Singapore Work Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Introduction

Singapore has long been a top destination for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs. As of 2024, more than 1.86 million foreign workers call Singapore home. With its strategic location, highly-developed infrastructure, and progressive policies, Singapore continues to attract people seeking career opportunities, entrepreneurial growth, and an excellent quality of life.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Singapore work visas — from eligibility criteria and application requirements to the types of passes available in 2025.

Why are Singapore Work Visas So Popular?

Sjngapore’s work visas remain in high demand for good reason. The country offers outstanding economic prospects, a stable political environment, and an unparalleled lifestyle that appeals to professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

Professionals and entrepreneurs are drawn to Singapore for several reasons:

• A robust economy with strong job demand across technology, finance, healthcare, and green industries
• A transparent legal system that protects foreign investments and intellectual property
• Competitive remuneration packages, often including health insurance, bonuses, and professional development opportunities
• An efficient visa processing system, with most passes approved within weeks
• A strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, offering easy access to ASEAN and global markets

In addition, Singapore has launched multiple talent-focused initiatives, such as the Tech.Pass and ONE Pass, to attract global experts in technology, innovation, and research. These efforts ensure Singapore remains competitive as a global business hub.

Types of Work Visas in Singapore (2025)

All foreigners intending to work in Singapore are required to hold a valid work pass (commonly known as a work visa) issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before commencing employment. Depending on the nature of the work and the professional’s qualifications, different types of passes are available. Singapore offers a wide variety of work visas, each tailored to specific types of workers, from high-skilled professionals to semi-skilled and migrant workers.

Singapore’s main work passes include:

• Employment Pass (EP)
• EntrePass
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
• Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
• S Pass
• Work Permit

Each pass has specific criteria and different application processes, so it is important to understand what qualifies you for each before applying. Hence, this section provides an overview of the various work visas and their eligibility criteria, along with what each pass allows.

For Professionals

1. Employment Pass (EP)

The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives who are looking to live and work in Singapore.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum monthly salary of SGD 5,000 (and SGD 5,500 for financial services)
• Possess a recognised degree or equivalent qualifications
• Have relevant professional experience
• Starting 2025, higher salary thresholds may apply for senior professionals (aged 40 and above), reflecting progressive wage adjustments in Singapore’s workforce policies.

Key Benefits:

• Renewable every 2 years.
• Eligible for Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass for family.
• Offers a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) after consistent employment.

In addition, EP applicants are now assessed through the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which requires applicants to meet a points-based system based on salary, qualifications, and the overall contribution to Singapore’s economy.

COMPASS evaluates candidates based on:

• Salary level (relative to local benchmarks)
• Education and qualifications
• Diversity of nationality in the company
• Support for local employment
• Company attributes, such as sectoral alignment

This system, which started in 2023, has made the application process more competitive. Applicants must meet the points threshold to qualify, ensuring that foreign professionals complement Singapore’s local talent pool.

2. EntrePass

The EntrePass is designed specifically for foreign entrepreneurs who are looking to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or involves innovative technologies.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The company must be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
• Must operate in a high-tech, R&D, or innovative industry (e.g. IT, fintech, biotech)
• Founders should hold an entrepreneurial, investor, or innovator track record.

Application Highlights:

• Applicants must submit a business plan showing scalability, innovation, and local job creation potential.
• The business must be registered with ACRA before the pass is issued.
• EntrePass holders can sponsor dependants after meeting specific spending and employment milestones.
• The government encourages EntrePass holders to collaborate with local universities and research institutions to strengthen Singapore’s start-up ecosystem.

While the application process for the EntrePass can be competitive, entrepreneurs who qualify for this pass benefit from greater flexibility in running their businesses in Singapore.

3. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is another option for foreign professionals in Singapore who are currently holding an EP or overseas foreign professionals.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must currently hold an Employment Pass with a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500
• Be an overseas professional earning at least SGD 22,500 in the last 6 months.

Key Benefits:

• No employer sponsorship required.
• Allows you to switch jobs freely without reapplying for a new pass
• You can remain in Singapore for up to 6 months between jobs.

Limitations:

• Valid for 3 years only and non-renewable.
• Must maintain a minimum annual income of SGD 270,000 to stay eligible.
• Not available for freelancers or business owners.

