SINGAPORE FOR FILIPINO |How to Get a Work Permit
When it comes to Singapore, there is nothing called Singapore Work Visa. The authorities in lieu of the work visa issue something called work permit or work pass which enable foreigners to take up temporary or permanent work in the country. The work permit or pass can be applied for by any qualified and skilled Indian, who wants to work in Singapore through an appointed employment agent (EA) or employer.
If you are a Filipino searching for how to get a work permit in Singapore, you might have been bombarded with information. You may still be wondering what the heck is a Work Permit and how do I get one? Where do I start? Don’t worry, you are NOT alone! You’ll soon realize there is a long process that goes into getting your Work Permit in Singapore.
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SINGAPORE FOR FILIPINO |How to Get a Work Permit
You’ve been dreaming of living in Singapore and working there as an Expat. And though you’ve read rumors that the process of getting a work permit is daunting, you’re ready to do what it takes. But how do you go about it?
If you are a Filipino and is looking for ways on how to get a work permit, you can now do it from the comfort of your own home. The Philippines government has seen fit to allow work permits and benefits for overseas Filipino workers by authorizing approved associations in several countries and cities across the globe to give out permits.
Work Permit Singapore
As per the rules of the work permit, the employers who engage foreign workers in Singapore need to provide them with a salary for their service, maintain a security bond as well as provide them with health insurance.
There is no such thing as a “Singapore Work Visa” in Singapore. The government issues something known as a work permit or work pass in place of a work visa, allowing foreigners to work permanently or temporarily in the nation. Any qualified and trained Indian who wishes to work in Singapore may apply for a work permit or pass through an employer or designated employment agent (EA).
Employers who hire foreign workers in Singapore are required by work permit regulations to pay them a salary for their labor, keep a security bond, and offer them health insurance.
Getting a work permit in Singapore via a job offer can be a hassle and confusing because of the strict criteria. However, there are loopholes that allow you to enter the country as a tourist, fall in love with the culture and get an offer letter that will facilitate your work permit application process.
Can Filipino Get Work Permit In Singapore
Work Permit For Foreign Worker
If you are a semi-skilled worker, then you can also work in the following sectors: construction, manufacturing (not eligible for Filipinos), marine shipyard, process, or services (not eligible for Filipinos).
Eligibility:
- 18 – 50 years old
- Must have Basic or High Skills depending on which sector. You can check here.
Work Permit Conditions
- Work Permit is usually good for 2 years but might be dependent on the validity of the passport, bond, and contract
- Foreign workers must work only the occupation and employer specified in Work Permit Card. Work Permit should be carried at all times
- FW shouldn’t take part in other business or create their own
- Not marry a Singaporean or a Permanent resident without the approval of Ministry of Manpower
- Not get pregnant or deliver a child in Singapore unless they are already married to a Singaporean
- Employer will provide you fixed monthly salary declared to the MOM, buy and maintain medical insurance and security bond, makes you stay on proper housing
- The work permit should be canceled within 7 days of termination of employment
Documents Needed
- Copy of your Valid Passport
- A written consent that you allow the Employer or Agent to apply for a Work Permit for you (there’s no format, and a signed Employment Contract is also okay).
Work Permit For Filipino In Singapore
Getting A Work Permit
STEP 1: Your Employer or employment agency should get your details and consent. Fill up an application on this website and pay $35.
STEP 2: After one week, the Employer will print the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter and Work Permit Application Form. The employer must have a security bond of USD 5,000 and medical insurance for the worker.
STEP 3: Wait for the agent or employer to contact you when all is ready. Be sure to bring your passport and IPA letter from your employer when you arrive.
STEP 4: Attend a Settling In-Programme within 3 days of your arrival. It will cost $75 but should be shouldered by the employer. Within 2 weeks of your arrival, you must also have a medical examination by a Singapore Registered Doctor. You will be checked for infectious disease, HIV, syphilis, malaria, and if you are fit to work.
STEP 5: Give your medical certificate and give it to the employer so that a Work Permit can be issued. Another $35 is paid. The employer should also print the notification letter, which can be used while waiting for the Work Permit card.
STEP 6: If required, you may be asked to register your fingerprints and photo within a week of issuing the Work Permit. Bring your passport, Appointment letter, Notification Letter, and other documents stated.
STEP 7: Wait for the Work Permit to be delivered in your stated address after 4 working days.
S Pass
An S Pass if for a mid-skilled technical staff working in Singapore.
Eligibility:
- The fixed monthly salary of at least $2,400
- Have a degree or diploma
- Have relevant work experience
Documents Needed
- Copy of your Valid Passport
- A written consent that you allow the Employer or Agent to apply for an S Pass for you (there’s no format, and a signed Employment Contract is also okay)
Getting An S Pass
STEP 1: Your Employer should get the worker’s details and consent. Fill up an application on this website and pay $75.
