Types of Work Permits and Visas
All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid pass (commonly known as a working visa) before they start employment in Singapore. There are different passes for different types of workers who stand at different skill-levels:
- Professional
- Skilled and semi-skilled workers
- Trainees and students
- Family members
To qualify for EP applications, candidates will need to pass a 2-stage eligibility framework:
| Stage 1 | Earn at least the EP qualifying salary, which is benchmarked to the top 1/3 of local PMET salaries by age. |
| Stage 2 | Unless exempted, pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Note: Candidates who do not meet stage 1 will not be eligible for an EP, regardless of the points they would have scored under COMPASS. |
COMPASS Stage 1
- EP qualifying salary (Stage 1)
The following EP qualifying salary requirements apply to new applications and renewals:
| Sector | Minimum qualifying salary for renewal of passes expiring from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 | Minimum qualifying salary for new applications from 1 January 2025, and for renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2026 |
| All (except financial services) | $5,000 (increases progressively with age from 23 years, up to $10,500 at age 45 years and above) | $5,600 (increases progressively with age from age 23 years, up to $10,700 at age 45 years and above) |
| Financial services | $5,500 (increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $11,500 at age 45 years and above) | $6,200 (increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $11,800 at age 45 and above) |
COMPASS Stage 2
- Your application is scored on four foundational criteria. Applications earn points if they meet or exceed expectations.
Points for each foundational criterion Assessment 20 Exceeds expectations 10 Meets expectations 0 Does not meet expectations - Your application can also earn additional points on bonus criteria if it meets the relevant qualifying conditions. These criteria recognise applications that bring in skills in shortage and support strategic economic priorities, thus creating good jobs for Singaporeans.
- 40 points are required to pass COMPASS:
- Applications that meet expectations (earn 10 points) on all 4 foundational criteria will pass.
- Otherwise, applications can make up the required points by exceeding expectations on another criterion or by scoring bonus points.
Source: Ministry of Manpower
Exemption from COMPASS (any):
- Earning at least $22,500 fixed monthly salary (similar to the prevailing Fair Consideration Framework job advertising exemption from 1 September 2023).
- Applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee under the World Trade Organisation’s General Agreement on Trade in Services or an applicable Free Trade Agreement that Singapore is party to.
- Filling a role on a short-term basis, i.e. 1 month or less.
Other Types of Passes
| Pass type | Who is it for |
| S Pass | For skilled workers |
| Work Permit for migrant worker | For skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector |
| Dependant’s Pass | For spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders |
| Pre-approved Letter of Consent/ Letter of Consent for ICA-issued LTVP/LTVP+holders | For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+issued by ICA. The holder is pre-approved to work in Singapore. They can only apply for a PLOC when applying for, or renewing the LTVP/LTVP+ For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+issued by ICA. The LOC allows the holder to work in Singapore. The employer must apply for the LOC. |
| OnePass | For Top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research |
We Provide Expertise on Work Visa Applications!
Our professional team of 200+ has years of experience dealing with local immigration authorities and will ensure an efficient turnaround of your employee’s visa application.
Securing the appropriate work permit or visa is crucial for legal employment in Singapore. Understanding the requirements and following the application process ensures a smooth transition for foreign workers and compliance with MOM regulations.
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Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of Singapore employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.
Updated on: June 2025
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