Overview
The three main passes sit at different levels. The Employment Pass (EP) is for professionals, managers and executives. The S Pass is for skilled workers in associate professional and technician roles. The Work Permit is for specific sectors and occupations.
For all three, the employer applies. You cannot apply for these passes yourself, and a visit pass does not allow work.
For Indian nationals the Work Permit is limited. In the services and manufacturing sectors, India is a Non-Traditional Source, and employers can hire from it only for the occupations on MOM’s NTS Occupation List.
Work routes
| Route | Who it is for | Job offer or sponsor needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Professionals, managers and executives | Yes. The employer or agent applies; no levy or quota |
| S Pass | Skilled workers in associate professional and technician roles | Yes. The employer is subject to a quota and a levy |
| Work Permit, NTS occupations | Indian nationals in listed services and manufacturing occupations | Yes. Subject to quota, levy and an 8% sub-quota |
| Dependant’s Pass | Spouse and children of eligible EP and S Pass holders | Sponsored through the pass holder’s employer |
MOM runs other passes for specific groups. This guide covers the routes most Indian employees use.
Eligibility
Employment Pass
- A fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 at age 23, rising with age to S$10,700 at 45 and above.
- In financial services: at least S$6,200, rising to S$11,800.
- From 1 January 2027 the thresholds rise to S$6,000 (general) and S$6,600 (financial services).
- At least 40 points under COMPASS, which scores salary, qualifications, workforce diversity and support for local employment, with bonuses for shortage skills and strategic priorities.
- COMPASS does not apply if your fixed monthly salary is at least S$22,500, you are an overseas intra-corporate transferee, or the role lasts one month or less.
S Pass
- A fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,300, rising with age to S$4,800 for those in their mid-40s. Financial services roles need more.
- From 1 January 2027 the minimum for new applications is S$3,600.
- The employer must have quota available and pay a levy.
- The employer must provide medical insurance.
Work Permit for Indian nationals (NTS Occupation List)
- Only for listed occupations: cabin attendants, childcare workers, food processing workers, food services workers such as cooks and waiters, heavy vehicle drivers, housekeeping workers and porters, and manufacturing workers such as machine operators and welders.
- A fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000.
- Age between 18 and 62 at application.
- The employer must stay within a sub-quota of 8% for NTS Work Permit holders.
Job offer and sponsorship
A job offer is required for all three passes, because the employer or its appointed employment agent has to submit the application. An overseas company with no Singapore office needs a local sponsor.
Employers and agents can use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool to check a candidate before applying. There is no job-seeker pass among these routes.
Who does what
Work visa applications fail most often when it is unclear who is responsible for which step. This is how the duties are split.
What the employer does
- Submit the application through MOM’s online service and pay the fees.
- Get your written consent before applying.
- Have quota and pay the monthly levy for S Pass and Work Permit holders.
- Provide medical insurance for S Pass holders.
- Request issuance of the pass after you arrive.
What you do
- Give written consent and accurate details of your qualifications and salary.
- Enter Singapore within the validity of the in-principle approval.
- Complete the medical examination if required.
- Register your fingerprints and photo if required.
- Carry your qualification documents.
Documents
Common documents
- Passport details
- Your written consent to the application
- Educational qualifications and employment details
- In-principle approval letter, for travel
- Medical examination form, where required
- A Singapore residential address that meets the housing requirements
Route-specific documents
| Route or case | Additional documents |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Declaration form signed by the employer’s HR personnel or manager; Passport page showing your arrival date, for issuance |
| S Pass | Medical insurance details; Work injury compensation insurance details; Completed medical examination form |
For photo sizes and background rules, see our visa photo requirements tool.
How to apply
Accept a job offer from a Singapore employer.
The employer checks eligibility with the Self-Assessment Tool and submits the application online with the S$105 fee.
If approved, you receive an in-principle approval (IPA). It gives 6 months to enter and get an Employment Pass issued, or 60 days for an S Pass.
Travel to Singapore and complete any medical examination.
The employer requests issuance of the pass and pays the issuance fee.
Register your fingerprints and photo if asked: within 2 weeks for an Employment Pass and within 1 week for an S Pass.
