Work Passes & Permits

Your Dedicated HR Partner

We specialize in facilitating work passes and permits to make your employment process seamless. With our expert team and in-depth knowledge of Singapore’s immigration regulations, we’re here to simplify your journey.

Strategic Planning

We assist in devising a comprehensive strategy tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re a local company expanding your workforce or a global enterprise establishing a presence in Singapore, our planning ensures a seamless process.

Application Progress Tracking

Stay informed at every step. We keep a close eye on your application’s progress, providing real-time updates to eliminate uncertainty and streamline the process.

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Document Preparation

Navigating the complexities of visa and work pass applications demands meticulous documentation. Our team ensures that all necessary paperwork is impeccably prepared, meeting all regulatory requirements.

Ministry of Manpower Liaison

We act as your liaison with the Ministry of Manpower, handling all communications and interactions on your behalf. This ensures efficient and accurate exchanges with the authorities.

Appeals Management

If the need arises, we’ll handle appeals professionally and promptly. Our expertise extends to the appeals process, and we’ll work diligently to address any challenges that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our comprehensive FAQs to find answers to common questions will provide you with valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate the intricate world of work passes and permits with confidence.

1. What type of work passes are there?

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore offers various types of work passes for different categories of foreign workers, such as:

Employment Pass (EP): This pass is for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists with job offers in Singapore.

S Pass: The S Pass is for mid-skilled workers who meet certain criteria, including a minimum monthly salary.

Work Permit: Work Permits are for semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services.

There are many other types of work passes available. Please note that work pass policies can change over time, and new pass categories have been introduced. Do contact us for more details. 

2. How Long Does It Take To Process An EP or S-Pass Application?

The standard processing time for EP or S-Pass application is three (3) weeks.
If the Ministry of Manpower (“MOM”) gets back asking for more documents, the processing time will take an additional three (3) weeks.
Example of the documents that MOM might request for includes local corporate bank records, client contracts and business plans.
Hence please be prepared that the total processing time may take up to seven to eight (7-8) weeks.

The standard processing time for EP or S-Pass application is three (3) weeks.

If the Ministry of Manpower (“MOM”) gets back asking for more documents, the processing time will take an additional three (3) weeks.

Example of the documents that MOM might request for includes local corporate bank records, client contracts and business plans.

Hence please be prepared that the total processing time may take up to seven to eight (7-8) weeks.

3. What are the Job Posting requirements? Is it compulsory for me to post a Job advertisement on MyCareersFuture?

Before you submit Employment Pass (“EP”) or S-Pass applications, you must advertise the job vacancies on the MyCareersFuture administered by Workforce Singapore (“WSG”).
This includes applications for EP and S-Pass holders who are changing employers.
The advertisement must meet the following requirements:

– Be open to Singaporeans.
– Adhere with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices.
– Run for at least 28 calendar days before you apply for the pass.
– If you made changes to your advertisement, you must extend it for another 28 calendar days.

Companies are exempted from the Jobs Posting requirements in any of the following cases:-

– Your company has fewer than 10 employees.
– The job position is paying a fixed monthly salary of $20,000 and above.
– The job is to be filled by an intra-corporate transferee (ICTs). Under the World Trade Organisation’s   General Agreement on Trade in Services (WTO GATS), ICTs refer to those holding senior positions in the organisation or have an advanced level of expertise.
– The job is necessary for short-term contingencies (i.e. period of employment in Singapore for not more than one month).

4. As a company shareholder can I apply for Employment Pass?

If the company has been registered for less than 6 months and:-

– You hold/plan to hold more than 30% of shares, you should apply for EntrePass instead
–  You hold/plan to hold less than 30% of shares, you may apply for Employment Pass

If the company has been registered for more than 6 months, you can only apply for Employment Pass

5. Can I apply for Employment Pass prior to incorporating my company?

No, a local sponsoring company is required to apply for EP. Hence, the company must be incorporated first in order to put in the EP application.

6. Why is my work pass rejected?

In recent years, it has been getting increasingly difficult for foreigners to obtain visas in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (“MOM”) will reject applications that do not meet the requirements or if the company is not adding value to the Singapore economy.
Some common rejection reasons include:

– We do not know enough about your business
– The company does not have enough quota for this application
– This candidate does not qualify for an Employment Pass / S-Pass
– The salary offered does not commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications
– Your company’s turnover does not seem to generate enough revenue to pay your employee’s salaries

Some of the above reasons is the result of poor understanding about the pass application process on the employer’s part. This is why it is useful to get help from us. Our Employment Pass Specialists will work closely with you to maximise your chances for the EP application and if it is rejected we will be able to advise you on how best to proceed.

7. Is a medical examination required when applying for work pass in Singapore?

When your work pass application is approved, MOM might require you to undergo a medical examination.

If you are required to undergo the medical examination, it will be stated in the In Principal Approval letter on whether you are required to attend medical examination.

8. Do Singapore work visa holders need to contribute to CPF (social security fund)?

No, Singapore work visa holders are not required to contribute to CPF. Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents are required to make CPF contributions.

9. When can the Employment Pass be renewed?

The EP renewal can be started 6 months (180 days) before the expiry date.

The latest the renewal application should be submitted is at least 2 months before the expiry date, to take into consideration the processing time.

10. Can I bring my family members to Singapore? What type of passes will they require?

EP or S-Pass holders earning a minimum fixed monthly salary of $6,000 can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to Singapore on Dependent Pass (“DP”) or bring their common law spouse on Long Term Visit Pass (“LTVP”)

EP or S-Pass holders earning a minimum fixed monthly salary of $12,000 can bring their parents to Singapore on LTVP.

11. Does my child need to obtain the Verification of Vaccination Requirements issued by HPB?

The Verification is required for foreign children born overseas who meet the following conditions:-

– Aged 12 years old and below.
– Applying for a new DP – this includes those whose DPs have expired or been cancelled for more than 30 days.

12. Can a DP holder work in Singapore?

A DP holder dependent on an EP or LTVP/+ holders dependent on a Singaporean or Singapore PR may work in Singapore, provided that their employer applies for a Letter of Consent (“LOC”).
Once the LOC is approved, the DP or LTVP/+ holder may start work. Do also note that the LOC is tied to the validity of the DP or LTVP/+.

Still have a Question?

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Our dedicated team at WGT Group is just a click or a call away, waiting to provide you with expert assistance and exceptional service. Contact us today and let's embark on this journey together.

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