Work Permit Application Services
WORKPASS PTE LTD provides professional Work Permit Application services for employers in Singapore hiring eligible migrant workers. Our services cover new applications, renewals, pass issuance, cancellations, and other Work Permit-related matters, in accordance with the prevailing Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements.
As a MOM-licensed employment agency, we assist employers throughout the Work Permit process, from understanding eligibility requirements and preparing the necessary documentation to submitting applications to MOM.
Need assistance with a Work Permit application? Contact WORKPASS PTE LTD for a quotation and an initial assessment of your company’s requirements. Our team is ready to provide professional guidance and support tailored to your business needs.
Work Permit Application Fee
- Inclusive of MOM Work Permit application fee of S$35 and issuance fee of S$35
- Inclusive of security bond and medical insurance cost – Non-Malaysian workers
- Preparation and online filing of the Work Permit application
- Monitoring and tracking of the Work Permit application status while under processing
- Liaising with MOM officer, if required
- Responding to MOM requests for additional information, if any
- Arranging Work Permit issuance upon In-Principle Approval (IPA)
- Arranging Work Permit card registration and appointment, where required
- Coordinating Work Permit card delivery after registration
- Filing an appeal in case of rejection
Our Client Portfolio
We support Singapore employers and businesses with Work Permit applications, providing practical, reliable guidance on eligibility, required documents and application submission.
Work Permit Application Guide
This guide provides a detailed overview of the Singapore Work Permit covering eligibility, the application process, and crucial tips for a successful outcome.
Work Permit Application Services
We assist Singapore employers with:
- New Work Permit applications
- Work Permit renewals
- Work Permit issuance after approval
- Work Permit cancellation
- Work Permit eligibility and quota enquiries
- Assistance with rejected applications and appeals, subject to assessment
- Related work-pass administrative matters
Our service is subject to the worker’s eligibility, the employer’s business activities, available quota and prevailing MOM requirements.
What Is a Singapore Work Permit?
A Work Permit allows eligible migrant workers from approved source countries or regions to work in specified sectors in Singapore.
The main sectors are:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Marine shipyard
- Process
- Services
Each sector has its own eligibility conditions, source-country rules, occupation restrictions, quota limits and foreign worker levy requirements.
Not every employer can hire workers from every source country or for every occupation. Employers should check the applicable sector-specific rules before proceeding with recruitment or an application.
Work Permit Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on both the worker and the employing company.
1. Worker eligibility
Generally, the worker must:
- Be at least 18 years old and below 62 years old when applying for a Work Permit.
- Be from an approved source country or region for the relevant sector.
- Meet the applicable occupation and sector requirements.
- Meet any additional conditions imposed by MOM.
Certain occupations have specific qualification, licensing, experience or other requirements. Employers should check the current rules applicable to their sector and the worker’s proposed occupation.
2. Employer eligibility
The employer must meet the relevant MOM requirements, which may include:
- Having an eligible Singapore business and an appropriate declared business activity.
- Having sufficient Work Permit quota for the intended worker.
- Paying the applicable foreign worker levy.
- Meeting the relevant sector-specific and occupation requirements.
- Providing the required security bond, medical insurance and other arrangements where applicable.
- Complying with MOM’s employment, housing and other Work Permit conditions.
Having a registered company does not automatically mean the company has available Work Permit quota or can employ a particular category of foreign worker.
3. Work Permit quota and levy
Work Permit hiring is subject to the employer’s sector quota, also known as the dependency ratio ceiling (DRC), and the applicable monthly foreign worker levy.
The number of foreign workers a company can employ depends on factors including its sector and the number of eligible local employees counted by MOM.
Employers should confirm their available quota and levy obligations before making recruitment commitments.
4. Additional requirements for certain source countries and occupations
Some source-country and occupation combinations are subject to additional restrictions.
For example, employers in the Services and Manufacturing sectors may hire workers from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) only for occupations listed by MOM and subject to the applicable conditions. These may include occupation restrictions, licensing requirements, salary requirements and sub-quota limits.
The applicable NTS Occupation List and conditions may change. Employers should check the latest list before proceeding.
Documents and Information Required
The documents required depend on the worker’s nationality, sector, occupation and application circumstances.
Employers may need to provide:
- Company details and business activity information.
- Worker’s passport details and personal particulars.
- Worker’s written consent for the application.
- Proposed occupation and salary details.
- Educational qualifications, certificates or other supporting documents, if required.
- Additional information requested by MOM.
Further documents may be needed during processing. Employers should ensure that all information and supporting documents are accurate and consistent before submission.
WORKPASS will advise on the information required for the specific case after an initial assessment.
Work Permit Application Process
Step 1: Initial assessment
Contact WORKPASS with your company details, proposed occupation, worker’s nationality and other relevant information. We will assess the requirements and advise whether further information is needed.
Step 2: Quotation and document preparation
We will provide a quotation and explain the relevant service scope and required information. Once the necessary documents and details are received, we will prepare the application for review.
Step 3: Application review and submission
The application details must be checked and confirmed before submission. Once the required information, documents, payment and authorisations are in place, the application can be submitted to MOM.
Step 4: MOM processing
MOM will assess the application. Most online Work Permit applications are processed within one week, although some cases take longer or require additional information.
Approval is determined by MOM and is not guaranteed by WORKPASS.
