Singapore Work permit
Our Singapore Work Permit services support employers in navigating eligibility, quota requirements, levies, and documentation to legally hire foreign workers across key sectors. From preparation to submission and post-compliance support, we help ensure smooth permit processing under MOM’s current regulations.
Singapore Work Permit (Foreign Worker) Guide 2026
This page is about the Singapore Work Permit for foreign workers. It covers fees, processing time, security bond, medical insurance, and cancellation. Official MOM overview: Work Permit (foreign worker).
Verified against MOM pages (Last verified with MOM: 2026-03-13): Apply + fees, Security bond, Medical insurance, 6ME, Cancel.
If you want a fast result, do this in order: check quota and levy, apply in WP Online, set up bond and insurance, then issue the pass. When employment ends, cancel on time. This avoids most delays.
- Fees: S$35 per application and S$35 per Work Permit issued.
- Processing: within 1 week for most cases (online).
- Validity: usually 2 years (may be shorter based on passport and bond).
- Bond: S$5,000 for each non‑Malaysian worker; must be effective on arrival; worker cannot pay for it.
- Medical insurance: at least S$60,000 per year; enhanced MI Stage 2 applies for policies effective from 1 Jul 2025.
- Cancel: cancel within 1 week after last day of notice (or within 1 week of departure if worker left).
What is a Singapore Work Permit (foreign worker)?
The Work Permit allows semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries/regions to work in certain sectors. Employers should check sector rules, quota, and levy before they apply.
Who is the Work Permit for?
The Work Permit is designed for semi-skilled roles. It is used in sectors that MOM allows under this pass. The exact rules depend on your sector and worker profile. Start with MOM's Work Permit overview and sector requirements.
Employer first
Check quota and levy early. This is the most common blocker for hiring. Start here: MOM overview.
Not sure which pass?
Compare with Singapore S Pass (mid-skilled APT roles) and Singapore Employment Pass (professionals).
Family planning
If family will join, check Singapore Dependant's Pass.
Long-term stay
For retention and long-term pathways, see Singapore Permanent Residence (PR).
Fees and processing time (verified for 2026)
MOM states that online Work Permit processing is within 1 week for most cases. Fees are S$35 per application and S$35 per Work Permit issued.
| Item | Official MOM rule | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | S$35 per application | Pay when you submit online. |
| Issuance fee | S$35 per Work Permit issued | Pay when you issue after approval. |
| Processing time | Within 1 week (most cases) | Some cases take longer. |
| Validity | Usually 2 years | May be shorter based on passport and bond. |
How to apply (step-by-step)
Work Permit applications are employer-led. The simplest flow is: check quota and sector rules, apply in WP Online, then issue the pass after approval.
Check sector rules, quota, and levy
Start with MOM's overview. It links to sector requirements, levy, and quota. MOM overview.
Submit the application online
Apply online and pay S$35 per application. MOM apply steps.
Prepare arrival and compliance items
For non‑Malaysians, set up the bond early. Also set up medical insurance and submit insurance details before issuance.
Issue the Work Permit
After approval, issue the Work Permit and pay S$35 per Work Permit issued.
Security bond (S$5,000) for non‑Malaysian workers
MOM requires employers to buy a S$5,000 security bond for each non‑Malaysian Work Permit holder. The employer cannot ask the worker to pay for the bond. The bond must take effect when the worker arrives.
| Bond rule | What MOM states |
|---|---|
| Who needs it? | Each non‑Malaysian Work Permit holder. |
| Amount | S$5,000 per worker. |
| Timing | Buy before arrival; it must take effect when the worker arrives. |
| Who pays? | Employer cannot ask worker to pay. |
| Discharge timing | Usually discharged about 1 week after the worker left Singapore if conditions are met. If you cancel the pass after the worker has already left, MOM notes the bond may be discharged within 2 weeks after MOM verifies the worker has left (if all conditions are met). |
Medical insurance (S$60,000/year) — minimum coverage in 2026
MOM requires employers to buy and maintain medical insurance for each Work Permit holder. Coverage must be at least S$60,000 per year. Insurance cost cannot be passed on to the worker. Insurance details must be submitted online before the Work Permit can be issued.
| Requirement | What MOM states |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | At least S$60,000 per year. |
| Stage 1 (from 1 Jul 2023) | For claim amounts above S$15,000: 75% insurer / 25% employer co-payment. |
| Stage 2 (from 1 Jul 2025) | Standardised exclusions, age-banded premiums, and direct payment to hospitals upon admissibility. |
| Co-pay with worker (if used) | Allowed only under stated limits and contract/consent rules; excludes MDWs. |
MOM notes medical insurance is not needed if the Work Permit holder is also holding a Dependant's Pass and already has a plan that meets the minimum coverage for the full Work Permit validity period.
Six-monthly medical examination (6ME) for female Work Permit holders
MOM states employers must send female Work Permit holders for medical screening every 6 months. The screening covers pregnancy and infectious diseases such as syphilis, HIV, and tuberculosis.
Cancellation and Special Pass (end of employment)
MOM states you must cancel the Work Permit if the worker no longer works for you. Cancel within 1 week after the last day of notice. If the worker has left Singapore and will not return, cancel within 1 week from the departure date.
| Topic | MOM rule |
|---|---|
| Cancellation time | Within 1 week after last day of notice. |
| If worker already left SG | Cancel within 1 week of departure date. |
| How long cancellation takes | Within 3 working days (MOM "at a glance"). |
| Special Pass | Allows stay up to 14 days; linked to scheduled departure date. |
| When levy stops | Levy is charged until 1 day before cancellation. |
Want a fast employer check before you apply?
Share your sector, headcount plan, worker nationality, and intended start date. We'll flag quota risks and the compliance items that cause delays. For comparison, you can also review S Pass and Employment Pass.
Frequently asked questions (Work Permit)
How much does a Work Permit cost in government fees?
MOM states the fee is S$35 per application and S$35 per Work Permit issued.
How long does a Work Permit application take?
MOM states online processing time is within 1 week for most cases. Some cases take longer.
Do I need a security bond for all Work Permit holders?
MOM states you must buy a S$5,000 security bond for each non‑Malaysian Work Permit holder.
What medical insurance is required?
MOM requires medical insurance of at least S$60,000 per year per Work Permit holder.
When must I cancel a Work Permit?
MOM states you must cancel within 1 week after the last day of notice. If the worker left Singapore and will not return, cancel within 1 week from departure.
Important Notice
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, immigration, financial, or professional advice. While Terra Advisory Services Pte. Ltd. endeavours to keep the content accurate and current, Singapore government policies, regulations, fees, and procedures may change at any time without prior notice.
For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, please refer directly to official government sources, including the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and other relevant agencies.
Any reliance you place on the information on this website is strictly at your own risk. Terra Advisory Services Pte. Ltd. shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from the use of this content. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact a Terra Advisory Services professional.