How To Renew Your Work Permit in Singapore

What Is a Work Permit?

A work permit is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to work in Singapore. Some of the most common types of work permits include:

• Employment Pass (EP): This work permit is for professionals, managers, executives, and skilled workers who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 4,500 and meet the other eligibility requirements. Find out more about the Employment Pass application and renewal.
• S Pass: This work permit is for mid-level skilled workers who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 2,500 and meet the other eligibility requirements. Find out more about the difference between Employment Pass and S Pass.
• Work Permit: This work permit is for semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and marine industries.
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): This work permit is for high-earning professionals who have a minimum monthly salary of SGD 18,000 and meet the other eligibility requirements.

The process of applying for a work permit in Singapore can be complicated and time-consuming, and there are strict eligibility work permit renewal requirements that applicants must meet. Employers are usually responsible for sponsoring and applying for work permits on behalf of their foreign employees.

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How To Renew a Work Permit?

To renew a work permit in Singapore, you will have to apply for a renewal of the work permit before it expires. Here is the work permit renewal process in Singapore:

Step 1: Prepare the necessary documents

Having the necessary documents ready can help to speed up the renewal process. First of all, you should make sure that your foreign employee meets the eligibility criteria for the work permit renewal. This includes having a valid passport, a satisfactory work record, and meeting the salary and quota requirements.

You should also check the expiry date of the work permit and apply for the renewal at least two months before the expiry date.

Step 2: Fill the online form for renewal

Next, you will have to submit the renewal application online through the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) website. The application should include all the necessary documents, such as your employee's passport, current work permit, and any relevant medical reports. You can then pay the renewal fees with a valid credit card or an electronic payment method.

Step 3: Collect the new work permit

After submitting the application, you will have to wait for the outcome of the renewal application. The MOM will send an email notification to you once the renewal is approved. If the Work Permit renewal is approved, you should collect the new work permit from the MOM. Additionally, you should also make sure that your foreign employee is informed of the renewal and has the new work permit in their possession before the old one expires. The Work Permit is usually valid for 2 years, but could be shorter depending on various factors.

Things To Do After the Work Permit Renewal

Follwoing the renewal of the work permit, there are a few things you need to make sure you do to cover your back.

1 Update employee records

You should update your foreign employee's records, including their salary and job title, to reflect the renewal of the work permit.

2 Comply with employment laws

Both you and your employee should continue to comply with all employment laws and regulations in Singapore, such as the Employment Act, Central Provident Fund (CPF) regulations, and the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA).

3 Check the validity period

You should check the validity period of the new work permit to ensure that it does not expire before the end of your employee's contract.

4 Notify relevant authorities

If your employee is living in a company-provided accommodation or has a dependent pass or long-term visit pass, you should notify the relevant authorities of the Work Permit renewal.

5 Renew other relevant permits

If your employee holds any other permits, such as a driving license or visa, you should also make sure that they are renewed as well. For instance, if they have family in Singapore, they will require a renewal of the Dependant’s Pass. Find out more about the Dependant’s Pass online application.

Duration of the Renewal Process

The duration of the renewal process for a work permit in Singapore can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of work permit, the completeness of the application, and the MOM’s workload. Typically, it takes around one to four weeks for the renewal process to be completed, but it can take longer in some cases.

Therefore, employers like yourself are advised to submit the renewal application 7 to 12 weeks before the expiry date of the work permit to avoid any disruptions to your employee's employment. If your employee’s Work Permit expires, an overstaying fine will be imposed. The MOM recommends that employers use their online services to submit the renewal application since it is faster and more efficient than manual submission.

FAQs

When should I renew an employee’s work permit?

It is recommended for employers to apply for renewal 7 to 12 weeks prior to your employee’s Work Permit expiry date, to avoid any employment disruption. How to renew work permit online: To speed up the process, you can use the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) online services for renewal application.

Who is eligible to apply for renewal?

Business employers and employment agencies can renew the Work Permit on behalf of their foreign employees. For a list of workers eligible for renewal, you can head to WP Online.

How much does the renewal cost?

The cost of renewing a work permit in Singapore can vary depending on the type of work permit and other factors such as the duration of the renewal and the employee’s salary, but employers should budget for the work permit renewal fee and other associated costs to ensure compliance with the law.

As of September 2021, the renewal fees for the common types of work permits such as Employment Pass and S Pass are as follows:

• Employment Pass (EP): SGD 225 for each pass issuance, and SGD 30 for each Multiple Journey Visa(if applicable)
• S Pass: SGD 100 for each renewal of up to 3 years
• Work Permit: SGD 35 per renewal, for up to 2 years
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): SGD 105 for each pass application, SGD 225 for each pass issuance, and SGD 30 for each Multiple Journey Visa(if applicable)

More information on the other types of work permits can be found here.

How Long Can an Employee Stay in Singapore After a Work Permit Expires?

For foreign workers whose work permit has expired or was cancelled, they can stay for 30 days or 1 month in Singapore. If this happens to your employee, they will be considered to be having a ‘social visit stay’. This means that they will no longer be allowed to work without a valid Work Permit. Additionally, the employer will have to fork out an overstaying fine should their foreign worker stay in Singapore without a valid pass.

Do I Need To Have an Employment Contract When I Renew My Employee’s Work Permit?

Yes, you will require your employee’s employment contract, which details information such as working hours, salary, company policies, sick leave, and other important employment details. This Employer Contract is mandated by the Employment Act, and is needed when it comes to renewing your employee’s Work Permit.

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