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Hiring or relocating talent to Singapore requires strict compliance with local regulations. Understanding work visas and permits in Singapore is essential, without the right pass, employees cannot work legally, and your company risks fines that can harm both operations and reputation.
In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of work passes available in Singapore, the eligibility requirements, application process, common pitfalls, and key updates for 2025. You’ll also discover how Glints TalentHub simplifies compliance so you can focus on hiring and managing top talent with confidence.
Before exploring the various types of passes, it is essential to understand the legal mandate regarding who is entitled to possess them. Singapore has strict requirements for work authorization, and avoiding this may risk your business.
Any non-Singaporean citizen or non-Permanent Resident who is looking to work within the nation must have a valid work pass prior to commencing employment. The employer or an authorized agent typically makes applications on behalf of the business.
That is, unless your employee is a Singaporean or a Permanent Resident, he or she will need a work pass. This is true for all, whether you are hiring senior executives, mid-management professionals, or skilled specialists.
Regarding the cost of processing a Singapore work visa, the amount varies depending on the type of visa applied for. Generally, the application fee is SGD 105, while the issuance fee, paid after the visa is approved, costs SGD 225.
Typically, the employer is responsible for covering these expenses. In addition, companies should also account for other potential costs such as medical examinations, security deposits (for certain visa types), and insurance coverage, which may bring the total to around SGD 200–500 per employee.
Singapore does not issue “work visas” but has a work pass policy. Foreign professionals and workers are issued work passes. Securing the proper pass for the job is one of the most significant phases of the hiring process, as under the wrong category, the application can be refused and deferred. The most common occurring work passes are:
| Pass / Work Permission | Purpose | Duration & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | Professionals, executives, managers | Salary ≈ S$5,600+ (varies by age/sector), COMPASS framework applies |
| S Pass | Mid-level skilled staff | Salary ≈ S$3,000+ (rising to S$3,300 for non-financial services and S$3,800 for financial services from Sep 2025). Subject to quotas |
| EntrePass | Entrepreneurs founding innovative businesses | Requires business plan, funding, or innovation criteria |
| Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | For high-income professionals seeking flexibility | Salary ≈ S$22,500+. Not tied to a single employer; stricter eligibility criteria |
| Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass | Top global talent with an outstanding track record | Allows multiple employers; stricter eligibility |
| Training / Miscellaneous Passes | Short-term assignments, internships, religious or artistic work | Duration varies by purpose |
Note: Singapore currently does not offer a digital nomad visa. If foreign talent is doing work tied to Singapore’s business ecosystem, a pass is required.
With several pass types available, aligning the role and salary level to the right pass is the most critical step. Misalignment is a common cause of rejection.
Once you know which pass is needed, the next step is to check if both your company and the candidate meet Singapore’s criteria. These conditions differ for employers and employees, and missing one can slow down or even derail the application.
Employer Requirements:
Employee Requirements:
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) evaluates applications holistically, balancing salary, qualifications, role, and employer legitimacy. Meeting all criteria upfront smooths the process significantly.
The application process for work passes in Singapore is digital-first and relatively efficient compared to neighboring countries, but accuracy is critical.
In most cases, Employment Pass applications take around ten business days, though more complex applications may take longer. Careful preparation and timely submission help reduce delays and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with MOM.
Even well-prepared employers can encounter challenges during the application process. Salary thresholds may change unexpectedly, employers may fail to meet quota limits for certain passes, or documents may be flagged as unverifiable.
Renewal delays are another common issue, as is the misclassification of a candidate as a contractor instead of a full-time employee. Some employers also make the mistake of allowing employees to begin work before the pass is formally endorsed, which can lead to penalties.
Most of these pitfalls stem from poor timing or missing details. By staying proactive with requirements and closely tracking deadlines, companies can avoid most of these setbacks.
Singapore regularly updates its immigration policies to balance global competitiveness with local labor market priorities. For HR leaders, staying abreast of these changes is crucial.
Recent shifts include stricter enforcement of the COMPASS framework for Employment Passes, higher salary thresholds for both EP and S Pass applicants, and closer scrutiny of company track records during evaluations. Another notable development is the introduction of the ONE Pass, designed to attract top international talent with the flexibility to work across multiple sectors.
These updates underline Singapore’s focus on attracting highly skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the economy. Aligning your applications with these trends improves your chances of success.
For most HR teams, navigating immigration law is not a core strength. This is where Glints TalentHub makes the process easier and more reliable.
We provide end-to-end support, from hiring and compliance to onboarding and payroll. With in-depth knowledge of MOM rules, we help reduce the risk of rejection or penalties while ensuring your applications move forward smoothly. Our team also helps you scale across Southeast Asia, so you can apply consistent processes across multiple markets.
With Glints TalentHub, you gain more than compliance. You gain peace of mind knowing that every hire in Singapore is handled correctly from day one.
👉 See our Singapore Hiring Guide
To make sure no step is missed, here’s a practical checklist for hiring foreign talent in Singapore.
Most importantly, partner with Glints TalentHub for ongoing support. This ensures compliance is handled professionally, while freeing up your HR team to focus on talent strategy and growth. A clear checklist not only keeps you compliant but also makes onboarding smoother for new employees, building trust and confidence from their very first day.
Singapore remains one of the most attractive destinations for businesses and professionals in Asia, but only when compliance is properly managed. While work passes can seem daunting at first, the process becomes straightforward with the right preparation and guidance.
By understanding the different passes, meeting eligibility criteria, and carefully planning each stage of the process, your company sets new hires up for success. And with Glints TalentHub by your side, you can concentrate on building and scaling your business while leaving compliance in expert hands.nd without unnecessary risk.
This article is brought to you by Glints TalentHub. Leading companies are actively building their borderless teams in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and beyond. However, the prospect of going borderless can be daunting due to complex regulations and cultural ambiguities. With Glints TalentHub, you’ll have a dedicated team of in-market legal, HR, and talent experts by your side at every step of the way.
Glints TalentHub offers an end-to-end, tech-enabled talent solution that encompasses talent acquisition, EOR, and talent development. We empower businesses to leverage the strengths of regional talent efficiently to build high-performing, cost-efficient teams.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our experts to receive a tailored proposal today!
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