Receive your card, normally within 5 working days of registration.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass application | S$105 | Paid when the employer submits the application |
| Employment Pass issuance | S$225 | Paid when the pass is issued |
| S Pass application | S$105 | Paid when the employer submits the application |
| S Pass issuance | S$100 | Paid when the pass is issued |
| Multiple Journey Visa | S$30 | Charged where a visa is required |
| Foreign worker levy | Monthly amount set by sector and tier | Paid by the employer for S Pass and Work Permit holders; none for Employment Pass |
Fees are in Singapore dollars and are paid through the employer’s MOM account. Work Permit levies in the services sector range from S$300 to S$800 a month depending on skill level and tier.
Processing time
| Stage or route | Official timeframe |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass and S Pass, online application | Processed or updated within 10 business days |
| Employment Pass for overseas companies with no Singapore-registered entity | Within 6 weeks for most cases |
| Card delivery | Within 5 working days after registration or document verification |
These are MOM’s published service standards. Applications needing more information take longer.
Validity and renewal
| Route | Validity | Renewal and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Up to 2 years for first-time passes | Renewable for up to 3 years; some experienced tech professionals may get 5 years |
| S Pass | Up to 2 years for first-time passes | Renewable for up to 3 years; limited by passport validity |
| Work Permit | Set by MOM for the sector | Depends on quota, levy and sector rules |
Family and job changes
Dependants
Employment Pass and S Pass holders can bring a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 on a Dependant’s Pass if they earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 and are sponsored by an established Singapore-registered company.
The salary test is on your own salary, not household income. Family members who do not qualify may be considered for a Long-Term Visit Pass.
Changing employers
A work pass is applied for by a specific employer. If you change jobs, the new employer must make its own application; do not start with the new employer on the old pass.
Common mistakes
- Assuming you can apply yourself: only the employer or its agent can.
- Overstating salary or qualifications in the application.
- Letting the in-principle approval lapse before entering Singapore.
- Applying for a Work Permit role that is not on the NTS Occupation List.
- Planning to bring family on a salary below S$6,000.
- Working on a visit pass while the application is pending.
How we can help
My Visa Assistance provides visa information, document checklists and application support. For a work visa or permit, that means:
- An assessment call to identify which route fits your job offer and profile.
- A personalised document checklist for that route.
- Help completing the application forms and booking appointments.
- A review of your file before you submit it.
What we do not do: we are not a recruitment agency or a registered recruiting agent, we do not arrange jobs or employer sponsorship, and we cannot guarantee approval. Decisions are made only by the government authorities.
Send us an enquiry or call +91 85518 05523. If you are travelling as a visitor instead, see our Singapore visa guide.
FAQs
At least S$5,600 a month at age 23, rising with age to S$10,700 at 45 and above. Financial services roles need at least S$6,200. From 1 January 2027 the minimums rise to S$6,000 and S$6,600.
At least S$3,300 a month, rising with age to S$4,800 for those in their mid-40s. From 1 January 2027 the minimum for new applications is S$3,600.
It is the points framework for Employment Pass applications. Candidates need 40 points across salary, qualifications, workforce diversity and support for local employment, with bonus points for shortage skills and strategic priorities.
Only in limited cases. In services and manufacturing, India is a Non-Traditional Source, so employers can hire Indian Work Permit holders only for occupations on the NTS Occupation List, at a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000.
MOM processes or updates most online Employment Pass and S Pass applications within 10 business days. Overseas companies without a Singapore entity should allow up to 6 weeks.
The application fee is S$105 for either pass. Issuance costs S$225 for an Employment Pass and S$100 for an S Pass.
Yes, if you hold an Employment Pass or S Pass and earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for a Dependant’s Pass.
No. An employer or an appointed employment agent must apply on your behalf.
Official sources
Last verified: . The facts on this page come from these official pages. Immigration rules, fees and timeframes change, so confirm them before you apply.
- MOM: Employment Pass eligibility
- MOM: Employment Pass key facts
- MOM: apply for an Employment Pass
- MOM: S Pass key facts
- MOM: apply for an S Pass
- MOM: Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List
- MOM: services sector Work Permit requirements
- MOM: Dependant’s Pass eligibility
What we could not verify
- Work Permit rules for the construction, marine and process sectors were not reviewed.
- The rule on changing employers reflects how passes are issued to a named employer; confirm the steps with MOM.