Singapore Work Permit

Just like everything in Singapore, there are also certain regulations to work, especially as an international student. And here’s the thing: Singapore has strict work visa rules, and not all students or fresh graduates qualify easily. That’s why understanding the types of work permits, eligibility criteria, and the smartest way to apply can make all the difference.

In this guide, I’ll break it down for you—no confusing jargon, just clear, practical insights to help you navigate your work permit options in Singapore.

What is a Work Permit in SIngapore

A Work Permit (WP) in Singapore is a type of visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows semi-skilled or unskilled migrant/ foreign workers to work in certain sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and services. The Ministry of Manpower, Singapore states “All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid pass (commonly known as a work visa) before they start work.”

Once you have completed your studies and the Student’s Pass expires, you will need to get a work pass to work in Singapore. Your employer will need to apply for your work pass.

How long is a Work Permit in SIngapore?

The Work Permit duration is generally 2 years, subject to the validity of the worker’s passport, the security bond and the worker’s employment period, whichever is shorter.

Singapore Work Permit: New Changes

Singapore introduced the following changes in its work permit policies effective from March 2025:

• No More Work Permit Limits (From July 1, 2025) – Foreign workers can stay employed as long as they meet requirements and their employer needs them.
• Higher Age Limit for Work Permit Holders (From July 2025) – Workers can stay employed until 63 years (previously 60). New applicants can apply until 61 years (previously 50 for non-Malaysians, 58 for Malaysians).
• More Countries Allowed (From June 1, 2025) – Employers can now hire workers from Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos, along with existing countries like Bangladesh and India.
• More Job Roles for Foreign Workers (From September 1, 2025) – More jobs will be available for Work Permit holders, including heavy vehicle drivers, manufacturing roles, and cooks for all cuisines.

What does these changes imply?

Singapore’s Manpower Minister, Tan See Leng, stated that foreign workers are essential for maintaining the country’s business growth. For a foreign student in Singapore, this implies better prospects for securing internships, part-time jobs, and even full-time employment after graduation. Since the country recognizes the need for foreign workers to sustain business growth, industries may be more open to hiring skilled international graduates, especially in sectors facing labor shortages. 

Types of Singapore Work Permits/ Passes in singapore

If you are an international student studying at recognized institutions in Singapore, you do not need a Work Pass for working part- time. However, this should be in alignment with your graduation course. Once your studies are complete and your Student’s Pass has expired, you will need a work pass to be employed in Singapore. Your employer must submit the application for your work pass.

For others who wish to work in Singapore, here are the different types of Work Permit you can choose from based on your eligibility:

Work Pass for Trainees and students

Pass Type	Who is it for	Who can apply	Duration
Training Employment Pass	For foreign professionals undergoing practical training.Must earn at least $3,000 a month.	Employer	3 months
Work Holiday Pass	For students & graduates aged 18- 25 who wish to work and holiday for Singapore	Candidate	6 months
Training Work Permit	For skilled or semi- skilled foreign students or trainees. For students, training must be part of their course requirements.	Employer	6 months

Work Pass for skilled and semi- skilled workers

Pass Type	Who is it for	Who can apply	Duration
S Pass	For candidates having a job with a fixed monthly salary. The salary eligibility could differ based on your role	Employer or Employment agent	2- 3 years
Work Permit for Migrant Worker	For candidates from approved sources working in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or service sector.	Employer or Employment agent	Up to 2 years
Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Worker	Foreign candidates who are employed as domestic helpers in Singapore	Employer, Sponsor or Employment agent	Up to 2 years
Work Permit for Performing Artiste	For foreign performing artists  working in public entertainment outlets- bars, hotels and nightclubs.	Employer or Employment agent	Up to 6 months

