A Practical Guide to Understanding the Singapore Work Permit Application Process
- Published: 11 February 2026
- 13 min read
- Starting a Company, Running a Business
Ruth Dsouza
Author
Ruth Dsouza Prabhu is a content developer with a passion for turning ideas into clear, engaging narratives. With a strong background in marketing communications and lifestyle writing, she simplifies complex business topics for entrepreneurs. Her work spans strategy, storytelling, and thought leadership, always focused on clarity, credibility, and impact.
Nisah Rahim
Reviewer
Nisah Rahim is our go-to expert reviewer for all things Corporate Secretary-related in Singapore. As the Corporate Secretary Team Lead and content reviewer, Nisah meticulously examines our blog posts to ensure we provide comprehensive information on Corporate Secretary services such as local regulatory compliance, managing board meetings, maintaining company records, and providing expert advice on corporate governance matters.
Singapore’s workforce model balances local capability with foreign manpower, and the Work Permit Singapore framework allows employers to hire semi-skilled foreign workers across key sectors under Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations. With selected industries also able to recruit through the Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) framework, understanding how the Singapore work permit application works, who is eligible, how it differs from other employment passes, and how to apply is essential for employers planning to build or scale their compliant workforce.
Key Takeaways
- The work permit application in Singapore is employer-led, with businesses responsible for submission, quota management, levies, insurance, and ongoing compliance under MOM regulations.
- Eligibility for a Singapore Work Permit depends on sector rules, worker nationality and age, and the employer’s available quota, with some industries able to hire from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS).
- A Work Permit in Singapore is issued only after all pre- and post-arrival steps are completed, including medical checks, registration, and biometrics, making the process conditional and time-bound.
What is a Singapore Work Permit
A Singapore Work Permit (WP) is the most commonly issued work pass, allowing employers to hire semi-skilled foreign workers for operational roles in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, and process industries, as regulated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Work passes are employer-sponsored and role-specific, meaning workers can be employed only by the approved company in the approved role. Work permit holders typically receive the permit for two years, subject to the validity of the worker's passport and contract terms. Unlike employment pass, Work Permits do not have a fixed minimum salary requirement, but are governed by sector-specific quotas, levies, and source country restrictions.
Eligibility for Work Permit Application in Singapore
To apply for work passes in Singapore, employers must understand both worker eligibility criteria and employer requirements as defined by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). These determine who can be hired and whether the application can be processed successfully. Here are the main considerations to know before you can apply for a permit.
Who can be employed under a work permit
Here is a look at who is eligible to be employed under a work permit:
- Approved source countries/regions: Work Permits can be issued only for workers from approved source countries/regions working in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and services.
- Age limits: The minimum age is 18 years and maximum at the time of application is below 61 years old (Work Permit holders may work up to a maximum age specified by sector rules, e.g., up to 63).
- No specific salary criterion: There is no minimum salary requirement for a Work Permit, unlike S Pass or Employment Pass categories. However, the employer is still responsible for ensuring fair wages and suitable accommodation for the Foreign worker.
All information is based on official guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). You can view the latest sector-specific rules for work permits on the MOM website for the most up-to-date requirements.
Employer eligibility and application conditions
Below is a list of supporting documents in the work permit regulations regarding employer eligibility and the conditions for application:
- Business registration: To apply for a work permit in Singapore, the hiring company must be legally registered in Singapore and properly declare its business activity if this is the first time applying.
- Quota and levy obligations: Employers must meet foreign worker quota limits specific to their sector and pay a monthly levy for every Work Permit holder.
- Security bond for non-Malaysian workers: For each non-Malaysian Work Permit holder, the employer must purchase a security bond (usually S$ 5,000) before the worker arrives.
- Medical insurance and Primary Care Plan (PCP): Before the Work Permit can be issued or renewed, the employer must buy health insurance covering at least S$ 60,000 per worker per year. The employer will also have to purchase a Primary Care Plan (PCP) for eligible workers (e.g., those staying in dormitories or in CMP sectors) and declare it online via WP Online.
- Other insurance requirements: Depending on the worker’s duties and risk profile, employers may also need to maintain Work Injury Compensation Insurance (WICA) and provide relative supporting documents.
Worker documents required for work permit application
Before submitting the work permit application, employers must prepare the following documents to prove that the worker's eligible. Pay close attention to the list of required supporting documents, as incomplete or incorrect paperwork can delay in-principle approval or even lead to rejection.
- The worker’s passport validity must be at least six months for the worker to enter Singapore.
- Written consent from the worker to apply for a work pass
- Any required educational certificates or qualifications for the employer's specific sectors, such as the manufacturing sector, the services sector, food processing, and the construction sector.
- Additional worker details required by Work Permit Online, such as employment contract and employment periods.
- In-principle approval (IPA) letter – issued after application approval (via WP Online). The in-principle approval (IPA) lets the worker enter Singapore.
