How long can you work in Singapore without a visa?

In Singapore, you cannot work without a valid pass or work permit. Foreign nationals who are willing to live and legally work in the country must apply for a work pass, such as an S pass, Employment pass, or work permit. Depending on the type of job role you need to apply for a work permit. According to the report of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore, the country issued more than 1,138,200 work permits in 2024.  

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What are the different types of work permits in Singapore?

There are different types of work visas in Singapore:

• Singapore work visas for professionals: Foreign professionals are allowed to work in the country with these visa passes. The following are the types of Singapore work passes:

• Employment pass: This pass allows managers, highly-skilled professionals, and executives. You have to earn a minimum of SGD 3,600 per month to be eligible for this pass.
• Personalized Employment pass: This pass is issued to the current holders of the Employment pass. It allows the highly-paid skilled workers to continue working in Singapore.
• EntrePass: This pass is issued to foreign investors and entrepreneurs who want to invest and start a business in the country. 
• Overseas Networks and Expertise pass (ONE Pass): With this pass, workers can work in a flexible environment by getting permission to work simultaneously for multiple companies. 

• Singapore work visas for skilled and semi-skilled workers: These work visas allow skilled and semi-skilled workers to enter and work in the country. The following are the types of work visas:

• S Pass Singapore: This work permit is issued to mid-level skilled workers who can earn a minimum of SGD 2,300 per month. 
• Singapore Work Permit for Foreign Workers: This work permit allows foreign workers from specific countries to work in particular sectors, such as construction, marine, manufacturing, etc. 
• Singapore Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers: This work permit is issued to workers from some specific countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. To be eligible for this work permit applicants must be aged between 23 and 50 years old.
• Singapore Work Permit for Confinement Nanny: This is issued to those workers who can work as a nanny in the country for 16 weeks. 
• Singapore Work Permit for Artists: This work permit is issued to artists who can perform in any media or entertainment-related place. 

• Singapore work visas for trainees and students: These work visas permit trainees and students to enter the country for a short period of time. 

What are the steps to apply for a Singapore work permit?

The following are the steps to apply for a work permit in Singapore:

Step 1: Get a valid job offer in Singapore

Step 2: The employer submits an online visa application for you

Step 3: Employees completes the visa fee payment

Step 4: Wait for the approval

Step 5: Employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter on your behalf

Step 6: Fly to Singapore with the IPA letter

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