As a foreigner looking for jobs in Singapore, here’s a quick look at your Singapore visa and work visa options.
Options for which you can apply without a job in hand
Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) [This has been discontinued]
The EPEC allows foreigners to stay in Singapore for up to one year to facilitate their job search in Singapore. Successful EPEC applicants are required to apply for a one-year Visit Pass to allow them to stay in Singapore. This is only valid for the job search phase. Once you are employed your employer will need to apply for an Employment Pass for you.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
Foreigners who wish to work in Singapore may be eligible for the Personalised Employment Pass if:
- their last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas was at least $8,000, or
- they are former P1 Pass holders who are now residing overseas.
Employers will not need to apply for any other pass for you. This pass is valid for 5 years but you cannot be unemployed for more than 6 months at a stretch.
You can apply for (and extend) a regular visa to visit Singapore for a short while and search for a job during this time. Once you are employed your employer will need to apply for an Employment Pass.
Options for which you need a prospective employer to apply
The EP is for skilled employees who will be working in Singapore, with a minimum salary starting at S$2,800. There are three different types of EPs, the P1, P2 and Q1.
The S Pass is for mid-skilled employees who will be earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,000.
If you are a Dependant Pass holder and want to work in Singapore, then a prospective employer can employ you by applying for a Letter of Consent (instead of an EP or S Pass, which are also possible options).
The MOM approves Employment Pass applications based on several factors
