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MOM sorts Singapore work passes into five groups by who they are for. Professionals use the Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass or ONE Pass. Skilled and semi-skilled workers use the S Pass or a Work Permit. Trainees, family members and short-term workers each have their own passes.
Checked against MOM's work passes index. SingaporeCompanySetupGuide.com is an independent guide, not MOM.
What groups does MOM use?
| Group | Passes MOM lists |
|---|---|
| Professionals | Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass, Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass |
| Skilled and semi-skilled workers | S Pass, Work Permit for migrant worker, migrant domestic worker, confinement nanny, performing artiste |
| Trainees and students | Training Employment Pass, Work Holiday Pass (two programmes), Training Work Permit |
| Family members | Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, Pre-approved Letter of Consent and other Letters of Consent |
| Exemptions and visit pass work | Miscellaneous Work Pass, work pass exempt activities, exemption for foreign students, passes for certain LTVP holders |
Which pass is for professionals?
Employment Pass (EP). For foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians with a job offer. New candidates pass a salary floor and a points test. See the Employment Pass guide and the requirements checklist.
EntrePass. MOM's pass for foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business. Read the EntrePass guide.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). For high-earning existing EP holders or overseas professionals, and not tied to one employer. See PEP.
Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass). For top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research. See ONE Pass.
Which pass is for skilled and semi-skilled workers?
S Pass. For skilled workers. New candidates need to earn at least S$3,300 a month. See the S Pass guide.
Work Permit. For skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services. MOM also has separate permits for domestic workers, Malaysian confinement nannies (up to 16 weeks) and foreign performers in public entertainment outlets. See the Work Permit guide.
Which pass is for trainees and students?
The Training Employment Pass is for foreign professionals undergoing practical training. The Training Work Permit is for semi-skilled trainees for up to 6 months. The Work Holiday Pass has two versions: one for students and graduates aged 18 to 25, and one for Australian and New Zealander students and graduates aged 18 to 30. More on the first in our Training Employment Pass guide.
Which pass is for family members?
The Dependant's Pass is for spouses and children of EP or S Pass holders, as explained in the Dependant Pass guide. The Long-Term Visit Pass is for parents, common-law spouses, step-children or handicapped children. Letters of Consent let some of these relatives work, set out on the Letter of Consent page.
What about short-term work?
The Miscellaneous Work Pass is for foreign speakers, religious workers and journalists on short-term assignments. Some short activities need no pass at all under MOM's work pass exempt activities list, and full-time foreign students holding a Student's Pass at approved institutions have their own exemption. Check the exact activity with MOM before work starts.
How do you choose between the main passes?
| Question | Likely pass |
|---|---|
| Professional, manager or executive with a job offer | Employment Pass |
| Skilled technician or associate professional below the EP level | S Pass |
| Semi-skilled worker in a listed sector | Work Permit |
| Founder who will run the business | EntrePass |
| Very high earner who wants to move between employers | PEP |
| Top talent across business, arts, sport or research | ONE Pass |
Pass choice often decides the later costs. EP has no quota or levy. S Pass and Work Permit carry quotas. For renewals of each, see the work pass renewal guide.
Do you need a provider?
You do not, but picking the wrong pass costs time. Employers often ask an employment agent to check fit first. If you want that, use the quote form on this page. We pass your request to suitable providers and may earn a referral fee. The pass descriptions above are MOM's.
Sources
- MOM, work passes and permits: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits (the five groups, each pass and who it is for, S$3,300 S Pass figure).
- MOM, Employment Pass key facts: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/key-facts (no levy or quota for the EP).
