Singapore's Top 5 Work Passes - Which One is Right for You?
Updated: Nov 17, 2022
At least 2,800 millionaire arrivals expected – Singapore is a top-3 destination in 2022
With over 700 single-family offices, business-friendly policies, competitive tax rates and political stability, Singapore sits at the heart of ASEAN, a 10-country economic union forecast to be the world’s 4th-largest economy by 2030.
If you’re thinking of living and working in Singapore, here is our simple guide to the range of work passes*, so you can choose what’s best for you, your family, and your business.
Pass Types
Growing your business is challenging, so it’s important to be in a location that delivers real benefits and opportunities for growth, as well as lifestyle and leisure. Deciding on the work pass that's right for you is just one step in this journey.
The last thing you need when relocating is compliance headaches, and this is where a reliable corporate services provider can assist with local knowledge. For example, if you want Singapore exposure but don’t want to incorporate a business right away, employer of record services may be the solution; employer of record services start from only SGD200 per month.
Service Guarantee
Top corporate services providers offer a monthly SLA so that you can cancel any time. They will tailor their services to suit your exact needs while providing a single point of contact for service consistency. Make sure you can rely on them at all times without incurring additional overheads.
*Current as at 1 October 2022
Click the links to see which pass is right for you:
Employment Pass
Who is this ideal for? | Foreign professionals, managers and executives |
Do you qualify? |
From 1 September 2023, EP candidates will be subject to a points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). |
What are some highlights of the pass? | Open to professionals seeking employment in any industry |
How long will the pass be valid for? |
|
Is the pass renewable? | Yes; up to 3 years, subject to prevailing eligibility criteria |
Can you bring your family to Singapore? | Yes; with a minimum salary of S$6,000 for spouses and children and S$12,000 for parents. |
How long is the processing time of an average case? | 10 business days |
Who applies for the pass | Employer |
Personalised Employment Pass
Who is this ideal for? | Current EP holders or overseas foreign professionals earning a high salary |
Do you qualify? |
From 1 September 2023, this will be increased to S$22,500 for all candidates (pegged to top 10% of EP holders) |
What are some highlights of the pass? |
|
How long will the pass be valid for? | Up to 3 years |
Is the pass renewable? | No |
Can you bring your family to Singapore? | Yes |
How long is the processing time of an average case? | 8 weeks |
Who applies for the pass | Individual pass candidate |
Entrepass
Who is this ideal for? | Entrepreneurs keen to develop an innovative/ tech startup in Singapore |
Do you qualify? | Must meet both conditions below:
|
What are some highlights of the pass? | Able to own and operate an innovative/ tech startup in Singapore |
How long will the pass be valid for? | 1 year |
Is the pass renewable? | Yes; first renewal is for 1 year; subsequent renewals for 2 years, subject to prevailing eligibility criteria |
Can you bring your family to Singapore? | Yes; subject to prevailing eligibility criteria based on business spending and local employment |
How long is the processing time of an average case? | 8 weeks |
Who applies for the pass | Individual pass candidate |
Tech.Pass
Who is this ideal for? | Established tech entrepreneurs, leaders or technical experts with experience in established or fast-growing tech companies |
Do you qualify? | Must meet at least 2 out of the 3 criteria below:
|
What are some highlights of the pass? | Able to concurrently start and operate one or more tech companies, and be employed by one or more Singapore-based companies at any one time |
How long will the pass be valid for? | Up to 2 years |
Is the pass renewable? | Yes; subject to prevailing eligibility criteria based on business spending and local employment |
Can you bring your family to Singapore? | Yes |
How long is the processing time of an average case? | 8 weeks |
Who applies for the pass | Individual pass candidate |
ONE Pass
(Overseas Network & Expertise Pass, Program opens from 1 January 2023)
Who is this ideal for? | Top talent with deep skills and expertise across all sectors including business, technology, science, engineering, arts, sports and academia |
Do you qualify? |
Individuals with outstanding achievement in arts, sports, science, technology and academia may also qualify even if they do not meet the salary criterion |
What are some highlights of the pass? | A personalised 5-year work pass allowing holders to concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies at any one time. Spouses also will be able to work on a Letter of Consent. Pass holders will not be subject to the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) |
How long will the pass be valid for? | 5 years |
Is the pass renewable? | Yes; subsequent renewals of 5 years, subject to meeting renewal criteria |
Can you bring your family to Singapore? | Yes |
How long is the processing time of an average case? | 4 weeks |
Who applies for the pass | Individual pass candidate |
As you can see, dynamic Singapore is very much open for business, with a range of work and residency options depending upon your lifestyle and business objectives - come and join us!