How to Apply for a Singapore Work Visa 2025 – Eligibility Criteria
Singapore, a global hub for business and innovation, offers exceptional career opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide. Securing a Singapore Work Visa for 2025 requires navigating a structured, points-based system designed to attract top-tier talent while protecting the local workforce. The process is primarily employer-driven and conducted online.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of the different work passes, their eligibility criteria, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.
Understanding the Singapore Work Visa System
Singapore does not have a single “work visa.” Instead, it offers several work passes, with the Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass being the most common for professionals. A significant update for 2025 is the full implementation of the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) for most new EP applications.
Key Work Passes for 2025
1. Employment Pass (EP)
For foreign professionals, managers, and executives.
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Minimum Monthly Salary: S$5,600 (increases with age, e.g., S$5,800 for those 40+, and S$6,200 for the Financial Services sector).
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COMPASS Framework: Applicants must meet a minimum salary benchmark and score at least 40 points across four foundational criteria (Salary, Qualifications, Diversity, Support for Local Employment) and two bonus criteria (Skills Bonus, Strategic Economic Priorities).
2. S Pass
For mid-skilled technicians and support staff.
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Minimum Monthly Salary: S$3,150 (increases with age and is higher for the Financial Services sector).
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Quota System: Employers are subject to a quota (e.g., up to 10% of total workforce in the service sector) and must pay a monthly levy for each S Pass holder.
3. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
A new, personalized pass for top-tier talent.
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Minimum Monthly Salary: S$30,000 (fixed, regardless of age).
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Eligibility: For outstanding candidates from leading companies or with exceptional achievements in science, technology, academia, or the arts.
Eligibility Criteria
While each pass has specific requirements, general eligibility includes:
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A valid job offer from a Singapore-registered company.
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Meeting the minimum monthly salary for the specific pass.
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Possessing acceptable educational qualifications (e.g., a degree or professional certificates).
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Having relevant work experience in the field.
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For EP applicants, meeting the required COMPASS score.
Required Documents
Your employer will typically need the following to apply on your behalf:
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A copy of your personal particulars page in your passport.
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Your detailed resume/CV.
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Academic certificates and transcripts (diplomas, degrees).
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Previous employment reference letters.
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A completed candidate background form from the employer.
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For COMPASS: Details to score your application (e.g., university rankings for qualifications, etc.).
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application is initiated and submitted online by your prospective employer via the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) EP Online portal.
The following table outlines the complete process from job offer to receiving your pass.
| Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Secure a Job Offer | You must have a formal job offer from a company in Singapore that is willing to sponsor your work pass. |
| Step 2: Employer Applies via EP Online | Your employer logs into MOM’s EP Online portal and submits the work pass application on your behalf. They will fill out the forms, declare your COMPASS score (for EP), and upload all required documents. |
| Step 3: Pay the Application Fee | Your employer pays the non-refundable application fee using a credit/debit card or PayPal. |
| Step 4: Application Processing | MOM processes the application. Standard processing time is ****within 3 weeks**`, but it can take longer if additional information is required. You can check the status online. |
| Step 5: Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) | If approved, your employer receives an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This is a crucial document that allows you to seek entry into Singapore. |
| Step 6: Travel to Singapore | Use the IPA letter to travel to Singapore. The IPA is a single-entry visa that replaces the need for a separate visit visa. |
| Step 7: Complete Formalities & Issue Pass | Upon arrival, you must complete the formalities within the IPA’s validity period. This includes a medical examination (if required) and registering your fingerprints and photo at the MOM Services Centre. |
| Step 8: Receive Your Card | After completing all steps, your physical Singapore Work Pass Card will be issued. This is your official permit to work and live in Singapore. |
The COMPASS Framework Explained (For Employment Pass)
For EP applications submitted from 2025 onwards, scoring well on COMPASS is essential. The framework is as follows:
| Criteria | Description | Maximum Points |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | Compared to local PMETs in your age sector. | 20 (for being at or above the 65th percentile) |
| Qualifications | Degree from top-tier institutions gets 20 points. | 20 |
| Diversity | Nationality not overly represented in the company’s workforce. | 20 |
| Support for Local Employment | Meeting or exceeding the industry’s Local Qualifying Salary for local PMETs. | 20 |
| Skills Bonus | Occupations on the Shortage Occupation List. | 20 |
| Strategic Economic Priorities | Partnering with Singapore in innovation, internationalisation, etc. | 10 |
You need a minimum of 40 points to qualify.
Important Final Advice
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Your Employer is Your Sponsor: Your legal status is tied to your employer. Changing jobs requires a new work pass application.
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Dependents’ Pass (DP): EP holders earning at least S$6,000/month can sponsor DPs for their lawful spouse and unmarried children under 21.
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Use Official Sources: Always refer to the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website (www.mom.gov.sg) for the most accurate and updated information.
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Start Early: The entire process, from job search to receiving your card, can take 2-4 months. Begin your preparations well in advance.
Conclusion
Securing a Singapore Work Visa in 2025 is a structured process that emphasizes a candidate’s quality and contribution to Singapore’s economy through frameworks like COMPASS. By understanding the different passes, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, and working closely with your prospective employer, you can successfully navigate the application. This visa is your key to building a career in one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive economic centers.