SINGAPORE FOR VIETNAMESE |How to Get a Work Permit
Vietnamese people are really awesome. They are strong and hard working individuals. They also have a great value system and respect their elders. That being said, there is one thing Vietnamese people hate…tourists. In Vietnam, you are considered a tourist if you do not have a visa to work in the country. On the other hand, foreigners that have obtained a work permit or work visa are not considered tourists but expats.
If you have a degree and have graduated, your first question is probably “How can I get a work permit?”. This is the reason why there are a lot of Vietnamese live in Singapore but study in Malaysia or Thailand. As they tried to find a work permit when they go back to their own country. We will base our discussion today on – SINGAPORE FOR VIETNAMESE |How to Get a Work Permit. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: singapore work permit cost and mom new rules for foreign workers 2022
SINGAPORE FOR VIETNAMESE |How to Get a Work Permit
When it comes to Singapore, there is nothing called Singapore Work Visa. The authorities in lieu of the work visa issue something called work permit or work pass which enable foreigners to take up temporary or permanent work in the country. The work permit or pass can be applied for by any qualified and skilled Indian, who wants to work in Singapore through an appointed employment agent (EA) or employer.
As per the rules of the work permit, the employers who engage foreign workers in Singapore need to provide them with a salary for their service, maintain a security bond as well as provide them with health insurance.
Requirements for Singapore Work Visa
Foreign workers who work in Singapore need to fulfil the requirements mentioned below:
- The applicant must hold a valid passport.
- The applicant must be of at least 18 years of age
- The applicant can only work within the scope of work mentioned in the work permits issued by the authorities.
Apart from the above mentioned points, foreign workers working in Singapore must also comply with:
- Take no part in any other business or start their own business.
- Work only in the occupation and for the employer specified in the work pass or work permit.
- Not marry a Singapore citizen or permanent resident in or outside Singapore without having the approval from the Ministry of Manpower.
- Reside only at the address set by the employer at the start of the employment.
- Carry the original work permit at all the times and produce it for inspection on demand by any public officer.
Types of Work Visa issued by Singapore Authorities
The Ministry of Manpower, Singapore provides different types of work passes and permits all foreigners who wish to work in the country. It is necessary for all foreigners to avail a valid work visa before they start working in Singapore. The different types of work visa which are issued by the officials present at the Singapore Ministry of Manpower depending on the type of work are discussed below:
| Type of Work Visa | Who is eligible for the work visa? |
|---|---|
| Personalised Employment Pass | High earning professionals who already hold an existing employment pass or they are overseas foreign professionals. |
| S Pass | Mid-level skilled staff who earn at least 2,200 US dollars every month and meet the assessment criteria. |
| Employment Pass | Foreign professionals, managers and executives who earn at least 3,600 US dollars per month and have acceptable qualifications. |
| Work Permit (Foreign Domestic Worker) | Foreign domestic workers who work in Singapore. |
| Work Permit (Foreign Worker) | Semi-skilled foreign workers who are employed in the construction, manufacturing, marine, shipyard, process or services sector in Singapore. |
| Entre Pass | Foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a new business in Singapore. |
| Training Employment Pass | Foreign professionals undergoing practical training and earning at least 3,000 US dollars per month. |
| Work Holiday Pass (Under Work and Holiday Visa Programme) | Australian students and graduates aged between 18 to 30 who want to work and holiday in the country Singapore for 1 year. |
| Work Permit (Performing Artiste) | Foreign performers who work in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs. |
| Training Work Permit | Semi-skilled foreign trainees or students who are undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months. |
| Work Holiday Pass (Under Work Holiday Programme) | Students and graduates aged between 18 to 25 who want to work and holiday in the country for 6 months. |
| Work Permit (Confinement Nanny) | Malaysian confinement nannies who want to work in the country for up to 16 weeks that starts with the birth of the employer’s child. |
| Pre-approved Letter of Consent | Eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding a Long-Term Visit Pass/Long-Term Visit Pass+ issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Note: They can apply for a pre-approved letter of consent when applying for or renewing the Long-Term Visit Pass/Long-Term Visit Pass+ |
| Work Passes (Holders of Long-Term Visit Passes issued by ICA) | Foreigners who are married to a Singaporean or permanent resident. or Parents who accompany a child studying in Singapore. |
| Miscellaneous Work Pass | Foreigners who want to take up a short-term work assignment of up to 60 days in Singapore. |
| Long Term Visit Pass | Parents, common-law spouses, stepchildren or handicapped children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
| Letter of Consent | Eligible spouses or children of Employment Pass holders who hold a Dependent’s Pass or a Long-Term Visit Pass/Long-Term Visit Pass+ issued by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Note: The letter of Consent must be applied by the employer. |
| Dependent’s Pass | Spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass holders or S Pass holders. |
Check Here : Visa Renewal
Singapore Work Visa Fees
The fees payable for availing a Singapore Work Visa or Work Pass is as of now 60 US dollars. While 30 US dollars need to be paid while submitting the application, the remaining 30 US dollars is required to be paid when the work pass or permit is issued to the individual by the authorities.
