Comprehensive Guide to Singapore Working Visa

How to Know What Type of Work Visa You Need

So you’ve heard the buzz about working in Singapore, and you need a visa guide so you know how to be part of the action.

It’s little wonder Singapore is such an attractive destination to work, given its global reputation as a world leader in business freedom and innovation. And that success is largely due to the fact that nearly 40% of its workforce is made up of foreign workers and students.

To entice the best and brightest foreign workers, Singapore’s work visas are generally allocated purely by your salary, making it a lot easier to apply compared to other countries. Despite this relative simplicity, when we had a look at the other Singapore visa guides on the internet, we felt that they weren’t exactly straightforward or clear.

So here we’re aiming to make it as simple, and quick as possible for you to find the information you need.

We should note, that while Singapore is renowned as a financial and ICT giant, it’s not just high-level professionals that can qualify for a Singapore work visa. That means as long as you can help contribute to Singapore’s continued growth and prosperity, everybody from CEOs to construction workers are welcome.

In this Singapore visa guide, we’ll go over:

General notes for all Singapore Work Permit visas

Singapore Work Permit visas for professionals

Singapore Work Permit visas for skilled and semi-skilled workers

In total there are eight work visa types for Singapore, and we’ll go through all of them to see which one is right for you.

General Notes for All Singapore Work Permit Visas

The ministry in charge of all Singapore working visas is the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

You need to be at least 18 years of age to qualify as a foreign worker, regardless of the visa type. For some roles, you may need to be older still.

Malaysian workers must be no older that 58 years of age, while all other foreign workers must be no older than 50 years of age when they apply.

You will work closely with your new Singapore employer — they will take care of most of the administration such as paying for the Foreign Worker Levy.

You need to sort out your Singapore visa of choice before you take up your new role there. Employers face large penalties and fines if you don’t.

Singapore Work Permit Visa Guide for Professionals

1. Singapore Employment PassThe Singapore Employment Pass is for foreign professionals looking to work in Singapore. Generally, you’d be a manager, executive, or other high-level workers in your industry. This is a one or two-year visa, renewable for up to three years. Singapore’s Employment Pass prefers younger applicants who have graduated from reputable institutions. Older applicants can of course apply, you would just need to have a higher salary and position.

To qualify, you’ll need:

To have a job offer from an approved employer in Singapore.

To be in a managerial, executive or specialised role.

You’ll need to show that you have relevant qualifications, but the most important thing is that you can prove that you earn at least $3,600 per month.

(Higher experience candidate need to show more salary)

2. Singapore Entrepreneur Pass

If you already own your own business and would like to relocate it to Singapore, the Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (also known as the EntrePass) is the visa you need. This is a one year visa, renewable up to two years.

To qualify, you’ll need to:

Be registered with Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

Be registered (as above) for less than six months as of your application.

Meet at least one of the following criteria:

Be part of a government supported incubator.

A collaborator with A*STAR or university.

Have a proven track record of growth.

Exceptional expertise in your domain.

Significant experience, networks, and entrepreneurial record.

Owner of recognised intellectual property.

Has acquired funding from a business angel or government accredited venture capital fund.

You’ll also need to show you have at least $50,000 in the capital.

Read more about Singapore Working Visa at Rikvin.com.

A business writer since 1998. He holds a master's degree from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta.