Singapore Work Visa Classes – Work in Singapore

Everyone knows that Singapore is one of the best places in the world to start a career. The “Lion City” is still a top destination for international talent, whether you’re drawn to the bright skyline of the Central Business District, the promise of a safe and efficient lifestyle, or the fact that the country is the gateway to Asia.

But it’s not as simple as just packing a bag and booking a flight to go work in Singapore. The city-state has a very strict immigration system in place to make sure that the foreign workers don’t compete with the local workers but instead help them. If you’ve been searching for information on how to work legally in Singapore, you’ve probably come across a lot of confusing terms, like Employment Passes, ‘S Passes, COMPASS, and Work Permits.

This guide will explain the different types of work visas that will be available in Singapore in 2025. We will discuss who each pass is for, what the new salary requirements are, and how the new points-based system might change your application. By the end of this article, you’ll know which “Work Pass” (Singapore’s work visa) is right for you and how to start.

The Hierarchy of Singapore Work Passes

There is no work visa that works for everyone in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) instead divides passes into groups based on the applicant’s level of skill, salary, and the needs of the industry. It helps to think of these passes as a ladder, with each step up representing a different level of professional skill.

• The Executive Tier:  for high earners, leaders, and professionals with specialised skills (Employment Pass, PEP, and ONE Pass).
• The Technical Tier: For mid-level skilled staff and technicians (S Pass).
• The Operational Tier: For workers who aren’t very skilled or aren’t skilled at all in certain fields, like construction or manufacturing (Work Permit).

The first step is to determine your position on this ladder. It is likely that your application for a pass that is “below” your qualifications or salary will be turned down.

1. The Employment Pass (EP): For Professionals and Managers

The Employment Pass is the main visa for foreign experts, managers, executives, and professionals. If you have a college degree and a job offer that pays a professional salary, this is probably the pass you want.

New Salary Thresholds for 2026

One of the most important things to know is that Singapore changes its minimum qualifying salaries often to keep up with the local job market. Starting on January 1, 2026, the following will be needed for new EP applications:

• Most Sectors: A minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,600.
• Financial Services Sector: A minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,200.

It is important to note that these figures represent “starting” salaries. The MOM uses an age-progressive scale, so if you’re older and more experienced (like in your 40s), the salary you need to qualify will be much higher—up to S$10,700 or more.

The COMPASS Framework: A Points-Based Assessment

As of late 2023, you need more than just a salary to get an Employment Pass. You also need to pass the COMPASS, or Complementarity Assessment Framework. This process is a points-based system that rates your application on four main factors:

1. Salary: Is your salary competitive compared to local peers in your industry?
2. Qualifications:.  Did you go to a top-tier college or get the same level of professional recognition?
3. Diversity: Is your nationality a small part of the workforce of the company you want to work for? (This makes companies want to have a diverse team.)
4. Support for Local Employment: Does your boss have a good history of hiring and training Singaporean workers?

You need to get at least 40 points in these areas. There are also “bonus points” available if you work in a field on the Shortage Occupation List (like specialised tech jobs) or if your company is helping Singapore reach its economic goals.

2. The S Pass: For Mid-Level Skilled Workers

The S Pass is for you if you are a technician, nurse, or associate professional who needs specialised skills but not necessarily a full university degree. A diploma or technical certificate is usually enough.

Eligibility and Quotas

The S Pass is very strict, while the Employment Pass does not have a “quota,” which is a limit on how many people an employer can hire. Based on the size of its workforce, a company can only hire a certain number of S Pass holders. This threshold is called the Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC).

For 2026, the salary requirements have also seen an uptick:

• General Sectors: Minimum S$3,300 per month.
• Financial Services: Minimum S$3,800 per month.

Employers also have to pay the government a monthly tax for each S Pass holder they hire. The quota and the levy make S Pass jobs more competitive and harder for employers to get than EPs.

3. Specialized “Elite” Passes: ONE Pass and PEP

Singapore has two high-end options for the real “top 1%” of global talent. These options give you a lot more freedom than a regular Employment Pass.

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

The ONE Pass is a personalised 5-year visa that was created to bring in top leaders from around the world. You usually need to make at least S$30,000 a month or show “outstanding achievements” in sports, arts, science, or school to qualify.

The best thing about the ONE Pass is that it doesn’t tie you to one job. You can start a business, work for more than one company at a time, or switch jobs without having to apply for a new pass. With just a Letter of Consent, your spouse can even work in Singapore.

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

The PEP is for people who earn a lot of money or work overseas. The current limit is a monthly salary of S$22,500. It is not linked to an employer, like the ONE Pass, so you can be a “free agent” for up to three years. A PEP, on the other hand, cannot be renewed. You must switch to a regular Employment Pass or another type of visa once it runs out.

