Everything you need to know to work legally in Singapore.
The Work Permit (WP) is a work visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore to foreign semi-skilled and unskilled workers from approved source countries. It enables employers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, or services to hire foreign workers legally.
Work permits are tailored for specific sectors and eligible nationalities.
Roles such as general workers, scaffolders, and heavy machine operators.
Factory and assembly line workers in electronics, food, and more.
Welders, riggers, and maintenance technicians for vessel work.
Support for pharmaceutical, chemical, and oil/gas industries.
Roles in cleaning, retail, food & beverage, and hospitality.
Applicants must meet the following conditions to be eligible for a Work Permit.
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Varies by sector but generally under 60 years old.
Includes medical exams, X-rays, and other health checks.
Applicants must not have any serious criminal offenses.
Follow these essential steps to apply for a Singapore Work Permit.
Employers must be registered with MOM to apply for a work permit.
Submit applications online via MOM’s Work Permit Online system.
Usually takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on the sector and document completeness.
Upon approval, the Work Permit card (WP card) will be issued.
The Work Permit is generally valid for up to 2 years, but may be shorter depending on the employer’s contract and sector. Renewal depends on employer approval, a medical examination, and compliance with government policies.
Work permits are non-transferable; the worker is authorized to work only for the employer who applied for the permit.
Levy Payments: Employers must pay a monthly foreign worker levy based on sector and worker nationality.
Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC): Limits the number of foreign workers an employer can hire based on their total workforce.
Workplace Safety: Employers must ensure proper workplace safety and provide adequate accommodation.
Termination and Cancellation: If the worker leaves or is terminated, the Work Permit must be canceled with MOM within 7 days.
Legal employment in Singapore with social security benefits such as healthcare coverage under the Work Injury Compensation Act.
Opportunity for foreign workers to contribute to Singapore’s growing economy.
If you need help applying for a Work Permit or want more information on related services like Employment Pass or S Pass, feel free to contact us or visit the official Ministry of Manpower website.