Before working in Singapore, it is important to ensure you hold a valid work pass (also known as a work visa). Understanding the eligibility criteria for each pass type is essential, as each category serves different purposes and has unique requirements.

Work passes in Singapore – What’s the difference?
Professionals – Types of Work Passes for Skilled Workers
Pass Type
Who is it for?
Key Criteria
Employment Pass (EP)
Foreign professionals, managers, and executives
Meet both:
1. Minimum qualifying salary based on age and sector:
(New applications from 1 Jan 2025, renewals from 1 Jan 2026)
Non-financial: S$5,600 – S$10,700
Financial: S$6,200 – S$11,800
2. Pass the COMPASS assessment (unless exempted).
Learn more about COMPASS.
EntrePass
Foreign entrepreneurs
1. Register a private limited company with ACRA (min. 30% shareholding)
2. Meet at least one of the following:
- Raised SGD 100,000 from a single funding round.
- Backed by a renowned or government-recognised incubator/ accelerator.
- Founded and sold a tech startup that was venture-backed or owned innovative technologies.
- The business holds registered Intellectual Property with a strong competitive edge.
- The business is part of an ongoing research collaboration related to the business in Singapore, with an Institute of Higher Learning or Research Institution.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
High-earning EP holders or overseas foreign professionals
Min. salary S$22500/month, adjusted to the top 10% of EP holders.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Top-tier talents
Meet the criteria in your chosen category:
- For the full past 12 months prior to application, you must have:
1. Earned a fixed salary of min. S$30,000/mth
2. Worked for an established company overseas
- Will be earning a fixed salary of min. S$30,000 in an established company in Singapore.
- You have outstanding achievements in: Sports, Arts & culture or academia & research
Skilled and Semi-skilled Workers
Pass Type
Who is it for?
Key Criteria
S Pass
Mid-level skilled workers
For foreign employees with a job offer in Singapore and reaches required salary amounts.
Minimum qualifying salary is dependent on age and sector.
(New applicants from 1 Sep 2025, renewals from 1 Sep 2026)
Non-financial services: S$3,300 – S$4,800
Financial services: S$3,800 – S$5,650
Work Permit – Migrant Worker
Workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, services
No minimum salary, sector-specific requirements here
Work Permit – Domestic Worker
Migrant domestic workers
- Female, age 23 to below 50 years old during the Work Permit application
- Renewals up to 60 years old.
- Come from an approved country or region
- Minimum 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate
Work Permit – Confinement Nanny
Malaysian confinement nannies
Both employer and employee have criteria to meet.
Employer requirements:
- Min. 21 years old
- Pay monthly levy
- Newborn below 4 months old
Confinement nanny requirements:
- Malaysian
- Between 23 to 70 years old
- Work at employer’s residence
Work Permit – Performing Artiste
Foreign performers in public entertainment; bars, discotheques, lounges, nightclubs, pubs, hotels, private clubs or restaurants
Employers should:
- Have a CAT 1 Public Entertainment License issued by Singapore Police Force.
- Operate for min. 6 hours a day.
- Employ at least 1 local employee who earns the Local Qualifying Salary
- Pay the foreign worker levy for each artiste (amount dependent on number of artistes hired)
Employee eligibility:
- Min. age: 18 years old
- Max. age:
Malaysians: Below 58 years old
Non-Malaysians: Below 50 years old
Trainees and Students
Pass Type
Who is it for?
Key Criteria
Training Employment Pass
Students or trainees
To hire a:
Foreign student
- Training must be attached to their study program.
- Currently studying at one of the accepted institutions or earning a fixed salary of min. S$3,000/mth.
Trainee
- Earning a fixed salary of min. S$3,000/mth.
Work Holiday Pass – General
(Work Holiday Programme)
Students/ graduates
- 18 to 25 years old
- Undergraduate or graduate of a recognised university in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom or United States.
- Were a resident and full-time student of the university min. 3 months prior to application.
Work Holiday Pass – Australia/New Zealand
(Work Holiday Visa Programme)
Australian/ New Zealander students/ graduates
- Citizens of Australia or New Zealand
- 18 to 30 years old
- Holds a university degree or has done 2 years of full-time undergraduate study (or equivalent)
Training Work Permit
Semi-skilled or unskilled employees/ students
Employers can apply for:
- Semi-skilled or unskilled employees from related companies abroad
- Foreign students in local educational institutions, training must be attached to their respective courses.
*This list is not exhaustive. See here for more information on related passes for family members, as well as exemptions for work passes in Singapore.
With evolving policies and detailed documentation needs, navigating the processes can be challenging, especially for employers and foreign applicants unfamiliar with Singapore’s immigration framework.
Want to know more about your employment rights in Singapore?
🔗Here is an article on fair employment practices!