The PEP offers greater flexibility than the Employment Pass, as it allows you to switch employers without the need to apply for a new pass. Nevertheless, as this pass is non-renewable after three years, holders must plan their long-term career moves accordingly.

4. Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

The ONE Pass is Singapore’s premium work visa for top global talent in business, arts, academia, and sports.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Earn a fixed monthly salary of SGD 30,000 or more
• Have outstanding achievements in a specialized field (e.g. Nobel laureate, Olympic medalist, senior researcher).

Key Benefits:

• Valid for 5 years and renewable
• Flexibility to work for multiple employers or start your own venture
• Spouses of ONE Pass holders can work in Singapore with a Letter of Consent
• As of 2025, ONE Pass holders are also eligible for fast-track PR consideration, provided they demonstrate active local economic contributions

The ONE Pass allows holders to work in Singapore for an extended period and provides flexibility for professionals to operate across various sectors, making it an attractive option for those seeking long-term career opportunities in Singapore.

For Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers

1. S Pass

The S Pass is aimed at skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers, offering a path to employment for those in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and services.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum salary of SGD 3150 per month (varies by sector)
• Relevant technical qualifications or diploma

Employers face a quota system that limits how many S Pass holders they can hire based the number of locals in their workforce. The quota ratio is typically 10% to 15% of a company’s total workforce. In addition, employers must pay a monthly levy, which is set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) based on the number of S Pass holders employed.

2. Work Permit

The Work Permit is primarily for lower-skilled workers in Singapore and comes in various categories, such as work permits for migrant domestic workers and performing artistes.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Valid for up to 2 years, renewable based on employer eligibility
• The employer must provide medical insurance and accommodation.
• Workers cannot apply directly; employers must apply on their behalf.

In addition to the regular work permits, there are also sector-specific categories such as the Work Permit for Confinement Nannies or the Work Permit for Domestic Workers. These passes are highly regulated and the application process typically involves proof of employment and salary.

For Family Members of Work Pass Holders

1. Dependant’s Pass (DP)

For those holding an Employment Pass or S Pass, the Dependant’s Pass allows their family members to join them in Singapore. Applicants for a Dependant’s Pass must meet specific salary requirements, which are typically SGD 6,000 per month for a spouse and children.

2. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

The Long-Term Visit Pass is another option for family members of work pass holders. Unlike the Dependant’s Pass, the LTVP allows the holder’s spouse, parents, or children to join the primary work pass holder in Singapore. Applicant must meet the same salary threshold as the Dependant’s Pass for the family member to qualify. From 2024 onwards, LTVP holders who are spouses of ONE Pass holders can work in Singapore under simplified consent rules.

Work Visa Compliance and Renewal

Work passes are generally valid for one to two years, depending on the type of pass issued and the applicant’s eligibility. The duration of the visa often reflects the nature of the job and the professional qualifications of the applicant.

The renewal process is as follows:

• Employers must revalidate salary, job scope, and qualifications.
• Renewal applications should be submitted 6-8 weeks before expiry.
• MOM may request updated company or personal documents, especially for EntrePass and PEP holders.

However, it is important to note that certain passes require more documentation or have additional requirements during the renewal process.

Certain special requirements include:

• EntrePass holders must show proof of business performance, growth and economic contribution to Singapore. This may include details such as financial statements, business expansion plans, and proof of employment of local workers.
• S Pass renewals depend on company quota and levy compliance.
• PEP and ONE Pass holders must meet annual income or activity reporting requirements.

To ensure a smooth renewal process and to avoid any gaps in employment authorization, employers should apply for work pass renewals well in advance, giving sufficient time for approval and addressing any potential issues.

Conclusion

Navigating the work visa process in Singapore can seem complex, but with the right understanding of the requirements and regulations, foreign professionals and entrepreneurs can successfully secure a work pass. Singapore offers a variety of passes tailored to different types of professionals, from entrepreneurs to skilled workers. Whether you’re looking to start a business or work for a company, there is a visa option for you. To ensure that your business and work visa applications comply with current regulations, consider working with an experienced consultant or legal advisor like Paul Hype Page & Co., who can guide you through each step of the process – from visa selection to application and compliance.