Work Passes for Family Members

Pass Type	Who is it for	Who can apply	Duration
Dependent’s Pass	For legally married spouses or unmarried children under 21 years of Employment Pass or S Pass holders.	Employer or Employment agent	1 year (renewable)
Long Term Visit Pass	Common-law spouse, step-children, disabled children, parents (for EP holders earning ≥ SGD 12,000/month)	Employer or Employment agent	Up to 2 years
Pre- Approved Letter of consent	Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of Singaporeans/PRs holding LTVP/LTVP+ and wishing to work	Candidate	Tied to LTVP validity
Letter of Consent for ICA- Approved LTVP/ LTVP+ holders	Individuals holding an LTVP/LTVP+ who are sole proprietors, partners, or directors of ACRA registered business	Candidate	Tied to LTVP validity
Letter of Consent for Dependent’s Pass Holders who are business owners	Dependent’s Pass holders who are business owners (e.g., sole proprietors, partners, or directors of ACRA registered business)	Candidate	Tied to DP validity

Remember!!

A work pass is required if you take a leave of absence for extra industrial attachments that don’t count toward graduation. You can work without a pass while waiting for exam results or convocation if it’s during your vacation.

Eligibility

Here is the basic eligibility criteria for a Singapore Work Permit:

• You must be at least 18 years of age for applications. Non- Malaysian students can apply up to 50 years of age and Malaysian students up to 58 years.
• You must be from an approved source country based on the industry.

Documents Required

• Passport Copy (valid for at least six months)
• Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
• Educational Certificates (if required for the sector)
• Pre-Employment Medical Examination Report (done in Singapore)
• In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter issued by MOM (for first-time applicants)
• Disembarkation/Embarkation Card (White Card) upon arrival in Singapore

There could be additional documents that your employer needs to submit.

How Can i GEt a Work Permit in Singapore?

Though applying for a Work Permit in Singapore does not fall under the employees’ to- do, it’s still useful to understand the process. The Employer or employment agent (EA) will apply for the Work Permit on behalf of the foreign worker. If you need to apply on your own- for work holiday pass, you can also follow similar steps:

• The employer applies online via the MOM website or an authorized agency. Here the employer also needs to get a written consent letter from the worker
• This usually takes up to one week for processing
• If approved, MOM issues an IPA letter, which the worker must present upon arrival in Singapore.
• The worker must undergo a medical check-up in Singapore. This is a very important step in the visa application.
• Once the medical results are cleared, the employer gets the Work Permit issued, and the worker receives a Work Permit card.

Conditions for Work Permit in Singapore

• You can only work for the employer who sponsors your Work Permit. You cannot switch jobs without MOM approval.
• What You Can and Cannot Do
• You must perform only the job stated in your Work Permit.
• You cannot start a business, do freelance work, or take up part-time jobs.
• You must stay in employer-approved accommodation.
• You must undergo medical check-ups as required by MOM.
• Your employer must provide medical insurance with at least SGD 15,000 annual coverage.
• You cannot marry a Singapore citizen or PR without MOM approval.
• If you’re a female worker, you cannot be pregnant or give birth in Singapore unless officially approved.
• You must obey Singapore’s laws and work regulations at all times.
• Your Work Permit is valid for up to 2 years and must be renewed before expiry. If your employment ends, you must leave Singapore immediately unless given an extension.
• Your employer must pay a monthly foreign worker levy and comply with foreign worker quotas set by MOM.

How many years does it take to get a pr in singapore?

It typically takes 2–3 years for Employment Pass or S Pass holders to become eligible for PR. Work Permit holders are generally not eligible, except through marriage to a Singapore citizen or PR. Spouses of Singaporeans can apply after 2 years of marriage, while investors can apply immediately under the Global Investor Program.

reasons for rejection of singapore work permit

• Quota & Levy Issues – The employer has exceeded the foreign worker quota or has not paid the required levy.
• Incomplete or Incorrect Documents – Missing, incorrect, or falsified documents during the application process.
• Medical Ineligibility – Failing the mandatory medical examination in Singapore.
• Employer’s Financial Status – The company does not meet MOM’s financial requirements to hire foreign workers.
• Past Work Permit Violations – Previous visa violations, overstaying, or illegal work records in Singapore.

FAQs