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For Singapore
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Employment PassFor professionals, managers and executives, applied for by the employer. 6 steps S PassFor mid-skilled staff, subject to quotas and a levy paid by the employer. 3 steps ONE PassThe Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, for top earners, not tied to one employer. 3 steps DependantDependant's Pass for a spouse and children; it does not allow work on its own. 3 steps StudentA Student's Pass from ICA, applied for with your school. 3 steps Open a step on the roadmap to see what it involves. Rules change
Work passes are applied for by the employer, and salary floors are revised most years. Students and long-term visitors deal with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) instead. This is a general guide, not legal advice. Confirm each step with the Ministry of Manpower before you rely on it.
Your roadmap · Employment Pass 6 steps 3 months before → to Year 2 onwards 1 Step 1: Check the salary and COMPASS3 months before + The qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services) and rises with age, to S$10,700 (S$11,800) at 45 and over; it goes up again from 1 January 2027. The role must also score 40 points under COMPASS, which weighs salary, qualifications and the firm's workforce. 2 Step 2: Employer advertises and applies6–8 weeks before + Most roles must first be advertised on MyCareersFuture for 14 days. The employer then applies through myMOM, with your passport, degree certificates and CV; the application fee is S$105. 3 Step 3: Receive the In-Principle Approval3–4 weeks before + Most decisions take a few weeks. The IPA letter is what you travel on, and landlords and banks will usually accept it while the card is made. 4 Step 4: Arrive and complete formalitiesWeeks 1–2 + Your employer requests issue of the pass (S$225) and books your registration at the MOM Services Centre, where fingerprints and a photo are taken, if needed. 5 Step 5: Collect the card, set up SingpassWeeks 2–4 + The card is delivered to your address. Register for Singpass straight away: tax, tenancy stamping and most government services run through it. 6 Step 6: Renew before expiryYear 2 onwards + A first pass usually runs up to two years, renewals up to three. Changing employer means a new application by the new employer. Get help with the move to Singapore → Chat with Eva