Employment Pass, S Pass & Work Permits needed to work in Singapore

From 1 Jan 2012, the qualifying salary for the Q1 Pass will be increased from $2,800 to $3,000,

together with a tightening of educational qualifications. The qualifying salary for the P2 Pass

will be raised from $4,000 to $4,500. There will be no change in the qualifying salary for P1

Pass which remains at $8,000.

Employment Pass

The Employment Pass allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. It applies to foreigners

who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $3300 , and have recognised qualifications. Employers

must make applications for Employment Passes on behalf of a job candidate. Any change of employer

will require a new application.

EPholder: 115,000 in 2009; 142,000 in 2010; 176,000 in 2011; 173,800 in 2012

Click here for updated information http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/employment-pass/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is for certain group of existing Employment Pass holders

and overseas foreign professionals. Unlike an Employment Pass, which must be cancelled when the

pass holder leaves the employer, the PEP is not tied to the employer and is granted on the

strength of the applicant’s merit. A PEP holder can remain in Singapore for up to six months

between jobs to evaluate new employment opportunities.

Click here for updated information http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/personalised-employment/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx

EntrePass

Foreign entrepreneurs who would like to start businesses in Singapore should apply for the

EntrePass.

Click here for updated information http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/entrepass/before-you-apply/pages/default.aspx

Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate

The Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) allows foreigners to stay in Singapore

for up to one year to facilitate their job search in Singapore. It is not a work pass and

does not allow the holder to work. This Pass in no longer issued from 1/1/12

S Pass

The S Pass allows mid-level skilled foreigners who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least

$2,200 to work in Singapore. Employers must make S Pass applications on behalf of a job candidate.

S Pass applications are assessed on multiple criteria including salary, education qualification,

skills, job type and work experience.

From 1 July 2013, the following changes will apply to all sectors:

	Increase in qualifying salaries for S Passes from $2,000 to $2,200
	Progressive increase in levy rates for S Pass and Work Permit holders
	Change in monthly salary threshold from $850 to $1,000 for locals to be considered full-time employees

SP Holders: 82,000 in 2009; 98,000 in 2010; 113,000 in 2011; 142,400 in 2012

Click here for updated information  http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/s-pass/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx

Work Permit

A Work Permit (WP) is generally issued to foreign unskilled workers.

The duration of a Work Permit is generally two years, subject to the validity of the worker’s

passport, the Banker’s/Insurance Guarantee, and the worker’s employment period, whichever is

shorter. The worker is only allowed to work for the employer and in the specified occupation.

Specific variants of Work Permits allow foreigners to work as domestic helpers, confinement

nannies and performing artistes.

The minimum age for all non-domestic foreign workers is 18 years old. To apply for a Work Permit,

Malaysians must be below 58 years old while non-Malaysians must be below 50 years old.

WP Holder 871,200 in 2010; 908,600 in 2011; 952,100 in 2012