How to apply for an employment work visa in Singapore?
Relocating to a new country is an exciting time, but it can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to applying for an employment work visa. Understanding the best way to apply for an employment visa and ensuring you submit the necessary paperwork and application details on time is a time-consuming process.
Relocation can involve several applications to ensure you meet all requirements before you arrive. Doing it right the first time, will prevent delays and increase the likelihood of your approval.
In Singapore, applying for an employment work visa is relatively straightforward. However, there are different categories of employment visas and the application process is different for each one. It is important you thoroughly read the guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Manpower to ensure you apply for the right employment visa.
We have put together a comprehensive guide to give you everything you need to know when applying for an employment work visa in Singapore. This guide hopes to help entrepreneurs and workers planning to relocate in Singapore.
What are the types of Employment Visas in Singapore?
There are five types of employment work visas in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) issues work visas to expatriates looking to work in Singapore. There are different application criteria for each type, and the categories are based on salary and skill level. Most of the time, employment work visas are applied for by the employer or agency on your behalf. However, this is not true for all employment visas.
Employment Pass (EP)
The employment pass is for expatriates with management or executive level jobs or if they are considered to be skilled professionals. This type of visa is only applicable for those who have received an offer of employment that provides a salary of at least SG$4,500 monthly with effect from 1 Oct 2020. If your salary exceeds SG$6,000 you can apply for a dependent’s pass for spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old. First-time candidates are eligible for a two-year employment pass. Thereafter, it can be renewed at three-year intervals.
The processing time for an employment pass visa can be three to five weeks. Submitting the application online can reduce waiting times.
The application must be completed by the employer. Be prepared to provide your passport information and details of your academic achievements. Applications for Indian and Chinese citizens demand further documentation. Specifically, Indian nationals need to provide transcripts and mark sheets in addition to the standard information. Chinese nationals need to provide certification of graduation and complete English language verification through sources provided by the Ministry.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
The personalised employment pass Singapore visa is reserved for high income persons that hold an employment pass work visa or are overseas foreign nationals. To be considered, you must earn a salary of at least SG$12,000 monthly (with an employment pass), or for overseas nationals you must earn SG$18,000 monthly.
The difference between the Personalized Employment Pass and Employment Pass is that this employment visa is not tied to a specific place of employment. As such, you can take a new position or leave your current position without having to reapply for your employment work visa. Furthermore, you are allowed to leave your position and have a 6-month grace period before you need to secure another position in Singapore.
It is important to note, this type of employment visa is valid for a maximum of three-years. After the three-year period you must apply for an Employment Pass or S Pass to continue working in Singapore. This type of employment visa allows you to apply for a Dependent’s Pass or a Long-Term Visit Pass (for common law, step children, or parents).
S Pass
Mid-level employees that do not qualify for the Employment Pass, can apply for the S Pass so long as their job earns a minimum salary of SG$2,300 monthly. Similarly, the S pass is valid for a period of two years and can be renewed for three-year intervals. Should your monthly salary of SG$6,000 or more, you are eligible to have a dependent’s pass application submitted by your employment.
This employment work visa application must be submitted by the employer.
What are the types of Work Permits in Singapore?
Work permits are applicable for semi-skilled foreign workers, usually in the category of construction, manufacturing, or the service industry.
There are 3 types of work-permits that may be issued, and it depends entirely on the job sector for which you are applying. The three categories include domestic workers, nannies, and performing artists.
The employer will apply for the permit on your behalf and pay a levy/security bond. The employer is responsible for providing work-permit employees with health insurance.
The typical processing time for this type of visa in Singapore is one to seven business days.
Entrepreneur Pass
If you are an entrepreneur looking to move and start a business in Singapore, this is the employment visa for you. The entrepreneur pass is intended for foreign nationals looking to go through the process of foreign company set up in Singapore. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to set up a company in Singapore, it is important to look for a good consultant to incorporate a company in Singapore. In Singapore, it is mandatory for foreigners to go through the foreign company setup in Singapore process with a consultancy firm.
The Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is only eligible for select businesses. The following businesses would not be eligible for an EntrePass:
· Coffee shops
· Massage Parlors
· Food / restaurant businesses
· Karaoke lounges
· Nightclubs / bars
· Employment agencies
Successful foreign company setup in Singapore applications will be valid for one year. Subsequent renewals will be valid for two years. Applications require evidence of either approved funding, research agreements with a recognized institution located in Singapore, intellectual property holding registered with a national IP institution or you must be an incubatee at a Singapore government-supported incubator or accelerator.
To apply, prepare copies of your passport, employment references and a business plan. All documentation must be provided in English.
Each foreign company setup application is unique and may require additional information outside of what is listed above. Ensure all documentation in languages other than English have a translated copy attached for review in English. If you have questions about the process and are not applying for an EntrePass, you should bring them forward directly to your employer before they submit your application to incorporate a company in Singapore.
In Summary
Working with a recruitment agency in Singapore will ensure you are supported throughout the entire hiring process. There are also employment grants that we can help guide you on.
Ren Ai Group is an employment agency in Singapore that connects quality candidates with great employers. Ren Ai Group is committed to delivering outstanding results and taking the difficulty out of hiring. As one of the leading recruitment agencies in Singapore, Ren Ai Group has over a decade of experience in the employment industry. They provide scalable, customizable options to meet all recruitment needs and can help you through the employment work visa application process from end to end.
Feel free to contact us at +65 6493 2970 or email us at info@renaigroup.asia for more information!