- Medical examination form – A pre-employment medical examination must be completed by a Singapore-registered doctor upon the worker's arrival.
Sector-specific eligibility considerations
Specific sectors may require additional supporting documents according to Singapore's employment laws, such as:
- Educational qualifications: Some roles and industries may require educational certificates to prove the worker's skill level matches the requirements in the job scope.
- Settling-in Programme (SIP) for CMP sector workers (e.g., construction, marine shipyard, process).
- Additional address and employment registration steps upon worker arrival.
These must be satisfied in addition to the basic eligibility criteria for work permit applications in Singapore.
Together, these requirements form the foundation for a successful work permit application in Singapore and determine whether an employer is ready to proceed. Once eligibility is confirmed and documentation is in place, employers can move on to the actual process of applying for a work permit.
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Eligibility overview
The table below provides a quick eligibility checklist for a Work Permits in Singapore, helping employers and workers confirm that all core requirements are met before beginning the work permit application process.
Area | What must be met | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Source country | Worker must be from approved countries or regions for the sector | Worker |
| Age limits | Worker must be at least 18 and below the maximum age at application (generally under 61) | Worker |
| Salary threshold | There is no minimum qualifying salary | Worker |
| Business status | Employer must be a legally registered entity in Singapore | Employer |
| Quota availability | Employer must stay within the sector-specific Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) | Employer |
| Levy obligation | The monthly foreign worker levy must be paid for each worker | Employer |
| Security bond | Required for non-Malaysian workers | Employer |
| Medical insurance | Employers must provide medical insurance with a minimum S$ 60,000 coverage per worker per year | Employer |
| Primary Care Plan (PCP) | Mandatory for eligible workers and sectors | Employer |
| Worker documents | Passport validity and other required documents must be ready before submission | Employer / Worker |
| Sector-specific rules | Additional onboarding (e.g. SIP, housing checks) may apply | Employer / Worker |
Calculate your available quota before hiring foreign workers with the official MoM calculator. Many work permit applications fail simply because the employer exceeds the Dependency Ratio Ceiling.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Work Permit in Singapore
Once eligibility criteria and supporting documents are gathered, you will be ready for the work permit application process through MOM’s online systems. The process involves submission, preparation before the worker arrives, issuance, registration, and delivery of the physical or digital pass.
Step 1. Submit the work permit application
To submit a work permit application in Singapore, employers or authorised employment agents must apply for the work permit (WP) online on the worker's behalf via WP Online.
Employer actions
- Get written consent from the worker to apply for a work permit in Singapore.
- Log in to the online portal and complete the work permit application.
- Pay the application fee (currently S$ 35 per application) by GIRO, Visa, or Mastercard.
- After submission, check the application status for in-principle approval (IPA). The average application processing time is approximately 1 week.
After approval
- If the application is approved, download and print the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter and the Work Permit application form from WP Online.
- Verify that the worker’s details on the IPA match their passport.
Ensure that the worker’s IPA information exactly matches their passport. Any discrepancies, such as misspelled names, must be corrected beforehand; otherwise, the worker may be refused entry into Singapore.
Step 2. Prepare for the worker’s arrival
After the IPA is issued but before the worker arrives, employers must fulfil several preparatory requirements.
Employer responsibilities
- Buy the security bond for non-Malaysian workers and ensure it takes effect on arrival.
- Arrange medical insurance, work injury compensation insurance (if applicable), and PCP for eligible workers (e.g., CMP sectors).
- If required (e.g., for CMP sectors), complete pre-entry housing checks and book onboarding slots.
Worker actions
- Print the IPA and comply with the latest travel requirements.
- Present the IPA at immigration when entering Singapore.
If your insurer requires the worker’s FIN or your company’s CPF Submission Number, these can be found on the worker’s IPA letter or renewal notice. For newly approved workers, the FIN is issued one working day after the Work Permit is approved. You should regenerate the IPA to obtain the FIN before purchasing the security bond.
Step 3. Upon worker’s arrival and registration
Once the worker arrives in Singapore, the next steps occur before the Work Permit is issued.
Required actions after arrival
- Send the worker for a medical examination within 2 weeks at a Singapore-registered doctor or MOM-appointed provider.
- Complete any required sector-specific programmes, such as the Settling-in Programme for certain CMP sectors.
All non-Malaysian male Work Permit holders in the CMP sectors, while on IPA, are required to attend an Onboard programme at the Onboard Centre, which can last up to three days.
Step 4. Get the Work Permit issued
After arrival and initial checks, the employer must request issuance of the Work Permit.
Procedure for issuance
- Register the worker’s residential address and mobile number using OFWAS.
- Log in to WP Online (usually at least 1 hour after address registration) to request for the Work Permit to be issued.
- Ensure printouts of the IPA letter and Work Permit application form are available.
