Am I able work and have a holiday in Singapore at the same time?
Who is eligible
Yes, you can apply for a Work Holiday Pass under the Work Holiday Programme if you meet these requirements:
- You are aged 18 to 25 at the time of application.
- You are an undergraduate or graduate of a university in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom or the United States.
- Your university is recognised by the government of the respective ten countries or regions.
- For undergraduates: you have been a resident and a full-time student of the university for at least 3 months before applying for the pass.
- For graduates: you were a resident and a full-time student of the university.
Note: The Work Holiday Programme has a capacity of 2,000 applicants at any one time.
What you can do
Under the Work Holiday Programme, you can get a Work Holiday Pass that lets you stay and work in Singapore for up to 6 months.
If you will be working in professions such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture or law, you will need to comply with registration requirements to practise in Singapore.
What are the types of passes available for foreigners to work in Singapore?
Professionals
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
Employment Pass |
For foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates need to earn at least $4,500 a month and have acceptable qualifications. |
EntrePass |
For eligible foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies. |
Personalised Employment Pass |
For high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. The PEP offers greater flexibility than an Employment Pass. |
Skilled and semi-skilled workers
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
S Pass |
For mid-level skilled staff. Candidates need to earn at least $2,500 a month and meet the assessment criteria. |
Work Permit for migrant worker |
For semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. |
Work Permit for migrant domestic worker |
For migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to work in Singapore. |
Work Permit for confinement nanny |
For Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore for up to 16 weeks starting from the birth of the employer's child. |
Work Permit for performing artiste |
For foreign performers working in public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs. |
Trainees and students
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
Training Employment Pass |
For foreign professionals undergoing practical training. Candidates must earn at least $3,000 a month. |
Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme) |
For students and graduates aged 18 to 25 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months. |
Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programme) |
For Australian students and graduates aged 18 to 30 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 1 year. |
Training Work Permit |
For semi-skilled foreign trainees or students undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months. |
Family members
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
Dependant's Pass |
For spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
Long Term Visit Pass |
For parents, common-law spouses, step-children or handicapped children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders. |
Pre-approved Letter of Consent |
For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+ issued by ICA. The holder is pre-approved to work in Singapore. They can only apply for a PLOC when applying for, or renewing the LTVP/LTVP+. |
Letter of Consent for ICA-issued LTVP/LTVP+ holders |
For eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs holding an LTVP/LTVP+ issued by ICA. The LOC allows the holder to work in Singapore. The employer must apply for the LOC. |
Letter of Consent for Dependant’s Pass holders who are business owners |
For eligible Dependant’s Pass holders who wish to operate a business. |
Exemptions and working while on a visit pass
| Pass type | Who is it for |
|---|---|
Miscellaneous Work Pass |
For foreign speakers, religious workers and journalists taking on a short-term work assignment of up to 60 days in Singapore. |
Work Pass Exempt Activities |
For performing eligible short-term activities without a work pass. Candidates must still notify MOM of their activities. |
Work pass exemption for foreign students |
For foreign students studying full-time at an approved school or institution in Singapore. |
Work passes for holders of Long Term Visit Passes issued by ICA |
For foreigners married to a Singaporean or permanent resident, or parents accompanying a child who is studying in Singapore. |
Will I be able to apply for any passes right after incorporating a company?
Generally, there is little chance of success if you apply for a resident pass right after incorporating a company. However, if over time your business expands and the operations require your physical presence with justifications, it may be more viable to commence pass applications.