Singapore
Work Authorization Summary Sheet

Key Criteria:

  • There must be a local, fully incorporated, sponsoring Singapore company – Or you may incorporate a company in Singapore, hire yourself as the Director/ Managing Director in your company and paying yourself a fixed monthly salary.
  • Minimum monthly salary of at least $3,900 SGD (More senior professionals will require higher salaries (e.g. $6,000 – $10,000 SGD)
  • Main applicant may apply for a Dependent Pass for their dependent by having a monthly fixed salary of $6,000 SGD.
  • Candidate must have a professional background of a secondary education degree and applicable work experience.

Primary Immigration Category for Temporary Expatriates

Employment Pass (EP) – For foreign nationals transferred to or hired in Singapore as a professional.

Validity Period & Extensions

Initial work permit length: 1-2 years
Extension process: Application to extend work status should be initiated at least 6 months prior to expiration. Extension will be reviewed based on the performance of the company.
Maximum period allowed in status: After 1-2 years in Singapore on an EP, a Permanent Residence application may be filed.

Dependents

Steps in Immigration Process

  1. Submission of Pass application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
  2. In-Principle Approval (IPA) issued by MOM
  3. Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) appointment for registration and biometrics
  4. Issuance of EP card

Be Aware!

  • Applications must be submitted to the government via online accounts that the employer must hold with the Ministry of Manpower (Corp Pass and MyMOM portal). These can be complex to maneuver thus we handle the creation of the account and the management of the case submissions.
Step Description Time Estimate
Document gathering
1-2 weeks
File application for In-Principle Approval (IPA) to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
2-4 weeks
Issuance of In-Principle Approval (IPA) – which is valid for 6 months to travel to Singapore
1-2 days
Make an appointment with the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) for registration and biometrics
1-3 days
Entry into Singapore
1 day
Attend EPSC appointment and await EP card issuance
5-7 days
Issuance of EP card
1-2 days

Other Common Work Authorization Categories

  1. Entrepreneur Pass – For serial entrepreneurs, high-caliber innovators or experienced investors who wish to venture into and operate a business in Singapore
  2. Personalized Employment Pass – For niche group of professionals earning a high, fixed monthly salary
  3. Global Investor Program (GIP) – For Seasoned and innovative entrepreneurs and investors investing at least 2.5 million SGD into high growth business

Our team would love the opportunity to support you and your team! We offer a local touch with a global reach.