Singapore Work Visa & Permit For Indians:Types & Requirement (2024)

Last Updated : 15 Dec 2023 at

Singapore Employment Pass

Eligibility For Singapore Employment Pass For Indians

The Employment Pass is for Indian professionals who:

• Have a job offer in Singapore.

• Work in a managerial, executive, or specialized job.

• Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 5,000 (from 1 Sept 22).

• Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 5,500 (from 1 Sept 22) for candidates in the financial services sector.

• Have acceptable qualifications, usually a good university degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills. Application for a Singapore Employment Pass is open to all nationalities, including Indians.

Documents Required For Singapore Employment Pass

To apply for an Employment Pass, you need certain travel documents and all the other travel documents, which I'll discuss later in this post.

You need the following required documents:

• The company's latest business profile.

• Your educational certificates (like a degree certificate). You can check the acceptable qualifications.

• Indian citizens must also provide their mark sheets for all semesters in college.

• Indian candidates must also provide a written letter of consent to apply for the Employment Pass.

Singapore Employment Pass Fees For Indians

The fees work as follows:

• SGD 150 upon submission of the application.

• SGD 225 for the pass.

• SGD 30 for the multiple journey visa.

Validity Of The Singapore Employment Pass

The employment pass is usually issued for a working period of up to 2 years for first-time applicants.

After that, Indian applicants can renew the pass for 3 years. However, it may vary from the Employment term and depends on various other details.

There are new changes that will be implemented from 1 Sept '22. For further information on the Singapore Employment Pass for Indian Citizens, you can visit the Ministry of Manpower website.

Singapore EntrePass

Eligibility For Singapore EntrePass For Indians

Indian citizens, along with all other nationalities, can apply for a Singapore EntrePass.

The eligibility requirements for a Singapore EntrePass are:

• Have started, or intend to start, a private limited company registered with ACRA that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies.

• Meet any of the following innovative criteria as an entrepreneur, innovator, or investor, like funding from the Singapore government, having an entrepreneurial track record, and holding intellectual property. You do not need to meet all the criteria for each profile, but having more qualifications would help your application.

Documents Required For Singapore EntrePass

Along with all the required documents I'll mention later in this post, you also need the following documents:

• The company's latest business profile.

• A detailed resume or CV in English

• Awards or recognitions, if applicable

• A business plan in English, stipulates the service offers, operation plan, business licenses, etc.

• Proof of approval from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)

• Proof of business registration. For further information on the required documents, visit the Ministry of Manpower website.

Singapore EntrePass Fees For Indians

The fees work as follows:

• SGD 150 upon submission of the application.

• SGD 225 for the pass.

• SGD 30 for the multiple journey visa.

Validity Of The Singapore EntrePass

Indian applicants will receive the EntrePass, which will be valid for 1 year.

After which, the subsequent renewals must be done every 2 years.

If you hold a Singapore EntrePass, you can start applying to renew the pass 3 months before it expires.

Indian citizens can also use the Self-Assessment Tool to identify their eligibility for a Singaporean Employment or S Pass.

Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

Eligibility For Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) For Indians

Indian citizens can apply for the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

• An overseas foreign professional and your last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas was at least SGD 18,000. Your last drawn salary should have been within 6 months before you apply.

• An Employment Pass holder earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 12,000.

• Additionally, you cannot work in Singapore for more than 6 months to be eligible for PEP.

• You must earn at least SGD 144,000 regardless of the number of months you work per year.

Documents Required For Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

Indian applicants must submit the following documents:

• Personalised Employment Pass Application Form

• Educational certificates or proof of qualification

• Proof of employment or employment contracts

• Tax statements

• Proof of bank, bank statements, and payslips

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Fees For Indians

The fees work as follows:

• SGD 105 upon submission of the application.

• SGD 225 for the pass.

Validity Of The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

The PEP is unfortunately not renewable and is only issued once for up to 3 years.

Once the PEP has expired, the applicant must get an Employment Pass or S Pass to continue working in Singapore.

You cannot apply for a Personalised Employment Pass if you're an Employment Pass holder under the sponsorship scheme, a freelancer, an Indian citizen who intends to work freelance, or a journalist, editor, sub-editor, or producer.

