Singapore · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Official route — published facts
Read off the responsible authority's own page. Only what it publishes appears here — a field we could not confirm is left out rather than estimated.
- Route
- Employment Pass
- Employer sponsorship
- Required — an employer must sponsor or nominate you
- Salary floor
-
- SGD 5,600 — Qualifying salary (most sectors), from age 23 Per month, and it RISES WITH AGE — up to SGD 10,700 at age 45 and above. The entry figure applies to the youngest applicants only.
- SGD 6,200 — Qualifying salary (financial services), from age 23 Per month, rising with age to SGD 11,800 at age 45 and above.
- Annual cap
- No published cap found — this is not the same as the route being uncapped.
Meeting the qualifying salary is only the entry gate: most applications must also pass COMPASS, a points framework scoring salary, qualifications and the employer workforce profile.
Official page: Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗ · Read 2026-08
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Foreign professionals work in Singapore on an Employment Pass (EP) for higher earners, an S Pass for mid-skilled roles, or a work permit for specific sectors. Passes are employer-applied through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and are tied to a salary threshold and the employer.
Work passes are administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The main categories are the Employment Pass (EP) for professionals, the S Pass for mid-skilled staff, and work permits.
- The Employment Pass is for professionals meeting a minimum salary and qualifications.
- Employers apply for and are responsible for the work pass.
- The EP framework uses the COMPASS points system for eligibility.
- 1
Match to the right pass
Identify the correct pass — the Employment Pass (EP) for professionals, the S Pass for mid-skilled staff, or a Work Permit for specific sectors — based on salary and qualifications.
- 2
Employer applies through MOM
Your employer applies for the pass through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM); the EP and S Pass are subject to minimum salaries and, for the EP, the points-based COMPASS framework.
- 3
Receive the in-principle approval
On approval MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter allowing you to enter Singapore.
- 4
Complete medical and formalities
Complete any required medical examination and the pass formalities after arrival.
- 5
Get the pass issued and card
The pass is issued and a card is produced; register your fingerprints and photo if required.
- 6
Renew and consider PR
Renew the pass before expiry; Employment Pass holders may later apply for permanent residence.
- Correct pass identified (EP / S Pass / Work Permit)
- Salary + qualification thresholds met
- COMPASS criteria met (Employment Pass)
- Employer application through MOM
- In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
- Medical examination if required
- Pass issued + card + biometrics
- Renewal / PR pathway considered
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
Work passes and employment regulation.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need for an Employment Pass?
The EP has a minimum qualifying monthly salary that rises with age and sector; MOM publishes current thresholds, and higher-skilled roles need higher pay.
Who applies for my pass?
Your employer applies on your behalf through MOM; you cannot apply for an EP or S Pass independently.
Can I bring my family?
Higher-earning pass holders can sponsor a spouse and children for Dependant's Passes, subject to a salary threshold.
Government portals
- Singapore Government — Singapore's integrated government services portal — unified Singpass identity login
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority — Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, PR and citizenship applications in Singapore
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore — Personal and corporate income tax, GST filing, and tax incentive lookup