Singapore is one of the world’s most business-friendly economies, known for its political stability, strong rule of law, competitive tax structure, and vibrant job market. Every year, the country attracts tens of thousands of foreign professionals, skilled workers, and labourers who come to work and build careers here.
To manage this foreign manpower flow, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has developed a structured and highly regulated work pass system. Each work pass type is designed for different skill levels, industries, and purposes—ensuring that Singapore gets the talent it needs while protecting the interests of local workers.
This article provides an in-depth explanation of all the major work passes in Singapore, who they are for, eligibility requirements, and what applicants and employers should know.
1. Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass (EP) is the most well-known work visa for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists. It is intended for higher-skilled, higher-paid candidates working in professional or executive-level roles.
Eligibility Requirements
- A job offer in Singapore in an executive, managerial, or specialist role
- Generally earns a minimum qualifying salary that increases with age (starting salary benchmarked to local PMET wages)
- Holds relevant qualifications, typically at least a degree or professional certification
- Undergoes the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) scoring system
Key Features
- Valid for up to 2 years for first-time applications and up to 3 years for renewals
- Allows EP holders to bring dependants if they meet the salary threshold
- Allows flexibility in changing employers (with a fresh approval)
Who Typically Applies
- Finance professionals
- IT specialists and software engineers
- Regional managers and executives
- Engineers, consultants, and other PMETs
The EP is the most suitable route for companies hiring global professional talent.
2. S Pass
The S Pass is designed for mid-level skilled staff working in technical, service, or supervisory roles.
Eligibility Requirements
- Fixed monthly salary meeting MOM’s published minimum that varies by sector and age
- Relevant work experience or technical diplomas
- Subject to a quota and monthly levy imposed on employers
- Employers must maintain a fair employment hiring record under the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)
Key Features
- Valid for up to 2 years, renewable
- Quota varies by sector—services, manufacturing, construction, marine, and process
- Employers must pay a monthly levy for each S Pass holder
- Dependants may be brought in if salary meets the minimum qualifying requirement
Who Typically Applies
- Technicians and supervisors
- Assistant engineers
- Chefs and culinary staff
- Sales executives
- Healthcare assistants
The S Pass bridges the gap between highly skilled EP holders and lower-skilled Work Permit holders.
3. Work Permit (WP)
The Work Permit is for semi-skilled or low-skilled workers in specific sectors.
Work Permit Categories
MOM issues Work Permits across various industries:
- Construction
- Marine shipyard
- Manufacturing
- Process industries
- Services
- Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs)
- Confinement nannies
- Performing artistes
Each category has its own industry-specific rules.
Eligibility Requirements
- No minimum salary requirement
- No formal education requirement
- Subject to sector quotas and levies
- Employer must provide medical insurance and bear full recruitment costs
- Employer is responsible for accommodation and welfare in many sectors
Key Features
- Typically valid for 1–2 years
- Work Permit holders cannot bring dependants
- Cannot switch employers freely without approval
- Bound by sector-specific rules (e.g., source countries, skill upgrading requirements)
Work Permits support labour-intensive industries that require manpower that the local workforce cannot sufficiently supply.
4. Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
The Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) is a premium pass designed for high-earning professionals. Unlike the standard EP, the PEP is not tied to a single employer.
Eligibility Requirements
- High-earning EP holders OR
- Foreign professionals earning above a MOM-defined income threshold
- Must have a strong track record and professional background
Key Features
- Valid for 3 years, non-renewable
- Allows holders to stay in Singapore for up to 6 months in between jobs while seeking new employment
- Provides more flexibility than the EP
- Dependants allowed if salary allows
Who Typically Applies
- Senior executives
- C-suite professionals
- Highly paid talents intending to explore long-term career opportunities in Singapore
The PEP is ideal for top-tier foreign professionals who value employment flexibility.
5. EntrePass
The EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a venture-backed or innovative business in Singapore.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Receive funding from a recognized venture capitalist
- Be incubated by a government-supported incubator
- Have a strong entrepreneurial background
- Have an innovative business idea or technology-based plan
Key Features
- Valid for 1 year initially, renewable
- No minimum salary requirement
- Allows bringing dependants if business meets minimum spending and local hiring targets
- Suitable for startup founders, innovators, and investors
Who Typically Applies
- Tech startup founders
- Innovative business owners
- Research-driven entrepreneurs
- Venture-backed startups expanding to Singapore
The EntrePass supports Singapore’s goal to become Asia’s hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
6. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
The ONE Pass, launched recently, targets top talent in business, research, science, sports, arts, and culture.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Earn above a MOM-specified monthly income for the last 12 months
- Expect to earn above this income in Singapore
- Demonstrate exceptional achievement in arts, sports, research, academia, or business
Key Features
- Valid for 5 years
- Allows work for multiple companies simultaneously
- Spouse can work in Singapore on a Letter of Consent
- Designed to attract global leaders and top-tier talent
Who Typically Applies
- Global C-level executives
- Leading researchers and scientists
- Renowned athletes
- Well-established entrepreneurs
- Global business leaders
The ONE Pass helps Singapore attract world-class talents who contribute on a national level.
7. Training Employment Pass (TEP)
The Training Employment Pass is for foreign professionals undergoing training in Singapore.
Eligibility Requirements
- Earn a qualifying salary
- Undergo professional-level training in Singapore
- Hold acceptable qualifications
- Typically for trainees attached to a Singapore office of a global company
Key Features
- Valid for up to 3 months
- Non-renewable
- Only for professional or executive-level training
This pass helps companies train foreign executives or management trainees in Singapore.
8. Training Work Permit (TWP)
The Training Work Permit is for unskilled or semi-skilled trainees.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be learning a job role in a Work Permit sector
- Valid only for foreign trainees sent by overseas companies
- Subject to quotas and levies
Key Features
- Valid for up to 6 months
- Non-renewable
- For technical or operational skills training
The TWP is useful for companies training future foreign staff before overseas deployment.
9. Dependant’s Pass (DP)
The Dependant’s Pass is not a work pass, but it allows EP, S Pass (meeting salary requirements), PEP, ONE Pass, and EntrePass holders to bring their immediate family.
Who Qualifies
- Legally married spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
Work Rights
A Dependant’s Pass holder can work in Singapore if they secure a job and the employer applies for a Work Permit, S Pass, or EP on their behalf.
10. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
The Long-Term Visit Pass is for dependants who do not qualify for a Dependant’s Pass.
Who Qualifies
- Common-law spouses
- Unmarried disabled children over 21
- Unmarried step-children under 21
- Parents of PEP or ONE Pass holders
Work Rights
LTVP holders can work only with a Letter of Consent (LOC), and only in qualifying cases.
Conclusion
Singapore’s work pass framework is comprehensive, well-structured, and designed to attract the right foreign talent at every level—from top global executives to mid-level professionals and skilled workers.
Each type of work pass serves a unique purpose:
- Employment Pass – for professionals and PMETs
- S Pass – for mid-skilled workers
- Work Permit – for lower-skilled or sector-specific workers
- PEP & ONE Pass – for high-earning or globally recognised talent
- EntrePass – for innovative entrepreneurs
- Training Passes – for foreign trainees
- DP & LTVP – for dependants
Understanding these pass types helps both employers and foreign workers determine the most suitable path when planning to work in Singapore.