Step 5: After approval
If the application is approved, the employer must follow the applicable instructions in the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter and complete the required arrangements before the worker arrives, where applicable.
Depending on the worker and sector, these arrangements may include a security bond, medical insurance, work injury compensation insurance, a Primary Care Plan, medical examination and other required procedures.
Step 6: Work Permit issuance and card registration
After the worker arrives in Singapore, the employer or appointed employment agent must complete the issuance process within the applicable timeframe and pay the MOM issuance fee.
Some workers must register their fingerprints and photograph. The Work Permit card is generally delivered within five working days after fingerprint and photo registration, or document verification, as applicable.
The exact steps and deadlines depend on the worker’s circumstances and the instructions issued by MOM.
Work Permit Renewal
Employers should review the worker’s Work Permit expiry date and begin renewal arrangements early enough to meet MOM’s requirements.
Renewal eligibility and requirements depend on the worker’s circumstances and the applicable rules. Additional documents or actions may be required.
WORKPASS can assist with Work Permit renewal applications and related administrative matters, subject to assessment.
Rejected Work Permit Applications and Appeals
If MOM rejects a Work Permit application, the employer should review the stated reasons before deciding whether to appeal or submit a new application.
An appeal may not be appropriate in every case. The available options depend on the reason for rejection and whether there is relevant new information or supporting evidence.
WORKPASS can review the case and advise on the available service options. Any appeal remains subject to MOM’s assessment and decision.
Security Bond for Non-Malaysian Workers
Employers must purchase a S$5,000 security bond for each non-Malaysian Work Permit holder.
The security bond is a guarantee to the Singapore Government and is subject to the Work Permit and security bond conditions.
The employer cannot recover the security bond cost from the worker.
The security bond must be in effect before the worker arrives in Singapore.
Medical Insurance for Work Permit Holders
Employers must purchase and maintain medical insurance for every Work Permit holder.
The insurance must meet MOM’s prevailing coverage requirements and cover inpatient care and day surgery.
The current minimum medical insurance coverage is S$60,000 per year per Work Permit holder.
Work Permit vs S Pass vs Employment Pass
Understanding the correct work pass type helps employers plan their manpower requirements.
Work Permit (WP)
- Suitable for eligible foreign workers in approved sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine, process, and services.
S Pass
- Suitable for eligible mid-skilled employees who meet the required salary and eligibility criteria.
Learn more about our S Pass Application Services.
Employment Pass (EP)
- Suitable for professionals, managers, executives, and specialists who meet the applicable requirements.
Learn more about our Employment Pass Application Services.
Why Choose WORKPASS PTE LTD?
WORKPASS PTE LTD is a Singapore employment agency providing work-pass application assistance to employers.
We focus on:
- Employer-direct service.
- Clear quotations and application requirements.
- Assistance with document preparation and application submission.
- Support for new applications, renewals, issuance and related matters.
- Practical communication throughout the application process.
We assist employers with related services including:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Work Permit allows eligible semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries or regions to work in approved sectors in Singapore.
The employer or an appointed employment agent can submit a Work Permit application on behalf of an eligible foreign worker.
The permitted source country or region depends on the sector and occupation.
The main source groups include:
- Malaysia
- People’s Republic of China (PRC)
- North Asian Sources (NAS)
- Non-Traditional Sources (NTS)
NTS countries currently include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, subject to sector and occupation requirements.
North Asian Sources include:
- Hong Kong (HKSAR passport)
- Macau
- South Korea
- Taiwan
The applicable source-country rules depend on the Work Permit sector.
The current NTS countries are:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- India
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
NTS workers are subject to sector and occupation restrictions.
The NTS Occupation List allows eligible Manufacturing and Services employers to hire Work Permit holders from NTS countries for selected occupations.
Employers must comply with the NTS sub-DRC and minimum salary requirements.
There is no general minimum qualifying salary for a Work Permit.
However, employers must pay the salary declared to MOM and comply with all applicable employment conditions.
For workers employed under the NTS Occupation List, a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000 applies.
Yes.
Employers are subject to a foreign worker quota based on their sector and workforce profile.
The available quota should be checked before submitting a Work Permit application.
The monthly foreign worker levy depends on the sector, worker skill level, source country or region and other applicable MOM requirements.
Yes.
Employers must purchase a S$5,000 security bond for each non-Malaysian Work Permit holder.
Yes.
Employers must purchase and maintain medical insurance for every Work Permit holder.
The current minimum coverage is S$60,000 per year.
MOM states that most Work Permit applications are processed within 1 week.
Actual processing time can vary depending on the application and whether MOM requires additional information.
Yes.
A Work Permit can be renewed if the worker and employer continue to meet the applicable MOM requirements.
A Work Permit holder cannot simply work for another employer.
Any change of employer must follow the applicable MOM procedures and requirements.
No.
A Work Permit holder must work only for the employer stated on the Work Permit and perform the approved occupation.
Work Permit holders are not allowed to operate their own business or engage in other businesses while holding the Work Permit.
Apply for a Work Permit
Planning to hire an eligible foreign worker in Singapore?
WORKPASS PTE LTD provides professional Work Permit application assistance in Singapore, including eligibility assessment, document review, application preparation, MOM submission, application monitoring, IPA and Work Permit issuance support.
Before proceeding, we recommend assessing the worker’s nationality, age, proposed occupation, sector, employer’s available quota, applicable levy and other MOM requirements.