Types of Singapore Work Pass for Foreigners
Singapore is the 8th largest source of investment in India and the largest amongst ASEAN member nations. Singapore has a favorable policy for foreign talent so that the progress and finance in the economy is maintained. There are various types of work visas starting from work permits, for the lowest skilled laborers, to P1 and P2 category employment passes, to attract the niche professionals with meritorious qualifications both in terms of education and work experience. Singapore has incorporated a merit based immigration system that attracts the best talents from all around the world to join its work force.
Employment Pass
Employment Pass (EP) is aimed at foreign professionals employed by companies operating in Singapore. A foreign businessman who has incorporated a Singapore private limited company also can apply for an EP to operate the business in Singapore. All foreign professional employees, managers, and directors of Singapore companies, who do not reside in Singapore, are also eligible for EP.
Entrepreneur Pass
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is a work visa designed for foreign entrepreneurs who do not possess the appropriate educational or professional qualification, but have proven track records of successful business ventures or have innovative business ideas that have good profit returns.
S Pass
The S Pass is made available for mid-level skilled foreign workers employed by companies operating in Singapore. The application is based on a point system with consideration for each of the following factors
- salary
- education qualifications
- skills
- job type
- job experience
The number of S Pass holders a Singapore company can employ is staged at a sub-quota of 25% of the company’s total workforce.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) application is granted based on the applicant’s individual merits. The PEP holder can switch employers without affecting his PEP, and has up to 6 months in between jobs to stay in Singapore to seek employment opportunities. PEP thus does not have any ties with the employer.
All PEP holders are eligible for Dependant’s Pass and/or Long-Term Visit Pass for their family members.
Miscellaneous Work Pass
Foreigners working in Singapore on short-term assignments of up to 60 days are required to obtain a Miscellaneous Work Pass (MWS).
Professional Visit Pass has been replaced by MWS.
The following groups require a MWS
- Foreigners involving in activities that have direct connections with organizations or foreigners who conduct any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk concerning any religion, race or community, or political end.
- Foreign religious worker giving talks relating directly or indirectly to any religion.
- Foreign journalist, reporter or an accompanying crew member not sponsored by any Singapore Government agency.
Training Employment Pass
Training Employment Pass (TEP) is required for foreigners who are on practical training attachments for professional jobs in Singapore.
Multiple-Journey Business Visa
Multiple-Journey Business Visa enables the frequent entry of business executives from visa-requiring countries into Singapore. This benefits the foreign investors who visit Singapore frequently for business purposes.
Multiple visits, each lasting up to 30 days, are allowed during the validity period of the visa which may be for 1,2 or 5 year depending on the rules by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