4. Work Permits: The Operational Backbone

The EP and S Pass cover the “white-collar” and “grey-collar” sectors. The Work Permit is for semi-skilled migrant workers in certain industries that keep Singapore running. These areas include:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Marine Shipyard
• Process Industry
• Services (certain sub-sectors like retail or F&B)

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) usually only gives work permits to people from certain “source countries.” Safety training (especially in construction) and medical check-ups are critical. The employer takes care of almost all of the paperwork for these jobs and gives the workers health insurance and a place to live.

5. Entrepreneurs and Innovators: The EntrePass

Do you want to start your own business in Singapore instead of working for someone else? Your way is the EntrePass. Singapore isn’t looking for just any small business; they want “venture-backed” or new startups.

To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria for “innovator” or “entrepreneur”:

• Get at least S$100,000 in funding from a well-known angel investor or venture capital firm.
• Have a patent or intellectual property (IP) that is registered with a national IP office and recognised.
• Work with a research institution in Singapore on an ongoing basis.
• Be a part of a government-approved startup incubator.

The EntrePass is beneficial for one year at first, but it can be renewed if the business meets certain spending and job-creation goals in the area.

6. Trainees and Students: Short-Term Options

There are a number of short-term passes available for young professionals and current students who want to “try out” Singapore:

• Training Employment Pass (TEP): For professionals who are getting hands-on training for up to three months. You need to make at least S$3,000 a month.
• Work Holiday Pass: Only for students and recent graduates from certain countries who are between the ages of 18 and 25 or 30, depending on the programme. You can work and vacation in Singapore for six to twelve months.
• Training Work Permit: For students or trainees who are not fully skilled and are doing practical training for up to six months.

Family Matters: Bringing Your Loved Ones

If you’re moving for a job that requires an Employment Pass or S Pass, one of the first things you might ask is, “Can my family come with me?”

It depends on how much money you make. You need to make at least S$6,000 a month to be able to sponsor a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for your spouse or unmarried children under 21.

The bar is much higher if you want to bring your parents. You will need a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), and you must make at least S$12,000 a month. It’s also important to remember that since 2021, people with a Dependant’s Pass who want to work in Singapore must apply for their own work pass, like an EP or S Pass, instead of just getting a Letter of Consent. This requirement doesn’t apply to business owners.

The Application Process: From IPA to Card

Once you get a job offer, your employer (or an employment agent) will use the MOM’s online portal to handle the application. This is what a typical trip looks like:

1. The Application: Your employer sends in your information and documents, like your passport and school records. A third-party agency must check these degrees for EPs to make sure they are real.
2. In-Principle Approval (IPA): If successful, you receive an IPA letter. This is essentially your “entry ticket” to Singapore. It’s a 10–20 page document that outlines your salary, your role, and the conditions of your stay.
3. Arrival and Medical: You take a plane to Singapore. Many passes need a quick medical checkup (blood test and X-ray) at a nearby clinic to look for contagious diseases.
4. Card Issuance: You go to the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) to get your fingerprints and picture taken. A few days later, your plastic IC card, which is your official Work Pass, is sent to your office.

How long does it take?

It usually takes about three weeks to process an Employment Pass, but it can take longer if the MOM needs additional information about your qualifications or the company’s hiring practices. The time frames for S Passes and Work Permits are often the same.

Cultural Nuances: Working in Singapore

The technical part is knowing the different types of visas; to do well in Singapore, you need to know how people work there. Singapore is a “high-context” society that values order, efficiency, and peace.

• Punctuality is Paramount: If a meeting is at 9:00 AM, being there at 9:05 AM is considered late.
• Direct but Polite: When you talk to your coworkers, you should be professional and get to the point, but you should also try to “save face” for yourself and them.
• The “Melt-Pot”: You will probably work with Singaporeans, Malaysians, Indians, Chinese, and other Western expats. To grow in your career, you need to accept this diversity.

Summary of Key Takeaways for 2025

• EP Thresholds: Make sure your salary is at least S$5,600 (S$6,200 for finance) and that you pass the COMPASS points test.
• S Pass Quotas: There are limits on the number of mid-level roles available in each industry, and the minimum salary is S$3,300.
• Elite Options: If you make more than S$22,500 (PEP) or S$30,000 (ONE Pass), you can be much more flexible with your job.
• Family Requirements: You need at least S$6,000 a month to bring your spouse and kids.
• Verification: Make sure your educational documents are ready for third-party verification. This is now a required step for most professional passes.

Moving to Singapore is a big decision, and the immigration rules can seem like they are constantly changing. But the system is meant to be open. If you have the skills, a job offer, and a salary that meets the 2025 standards, you’re on your way to joining one of the world’s most dynamic economies.