Singapore Work Permit For Migrant Workers

Eligibility For Singapore Work Permit For Migrant Workers For Indians

To be eligible for a migrant work permit for Indians, they should be in the following working fields and the minimum requirements:

• Construction sector

• Marine shipyard sector

• Process sector

• Be between 18-50 years of age

Documents Required For Work Permit For Migrant Workers

For a migrant worker permit, you might be required to provide the following documents:

• Copy of your passport

• the employer should provide medical insurance

• Security bond

• You must send them your medical examination reports

• Written letter of consent to apply for a Singapore work permit for Indians

Work Permit For Migrant Workers Fees For Indians

The application fee and the issuance of the pass both cost SGD 35, which can be paid with a VISA, master card, or eNets debit.

Validity Of The Work Permit For Migrant Workers

The Singapore work permit for Indians workers can be issued for up to 2 years, depending on the security bond. Additionally, the work permit can also be renewed in Singapore.

Additionally, you can renew a Work Permit online 6 to 8 weeks before it expires. Before renewing, you must complete certain steps, such as checking your quota and extending the worker's security bond and medical insurance.

Singapore Work Permit for Indians requirements vary by sector. You can go to the Ministry of Manpower website to check the requirements for each sector.

Singapore Work Permit For Migrant Domestic Worker

The employer in Singapore must for a Work Permit if they wish to hire an Indian migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore.

Eligibility For Work Permit For Migrant Domestic Worker For Indians

There are different categories for the eligibility requirements, including:

• MDW eligibility

• Employer requirements

• Insurance requirements

• Indian applicants must have a formal education level of standard 8You can read about all the eligibility requirements on the Ministry of Manpower website.

Documents Required For Work Permit For Migrant Domestic Worker

Indian applicants must provide some of the general visa documents mentioned later in the blog. They must also provide NRIC-registered addresses and attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP).

Work Permit For Migrant Domestic Worker Fees For Indians

The Singapore work visa cost for an MDW application and the issuance of the permit is SGD 35.

Validity Of The Work Permit For Migrant Domestic Workers

The work permit is valid for a maximum of two years. You must renew your MDW's Work Permit before it expires.

Before renewing, you must complete specific steps, such as buying an insurance package.

Singapore Work Permit For Performing Artiste

Indian artists who wish to work in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels, and nightclubs must get a Singapore Work Permit for Indians for performing artiste.

Eligibility For Work Permit For Performing Artiste For Indians

The Singaporean company must have the Public Entertainment Licence, operate 6 hours a day, and have one local employee to be able to hire and sponsor an Indian.

Documents Required Work Permit For Performing Artiste

You will need to provide your documents, such as a copy of your valid passport, for the visa application process. The rest is taken care of by the employer or visa agent in Singapore.

Work Permit For Performing Artiste Fees For Indians

The fee works as follows:

• SGD 75 for the application and

• SGD 100 upon receiving the permit.

Validity Of The Work Permit For Performing Artiste

The Work Permit for Performing Artiste is for up to 6 months. Additionally, the holder of this work permit is not eligible to apply for another type of work permit for 1 year.

Singapore Long Term Visit Pass

Eligibility For Long-Term Visit Pass For Indians

You can apply for a Long Term Visit Pass for your family if you meet all these requirements:

• Hold an Employment Pass or S Pass.

• Earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 6,000. This is based on your salary and not your combined household income.

• Are sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company (usually your employer).

• If the LPV holder applies for a work permit, employment pass, or S pass can work in Singapore.

Documents Required For Long-Term Visit Pass

The documentation requirements might differ depending on the family member you are applying for. For example, for a common-law spouse, you would need:

• Marriage certificate

• A notarized affidavit stating that you and your spouse are in a common-law relationship

• The work pass holder must also obtain a certificate or letter from their home country's embassy acknowledging the common-law relationship for children, you would need:

• Adoption papers

• If you are separated, then the copy of the court order on the child's custody

• A no-objection letter to bringing the child to Singapore

• Necessary proof of vaccinations

• Birth certificate

Long-Term Visit Pass Fees For Indians

The fees work as follows:

• SGD 150 upon submission of the application.

• SGD 225 for the pass.

• SGD 30 for the multiple journey visa.

Validity Of The Long-Term Visit Pass

The validity of the Long-Term Visit Pass for Indian citizens can be up to 2 years.

