Can I Get Work Permit For Singapore? This is basically a solution for those who are living in another country except for the US, and would like to get into Singapore. As you know, there are several types of permits that you can get. Those who want to work in Singapore should consider applying for work permit.
As an international student, it can be frustrating trying to find work as you’re still not a citizen. The above question was asked by a reader and I found that many students face the same problem. Singapore is a home to more than 100 nationalities and cultural diversity. However, this also means that not everyone will be given permits to work in Singapore. This article will share with you various options available for international students who aim to work in Singapore.
If you have a work visa in Singapore, congratulations! It’s by no means easy to do so. Singapore only issues a small number of work permits each year. And, as such, there are strict conditions to be fulfilled. If you’re successful in obtaining a work visa, you’ll be able to live and work in Singapore for a period of up to 2 years.
Types of Singapore Work Visas
The Singapore work visas are divided into:
- Singapore work visas for professionals.
- Singapore work visas for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
- Singapore work visas for trainees and students.
- Short-term work passes.
Singapore Work Visas for Professionals
The types of Singapore work Pass (work visa) you can get if you are a professional worker are:
- Employment Pass – available to foreign managers, executives, and professionals. You will have to make at least S$3,600 a month.
- Personalized Employment Pass – available if you are a high-earning foreigner or current Employment Pass holder. The PEP offers more flexibility than other work Passes.
- EntrePass – available to investors or entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Singapore.
No foreign worker quotas and levy apply to any of the aforementioned Passes.
Singapore work visas for skilled and semi-skilled workers
If you are a skilled or semi-skilled worker, you can apply for one of the following Singapore work visas:
- S Pass – available to mid-level skilled workers who will receive a monthly salary of at least S$2,300. Foreign worker quotas and levy apply.
- Work Permit for Foreign Workers – this is available only to foreign workers from certain countries and allows work only in certain sectors (construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector.) Foreign worker quotas and levy apply.
- Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW) – available only to workers between the ages of 23 and 50 from certain countries, such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia etc.
- Work Permit for confinement nanny – available to Malaysian nannies who can work in Singapore for 16 weeks, beginning from the time a baby is born. The employer has to pay a foreign worker Levy.
- Work Permit for performing artists – available to performing artists who will be working in eligible public entertainment outlets, like bars, nightclubs, or hotels. Foreign worker quotas and levy apply.
Singapore work visas for trainees and students
The Singapore work visas that are available for foreign students or trainees are:
- Training Employment Pass – available to foreign nationals who want to undergo training in Singapore that does not exceed three months. There’s no foreign worker levy or quota.
- Work Holiday Pass – available to foreign nationals who are under the Working Holiday Programme with Singapore (Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States). It is available only to nationals aged 18-25 (18-30 for Australians) and valid for up to six months (1 year for Australians). It is non-renewable and the holder can only receive it once.
- Training Work Permit – available to unskilled or semi-skilled foreign students/trainees who will undergo a practical training in Singapore that only lasts up to six months.
Short-term work passes for Singapore
Foreign workers who as on a short-term Visit Pass to Singapore usually cannot take up any work related activities. However, in certain cases (such as in the case of journalists or speakers at public events), the holder can apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass. it allows the holder to work for a period not exceeding 60 days.
Foreign students who are studying in Singapore with a Study Visa can also work if they meet specific requirements, such as being enrolled at an approved educational institution.