STEP 2: After three weeks, the employer will print the In-Principle Approval (IPA). The IPA must be sent to you and it will grant you an entry of 60 days.
STEP 3: You will be asked to come to Singapore and get a medical examination. When you are there, the employer or agent submits supporting documents like your current passport, immigration card, medical form, declaration form, medical, and work insurance. A $100 fee will be paid for a pass; then a notification letter will be given to you while waiting for the S Pass card.
STEP 4: If required, you may be asked to register your fingerprints and photo within a week of issuing the Work Permit. Bring your passport, Appointment letter, Notification Letter, and other documents stated.
STEP 5: Wait for the S Pass to be delivered in the stated address after 4 working days.
Singapore Work Visa Requirements
Foreign workers who work in Singapore need to fulfil the requirements mentioned below:
- The applicant must hold a valid passport.
- The applicant must be of at least 18 years of age
- The applicant can only work within the scope of work mentioned in the work permits issued by the authorities.
Apart from the above mentioned points, foreign workers working in Singapore must also comply with:
- Take no part in any other business or start their own business.
- Work only in the occupation and for the employer specified in the work pass or work permit.
- Not marry a Singapore citizen or permanent resident in or outside Singapore without having the approval from the Ministry of Manpower.
- Reside only at the address set by the employer at the start of the employment.
- Carry the original work permit at all the times and produce it for inspection on demand by any public officer.
Requirements for Singapore Work Visa
Foreign workers who work in Singapore need to fulfil the requirements mentioned below:
- The applicant must hold a valid passport.
- The applicant must be of at least 18 years of age
- The applicant can only work within the scope of work mentioned in the work permits issued by the authorities.
Apart from the above mentioned points, foreign workers working in Singapore must also comply with:
- Take no part in any other business or start their own business.
- Work only in the occupation and for the employer specified in the work pass or work permit.
- Not get married to a Singaporean national or permanent resident within or outside of Singapore without the Ministry of Manpower’s consent.
- Reside only at the address set by the employer at the start of the employment.
- Bring your original work permit with you at all times and show it to any public official who requests to see it.
Types of Work Visa issued by Singapore Authorities
The Ministry of Manpower, Singapore provides different types of work passes and permits all foreigners who wish to work in the country. It is necessary for all foreigners to avail a valid work visa before they start working in Singapore. The different types of work visa which are issued by the officials present at the Singapore Ministry of Manpower depending on the type of work are discussed below:
| Type of Work Visa | Who is eligible for the work visa? |
|---|---|
| Personalised Employment Pass | High earning professionals who already hold an existing employment pass or they are overseas foreign professionals. |
| S Pass | Mid-level skilled staff who earn at least 2,200 US dollars every month and meet the assessment criteria. |
| Employment Pass | Foreign professionals, managers and executives who earn at least 3,600 US dollars per month and have acceptable qualifications. |
| Work Permit (Foreign Domestic Worker) | Foreign domestic workers who work in Singapore. |
| Work Permit (Foreign Worker) | Semi-skilled foreign workers who are employed in the construction, manufacturing, marine, shipyard, process or services sector in Singapore. |
| Entre Pass | Foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a new business in Singapore. |
| Training Employment Pass | Foreign professionals undergoing practical training and earning at least 3,000 US dollars per month. |
| Work Holiday Pass (Under Work and Holiday Visa Programme) | Australian students and graduates aged between 18 to 30 who want to work and holiday in the country Singapore for 1 year. |
| Work Permit (Performing Artiste) | Foreign performers who work in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs. |
| Training Work Permit | Semi-skilled foreign trainees or students who are undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months. |
| Work Holiday Pass (Under Work Holiday Programme) | Students and graduates aged between 18 to 25 who want to work and holiday in the country for 6 months. |
| Work Permit (Confinement Nanny) | Malaysian confinement nannies who want to work in the country for up to 16 weeks that starts with the birth of the employer’s child. |
| Pre-approved Letter of Consent | Eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding a Long-Term Visit Pass/Long-Term Visit Pass+ issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Note: They can apply for a pre-approved letter of consent when applying for or renewing the Long-Term Visit Pass/Long-Term Visit Pass+ |
| Work Passes (Holders of Long-Term Visit Passes issued by ICA) | Foreigners who are married to a Singaporean or permanent resident. or Parents who accompany a child studying in Singapore. |
| Miscellaneous Work Pass | Foreigners who want to take up a short-term work assignment of up to 60 days in Singapore. |
| Long Term Visit Pass | Parents, common-law spouses, stepchildren or handicapped children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
| Letter of Consent | Eligible spouses or children of Employment Pass holders who hold a Dependent’s Pass or a Long-Term Visit Pass/Long-Term Visit Pass+ issued by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Note: The letter of Consent must be applied by the employer. |
| Dependent’s Pass | Spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass holders or S Pass holders. |
Singapore Work Permit Cost
The fees payable for availing a Singapore Work Visa or Work Pass is as of now 60 US dollars. While 30 US dollars need to be paid while submitting the application, the remaining 30 US dollars is required to be paid when the work pass or permit is issued to the individual by the authorities.