However, understand that validity of the Long-Term Visit Pass is related to the main applicant or sponsor's work pass.

You can start applying to renew Long Term Visit Passes up to 6 months before expiration.

Singapore Dependents Pass

The Dependant's Pass allows spouses and children of Employment Pass or S Pass holders to join them in Singapore.

Eligibility For Dependant's Pass For Indians

You can apply for a Dependant's Pass on behalf of your family if you:

• Hold an Employment Pass or S Pass.

• Earn a minimum monthly salary of SGD 6,000.

• Are sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company (usually your employer).

You can get a pass for the following family members:

• Legally married spouse.

• Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.

Documents Required For Dependant's Pass

To apply, you need the documents I'll mention later in this post, and you may also need additional documents depending on the family member you are applying for:

• Spouse (legally married): Copy of your marriage certificate.

• Children under 21 years (unmarried): A copy of their birth certificate and a verification of vaccination requirements.

• Legally adopted children under 21 (unmarried): A copy of the adoption papers and verification of vaccination requirements.

Dependant's Pass Fees For Indians

The fees work as follows:

• SGD 105 upon submission of the application.

• SGD 225 for the pass.

• SGD 30 for the multiple journey visa.

Validity Of The Dependant's Pass

Similar to the LVP, the validity of the Dependant's Pass for Indian citizens can be up to 2 years.

However, understand that the validity of the Long-Term Visit Pass is related to the main applicant or sponsor's work pass.

For further information about the Dependent's Pass for Singapore, visit the Ministry of Manpower website.

Singapore Letter Of Consent For Dependants Pass Holders Who Are Business Owners

You can apply for a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore if you're an eligible Dependant's Pass holder who wants to operate a business.

Eligibility For Letter of Consent For Indians

To be eligible to apply for a Letter Of Consent (LOC), you need to be one of the following types of business owners:

• The sole proprietor of an ACRA-registered business.

• A partner of an ACRA-registered business.

• A company director with at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA-registered business.In addition, to the LOC for DP holders who are business owners, there are pre-approved LOC for the spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of a Long Term Visit Pass holder.

Documents Required For Letter of Consent

To apply for a Letter of Consent, you must have the Dependant's pass, your company details, and the details of the family member.

Letter of Consent Fees For Indians

The fee for each letter of consent is SGD 225 for each pass.

Validity Of The Letter of Consent

The LOC for first-time applicants is valid for 1 year or the expiry date of the sponsor's Dependant's pass. Additionally, the subsequent renewals are valid until the expiry of the Dependant's Pass.

To be eligible for a renewal of the Letter Of Consent, you'll also need to hire at least one Singaporean or a Singapore Permanent Resident who earns at least the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary and receives CPF contributions for at least 3 months.

You can renew your Letter Of Consent (LOC) when you renew your Dependant's Pass.

You can renew up to 6 months before your Letter Of Consent expires.

Singapore Miscellaneous Work Pass

The Miscellaneous Work Pass is for eligible Indian citizens on short-term work assignments, like speakers at a seminar, religious workers, or journalists.

Eligibility For Miscellaneous Work Pass For Indians

You are eligible to apply if you are:

• An Indian national directly involved in, but not limited to, organizing or conducting any seminar, conference, workshop, or gathering.

• A foreign religious worker is giving talks directly or indirectly related to religion.

• A foreign journalist, reporter, or accompanying crew member not sponsored by any Singapore Government agency to cover an event or write a story in Singapore.

Documents Required For Miscellaneous Work Pass

In conjunction with other required documents, you must provide:

• Written consent to apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass from the candidate.

• Miscellaneous Work Pass application form (for online submission)

• Personal particulars page of the candidate's passport.

• Synopsis of the talk or event (if applicable).

Miscellaneous Work Pass Fees For Indians

The employer or the local sponsor must pay the SGD 175 administrative fee.

Validity Of The Miscellaneous Work Pass

The Miscellaneous Work Pass lets you take on assignments of up to 60 days in Singapore.

Unfortunately, the Miscellaneous Work Pass is not renewable. For further information, visit the Ministry of Manpower website.

Work Pass Exempt Activities

If you will only be working in Singapore for a short period and do not need to apply for a work pass, you can get a work pass exemption. However, you can only engage or take up work in activities that exempt you from the work pass.