Singapore Work Pass Administrative Fee Adjustments
Mentioned below are the administrative fees that individuals need to pay for availing different types of work permits and passes. In the below mentioned table, the current fees and the revised rates are mentioned.
Note: It needs to be mentioned that from April 1, 2019, the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore will renew the application and issuance/renewal fees for various types of work passes and permits.
| Type of Pass | Current Fees | Revised Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Personalised Employment Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| S Pass | 60 US dollars for Application.80 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 75 US dollars for Application.100 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Employment Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Work Permit (Foreign Domestic Worker) | 30 US dollars for Application.30 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal | 35 US dollars for Application.35 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Work Permit (Foreign Worker) | 30 US dollars for Application.30 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal | 35 US dollars for Application.35 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Entre Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Training Employment Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Work Holiday Pass (Under Work and Holiday Visa Programme) | Not applicable for Application.150 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal | Not applicable for Application.175 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal |
| Work Permit (Performing Artiste) | 40 US dollar for Application.30 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal | 75 US dollar for Application.100 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Work Holiday Pass (Under Work Holiday Programme) | Not applicable for Application.150 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal | Not applicable for Application.175 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal |
| Miscellaneous Work Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.Not Applicable for Issuance/Renewal. | 175 US dollars for Application.Not Applicable for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Long Term Visit Pass | 30 US dollars for Application60 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Dependent’s Pass | 60 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
How to apply for a Singapore Work Visa?
In case, you wish to avail a Singapore work visa or work permit, the steps mentioned below need to be followed:
- Submit an application
- Prepare for the worker’s arrival.
- Get the permit issued.
- Register fingerprints and photo
- Receive the pass or permit.
- Return the old card.
To submit an application, the applicant is required to follow the steps mentioned below:
- Get a written consent from the foreign worker to apply for a work permit.
- Log in to Work Permit (WP) Online with CorpPass.
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the application fee of 30 dollars using General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO), Visa, MasterCard or eNets debit.
- Once the application is successfully submitted, the status of the application can be checked after a period of 7 days.
CONCLUSION FOR Singapore Work Visa
- What transactions can be performed using Work Permit (WP) Online?Transactions like applying for a work permit, issuance of a work permit, Renewing of a work permit, cancelling of a work permit, reinstating of a work permit, and applying to replace a work permit card can be carried out using WP Online. It needs to be mentioned here that when it comes to the FDW work permit, it can’t be carried out through WP Online.
- How can I pay the application fee through GIRO?If you wish to pay the application fee through GIRO, the following steps need to be followed:
- Print the GIRO form
- Complete Part 1 of the form.
- Post the original completed form to ‘E-Payment and Admin Fee Management. Work Pass Division, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore – 059764.
- Once that is done, the outcome is informed within 4 weeks. It needs to be kept in mind that once the request is approved, the fees need to be paid using eNets Credit or Debit.