- Provide an address for card delivery and nominate authorised recipients.
- Pay the Work Permit issuance fee (e.g., S$ 35 per pass) via GIRO, Visa, or Mastercard.
To ensure successful verification of your documents, please make sure all uploaded files are accurate and complete. For guidance on common mistakes, consult the MoM’s official guide (PDF, 845KB).
After issuance: A notification letter will be generated, which the worker can use to travel while waiting for the physical card.
If the worker requires additional time to finish the card registration process, you can apply to extend the validity of the notification letter.
Step 5. Register fingerprints and set up digital pass (if required)
Some Work Permit holders are required to register fingerprints and photos.
Worker actions
- If required, make an appointment at MOM Services Centre – Hall C for biometric registration within one week after issuance notification.
- Set up the SGWorkPass app with Singpass to access the digital Work Permit.
All newly arrived Work Permit holders in the Construction, Marine Shipyard, and Process sectors are required to attend the Settling-in Programme at MOM’s Onboard Centre.
Step 6. Receive the work permit card
Once registration and verification are complete, the physical Work Permit card is delivered.
- The card is usually delivered within 5 working days to the provided address.
- The authorised recipient will receive notification details by SMS or email.
- If delivery fails twice, the employer or authorised recipient can collect the card at the MOM Services Centre – Hall C with the required documents.
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Application Process Overview
The table below maps out each stage of the Work Permit application process, from submission to card issuance, so employers can see exactly what happens at every step and who is responsible.
Step | Description | Employer's Responsibilities | Worker's Responsibilities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Submit Work Permit Application | Employer or appointed employment agent applies online via WP Online | Obtain written consent from worker; complete application; pay application fee; check status for In-Principle Approval (IPA) | Provide necessary documents and consent | Average processing time: ~1 week; ensure worker's passport details match IPA |
| 2. Prepare for Worker's Arrival | Arrange for security bond, medical insurance, Primary Care Plan (PCP), and housing checks if applicable | Purchase security bond and insurance; complete pre-entry housing checks; prepare accommodation | Print IPA letter; comply with travel requirements | FIN issued after IPA approval; regenerate IPA to obtain FIN before bond purchase |
| 3. Worker Arrival and Registration | Worker arrives in Singapore and completes medical examination and sector-specific onboarding | Arrange for medical exam; ensure completion of Settling-in Programme if required | Attend medical exam; complete Settling-in Programme | Medical exam to be done within 2 weeks of arrival |
| 4. Work Permit Issuance | Employer requests issuance of the Work Permit via WP Online | Register worker’s residential address and contact; submit issuance request; pay issuance fee | Provide required documents; await notification letter | Print IPA and application form; ensure document accuracy |
| 5. Biometric Registration (if required) | Worker registers fingerprints and photo at MOM Services Centre | Schedule appointment if needed | Attend biometric registration appointment | Required mainly for Construction, Marine Shipyard, and Process sectors |
| 6. Receive Work Permit Card | Physical Work Permit card is delivered to employer or authorised recipient | Collect and verify Work Permit card details | — | Card delivery usually within 5 working days after biometric registration or document verification |
There are a few key forms that you will need as you go through the process of applying for a Singapore work permit:
- Full Medical Examination Form For Foreign Workers (PDF, 198KB)
- Application for Interbank GIRO (Work Pass admin fees payment) (PDF, 214KB)
- Application for Interbank GIRO (Foreign Worker Levy Payment) (PDF, 222KB)
- Application for Prior Approval to Recruit Non-Traditional Source Workers in Conservancy Schemes (PDF, 158KB)
How Osome Can Help
Osome provides professional assistance for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish and grow their companies in Singapore by assisting with various employment passes suited to their needs. While Osome does not handle Work Permit applications, it provides expert guidance and services for other key passes such as the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, and Dependant Pass (DP). Additionally, Osome assists with related passes including the Dependant Pass Letter of Consent (DP LOC), One Pass, Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for Work Pass holders, Long Term Visit Pass Pre-approved Letter of Consent E-Notification (LTVP PLOC), and Long Term Visit Pass Letter of Consent (LTVP LOC). These passes are ideal for entrepreneurs and their families seeking to live and work in Singapore, ensuring a smooth and compliant immigration process aligned with business goals.
Summary
The Singapore Work Permit application is an employer-led process that enables businesses to hire semi-skilled foreign workers for operational roles, subject to sector-specific quotas, levies, and regulations set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Each stage, from eligibility checks and supporting document preparation to online submission, approval, registration, and ongoing compliance, must be completed accurately to avoid delays or rejections. Beyond submitting the application, employers are responsible for managing quotas, insurance, accommodation standards, levy payments, and renewals throughout the worker’s employment. By understanding how the work permit application Singapore process works and how it differs from other work passes, employers can hire with clarity, remain compliant, and plan their workforce more effectively.