Comprehensive Guide to Work Passes in Singapore

Foreigners intending to work in Singapore must have a valid work pass (commonly known as a work visa) before starting work. Employers must ensure their foreign employees hold the appropriate pass. The type of work pass required depends on the nature of the work. This guide provides an overview of the various work passes available in Singapore.

Employment Pass (EP):

As of now, foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning at least S$5,000 a month and the qualifying salary increases progressively with age. Applicants must pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Under the COMPASS framework, applicants need to score the requisite 40 points across 6 broad categories. Three of the categories involves individual attribute and the other three involves the hiring firm’s attributes. Passes are for a duration of up to 2 years for first time candidates and renews for up to 3 years. Key features of the pass are the availability of passes for eligible family members and employers do not have to pay a foreign worker levy or be subjected to quotas.

EntrePass:

For foreign entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a venture-backed or innovative technology business in Singapore. More specifically, the applicant needs to have raised funding for a past or current business, has been supported by a government recognised or internationally renowned incubator or accelerator, founded and sold a technology business, holds intellectual property or have a research collaboration in Singapore. There is no minimum salary required but the term for new passes and first time renewals are 1 year in duration. On the other hand, subsequent renewals are for 2 year duration. While the ICA has final say on the approval, Enterprise Singapore will periodically contact pass holders for engagement (such as hosting/speaking at workshops, organising deal-making or networking session, or provide mentorship for other startups) and audit purposes so applicants and pass holders should ensure they keep MOM updated on any significant changes to their profile. The key benefits of this pass are the flexibility for applicants to start and operate a business in Singapore, availability of passes for eligible family members, no quotas for the pass. The ability to get passes for family members will be based on the annual turnover of the business, local workers hired, funding raised, and experience of the applicant in starting/running companies, or the intellectual properties held.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP):

For high-earning existing EP holders or overseas foreign professionals, this pass offers greater flexibility than a standard Employment Pass. However, the requirements can be tougher with applicants needing to have a monthly salary of at least S$22,500. For overseas foreign nationals, this will be the last drawn salary within the last 6 months of the application. The duration of the pass is up to 3 years and there is no ability to renew it. To continue working in Singapore after expiry, applicants need to get another type of work pass. Other features of the pass include not needing to reapply for a pass when there is a change in job, availability of passes for eligible family embers and employers do not have to pay a foreign worker levy or be subjected to quotas. PEP holders can also apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR).

Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass:

For top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, and academia and research. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) generally assesses each ONE Pass candidates on a case-by-case basis. Each applicant needs to have a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 or its equivalent currency, for the past 12 months. If you are an overseas candidate, you must be able to demonstrate that you worked for a company that has a market capitalisation or valuation of US$500 million or an annual revenue of at least US$200 million, and to have worked in the company overseas for at least 1 year. Alternatively, if the salary criteria are not met, candidates need to show outstanding achievements in either sports, arts/culture or academia and research. The ONE Pass is renewable for 5 years each time. Other benefits of this pass are that candidates are exempted from the COMPASS framework and employers do not need to comply with the Consideration Framework job advertising requirements, employers also do not need to pay foreign worker levy and there is no quota, availability of passes for eligible family members and spouses are able to apply to work on a Letter of Consent (LOC).

Next Steps and How We Can Help

Choosing the right work pass is crucial for a smooth employment experience in Singapore. For detailed guidance on the application process and eligibility criteria, consider consulting with E&H Immigration Consultancy. Visit www.eh-immigration.com for more information.