- Can I check the status of the work permit application?Yes, the status of the work permit application can be tracked after the application is successfully submitted.
- Can I apply for Singapore work permit using WP Online at any time of the day?Usually the application can be made at any time of the day, however, due to the upgrading of eService in phases, the process of applying, enquiring and cancelling is unavailable between 3 am to 4 am every day.
- I heard that the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore is revising the application and issuance fee for various types of work permit and passes. When are the new rates coming into effect from?The revised rates when it comes to application and issuance of work permit and passes are coming into effect from 1 April 2019.
Apply for a Work Permit
To employ migrant workers, you can apply for their Work Permits using WP Online. You can also use the eService to check the application status. You also need to take certain steps before the Work Permit is issued.
- You must complete all the following:
- Buy the Primary Care Plan (PCP) for workers who stay in dormitories or work in the CMP sectors, after receiving the in-principle approval (IPA).
- Before the Work Permit can be issued, make a declaration on WP Online that you have bought the PCP
- Non-Malaysian CMP Work Permit holders on IPA from Bangladesh, India or Myanmar do not need to go for a 2-day Pre-Departure Preparatory Programme (PDPP). However, they will still need to attend an onboarding programme upon arrival in Singapore.
- Workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with WHO EUL vaccines (including booster, if eligible) to get their passes issued.
Already know the process? Go directly to WP Online to apply.
At a glance
| Who can apply | Employer or appointed employment agent (EA). |
|---|---|
| How much it costs | When you submit the application:$35 for each passWhen you get the pass issued:$35 for each pass |
| How long it takes | Within 1 week, unless more information is required. |
| Related eServices | WP Online – apply and get the Work Permit issuedCheck application status via WP OnlineMake an appointmentMore eServices and forms |
Note:
- Non-Malaysian workers cannot be in Singapore during the Work Permit application.
- If this is the first time your company is applying for a Work Permit, you need to declare your business activity. You should also refer to the Work Permit requirements.
- The Work Permit duration is usually 2 years, but it may be shorter depending on:
- Validity of the worker’s passport: Work Permit validity will be 1 month before the passport expires
- Duration of the security bond: Work Permit validity will be 2 months before the security bond expires
These are the steps for applying:
| Step | Who does this | Result |
| Submit an application | Employer or EA | In-principle approval or rejection letter |
| Prepare for workers’ arrival | Employer or EA | Security bond, insurance, etc. |
| Get the permit issued | Employer or EA | Notification letter |
| Register fingerprints and photo (if required) | Candidate | Acknowledgment of card delivery |
| Receive the card | Employer or authorised recipients | Work Permit card |
Submit an application
Processing time: within 1 week. Some cases will take more time.
To submit an application:
- Get a written consent to apply for Work Permit from the worker.
- Log in to WP Online to fill out the application.
- Pay $35 for each application. You can pay by GIRO, VISA, MasterCard or eNets debit.
- Check the application status after 1 week. It may take longer if additional information is required.
- If the application is approved, log in to WP Online to print the following:
- In-principle approval (IPA) letter
- Work Permit application form
Make sure the worker’s IPA particulars match their passport details. For any errors (e.g. wrong spelling of names), you need to correct the error. Otherwise, the worker will be denied entry into Singapore.
Prepare for workers’ arrival
You need to complete these steps to prepare for your workers’ arrival in Singapore.
Before your workers arrive
- [For non-Malaysian CMP Work Permit holders on IPA] Book a slot at the Onboard centre at least 4 days before your workers arrive.
Ensure you get an onboarding slot before confirming their flight arrangements. - Buy a security bond for non-Malaysian workers.
- Ensure your insurer sends us the security bond details. It takes up to 3 working days.
- The security bond must take effect when the workers arrive. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into Singapore and you will have to pay to send them home immediately.
- Buy medical insurance, work injury compensation insurance (if applicable) and Primary Care Plan (for those staying in dormitories or work in CMP sectors) for them.