Singapore Work Pass Administrative Fee Adjustments
Mentioned below are the administrative fees that individuals need to pay for availing different types of work permits and passes. In the below mentioned table, the current fees and the revised rates are mentioned.
Note: It needs to be mentioned that from April 1, 2019, the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore will renew the application and issuance/renewal fees for various types of work passes and permits.
| Type of Pass | Current Fees | Revised Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Personalised Employment Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| S Pass | 60 US dollars for Application.80 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 75 US dollars for Application.100 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Employment Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Work Permit (Foreign Domestic Worker) | 30 US dollars for Application.30 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal | 35 US dollars for Application.35 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Work Permit (Foreign Worker) | 30 US dollars for Application.30 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal | 35 US dollars for Application.35 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Entre Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Training Employment Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Work Holiday Pass (Under Work and Holiday Visa Programme) | Not applicable for Application.150 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal | Not applicable for Application.175 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal |
| Work Permit (Performing Artiste) | 40 US dollar for Application.30 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal | 75 US dollar for Application.100 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Work Holiday Pass (Under Work Holiday Programme) | Not applicable for Application.150 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal | Not applicable for Application.175 US dollar for Issuance/Renewal |
| Miscellaneous Work Pass | 70 US dollars for Application.Not Applicable for Issuance/Renewal. | 175 US dollars for Application.Not Applicable for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Long Term Visit Pass | 30 US dollars for Application60 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
| Dependent’s Pass | 60 US dollars for Application.150 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. | 105 US dollars for Application.225 US dollars for Issuance/Renewal. |
MOM Work Permit Application
In case, you wish to avail a Singapore work visa or work permit, the steps mentioned below need to be followed:
- Submit an application
- Prepare for the worker’s arrival.
- Get the permit issued.
- Register fingerprints and photo
- Receive the pass or permit.
- Return the old card.
To submit an application, the applicant is required to follow the steps mentioned below:
- Get a written consent from the foreign worker to apply for a work permit.
- Log in to Work Permit (WP) Online with CorpPass.
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the application fee of 30 dollars using General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO), Visa, MasterCard or eNets debit.
- Once the application is successfully submitted, the status of the application can be checked after a period of 7 days.
How to apply for a Singapore Work Visa?
In case, you wish to avail a Singapore work visa or work permit, the steps mentioned below need to be followed:
- Step 1: Submit an application
- Step 2: Prepare for the worker’s arrival.
- Step 3: Get the permit issued.
- Step 4: Register fingerprints and photo
- Step 5: Receive the pass or permit.
- Step 6: Return the old card.
To submit an application, the applicant is required to follow the steps mentioned below:
- Step 1: Get a written consent from the foreign worker to apply for a work permit.
- Step 2: Log in to Work Permit (WP) Online with CorpPass.
- Step 3: Fill out the application form.
- Step 4: Pay the application fee of 30 dollars using General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO), Visa, MasterCard or eNets debit.
- Step 5: Once the application is successfully submitted, the status of the application can be checked after a period of 7 days.
CONCLUSION FOR Singapore Work Visa
- What transactions can be performed using Work Permit (WP) Online?Transactions like applying for a work permit, issuance of a work permit, Renewing of a work permit, cancelling of a work permit, reinstating of a work permit, and applying to replace a work permit card can be carried out using WP Online. It needs to be mentioned here that when it comes to the FDW work permit, it can’t be carried out through WP Online.
- How can I pay the application fee through GIRO?If you wish to pay the application fee through GIRO, the following steps need to be followed:
- Print the GIRO form
- Complete Part 1 of the form.
- Post the original completed form to ‘E-Payment and Admin Fee Management. Work Pass Division, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore – 059764.
- Once that is done, the outcome is informed within 4 weeks. It needs to be kept in mind that once the request is approved, the fees need to be paid using eNets Credit or Debit.
- Can I check the status of the work permit application?Yes, the status of the work permit application can be tracked after the application is successfully submitted.
- Can I apply for Singapore work permit using WP Online at any time of the day?Usually the application can be made at any time of the day, however, due to the upgrading of eService in phases, the process of applying, enquiring and cancelling is unavailable between 3 am to 4 am every day.
- I heard that the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore is revising the application and issuance fee for various types of work permit and passes. When are the new rates coming into effect from?The revised rates when it comes to application and issuance of work permit and passes are coming into effect from 1 April 2019.