Eligibility For Work Pass Exemption For Indians

To be eligible for the work pass exemption:

• You must be involved in the Work Pass Exempt activity prior to entering Singapore.

• You must have a short-term visit visa before entering the country

• You must inform the MOM if you wish to enter Singapore for an exempted activity

• Additionally, you must comply with the local requirements. You can learn more about it on the MOM website.

Documents Required For Work Pass Exemption

You must get a Short Term Visit Pass and submit the form Work Pass ExemptionTo apply for the work pass exemption; you will need the following documents:

• Your personal particulars, such as name and date of birth

• Passport number and expiry date

• Disembarkation/Embarkation card number

• Short Term Visit Pass expiry date

• Type of activity you are performing

• Period of activity (start date and end date)

• Workplace address

Validity Of The Work Pass Exemption

With the work pass exemption, you can work for 90 days within a year. However, you can carry out the work over a number of visits in Singapore.

For example, you can visit the country on 3 separate occasions and participate for 30 days in allowed activities.

Additionally, there is also a Work Pass Exemption For Foreign Students.

Work Passes (Holders of Long-Term Visit Passes Issued By ICA)

Eligibility For Long-Term Visit Pass Issued By ICA For Indians

Your Long Term Visit Pass should be valid for at least 4 months if you wish to apply for a Work Permit. If you're a Long Term Visit Pass holder accompanying a child studying in Singapore, you are not allowed to work during your first year.

This encourages you to spend more time with your child and help them adjust to Singapore's education system. After you are in Singapore for a year, you can find a job, and your employer can apply for a Work Permit.

Under the Work Permit, you can work in any sector, you're not subject to source country restrictions, and you're not allowed to work in objectionable occupations (bar or dance hostess, masseur, etc.).

Documents Required For Long-Term Visit Pass Issued By ICA

Along with the other required documents (mentioned late in this post), you will need these documents to apply for a Work Permit:

• A copy of your child's student pass.

• A copy of your child's birth certificate.

• A letter from your child's school indicating your child's current education level.

• A copy of your current LTVP.

Application Process For A Work Visa for Singapore For Indian Citizens

Step 1: Apply For Employment Pass

First, Indians must know that your company must apply for employment passes on your behalf. You should know that your employer might engage an employment agency to help with the process.

Overseas employers need to ask a Singapore-based company to act as a local sponsor. The local sponsor will apply on your behalf. The processes for getting an employment pass or an S pass are similar.

Your company must supply its latest business profile or information registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Step 2: Travel To Singapore

Once they apply, the processing time is usually three weeks for online applications and eight weeks for manual applications (at a Singapore Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate).

Your employer should receive an In Principal Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA allows the candidate a single entry into Singapore.

You will receive a copy of this, and the employer has six months to bring you to Singapore to issue an employment pass, or only sixty days if you are applying for an S pass.

You must be in Singapore to get your pass. Also, note that you will need an SG arrival card when travelling to Singapore.

Step 3: Get The Pass

Once you arrive in Singapore to get your pass, there are a few things you need to provide:

• Details of your current immigration pass and disembarkation/embarkation card.

• A completed medical examination or health declaration form.

• A residential address in Singapore that meets housing requirements.

Once your employer completes the necessary issuance steps and accepts your pass, you will receive a notification letter.

This is valid for one month, although you can extend the validity. Having this letter means you can start work and travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for your pass card.

Step 4: Register Your Biometrics

The notification letter also lets employees know if they must register their photos and fingerprints within two weeks of the pass issuance. This will be at a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Services Center.

If you need to register, you should bring the following documents to your appointment:

• Original passport.

• An appointment letter.

• Notification letter.

• Any documents listed in the IPA letter and notification letter.

Step 5: Receive The Card

After you have completed all the steps, you should receive your pass within 4 working days. If you do not need to register, the passcard should arrive after four days of submitting all the documents.

For further information about the Singapore Work Visa for Indian application, you can visit the InterNations website.

Frequently Asked Questions

To be able to get a Singapore job visa for Indian citizens must first be able to get a job offer from a company in Singapore.

Your employer would then apply for your employment pass. Alternatively, you can start up a business in Singapore to be able to apply for a Singapore EntrePass.