Semi-skilled or unskilled workers from MOM-approved source countries, employed in specific sectors such as construction, manufacturing, or services.
Sectors include Construction, Marine Shipyard, Manufacturing, Process, and Services.
Countries include Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Employers must submit applications online through MOM’s Work Permit Online (WPOL) system.
$35 for application, $35 for issuance.
Usually within 1 week, but can vary based on sector and completeness.
Up to 2 years, subject to passport validity, security bond, and insurance.
Employers can renew via WPOL up to 6 months before expiry.
Generally up to 22 years, depending on qualifications and sector.
Not without MOM approval. Transfers are allowed in certain sectors with conditions.
Mid-level skilled staff who meet minimum salary and qualifications.
$3,150/month (as of 2025), higher for older candidates.
Passport copy, educational certificates, employment contract, and company information.
10% of the total workforce in the services sector; levy applies based on sector and quota.
Yes, but a new application must be submitted and approved by MOM.
Through the myMOM portal by the employer or employment agent.
Around 3 weeks, depending on completeness.
Up to 2 years, renewable.
Apply via the myMOM portal up to 6 months before expiry.
Yes, if earning at least $6,000/month. Eligible for Dependant Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass.
$5,000/month (as of 2025), higher for financial services and older applicants.
Acceptable diploma/degree and relevant work experience.
Submit online via myMOM Portal by the employer or employment agency.
COMPASS is a point-based framework assessing criteria like salary, qualifications, and diversity.
Educational certificates, job description, employment contract, and company details.
About 3 weeks to 8 weeks, depending on profile and documentation.
Yes. Appeals must include additional supporting documents.
Up to 2 years for first-time applicants, up to 3 years for renewals.
Yes, after 1 year of working in Singapore.
Yes, but subject to additional conditions and ACRA registration.
It is a pricing mechanism to regulate the number of foreign workers in Singapore. Employers must pay a monthly levy for each foreign worker.
It depends on the worker’s qualifications, sector, and the company’s quota usage.
The DRC sets the maximum ratio of foreign workers to the total workforce a company can employ.
Rates vary: for example, construction ranges from $300 to $950, while services may differ.
Yes. For example, the MYE scheme provides concessions for eligible construction workers.
Levy is paid via GIRO, and employers can view statements online via CPF or MOM portal.
MOM may revoke the worker’s permit and bar further hiring until payment is settled.
Yes. Log in to MOM’s EP Online or WPOL to check quota and levy status.
Part-time work is generally not allowed under Work Permits. Levies still apply to full-time permit holders.
Yes, if the worker’s pass is cancelled early or they pass away. Refund is pro-rated.
Foreign workers from MOM-approved source countries who are semi-skilled or unskilled may be employed under the Work Permit scheme. Workers must be aged between 18 and 50 and have an employer offering them a job in an approved sector.
The Work Permit is applicable to industries such as Construction, Marine Shipyard, Manufacturing, Process, and Services. Each sector has its own specific rules and source country restrictions.
MOM allows Work Permit holders to be hired from countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. The list varies based on the sector.
Employers must apply online through the Work Permit Online (WPOL) system. After submission, MOM reviews the application, and if approved, issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
A non-refundable application fee of $35 is charged. Upon approval, an issuance fee of another $35 is required. Employers must also pay monthly levies, buy medical insurance, and provide a security bond.
Standard processing time is about 1 week, but it may vary based on the accuracy of the documents, the sector involved, and whether additional verification is needed.
The pass is valid for up to 2 years and is tied to factors such as the worker’s passport validity, the employer’s quota, and compliance with regulations like insurance and housing.
Yes. Renewals can be submitted up to 6 months before expiry through WPOL. MOM reviews eligibility and may issue a new Work Permit valid for up to 2 years.
The maximum period is generally up to 22 years for some sectors like construction, depending on skill level, sector policies, and continuous employment.
Transfers are allowed in certain sectors and under specific MOM guidelines, such as when a worker is nearing pass expiry or if the current employer is unable to continue employment.
$5,000/month as of 2025. Higher thresholds apply for older workers or those in the financial services sector.
Applicants must have recognized academic qualifications (e.g., diploma or degree) and relevant industry experience. MOM uses a verification process and the COMPASS system to evaluate applications.
Employers or agents submit applications via the myMOM Portal. The process includes uploading necessary documents and paying the relevant fees.
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is a points-based system evaluating salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment. EP applicants must meet a minimum score to qualify.
Educational certificates, detailed job description, employment contract, and business registration documents of the hiring company.
Between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on case complexity and documentation.
Yes. Employers may submit an appeal with additional supporting documents within 3 months from the date of rejection.
First-time EPs are usually valid for 2 years, and renewals can be up to 3 years depending on the applicant’s profile.
Yes. EP holders are eligible to apply for PR through ICA’s PTS Scheme after at least 6–12 months of employment in Singapore.
Yes, but only under specific conditions. The EP holder must register a company with ACRA and may require a Letter of Consent or EntrePass depending on business nature.
Yes. New workers must undergo a medical exam within 2 weeks of arrival, covering TB, HIV, and other infectious diseases.
Employers are responsible for the cost.
The work pass will be revoked, and the worker must be repatriated at the employer’s cost.
Employers must purchase both medical insurance (minimum $60,000 coverage) and Work Injury Compensation insurance.
No, only inpatient care and day surgery are mandatory. Employers may choose to cover outpatient care voluntarily.
Upload the insurance certificate during pass issuance.
Yes, provided continuous coverage is maintained.
A scheme that ensures foreign workers receive basic medical coverage. It is now integrated into broader medical insurance policies.
File a Work Injury Compensation claim. Employers must cover medical bills and lost wages according to WICA.
Not compulsory, but some employers may offer extended benefits.
Yes. MOM requires all employment terms to be stated in writing and signed by both parties.
Job scope, working hours, rest days, wages, leave entitlements, medical benefits, and termination conditions.
At least 1 rest day per week for Work Permit and S Pass holders.
Only for approved items (e.g., meals, accommodation), and within MOM’s limits
44 hours, excluding overtime. Any additional hours must be compensated.
Yes. Overtime is paid at 1.5x hourly rate for eligible workers.
Yes, with proper notice period as stated in the contract.
Yes, but employers must give notice or pay in lieu and cover repatriation.
Yes, immediately report through MOM’s online services.
MOM offers mediation and TADM (Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management) support for resolution.