How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Singapore (2025)

Expanding into Singapore’s dynamic tech and financial hub unlocks fresh growth and innovation for any organization ready to scale. With a highly skilled global workforce eager to relocate, Singapore offers unmatched access to top-tier talent and strategic proximity to Asia’s booming markets.

But for all its opportunities, hiring and relocating talent in Singapore isn’t as simple as posting a job and onboarding a new team member. Navigating government portals, meeting complex sponsorship requirements, and staying on top of strict Ministry of Manpower rules can trip up even the most seasoned HR teams. A single paperwork error or missed compliance deadline can stall projects—or worse, trigger penalties and damage your reputation.

Deel helps organizations expand confidently across Asia and beyond—simplifying compliant hiring, payroll, and global workforce management in 150+ countries. Whether you’re exploring new talent hubs, supporting distributed teams, or building regional operations, Deel streamlines every step of your international growth journey.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a visa and work permit in Singapore (2025) and share insights to help you plan your next stage of expansion.

How easy is it to get a work visa or work permit in Singapore?

Obtaining a work permit in Singapore is moderately challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on factors such as the applicant’s skills and education level, and whether there is high local demand for the applicant’s potential job title and scope.

See also: Moving to Singapore: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Are there different types of entry visas, work permits, and work passes in Singapore?

Singapore offers several work permit categories, including Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit for foreign workers, EntrePass, Personalized Employment Pass, and Training Employment Pass. Each permit addresses different skill levels and career goals, ensuring employers can recruit the right talent without overshooting local workforce protections. Below are the four main pass types:

• Employment Pass (EP) — Singapore Work Pass for Professionals: The Employment Pass suits professionals, managers, and executives earning at least SGD 4,500 per month (higher for financial services) who hold acceptable qualifications and a valid passport. It targets mid- to high-skilled talent relocating for full-time roles in Singapore, requiring employer sponsorship. EP holders can bring dependents under a Dependant’s Pass, and passes are typically granted for up to 2 years initially, renewable for up to 3 years. Renewal depends on continued employment, salary thresholds, and employer compliance

• S Pass Singapore — Mid-Level Skilled Work Pass: The S Pass Singapore is designed for mid-skilled workers who meet specific eligibility criteria, including the S Pass minimum salary (currently SGD 3,000+), qualifications, and employer sponsorship. The S Pass quota applies to employers to ensure fair hiring practices, and the S Pass application process requires submitting detailed documentation through the Ministry of Manpower portal. Renewals are possible if the employee continues to meet the S Pass renewal criteria. Understanding the S Pass requirement for salary and eligibility is essential before applying

• Personalized Employment Pass (PEP): The Personalized Employment Pass is tailored for high-earning existing EP holders or overseas professionals earning at least SGD 18,000 monthly, offering greater job flexibility without the need for a new sponsor upon job change. It allows a stay of up to 3 years initially and can be renewed once for another 3 years, subject to eligibility. The PEP holder must maintain a minimum annual income or secure a qualifying job to renew. Unlike the EP, no employer application is needed after the initial approval

• Dependant’s Pass (DP): The Dependant’s Pass supports spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of eligible EP or PEP holders, providing family reunification in Singapore. The primary pass holder must earn a minimum of SGD 6,000 per month and submit proof of relationship documents. Pass validity aligns with that of the sponsoring work pass and can be renewed together. DP holders can apply for a Letter of Consent to work if they secure a job

• Letter of Consent (LOC) for Long-Term Visitor Pass (LTVP, LTVP+) holders: The Letter of Consent allows LTVP and LTVP+ holders—typically spouses of Singapore citizens or PRs—to work in Singapore without a separate work pass. Applicants need a valid LTVP/LTVP+ and an offer from a local employer ready to sponsor. The LOC is valid for up to 2 years or aligned with the LTVP validity and can be renewed. It ensures spouses and family members can contribute economically while residing in Singapore

Singapore visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates

Below is a summary of key work and dependent visa options for Singapore, highlighting their target industries, eligible applicants, main requirements, validity, processing times, and whether employment can begin before the visa is approved.

Singapore visa comparison table

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Singapore visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must be registered local entities with a valid Unique Entity Number (UEN) and demonstrate financial ability to pay salaries. They also need to meet payroll reporting requirements, adhere to quota ceilings for certain pass types (notably the S Pass quota), and have no adverse compliance history with MOM. Applications from unregistered or non-compliant entities will be rejected.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Singapore work permit and work pass application process

Follow this five-step roadmap to apply for a Singapore work permit or work pass:

Step one: Submit your application

Submit a complete application with all required documents to the Ministry of Manpower. The applicant uploads certified copies of degrees, passport scans, and employment contracts, while the sponsor files the online form.

Step two: MOM review

The Ministry of Manpower reviews the application, typically taking 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the pass type and documentation completeness. During this period, sponsors can track status updates in the MOM system.

Step three: Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)

If approved, you will receive an IPA letter allowing entry or pass issuance. The sponsor downloads the IPA via the MOM portal and proceeds with letter printing and appointment scheduling.

Step four: Complete formalities

Applicants must complete additional formalities such as medical examinations or biometrics if required.

Tip: Schedule your clinic visit early to secure preferred dates.

Step five: Collect work pass card

Receive the actual work pass card and begin employment in Singapore. The sponsor collects the card from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, or opts for delivery where available.

Tip: Verify all personal and employment details on your pass card immediately upon arrival.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Singapore?

Below is a breakdown of key government and mandatory fees associated with Singapore’s main work and dependent visa types.

Explore top talent hubs across Asia with Deel

Singapore remains a leading business hub—but it’s not the only one. Deel makes it easy to expand your hiring reach into other fast-growing markets across Asia and beyond. Whether you’re building remote teams, testing new markets, or scaling global operations, our platform streamlines compliant hiring, payroll, and benefits in 150+ countries.

Find your next great hire—anywhere.

Book a free consultation to explore new regions for talent and discover how Deel can help you hire, pay, and manage employees or contractors across borders with confidence and speed.