-approved Letter of Consent, Letter of Consent for ICA-issued LTVP/ LTVP+ holders, and Letter of Consent for Dependant’s Pass holders who are business owners.

If you are looking for professional assistance with any pass applications listed above (except for Work Permit for MDWs and confinement nanny), please do not hesitate to reach out to us via message or email.