You must declare that you have bought the Primary Care Plan on WP Online, before the Work Permit can be issued.
When your workers arrive
- Within 2 weeks of arrival, send them for medical examination by either a:
- Singapore-registered doctor
- MOM-appointed Anchor Operators for workers eligible for the Primary Care Plan.
- Print and complete the Security Bond form.
- For sole proprietorships and partnerships, the form should be signed by the sole proprietor or partner.
- For private limited companies, it should be signed by a directors who is registered with ACRA. If the director wishes to appoint an employee to sign the form, he must provide a written authorisation to MOM.
All non-Malaysian male Work Permit holders on IPA in the CMP sectors entering Singapore will complete a residential onboarding programme at the Onboard centre for up to 4 days.
Get the permit issued
Processing time: Immediate
You need to get the Work Permit issued within this timeframe:
| If the worker is | Get the Work Permit issued | If you can’t get the Work Permit issued on time e.g. medical examination results or new passport is not ready |
|---|---|---|
| A newly-arrived Malaysian | After the worker enters Singapore.Before the due date stated on the in-principle approval (IPA) letter. | Log in to WP Online to extend the IPA expiry date. You need to do this before the due date stated on the IPA letter. |
| A newly-arrived non-Malaysian | After the worker enters Singapore.Within 14 days from arrival or 7 days from Stay-Home Notice completion. | Log in to WP Online to request for a Special Pass. The IPA will be automatically extended. |
| Changing to a new employer | Before the current Work Permit expires.Before the due date stated on the IPA letter. | Log in to WP Online to extend the IPA expiry date. You need to do this before the due date stated on the IPA letter. |
To get the Work Permit issued:
- Register the worker’s residential address and mobile number using OFWAS.
- You must wait for at least an hour before logging in to WP Online to request for Work Permit to be issued.
- Log in to WP Online to request for Work Permit to be issued.
- Make sure you print the IPA letter and the Work Permit application form before you get the pass issued.
- [For new workers in the construction sector who passed their SEC(K) test overseas]
- For us to verify your documents successfully, please check that the documents uploaded are correct and complete. For more details, please refer to our guide on common errors.
- Provide an address (home or office) where the card will be delivered.
- Nominate up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card, and provide their NRIC, FIN or passport number, mobile numbers and email address.
- Pay $35 for each Work Permit issued. You can pay by GIRO, VISA, MasterCard or eNETS debit.
- After the Work Permit is issued, print the notification letter.
The notification letter:
- Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. Request to extend the validity if you have a change of travel plans.
- Should be given to the worker. It allows them to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the Work Permit card.
- States if the worker needs to report to MOM Services Centre – Hall C to register fingerprints and photo.
Register fingerprints and photo
When: Within 1 week after pass is issued (if required)
Check the notification letter for whether the worker needs to register at MOM Services Centre – Hall C. If it is required, the worker needs to register within 1 week of issuing the Work Permit.
You must make an appointment for the worker to register.
For the appointment, the worker should bring:
- Original passport
- Appointment letter
- Notification letter
All newly-arrived Work Permit holders in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors entering Singapore from higher-risk countries or regions will complete their SHN, medical examination and Settling-In Programme at the MOM’s Onboard Centre.
Receive the card
When: Within 5 working days after registration or document verification
We will deliver the Work Permit card to the given address within 5 working days after the worker registers and gets documents verified.
For workers who do not need to register, we will deliver the card within 5 working days after verifying their documents.
The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 working day before delivery.
You can also check your card delivery status using WP Online.
Download SGWorkPass to scan QR code on your new card to check status, expiry date and more.
If card delivery fails
After unsuccessful deliveries, you’ll have to collect the card at the service desk of MOM Services Centre – Hall C.
You or an authorised person can collect the card 3 working days after the second attempted delivery. You don’t need an appointment for collection.
Bring along these documents for card collection:
- Worker’s original passport
- Notification letter
If you authorise someone to collect it on your behalf, make sure they bring these along:
- An authorisation letter from the employer
- NRIC or passport for verification
